Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Prescott AZ
You're in luck! Prescott is a destination where you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy its charm. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you’ll find plenty of cheap activities in Prescott AZ that are just as memorable as the big-ticket attractions.
1) Free Outdoor Activities in Prescott AZ
Nature is Prescott’s biggest playground—and it’s free to enjoy. Hike or bike the scenic trails in Prescott National Forest and the Prescott Basin, or test your skills at some of the best rock climbing and bouldering spots in Arizona.
- Bring your own kayak, paddleboard, or mountain bike to skip rental fees.
- Enjoy affordable outdoor adventures in Prescott with miles of trails and granite boulders.
2) Visit Parks & Lakes Without Breaking the Bank
Prescott has 16 recreational parks and three beautiful lakes—Watson Lake, Willow Lake, and Goldwater Lake. Most are free to visit, with only small parking fees.
- Watson Lake
- Willow Lake
- Goldwater Lake
Money Saver:
Grab the 20-visit park pass for just $20—it never expires, making it perfect for frequent visitors looking for cheap outdoor fun in Prescott AZ.
3) Free Live Music & Entertainment
Prescott’s vibrant bar and restaurant scene often features live music with no cover charge. Spend an evening in Courthouse Plaza, where you might stumble upon free concerts, art shows, or community festivals.
- Experience Prescott nightlife on a budget with free sets and community events.
- Check venue calendars day-of for pop-up shows and local bands.
4) Affordable Museums & Attractions
Most museums and historic attractions in Prescott offer discounted admission for students, seniors, and military personnel. Many also have online ticket specials—check their websites before you go.
- Explore Western heritage museums and local art galleries without overspending.
- Look for “free day” promotions and seasonal deals.
5) Find Free Events & Special Offers
Prescott’s calendar of events is packed with free or low-cost activities—from guided nature walks and farmers markets to outdoor yoga and holiday parades. Check our Special Offers page to see what’s happening during your visit so you can plan an affordable Prescott vacation itinerary.
- Guided nature walks
- Farmers markets
- Outdoor yoga
- Holiday parades & festivals
Prescott Ebike Rentals & Tours
Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:- The highlight of our … More
Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:- The highlight of our trip
- Bikes are in great condition
- Great way to experience ebikes
- Loved the entire experience
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Excellent Service | Scenic Ride
Full-Day Guided Kayak Fishing Down the N. Verde River from Cottonwood
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, … More
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, so you not only get to fish in great spots, but you also get closer to the fish, too.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
1.5 Hour Horseback Ride
PRIVATE Guided River kayaking on the Verde River Cottonwood, AZ (Private Group)
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along t … More
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along the way. Enjoy stops at several water holes to swim and cool off before heading back.
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly
ATV Rentals in Sedona and Cottonwood
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Dr … More
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Drive to Sycamore Canyon and Sedona Red Rocks, or stop for a hike and a picnic.
Family-Friendly
2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety t … More
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.
Water Activities
Guided Horseback Tour only 30 mins from Sedona
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. … More
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. Admire panoramic mountain views during this scenic excursion. No prior experience is necessary.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Kayak Tour on the Verde River
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginn … More
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.
Water Activities | Family-Friendly
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