The Best Things to Do in Sunrise, FL: Your Ultimate Local Guide to Events, Attractions and More

Sunrise sits a few miles inland from Fort Lauderdale, yet the vibe here feels worlds apart. Less rush, more room to breathe, and a long roster of easy‑going ways to spend a weekend or a whole vacation day.

Whether you’re mapping out a quick trip, scoping homes for sale in Sunrise, or just hunting for something fun on a lazy afternoon, this south Florida city serves up world‑class attractions without the beach‑town price tag.

Ready to explore? Let’s dive in.

Explore the Great Outdoors in Sunrise

Take a Stroll Through Markham Park

Locals swear you’re not a real Sunrise traveler until you’ve logged a few miles at sprawling Markham Park.

The 669‑acre green space threads together shaded trails, a full campground, and a rifle range, but the real draw is that 14‑mile mountain‑bike loop that snakes past the Fox Observatory.

Bring a dog, rent a kayak, or test your aim at the archery range. The park makes it easy to plan a full day of outdoor activity without ever leaving the City of Sunrise.

Relax at Welleby Park

Need something a little more laid‑back?

Welleby Park delivers a peaceful 29‑acre escape packed with lakeside walking paths and the kind of giant playground that convinces kids to put their phones away.

A dedicated dog run means the family pup can burn energy too, and the picnic shelters are free to use if you arrive early enough to claim a table.

Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking at Sawgrass Recreation Park

Craving a wild Florida experience?

Swap city streets for sawgrass by booking an airboat or paddle adventure at Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Skimming across the top of the Everglades gets you eye‑level with alligators, soft‑shell turtles, and maybe a shy panther if you’re lucky. Expect thrills, wind in your hair, and plenty of stories to tell at dinner.

Discover the Best Shopping and Entertainment

Spend the Day at Sawgrass Mills Mall

When the summer sun cranks up, locals dash into the chilled corridors of Sawgrass Mills.

With more than 2.3 million square feet and roughly 400 stores, this top‑rated outlet complex ranks among the largest shopping centers in the United States. Designer outlets sit steps from casual dining, a small indoor mini‑golf course, and a couple of escape‑room experiences, so even non‑shoppers find a thing or two to keep them busy.

Tripadvisor reviews routinely place the mall in their “best of Florida shopping” lists, noting the free parking and constant sales.

Catch a Show or Game at the Amerant Bank Arena

Hockey fans already know the Amerant Bank Arena as home ice for the Florida Panthers, but even if you never learned to skate, you’ll want to peek at the concert calendar.

Major tours and family shows roll through all year, including Monster Jam, pro bull riding, K‑pop, you name it. 

Ticket prices swing from budget‑friendly nosebleeds to VIP lounge packages, so you can plan a date night or a family outing without blowing your whole vacation fund.

Dive Into Local Eats and Drinks Around Sunrise

Best Restaurants in Sunrise, FL

Sunrise punches above its weight in the food department.

Craving a no‑frills Cuban sandwich? Head to La Brasa Sunrise for smoky pollo a la brasa that scores five‑star reviews. 

If a special occasion calls, chef‑driven All That Jazz Café layers live sax solos over plates of shrimp and grits.

Prefer something quick between shopping sprees? The weekend food‑truck lineup around Sunrise Boulevard keeps things cheap and fun, serving everything from birria tacos to vegan soul food, perfect fuel before catching a movie or concert.

Best Coffee Shops and Breweries in Sunrise

Need caffeine or hops? Start at The Wild Mug on State Road 84 for a cortado and fresh empanadas.

A quick drive north, Un Attimo Coffee in Plantation roasts its own beans and keeps a pet‑friendly patio that feels like a neighborhood living room.

West of town, Watts & Coffee doubles as a cyclists’ pit stop and remote‑work nook, staying open until 7 p.m. most days.

When the sun drops, Yeasty Brews in Lauderhill pours small‑batch sours and hazy IPAs alongside weekly trivia nights.

Ten minutes south, The Mack House in Davie lines twenty taps next to retro arcade games so families can sip and play.

Fun Experiences for Families and Kids

Beat the Heat at Flippo’s Indoor Playground

When the afternoon humidity feels like a warm blanket, duck into Flippo’s in Sunrise.

Soft‑climbing zones, laser mazes, and an on‑site café make it a lifesaver for parents hunting free‑range fun that’s still indoors and air‑conditioned. 

Learn and Play at Young at Art Museum

Interactive exhibits at Young at Art let kids spray‑paint digital walls one minute and sculpt clay the next.

Weekend workshops often sell out fast, so book early if your family loves getting messy while learning why art matters.

Explore Nearby Adventures from Sunrise

Take a Day Trip to Fort Lauderdale Beach

Sunrise sits roughly six to nine miles from the Atlantic, meaning you can find yourself on Fort Lauderdale Beach in about fifteen minutes by car.

That close distance makes Sunrise a smart stay option for travelers who want ocean views by day but quieter hotel rates at night. Pack sunscreen, rent a lounge chair, and treat the family to an ice‑cream‑fueled sunset before heading back inland for dinner.

Visit the Flamingo Gardens

Drive fifteen minutes south to wander the 60‑acre Flamingo Gardens, a botanical paradise where rescued panthers nap under gumbo‑limbo trees and bright pink birds cruise the ponds.

It’s part zoo, part historic estate, and fully worth the small admission fee, especially when the resident macaws shout hello at passing visitors.

Conclusion

The City of Sunrise may not headline glossy travel magazines, yet every corner hints at something new: a spur‑of‑the‑moment concert, a hidden kayak trail, a late‑night ramen spot tucked behind a strip‑mall façade.

Whether you’re a local plotting a quick weekend plan or a first‑time visitor scouting your next Florida vacation, Sunrise proves you don’t need a coastline to deliver top‑rated fun.

So, pick a park, book a show, grab that world‑class meal, and explore the endless things to do in Sunrise. We’ll catch you at the lounge after the game.

FAQ’s About Things to Do in Sunrise, FL