Things to Do in Surprise, AZ: Spring Training, Parks and Local Favorites
Surprise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the West Valley, and part of the reason is how much there is to do close to home. If you are weighing a move, here is a realistic picture of what weekends look like.
Spring training at Surprise Stadium
Surprise Stadium is the Cactus League spring training home of the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers. Games run from about late February through March, and the stadium sits in an entertainment area with restaurants and shops.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
White Tank Mountain Regional Park, on the west edge of the metro area, is a county park with hiking, mountain biking, camping and picnic areas. After heavy rain the seasonal waterfall trail can run, but that is rare. Go in the cooler months and bring water, because summer temperatures make midday hikes unsafe.
Parks and the community
Surprise Community Park and the city's other parks offer ponds, walking paths, pavilions and sports fields. The city runs events and recreation programs throughout the year; the official city website has the current calendar.
Entertainment and family outings
Uptown Alley, near the city center, has bowling, laser tag and arcade games. The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park is a short drive away. The West Valley Arts Council hosts art exhibits and events.
The 55+ side of Surprise
Surprise is also home to large active adult communities, including Sun City Grand. Buyers in this segment often care more about amenities and community clubs than anything on a "things to do" list. I cover the differences in my comparison of Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand.
A day at Surprise Stadium
For spring training, many locals arrive early for a seat on the lawn or in the shaded sections and eat in the nearby entertainment area. Cactus League ticket prices and schedules change every season, so check the team and stadium pages for current information. The season runs from roughly late February through March.
Hiking and biking
White Tank Mountain Regional Park, run by Maricopa County, offers hiking and mountain biking trails and campsites. Go early, bring much more water than you think you need and avoid midday summer hikes. These are good habits for any desert hiking, and a county park ranger can advise on conditions.
Indoor options for summer
When the heat is dangerous, residents head indoors. Bowling and laser tag at Uptown Alley, community recreation centers and local theaters are all common choices. The city's parks and recreation department also runs indoor programs.
A growing city with room for all stages of life
Surprise attracts a mix of first-time buyers, families, remote workers and retirees. New construction is common, and there are established master-planned communities. If you are comparing cities in the West Valley, see my Surprise real estate page, and compare costs in my cost of living guide.
Visiting before you buy
If you are relocating, I recommend visiting in different seasons if you can, and spending a weekend driving different neighborhoods rather than only touring homes. Drive your future commute at rush hour, and visit the grocery store and the park you would use. That tells you more than any list.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Surprise, AZ at night?
Options include dining and entertainment near Surprise Stadium, bowling and laser tag at Uptown Alley, live events and community theater. Check venue calendars for current offerings.
Is Surprise, AZ a good place to live?
Many people like the newer housing, parks and active adult communities. The best way to decide is to compare it with nearby cities. See my guide to living in Surprise.
Who plays spring training in Surprise?
Surprise Stadium is the spring training home of the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers.
How far is Surprise from Phoenix?
Surprise is on the northwest edge of the metro area, and drive times to central Phoenix are commonly 35 to 50 minutes or more depending on traffic. Test your own commute.
Thinking about moving here?
I wrote a separate guide on living in Surprise for first-time buyers, and you can see my Surprise real estate page for current homes and neighborhoods.
Events, hours, schedules and prices change. Check each venue or city website before you go.
