I'm looking into making the trip out to Surprise this spring break to catch spring training and could use the wise advice of those experienced souls here who have made the road trip from DFW or nearby.

For Surprise in particular, is there anything I need to make sure to see other than the games?  Is one time or place better than another for my kids to be able to get up close and interact with the players? 

I'm planning to stay in Phoenix (where I can use hotel points.  I'm a cheap bastard.) instead of at one of the hotels down the street from the game fields.  Will I regret that?

To break up the road trip monotony, I'd like to swing by the Grand Canyon on the way out and Carlsbad Caverns on the way back.  Any other must-see destinations between here and there?