Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Indoor Activities in Surprise
Arizona’s desert heat got you seeking cool indoor escapes? Surprise and surrounding Valley cities offer an impressive array of entertainment options that transform rainy days, scorching afternoons, and winter evenings into memorable experiences.
From interactive museums and bowling alleys to creative workshops and dinner theaters, these indoor destinations provide engaging activities for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to beat the Arizona climate.
Discover Surprise’s coolest indoor entertainment destinations now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Surprise
- Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) (Phoenix)
- Uptown Alley Surprise
- Phoenix Art Museum (Phoenix)
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (Scottsdale)
- Main Event Avondale (Avondale)
- i.d.e.a. Museum (Mesa)
- AZ Ice Peoria (Peoria)
- As You Wish Pottery Painting Place (Glendale)
- Ceramics Research Center (Tempe)
- The Board Hub (Phoenix)
As You Wish Pottery Painting Place (Glendale)
What to Expect
Comprehensive pottery painting experiences with professional glazing
Description
As You Wish Pottery offers an interactive pottery painting studio where guests of all ages can create personalized ceramic art. Visitors select pottery pieces, paint them with professional supplies, and have their creations professionally glazed and fired. The studio provides guided experiences, summer classes, and special events like family painting sessions.
More Info: As You Wish Pottery Painting Place ↗
AZ Ice Peoria (Peoria)
What to Expect
Two-rink ice facility with diverse skating programs
Description
AZ Ice Peoria offers a comprehensive indoor ice skating experience with two full-sized rinks featuring figure skating, hockey programs, and learn-to-skate classes for all ages. Visitors can enjoy public skating sessions, professional instruction, and on-site amenities including M's Grill & Bar for post-skating refreshments.
More Info: AZ Ice Peoria ↗
Ceramics Research Center (Tempe)
What to Expect
Comprehensive ceramic arts research archive with 3,000+ exhibition catalogs
Description
The Ceramics Research Center at ASU Art Museum houses an extensive collection of over 3,800 ceramic objects spanning mid-20th century to contemporary periods. Researchers and art enthusiasts can explore open storage exhibits, archives, and a specialized library featuring rare ceramics publications and historical materials from renowned artists.
More Info: Ceramics Research Center ↗
i.d.e.a. Museum (Mesa)
What to Expect
Art-focused interactive exhibits for children and families
Description
Interactive children's museum offering hands-on art and learning experiences for families. Exhibits explore creative themes like JoyRide: Art on Wheels, featuring lowriders, wheelchairs, skateboards, and bikes. Designed to spark imagination, support early learning, and engage families through interactive art and creative activities.
More Info: i.d.e.a. Museum ↗
Main Event Avondale (Avondale)
What to Expect
Multi-level entertainment complex with diverse activity options
Description
Multi-activity entertainment center offering a comprehensive indoor fun experience with professional-level bowling lanes, multi-level laser tag arena, expansive arcade, and gravity ropes. Ideal for birthday parties, family outings, and group events with a full-service restaurant and custom cocktail menu.
More Info: Main Event Avondale ↗
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (Scottsdale)
What to Expect
11th-century castle-style tournament arena with live knight competitions
Description
Medieval Times offers an immersive dinner theater experience transporting guests to 11th-century Spain. Guests cheer for knights during an authentic tournament while enjoying a four-course medieval feast. Spectacular horse performances, falconry demonstrations, and choreographed combat showcase historical entertainment with impressive live-action storytelling.
More Info: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament ↗
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) (Phoenix)
What to Expect
Worldwide musical instrument collection with state-of-the-art audio guide technology
Description
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) offers a comprehensive global exploration of musical instruments through innovative audiovisual technology. Visitors can experience instruments from over 200 countries, play interactive exhibits in the Experience Gallery, and enjoy live performances in the 300-seat Music Theater. Ideal for music enthusiasts, cultural learners, and families seeking an immersive musical journey.
More Info: Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) ↗
Phoenix Art Museum (Phoenix)
What to Expect
Comprehensive art collections spanning multiple creative disciplines
Description
Phoenix Art Museum offers an immersive visual arts experience with rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary and classic works. Visitors explore diverse collections including fashion, photography, and design, with special exhibits highlighting iconic designers and artists like Anna Sui, Richard Avedon, and Keith Haring.
More Info: Phoenix Art Museum ↗
The Board Hub (Phoenix)
What to Expect
Comprehensive board game library with curated game collections
Description
The Board Hub offers an immersive board game experience where players can explore an extensive collection of tabletop games. Visitors can enjoy multiplayer strategy games, learn new gaming techniques, and connect with fellow board game enthusiasts in a welcoming community space.
More Info: The Board Hub ↗
Uptown Alley Surprise
What to Expect
Two-story laser tag arena with multiple gaming experiences
Description
Multi-entertainment venue featuring state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a robust arcade with 60+ games, immersive two-story laser tag arena, and virtual reality experiences. Offers premium billiard tables and high-energy bars, creating a comprehensive social entertainment destination for various groups and ages.
More Info: Uptown Alley Surprise ↗
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Every indoor activity listing goes through our comprehensive 30-step review process combining AI technology with human expertise. We maintain unbiased listings (except for clearly marked featured activities) to ensure you get accurate, reliable indoor activity information.
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