Surprise is one of the most desirable destinations in Arizona, and rightfully so!
The gorgeous Maricopa County city lies in the southwest portion of the Phoenix metropolitan area and boasts a thriving economy and low cost of living.
Surprise AZ combines all the best things about small-town living with modern amenities like several five-star restaurants and luxury hotels, all while maintaining its small-town charm.
With a population of about 100,000 people, Surprise managed to earn the nickname ‘Arizona’s fastest-growing community’ by the U.S. Census Bureau due to its rapid population growth over the past few years.
A city is only as good as its people, and Surprise is home to delightful and unique individuals.
Between its various attractions and gorgeous offerings at every turn, you’ll never run out of activities and opportunities to explore and enjoy.
Look at some of the top things to see while visiting Surprise!
If you are unsure about making your next trip memorable, rest assured knowing that I’ve put together the best things to do in Surprise, AZ.
Surprise Farms Community Park, a green space tucked away in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Surprise, Arizona, offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
The area boasts a playground area, offering plenty of activities for kids and their parents to have fun with.
There are picnic areas with grills and cross-country running and roller skating, perfect for those looking to get some exercise as they run down paths alongside fellow athletes.
And if that’s not enough exercise for you, the 50-acre park has ample space for both hiking and biking too!
In addition to sports facilities, you’ll also find other features that allow people from all over the city to come together and enjoy some friendly competition, such as disc golfing.
Many have come together here to see musical acts, participate in annual festivals, and even compete athletically against their fellow countrymen.
This fun environment at 17894 W. West Park Blvd. is a fantastic place for groups and families alike.
Don’t forget to bring your camera – it has some great photo opportunities!
Jlahorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There are plenty of great things to do when visiting Surprise, and for many, hiking is an integral part of experiencing nature.
The White Tank Waterfall Trail in Surprise, Arizona, is a relatively easy trail that anyone can enjoy.
It’s an out-and-back trail, so you’ll have two opportunities to soak up some views from a hilltop.
At 1.8 miles round trip, it might be a quick hike for most hikers, but it’s well worth your time.
What will be very appealing to nature enthusiasts is the engaging waterfall attraction.
It’s like a natural theater of waterfalls capping off one peak of the lush mountains of Arizona.
It all starts with water springing upward into three different “tanks,” which then cascade over each other before flowing down to the valley below.
This waterfall is like something out of a movie.
With more than 90 miles of trails brimming with landmarks, some come for hours and never run out of things to see and do.
One of the best things to do in Surprise, AZ, is to visit Truman Ranch II and get a true taste of Arizona.
The quality fruit at Harry Truman’s farm is grown only with natural irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides; you’ll find no genetically modified or cloned fruits here.
Simply put, their strawberries taste as strawberries should taste.
Their seedless watermelons are crisp, refreshing, and perfectly sweet.
Some visitors find the Truman Ranch II to be their first choice when visiting a truly magnificent orchard.
Children love to pick fruits for their families, so try not to gamble your health by choosing conventional varieties instead.
When the trees bloom in springtime, one will experience what can only be described as a divine elegance around these parts due to how beautiful and fragrant the environment is.
You can also find some fantastic peaches during their season and lemons and grapefruits at other times of the year.
Whether you’re interested in picking up your own fruit or just enjoying delicious refreshments from one of their snack bars, there are plenty of activities here for everyone to enjoy.
Surprise Lake is a picturesque oasis just north of Surprise and, as its name suggests, has a mysteriously large depth of 12 feet with 5 acres coming into play around its perimeter.
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it has a lot to offer once you pay a visit.
It’s an excellent location for relaxing during your off-hours with family and friends while also providing various activities.
You can rent boats and jet skis and go fishing here.
Not only do they give you fishing poles, but they also give you bait!
Many people love to picnic here and enjoy their time on the numerous beaches near the lake.
It’s also an excellent place for enjoying activities, such as volleyball.
