Surprise, Arizona is a beautiful suburban city located just outside of Phoenix with plenty of fun activities and attractions to keep residents and visitors entertained. From outdoor adventures to family friendly spots, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Surprise. This guide will outline 10 of the top things to do in the area to help you make the most of your time exploring this scenic community.
Surprise is a growing city located in Maricopa County about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix. With a population of over 125,000, Surprise offers an ideal mix of suburban living with close proximity to a major metropolitan area. The climate is hot and dry for most of the year, making outdoor activities very popular. Surprise is also family friendly with good schools, parks, and activities geared towards children. Whether you live in Surprise or are just visiting for a weekend getaway, there are many enjoyable attractions and places to spend your time.
This guide will introduce you to 10 top things to see and do in Surprise that represent a range of interests. From outdoor adventures like hiking and boating to museums, entertainment venues, and family attractions, there is something on this list for everyone. By picking a few items to experience during your trip, you’ll get a great feel for what makes Surprise a wonderful place to live and visit.
West Wing Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium
One of the most popular destinations for families in Surprise is West Wing Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium. This zoo offers an up-close animal experience with over 1,000 animals representing over 100 different species. Some of the most interesting exhibits include primates, bears, big cats, birds, and reptiles. Be sure to check out the sea lion and dolphin shows, which are included with admission. With informative educational displays and a tropical rainforest environment, zoo visitors of all ages will enjoy learning about wildlife conservation. Budget a few hours to experience all that the zoo has to offer.
In addition to the zoo, West Wing Wildlife World is also home to one of the largest aquariums in Arizona. Walk through tunnels underneath vibrant aquatic displays housing sharks, stingrays, and thousands of tropical fish. During the summer months, the zoo stays open later so you can experience Twilight Zoo adventures in the evenings. With ample parking, clean facilities, and knowledgeable staff, a visit to West Wing Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium is a memorable activity for the whole family.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
For a scenic outdoor escape just minutes from Surprise, head to White Tank Mountain Regional Park. This expansive park covers over 20,000 acres of unique Sonoran desert landscape offering hiking trails for all skill levels. Popular trails include the 3-mile Desert Overlook Trail rising over 1,000 feet for breathtaking views. Wildlife such as coyotes, jackrabbits, roadrunners and more inhabit the desert scrub. Picnic areas dotted throughout the park make it easy to stop and enjoy the natural surroundings.
In addition to hiking, White Tank Mountain Regional Park has equestrian staging areas for bringing your horse along on the trails. Other park activities include interpretive programs, stargazing events, and occasional mountain biking. For a bit of history, check out the Vista Campground where wagons stopped to rest over 100 years ago. Make a day of exploring this desert oasis just a short drive from Surprise. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and close-toed shoes to fully enjoy everything the park has to offer.
Surprise Stadium Park & Aquatic Center
As one of the largest municipal parks in the southwest valley, Surprise Stadium Park and Aquatic Center has something for everyone. Start your visit by checking out a Kansas City Royals spring training baseball game at the very reasonably priced stadium. Then spend the afternoon enjoying the many park amenities like walking paths, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts. You’ll also find picnic areas, concessions, and rental equipment available.
The true highlight of Surprise Stadium Park is the Aquatic Center. Cool off with water slides, a leisure pool with zero-depth entry, splash pads, and a lap pool. During the summer, you can enjoy concerts, movies, and special events at the outdoor amphitheater. With seasonal hours and low admission rates, the aquatic center is an ideal family-friendly destination to battle the Arizona heat. Make a full day of it by bringing your own food and drinks to enjoy the park and pool complex.
OdySea Aquarium
Located just 15 minutes from Surprise, OdySea Aquarium offers a state-of-the-art underwater experience perfect for all ages. This 125,000 square foot facility houses over 2,000 animals representing over 200 different species. Highlights include stingrays you can touch, secluded shark lagoons, and the Caribbean reef exhibit. Feeding demonstrations throughout the day educate guests on conservation while entertaining. For an extra fee, scuba divers can get an up-close look at sea turtles during Dive with Sharks programs.
OdySea also hosts special exhibits throughout the year like winter penguins and seasonal sea lions. Educational shows in the 450-seat theater run daily. Budget several hours minimum to fully experience this amazing aquarium plus dine at one of the on-site restaurants. Combination tickets are available with the Arizona Boardwalk for an all-inclusive visit. OdySea Aquarium continues to earn rave reviews as one of the best aquariums in the Southwest United States, making a trip well worth the small drive from Surprise.
