Frequently Asked Questions
Why grip socks? All children are required to wear grip socks to help prevent slips and falls, giving little ones the traction they need as they explore and play. They're especially helpful on our soft flooring and play structures, where extra grip can make all the difference in keeping play safe and fun. Parents need to wear regular socks in the main play room and carpeted areas. Everyone needs to wear shoes in the Beam Room, Wonder Studio, and lobby area. Don’t have a pair? No worries—we’ve got you covered! Grip socks are available for purchase at the front desk.
Can I bring my own food? Yes, you can! We welcome families to bring their own snacks and meals to enjoy during your visit. We understand that every child has unique dietary needs, and we want you to feel at home here. PLEASE NOTE: 🥜 We are a nut-free facility. To keep all our guests safe—especially those with severe allergies—no nuts or nut-based products are allowed inside. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone!
Can I drop off my child for open play or classes? No, Surprise & Shine is not a drop-off facility. ​ We are not a daycare or childcare center. For the safety and well-being of all our guests, a parent, guardian, or caregiver must remain on-site at all times during open play and enrichment classes. Children must be supervised closely by their accompanying adult throughout the visit. We ask that caregivers stay actively engaged and ensure their child is playing safely and respectfully with others. That said, we encourage adults to join in the fun! Play is powerful, and we believe in nurturing connection through shared experiences. Whether you're crawling through the tunnels or cheering from the sidelines, your presence makes play even more special.
What is your sickness policy? To keep Surprise & Shine a healthy and safe space for all families, we kindly ask that you stay home if you or your child are feeling unwell. This includes symptoms such as: Fever Cough or sore throat Runny nose (not allergy-related) Vomiting or diarrhea Rash or any other contagious condition If your child becomes ill during your visit, we may kindly ask you to return another day. We know how important it is to protect our community—especially our littlest guests—and your cooperation helps keep everyone safe.
Are older siblings allowed to play? Yes! Older siblings (over age 8) are welcome to be in the space, and there is no admission charge for them. However, we ask that they serve as positive role models for our younger guests and give priority to the designated play areas for ages 0–8. If this guideline is not respected, we reserve the right to ask families to kindly conclude their visit early to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. For families with older children, our partner business, STEAM Studios, offers exciting electives in the same location. You can learn more and plan ahead by visiting steamstudiosaz.com.
Do I need to make a reservation, or do you accept walk-ins? We encourage making a reservation to guarantee your spot, but we do accept walk-ins as space allows! At any given time, we can accommodate up to 10 children and their caregivers in the play area. To maintain this balance, we allow 5 online reservations and 5 walk-ins (subject to change without notice) per open play. If we’re at capacity when you arrive, you’ll be placed on a waitlist and notified as soon as a spot opens—typically within 15+ minutes as other families wrap up their visit. While you wait in our cozy lobby, feel free to relax with a book or coloring sheet, or explore our retail nook filled with locally made treasures. Our goal is to keep the play areas safe, spacious, and fun for everyone. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!
I already use Class Wallet, what now? Give us a call at (480) 621-5782 to set up your account with our system.
Do you charge for newborns and infants? At Surprise & Shine, we warmly welcome little ones of all ages. Infants under 6 months are free of charge. We begin charging admission for children starting at 6 months of age.