Its hours of operation are from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
You rent boats from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every Monday–Saturday and during specific summer days.
Surprise is known for its high-quality dining options.
But you don’t have to dine out at an upscale restaurant for a mouthwatering meal.
Saigon Kitchen serves up fresh, authentic Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable prices.
The casual setting provides an inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements classic favorites, like egg rolls and pho soup.
They also serve up savory meats and vegetable plates and chicken or pork fried rice or lo mein noodles.
Vermicelli noodles and Thai basil make for a beautiful combination of tastes, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that is impossible to beat.
Even if you’re not hungry, there’s no reason not to visit Saigon Kitchen for one of their famous shakes or fresh fruit smoothies.
Make sure to order ahead if you’re bringing a group because they usually have a waitlist on weekends!
Thomas Trompeter / Shutterstock.com
Surprise Stadium, where baseball’s Kansas City Royals trains in the summer, is home to Surprise Slammers, a team of Pacific Coast League.
The best thing about Surprise Stadium is that it hosts free public events throughout its season.
You can enjoy a baseball game or take part in an exciting event like Scout Day or Kids Eat Free Night.
There are also food truck rodeos and movie nights on Fridays before every Saturday game.
Visitors who attend any of these popular community nights can enjoy an evening out without breaking their bank or spending much time planning their outing.
If you’re looking for cost-effective things to do in Surprise, attending one of these events is a great way to experience Arizona’s nature and culture while also seeing some great entertainment.
Jlahorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Whatever your family likes best, Surprise Stadium has it!
The stadium even has excellent amenities for fans, including interactive games, delicious food items, and kids’ giveaways.
There are also concessions available before and during each game, so you can purchase anything you might need throughout your time at Surprise Stadium!
If a place that brings together delicious American food and a range of craft beers is what you seek, then State 48 Brewery is the best choice.
Whether you’re in the mood for something light (like some delicious beer!) or need a more extensive meal, they make sure that every dish presented here is perfect.
The restaurant serves up simple dishes, such as their famous pretzels, hearty brisket basket, or a variety of mouth-watering onion rings.
If you’re craving Continental cuisine, you can try their creamy pasta dishes or one of their tasty vegetarian options.
State 48 Brewery is very accommodating for people with different dietary needs, such as vegetarians and those who have allergies.
They have a Stout, Helles Lager, and Pilsner menu, ensuring that every dish prepared here is a delicacy to the taste buds.
From snacking to dining, everything they serve will make you feel like you’re at a party, if not a festival!
Every city has something special about it; Surprise is no different.
Surprise owes much of its growth and prosperity to the efforts of its female citizens.
Although many unsung heroes helped make Surprise what it is today, in 2013, the city decided to make “surprises” out of its historical sites.
And so, Surprise Women’s Heritage Trail came to be in honor of these women’s significant contributions with a self-guided tour all over town where great women once lived.
The Surprise Women’s Heritage Trail is a community trail that provides education on local women who have made their mark on history.
This trail winds through town and even features educational stations, plaques for further reading, artifacts, historic structures, and more.
By taking a walk through this trail, you’ll see firsthand where these women grew up, where they lived, and other important places that impacted their lives throughout history.
Many of these areas are still standing today, so you can get an idea of what these women would have seen each day as they went about their daily business.
If you want to watch the best movies and shows, you need to go to a place that has a great atmosphere and a lot of space to watch things.
For this, you need to go to the Digiplex IMAX in Surprise, Arizona.
It offers a cinematic experience that will blow your mind and remind you just how big and beautiful our world is.
They have many screens for you to watch your favorite programming and a great sound system, so you don’t miss a thing!
Whether you want to watch the newest movie, go to a family-friendly movie, or just see a great program that you used to enjoy as a kid, you’ll love their selection!
It has several screens and stadium seating, so you can enjoy movies while having ample legroom.
If you’re watching a 3D film, you have an additional option: The 4DX screen uses motion technology for a truly immersive experience.
You can get your tickets online; they’re cheaper that way.
Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com
When you live in a dry climate, there’s nothing better than a water park.
Surprise Aquatic Center features a massive wave pool, lazy river, and an exhilarating waterslide that everyone will enjoy.
Parents can sit back, relax and enjoy views of their children as they splash about or catch some sun during their day at Surprise Aquatic Center.
The Center also has other amenities that include shower facilities, vending machines, and restrooms.
And if you feel like adults need some fun as well, there’s also a swimming pool here as well so you can relax on those summer days!
There are lifeguards on duty around every corner to make sure everyone is safe.
If you plan on visiting multiple times during your vacation, consider getting a season pass.
It’ll save you both time and money!
If you want to make a trip memorable, try pottery painting at The Mad Platter.
This pottery studio is one of Surprise’s best spots for creating memories.
Their goal is to give their customers an experience they will remember for years to come.
Not only do they offer pottery painting, but they also offer ceramic and sculpting classes.
Beware: The excitement at the Mad Platter is infectious from the moment you enter the door!
And if you’re worried about spending too much time here, they offer self-guided tours where you can pick out your own pieces and create your very own piece of artwork.
Surprise has a rather impressive athletic complex complete with 25 courts and two racquetball courts.
The Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex is your destination for everything table tennis.
It offers various ways for visitors to take part in many tennis-related activities, including those that don’t require equipment.
Besides, whether you’re an experienced ping pong player looking for a challenging game or someone who’s never played before, their professional staff will guide you.
Collegiate-level players sometimes visit Surprise to showcase their talents.
In addition to professional play, this center also welcomes children who want to learn tennis more!
The complex received the USTA Outstanding Facility Award back in 2008.
One of the great things about table tennis is that almost anyone at any age can enjoy it.
Get some exercise and have some fun by spending a couple of hours here on your next visit.
Bowling is an excellent activity for families or friends, and Uptown Alley has everything you’d expect from a bowling alley: 40 lanes, great staff, and a priceless experience.
There’s no better place than Uptown Alley for your next bowling adventure.
Not only will it give you fun (each lane is $5 per game), but it’ll also give you a chance to walk off some of that delicious West Valley cuisine.
After just one visit, there won’t be any doubts about why Bowling is Your Game.
Uptown Alley also comes with an arcade room, along with a fantastic restaurant and bar with a highly casual vibe.
Plus, you can also hang out on the patio and kick back with friends as you share pitchers of beer.
It’s pretty much the perfect location to bring anyone, whether you’re out on family dinner or hanging out with close friends.
Besides having great lanes for bowling, this location serves up delicious quesadillas and chicken tacos, both of which many guests have found quite delectable.
Since 2000, Granite Falls Golf Club has become one of the most famous golf courses in Surprise.
See for yourself why it’s such a favorite among Surprise golfers.
The South Course is open to members and their guests alike.
Granite Falls Golf Club offers a total of 10,000 square foot green to stretch out on that’s well-loved by golfers from all over the world!
Sometimes you might not be in Titan in the middle of the day, but if you want to experience a good time in a friendly environment, why not pop by when it’s cooler?
They have an around-the-clock schedule, so you can play whenever it’s convenient for you.
You can come off your work or school day and get down to Granite Falls Golf Club because “Super Twilight” lets you play from 3 p.m. onwards when all prices are lower than usual.
The snack bar here caters to all your cravings with delicious hot dogs, snacks, and drinks at just the right price, as well as beer and wine–all perfect for ordering during the witching hour!
Who doesn’t love the hustle and bustle that a local farmers’ market can bring?
Maybe it’s all in our heads that everyone else feels the same way we do when there are shiny, delicious fruits and veggies abundant in freshness.
Well, perhaps an idea was born in someone’s head from Louisiana to take this concept to another level.
Definitely worth a visit, Pitchfork Farmers Market has got it all when it comes to tasting and buying sumptuous and scrumptious varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables in one convenient location.