Arizona Boardwalk
Just across the parking lot from OdySea Aquarium sits Arizona Boardwalk, an entertainment complex offering shops, restaurants and activities galore. Browse the outlets and boutiques for bargains from your favorite brands. Then refuel with lunch at one of over a dozen eateries ranging from fast casual to fine dining. You’ll also find brewpubs, coffee shops and a cinema perfect for catching the latest blockbuster. Stay hydrated exploring the Boardwalk by filling reusable bottles at filtered water stations.
Kids and families will love spending afternoons at the outdoor games area with mini golf, batting cages, arcade, ropes course and more. Check the event calendar for concerts, movies and festivals throughout the year. When you need a break from shopping and playing, stroll the scenic waterfront promenade overlooking the surf of Tempe Town Lake. With free parking and something enjoyable for all ages, a half or full day at Arizona Boardwalk makes an entertaining trip just 15 minutes from Surprise.
Desert Outdoor Center
Experience the Sonoran Desert like never before at Desert Outdoor Center in Surprise. This activity hub located next to White Tank Mountain Regional Park organizes guided hikes, camping trips, educational programs and more. Popular excursions involve sunrise hikes, full moon stargazing tours, wildlife spotting adventures and photography workshops. Novice explorers can join beginner hikes while experienced trekkers sign up for longer routes with plant and animal identification.
Desert Outdoor Center also rents outdoor gear from tents and sleeping bags to binoculars and headlamps. Take the equipment for a test run on hiking and biking trails right outside the store. Families appreciate ecological scavenger hunts, campfire programs and stargazing parties available on select nights throughout the year. Whether you go solo or reserve a group outing, Desert Outdoor Center provides an insider’s look at appreciating the fragile desert with knowledgeable guides.
Surprise Community Park
Surprise Community Park serves as the perfect central gathering spot for local activities. Spread over 150 acres, this urban oasis features multiple playgrounds, sport and picnic areas, event spaces and walking paths. Families will find free amenities like basketball courts, baseball/soccer fields, ramada rentals and a skate park. Practice your swing at the driving range or rent one of 26 boat slips on beautiful Lake Pleasant.
Community Park also hosts special events year-round like movies in the park, car shows, farmers markets and holiday celebrations. Performances take place daily at the amphitheater. Work off desserts on the nearly mile-long Jogger’s Loop encircling the park. With free WiFi, shade, and lush landscaping, Surprise Community Park serves as the lively heart of the community. Spend an afternoon or watch the sunset over Lake Pleasant on your next visit.
Arrowhead Towne Center
For serious retail therapy or indoor activities on a hot day, head to Arrowhead Towne Center, the largest shopping mall in the West Valley. Over 150 stores and restaurants cater to every taste including favorites like H&M, Apple, Anthropic and Build-A-Bear Workshop. Take a spin around the impressive indoor lazy river at the Aqua Splash water park. Kids stay entertained at the 12-screen AMC Classic movie theaters showing the latest films.
Arrowhead Towne Center also hosts fun seasonal events like photos with Santa in November and December, an egg hunt each spring, and a cards and comics expo. Stroll through the tropical conservatory filled with gorgeous plant life. With new additions continually being added like Topgolf Swing Suites, there is always something fresh to discover during visits to Arrowhead Towne Center. Whether browsing or enjoying a meal, this mall offers an enjoyable indoor experience just 15 minutes from Surprise.
Conclusion
As this guide has shown, Surprise, Arizona offers an exciting variety of activities, attractions and natural beauty waiting to be experienced. From outdoor adventures at regional parks and guided desert explorations to family friendly spots like West Wing Zoo and Aquarium, there is truly something for everyone. Major attractions like OdySea Aquarium, Arizona Boardwalk, and Arrowhead Towne Center provide entertainment right in the heart of the community.
Spending a day or a weekend checking out multiple locales on this 10 things to do list is a memorable way to get to know Surprise. Be sure to leave time to also simply relax and explore charming downtown Surprise with its art district, restaurants and parks.
With its proximity to Phoenix and year-round warm weather, Surprise continues developing into an ideal suburban destination for recharging mind, body and soul. By exploring Surprise’s natural beauty and lively activities, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for this picturesque city.