Discover the perfect outdoor event venue at Heritage Park Zoo’s Pronghorn Deck, where wildlife and scenic views create an unforgettable experience. See how this unique space combines celebration with conservation.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required.
Wildlife
History
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary was established in 1985 as a community-driven effort to conserve local wildlife.
Conservation
All events promote awareness and support for local wildlife conservation programs, minimizing environmental impact.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Discover the perfect outdoor event venue at Heritage Park Zoo’s Pronghorn Deck, where wildlife and scenic views create an unforgettable experience. See how this unique space combines celebration with conservation.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, Arizona is a community-focused zoological park dedicated to animal care, education, and conservation. The Sanctuary operates year-round and offers a wide range of experiences for families, students, photographers, and event planners. Visitors can attend seasonal events such as WildLights and Holiday Cheers, themed celebrations like Thanksgiving with the Lemurs and Santa with the Animals, and special admission days including Veterans Day and Dollar Day.
Educational programs include ZooLittles preschool sessions, School Guided Tours, School Self-Tours for groups of 10 or more, animal presentations tailored to classroom topics, and outreach visits to schools and senior centers. Hands-on experiences range from Behind the Scenes Photo Tours and Private Behind the Scenes Tours to immersive Keeper for a Day and Junior Keeper for a Day opportunities; several programs require pre-registration to ensure animal welfare and safety.
Venue rentals such as the Pronghorn Deck and Half Pence Pavilion provide outdoor event space with views of Willow Lake, zoo admission options, and support for catering or food trucks. The Sanctuary also offers private guided tours, private animal presentations, and community specials like Free Kids Week and Dollar Day.
All programming emphasizes animal health, safety, and education, and staff-led activities are guided by experienced keepers. The Sanctuary’s calendar blends seasonal festivals, conservation-focused education, and community outreach to create accessible wildlife experiences for Prescott residents and visiting families. Some events, venue rentals, and program fees help support wildlife conservation efforts at the Sanctuary and fund animal care, enrichment, and educational resources.
Location
Prescott, AZ
Park site near Willow Lake
Events & Festivals
Seasonal
WildLights, Holiday Cheers, ZooFest
Educational Programs
School & Youth
Tours, presentations, keeper programs
Private Experiences
Tours & Rentals
Venue rentals and behind-the-scenes
Check event schedules, reserve Keeper for a Day or photo tours, and book venue rentals or school programs to secure preferred dates.
Arrive Early
Getting there early ensures you secure the best spots and setup time for your event.
Prepare for Weather
Bring sun protection or rain gear depending on the forecast to stay comfortable.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a respectful distance from the animals and avoid loud noise to keep the sanctuary's environment undisturbed.
Coordinate with Staff
Work with zoo staff beforehand to ensure seamless event logistics and conservation adherence.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during outdoor festivities.
summer
Event Supplies
Tables, chairs, and decorations to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Weather Backup Plan
Tent or indoor backup option in case of unexpected bad weather.
spring;summer;fall;winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture memories of your special event amid natural beauty.