Your guide to having fun and staying cool in the Arizona heat
Don’t let the triple-digit temperatures fool you — there’s plenty of fun to be had in Surprise, Arizona, even when the outside heat is unbearable. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting town for the first time, here’s the secret to enjoying the sunshine and finding fun ways to cool off.
Indoor Activities
When the sun is at its strongest, do as the locals do and head inside, where the air conditioning flows freely. From axe-throwing to movie-viewing and just about everything in between, Surprise is full of fun, air-conditioned venues that are sure to banish boredom.
Unleash Your Inner Child
There may be no better way to feel like a kid again than with some good old-fashioned arcade games. Grab your quarters and head to Player 1 Arcade, where an impressive collection of pinball machines and retro video games from the 1980s and ‘90s await. For the 21-and-older crowd, there’s a rotating menu of draft beers from local breweries.
Keep the Gaming Going
Uptown Alley has indoor activities for everyone including 40 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling and a full-service restaurant, while Axescape offers a brain-and-brawn combo of axe-throwing and escape room fun. Or head to Fat Cats Entertainment, where you can catch a just-released blockbuster, play a round of glow golf and nosh on burgers, salads and pizzas.
Outdoor Fun
Surprise’s natural beauty is abundant, but it may not be the season to set out on long hikes through the desert. Instead, grab the sunscreen and soak up the sun at one of the city’s aquatic playgrounds.
Good Sleep, Guaranteed
Families with young kids in tow will want to make a beeline for the splash pad at Dick McComb City Park, where buckets and geysers of cool water provide hours of playtime. Traveling with teens? Bring them back in the evening hours to use the lighted basketball court and skate park.
Pool Time
Surprise is home to two public pools, both of which feature things like zero-depth areas, water play features and waterslides, ensuring fun for all ages. Serious swimmers will appreciate the diving well, competition pool and dedicated lap lanes.
Tasty Treats
In Arizona, eating something cool is sometimes the sweetest way to heat relief! And there’s no shortage of frozen treats to keep you cool in Surprise.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
No matter how you like your sugar, local favorite Sumo Snow is sure to please. With a menu that includes French macarons, Japanese crepes, boba tea, slushies and soft serve, it’s a one-stop dessert shop for groups of all sizes.
I Scream, You Scream
Ice cream purists flock to Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, where each batch is made fresh daily using the original methods and recipes that founder Alice Handel developed in 1945. Vegan options are always on the menu here, too.
Plan Your Trip
Make the most of your vacation to Surprise by checking out tips from local experts in our Visitors Guide.