Aurora is one of Colorado’s most vibrant and energetic cities as the destination is filled with unique attractions and one-of-a-kind activities. As a gateway to the Rockies, you can enjoy several laid-back adventures and day trips during your visit.
Have a picnic in Cherry Creek State Park
Enjoy fresh air in the beautiful outdoors at Cherry Creek State Park also known as “Denver’s spacious backyard playground”. There’s so much to see and enjoy in the park which surrounds an 880-acre reservoir. The natural prairie environment is action packed in the summer and laid back and quiet in the fall. During your visit there you can enjoy in activities such as hiking, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, model airplane flying, or having fun at the family shooting range. Other features and amenities include a designated picnic area, a boat ramp, walking trails, and campgrounds.
Address: 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014, Phone: 800-244-5613
Go shopping at Southlands
A modern Main Street in the heart of southeast Aurora, Southlands is a hub for fashion, dining, and entertainment. It’s a wonderful place to gather with friends and family as the atmosphere is charming, comfortable, and convenient. The centerpiece of the area is the Southlands outdoor lifestyle center and it’s surrounded by a community plaza, Main Street, a state-of-the-art health club facility, a theatre, restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail stores.
Address: 6155 South Main Street, Aurora, CO 80016, Phone: 303-627-5000
Go swimming in Aurora Reservoir
The Aurora Reservoir spans over 31,000 acres and has three coves: Senac, Lone Tree, and Marina. There are many things that you can do while you’re there such as jogging, hiking, biking, boating, and, fishing - anglers often head there to catch catfish, trout, or walleye. Visitors are invited to go swimming in the small seasonal swim beach or enjoy scuba diving in the designated diving area. Other features and amenities include a boat dock and a rental equipment shack.
Address: 5800 South Powhaton Road, Aurora, CO 80016, Phone: 303-690-1286
Learn about local history at the Aurora History Museum
A part of the Library and Cultural Services Department, the Aurora History Museum was established in 1979. Though it has moved out of the original building it was housed in, the museum continues to display a large collection of artifacts and documents. These exhibits showcase the people and events that shaped the history of Aurora and Colorado. Admission is FREE.
Address: 15051 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012, Phone: 303-739-6660
See a performance at the Vintage Theatre
The Vintage Theatre came to be as a group of friends discussed their love for the arts over martinis in 2002. Within a few years they bought a lovely theater and their company grew, providing a haven for the community to enjoy cutting-edge theatre, improv, staged readings, workshops, classes, and more. The theatre has three performance spaces: the 145-seat Jeffrey Nickelson Auditorium, the 67-seat Bond Trimble Theatre, and the 60-seat lobby-raised stage. All of the areas provide a full bar service and are sound proofed and temperature controlled. Visitors can enjoy performances throughout the year.
Address: 1468 Dayton St, Aurora, CO 80010, Phone: 303-856-7830
Visit the blacksmith shop at Plains Conservation Center
The Plains Conservation Center is a state-designated natural area and outdoor education facility that was created in 1949. With the goal of conserving the state’s prairies, the center is also a wonderful place for people to learn about conservation efforts and Colorado’s eco-history. There are two sites of significance there: the Aurora site and the West Bijou site. The Aurora site includes a historic barn, blacksmith shop, and schoolhouse in addition to a recreated Cheyenne camp with tipis. The West Bijou site is the place of the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event which led to the extinction of dinosaurs. You can see all this and more as you explore the center.
Address: 21901 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80013, Phone: 303-326-8380
Watch a horse race at Arapahoe Park
Arapahoe Park is a horse-racing track that is known to host Arabian horse, Paint Horse, Quarter Horse, and Thoroughbred horse racing. The racing season usually goes between mid-May into mid-August. As you watch the horses, you can sit, talk with friends, have a drink, and enjoy a delicious meal. Amenities include plenty of free parking, bars and concessions stands on the Grandstand level and third and fourth floor.
Address: 26000 East Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80016, Phone: 303-690-2400
Visit the The Colorado Freedom Memorial
The Colorado Freedom Memorial is the very first memorial in the United States that is dedicated to Coloradans who have lost their lives in any and all branches of service and in all wars. The glass and granite structure is 12 feet high and spans 95 feet across. The memorial holds the names of over 6,000 people who were killed or missing in action. You can see the names grouped by war but not in alphabetical order - a reflection of the true chaos of war.
Address: 756 Telluride St, Aurora, CO 80011, Phone: 303-248-3990
See a performance at the Aurora Fox Arts Center
Situated amidst the Aurora Cultural Arts District, the Aurora Fox Arts Center is the place to go when you’re in the mood to enjoy a professional, Broadway-quality production.
Address: 9900 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010, Phone: 303-739-1970
Spend an afternoon in On Havana Street
On Havana Street is a unique and culturally diverse district in Aurora, Colorado, originally created as a neighborhood initiative in 2007 to enrich the lives of area residents with lively events and businesses and draw in regional visitors. More than 20 events are showcased within the district throughout the year, including barbecue festivals, car shows, art showcases, and live music performances.
Have lunch at Stanley Beer Hall
Laid-back bistro fare is served at Stanley Beer Hall throughout the day, including creative burgers, fun bratwursts, and sandwich options such as grown-up grilled cheese and Carolina-style pulled pork. Other entree options include barbecue baby-back pork ribs, Scottish salmon fish and chips, and pan-Asian inspired options such as curry with seasonal vegetables.
Address: 2501 Dallas St #100, Aurora, CO 80010, Phone: 720-749-5098
Have weekend brunch at Annette
At brunch, Annettediners can choose from options such as yeasted waffles, amaranth porridge, and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, while happy hour serves up creative bar bites alongside clever craft cocktails and fine wines.
Address: 2501 Dallas St #108, Aurora, CO 80010, Phone: 720-710-9975
Go fishing and have a picnic in Quincy Reservoir
The Quincy Reservoir is open seasonally, usually from March to November. The 160-acre body of water is a popular place for friends and family to hang out on a hot summer day. Anglers come from all over to catch their fair share of largemouth bass, trout, crappie, and perch - though it should be noted that fishing is only allowed with artificial lures and flies. There are several designated picnic areas along the shoreline and a trail that’s perfect for a nice walk while exploring the flora and fauna of the area. Additional features include a fishing dock, a boat launch, and a boat rental company.
Address: 18350 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80015, Phone: 303-326-8424
Monsoon Cuisine of India
Monsoon Cuisine of India is a wonderful restaurant that serves authentic foods which reflect the many flavors in the country. The eatery remains faithful to its Indian roots and embraces age old cooking techniques which add a different dimension to the dishes.
Address: 24107 E Commons Ave, Aurora, CO 80016, Phone: 303-627-5444
Helga's German Restaurant
Helga's German Restaurant is sure to transport you to another world, a romantic one beside the Rhineland River Valley in Germany. You’ll be able to experience authentic German home-style food and drink in this charming and quaint atmosphere.
Address: Aurora City Square, 14197 E Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO 80012, Phone: 303-344-5488
Immerse yourself in a group activity at Wreck Room Escape Game
Avid escape room fans that are up for a challenge can come and pit their wits against the clever designers behind Wreck Room Escape Game. Escape room experiences are designed to immerse you and your team in a realistic situation in which you will need to work together to escape your allotted room within 60 minutes.
Address: 4343 S. Buckley Rd, Aurora, CO 80015, 303 690 2684
