10 Best Things to Do in Surprise, Arizona (2024)

Take a Dip at the Aquatic Center of Surprise

If you're looking for some cool and affordable summer fun, Surprise's 10,562-square-foot Aquatics Center takes swimming beyond the box. It includes a 4,700-square-foot water play area with zero depth entry, eight-lane competitive pool, diving well with two one-meter boards, two slides, a vortex whirlpool, a classroom, concessions, and swim lessons. However, keep in mind open swim hours at the pool are only available during the summer months.

Cool Off at Local Water Parks and Splash Pads

You don't need a huge aquatic center to make the little ones happy; they can have all the cool, summer fun they need at one ofSurprise's splash padsor water parks. With many public parks free of charge to choose from, you're sure to find a great place for your younger children to play. Splash pads and water parks typically open in late spring or at the beginning of summer and stay in operation until late fall.

Explore White Tank Regional Park

If you're ready for an outdoor adventure, hike or bike to a rare desert waterfall atWhite Tank Regional Parklocated on the western edge of Surprise.Waterfall Trailis a very popular and easy hike, suitable for the entire family. It opens from spring through fall for tourists of all ages, free of charge. The Nature Center on site is open year-round ​but has special summer and winter hours.

Tee Up at Championship Golf Courses

Surprise is home to seven different professional golf courses, so if you and your family are fans, hit the greens at oneofSurprise's championship golf courses. Cimarron at Sun CityGrand was designed by Greg Nash, andthe Desert Springs Golf Club in the Northwest Valley was one of the original courses at the resort. You can also check out the Arizona Traditions Golf Club, the Granite Falls Golf Club's North and South Courses, the Great Eagle Golf Club, and the Coyote Lakes Golf Club.

Take a Swing at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex

If you'd rather spend some time playing recreational sports indoors, you can play tennis, racquetball, and table tennis at theSurprise Tennis and Racquet Complex. They have leagues as well as drop-in tennis, and from time to time you can also catch professional exhibition tennis here.The facility sells and rents out equipment and tennis gear and has been ranked by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) as one of the best tennis centers in the nation.

Bowl at Uptown Alley

A one-stop-shop for family entertainment, Uptown Alley has bowling, laser tag, and games, as well as a full-service restaurant and nightlife opportunities for the adult crowd.This 60,000-square-foot venue also features video games, carnival-type games, live entertainment, and food and beverage services.

Relax at Maricopa County's Northwest Regional Library

Spend a day at Maricopa County'sNorthwest Regional Library. The $5.5 million, 20,000-square-foot library features a gift shop, many public-access flat-screen computers,and separate adult, teen, and child areas with greenhouse reading rooms overlooking a five-acre lake.

Cheer on the Kansas City Royals or Texas Rangers

Even theKansas City RoyalsandTexas Rangersdecided to take up residence here. The once-sleepy square-mile farming community surprised just about everyone when it successfully courted the two teams away from their Florida training homes.

Catch a game forCactus League Baseballin Surprise. Here, you can see the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers in action at their $48-million, 10,560-seat, multi-use stadium. The Cactus LeagueSpring Training facility and stadium, along with aregional library,aquatic center, recreation center, and 57-acre passive park are the centerpieces of the downtown development, putting Surprise well on its way to becoming the playground of theWest Valley. Spring training baseball games are held during the month of March.

Enjoy Fall League Baseball at Surprise Stadium

Named the "best place to watch a Spring Training game" by "Best of Phoenix," Suprise Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility originally opened in 2002. In the fall, there's more baseball action when the​Surprise Saguarosplay exhibition​Fall League Baseballat Surprise Stadium.​

Explore the Holidays in the City

When the holidays roll around, think Surprise. No matter the temperatures, there's always plenty of snow at the City's annualSurprise Partyin December as well as fireworks and fanfare on theFourth of July. Other events like Saint Patrick's Day parades, Valentine's Day Celebrations, and Memorial Day services also take place around the city. Check the official City of Surprise event calendar for up-to-date listings of the city's annual celebrations.