Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Aurora is a city that offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.
Home to a vibrant culinary scene, exciting festivals, beautiful attractions, a flourishing art scene, and numerous outdoor recreation spaces, Aurora is an ideal destination for families, entrepreneurs, artists, foodies, and adventurers.
If you’re visiting this city for the first time, this top ten list of the best Aurora CO things to do will be helpful as you plan your upcoming trip!
1. Visit the Aurora Reservoir
Visiting the Aurora Reservoir, a popular destination for outdoor recreation, is first on our list of top things to do in Aurora, CO. This spot offers various fun activities, including swimming, paddleboarding, and sailing.
The scenic trails that surround the reservoir also make Aurora Reservoir a great place to get some exercise and take in the natural beauty of the city.
2. Explore the Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park is a beautiful oasis for enjoying outdoor activities in Aurora. Hiking, biking, boating, and fishing are some of the things you can experience here.
With over 4,000 acres of open space, the park offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the spectacular Colorado scenery. Cherry Creek State Park also features a swim beach and a shooting range.
3. Discover the Aurora History Museum
The Aurora History Museum showcases the rich history of the city and the surrounding areas. Exhibits feature everything from the city’s founding to its role in the development of the region.
The museum’s interactive displays and engaging artifacts provide an entertaining glimpse into the city’s past. This is definitely a must-visit for history buffs and curious visitors alike.
4. Experience the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, Colorado’s official air and space museum, is located on the former grounds of Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. The museum is housed in the historic Hangar No. 1 which was built in 1939.
Its second location, Exploration of Flight, operates on one of the busiest general aviation airports in the nation, the Centennial Airport. It hosts aircraft showcases, fly-ins, flight experiences and simulators.
Visitors will find over 60 aircraft on display, including the iconic B-52 Stratofortress and the Star Wars X-Wing Fighter signed by Harrison Ford and other cast members. The visit will also include thrilling flight simulator experiences and an enrichment program dedicated to the expansion of aerospace education in Colorado.
5. Enjoy the Shopping and Dining at Southlands
Shopping and dining in Southlands should absolutely be included in your list of Aurora activities during your trip.
This outdoor lifestyle center offers the ultimate shopping experience, with a four-block modern Main Street and community plaza surrounded by some of the most popular names in retail, fashion, restaurants, and entertainment.
6. Take a Stroll Through the Plains Conservation Center
The Plains Conservation Center is a unique destination where one can explore the center’s historic farm and homestead and get a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the Colorado plains.
Visitors who would like to learn about the region’s heritage and connect with nature can also participate in guided tours and educational programs that highlight the area’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems.
7. Explore the Urban Trail at Bluff Lake
Bluff Lake Park is an urban oasis with a short walking trail around a scenic lake.
A serene habitat home to more than 215 bird and animal species, you will encounter deer, ducks, muskrats, ground squirrels, and others as you stroll along the park.
8. Visit the Aurora Fox Arts Center
The historic landmark, Aurora Fox Arts Center, was formerly a movie theatre that was built in 1946. After it was renovated and reopened in March of 1985, it now serves as the home for the Aurora Fox Theatre Company and the Aurora Fox Children’s Theatre Company.
The city’s 245-seat performing arts facility is a cultural hub that hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
The center offers something for everyone and provides a great opportunity to support the local arts scene, so go ahead and check out their lineup of shows and events.
9. Spend a Day at the Stanley Marketplace
The Stanley Marketplace is a historic street market on the city’s serene south coast, offering a unique and eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, and businesses housed in a former aviation manufacturing facility.
Stanley Marketplace features retail shops, restaurants, bars, salons, a brewery, fitness spots, a cooking school, endless family-friendly activities, and much more.
This spot is as popular with locals as it is with tourists, who come here for souvenirs like lacquerware, embroidered tablecloths, prints, and paintings.
Explore the marketplace’s diverse offerings, from artisanal goods to delicious cuisine, as you enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this modern community gathering place.
10. Discover the Aurora Cultural Arts District
festivals, live theatrical performances, the state’s premier digital gallery, nine districts of free public installations, and so much more!
One of the ways to explore Aurora’s local arts and culture scene is by visiting the Aurora Cultural Arts District, a 16-block area located along the historic commercial corridor from Clinton to Geneva streets on East Colfax Avenue, during its annual festivals and exhibits.
Conclusion
With its delightful restaurants, wonderful attractions, flourishing art district, exciting festivals, and beautiful outdoor recreation spaces, Aurora is not only an ideal destination, but it is also a great option for your new home.
If you’d like to explore the homes and neighborhoods in Aurora, CO, give me a call today at 702-506-5006 or email me at leahceller@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best outdoor activity in Aurora, CO?
The Aurora Reservoir is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering various fun activities, including swimming, paddleboarding, and sailing. The scenic trails also make it a great place to get some exercise and take in the natural beauty of the city. -
Are there family-friendly activities in Aurora, CO?
Stanley Marketplace offers endless family-friendly activities and much more. -
What are the top cultural attractions in Aurora, CO?
One of the ways to explore Aurora’s local arts and culture scene is by visiting the Aurora Cultural Arts District and the Aurora Fox Arts Center. -
Is Aurora a good place for shopping and dining?
Yes, this city is a good place for shopping and dining. The Stanley Marketplace features retail shops, restaurants, bars, salons, a brewery, fitness spots, and a cooking school.