Every week you can find several locally produced treats sold at reasonable prices by the clever Ms. Shaw.
With her years of culinary experience, along with the recipes from her childhood, she gave us this lovely Surprise neighborhood.
Her original concept for Pitchfork Farmers Market grew out of a desire to help ‘make allergies cool’ and celebrate the products that can promote well-being!
You will see various products, including unique seasonal produce, at the Pitchfork Farmers Market every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Located on North Civic Center Plaza, the Arts HQ Gallery is a great stop to appreciate some unique art pieces.
The West Valley’s foremost exhibition space is open daily and free for public viewing.
See the creative talents of emerging and seasoned artists expressed in their innovative works in different media.
The gallery presents around eight exhibits yearly and also hosts opportunities like music performances, art festivals, and open-air markets to showcase the creativity of artisans, musicians, and performers.
You can also catch community events, lectures, and workshops on various topics happening at the gallery.
Check out the Arts HQ Gallery website for special events you can join.
If you’re looking for something fun to do, head out to Badaz Axes.
This fun attraction at West Greenway Road is a great spot you can hang out with friends and family.
You’ll start with a short Axepert Training Session and get some tips on how you can stick your axe on a throw.
Then, get on with the game and see who gets to be the champion Axepert.
Have some spooky fun at the haunted mansion or test your wits on challenging tasks at the escape rooms; likewise, enjoy hours of gellyballing together.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Badaz Axes offers packages for birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and more.
Little ones will have hours of fun running, climbing, and playing around at Luv 2 Play.
This play facility is located on West Bell Road and offers colorful, fun-filled areas with lots of activities for both small and big kids.
They have a three-level Indoor Playground with slides, crawl tubes, tunnels, and more for active play.
Little tots aged 1-4 can enjoy the Toddler Area equipped with Sensory Play Panels Interactive Soft Play, and lots of toys to play with; likewise, babies also have their area and have a fun time, too.
Older kids will surely enjoy some redemption video games and kiddie rides.
Kids need to replenish their energy after all the activity so get some burgers, fries, pizza, and other tasty treats at the full-service café.
While waiting for your kids, you can also stay in the Relaxing Area with TVs and free WiFi access.
Luv 2 Play also has Party Rooms you can rent to give your kid a unique celebration.
Craving for snacks to bite, coffee, or tea? You can drop by Sweet Tea Cafe at West Bell Road.
This small downtown cafe was started in 2020 by entrepreneur Brandi Carter and was voted among the top retail spots in the city for two consecutive years.
Take a break and relax at this cozy and welcoming coffee stop, read a good book, or just have casual conversations with your friends and family.
Take a sip of fresh-brewed coffee flavors like Americano or Cafe Mocha.
If you prefer brewed teas, you’ll love their Southern-Style Sweet Tea, Chai Tea Latte, and Unsweetened Black or Green Tea.
Try specialty drinks on the menu like Italian Creme Soda, Hot Chocolate, and Lemonade, or go for something even cooler like Frozen Lemonade.
You’ll also love the sweet bites and treats at Sweet Tea Cafe like cookies, cinnamon rolls, cake pops, and cheesecake brownies.
Shop your heart out and find your favorite brands at Surprise Towne Center & Marketplace.
Located on West Bell Road and Grand Avenue, the mall offers you a relaxing and convenient shopping location.
Check out lines of boutiques and retail outlets plus rows of dining options and local services at the mall.
Take advantage of sales, deals, and discounts on well-known brands like Bath & Body Works and Home Depot, or try services like Verizon and Pet Smart.
Dine in with the family and choose from an array of delicious fare by Panda Express, IHOP, or Applebee’s.
Catch scheduled events and have a fun day at Surprise Towne Center & Marketplace.
Surprise, Arizona, has been known for being a surprising place.
This lovely city has been surprising locals with all of its surprising events, and it also surprised visitors from around the world.
Don’t leave your visit to Surprise, Arizona, without checking out these attractions!
Discover the world.
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