Why Is Aurora Worth Visiting?
Aurora is the third most populous city in Colorado, with a population of over 380,000. It’s located within the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area. It’s considered an ideal place to live because it has a lower cost of living and offers a great quality of life. What are some things to do in Aurora, CO for tourists, though?
Visiting Aurora means getting the chance to explore 99 parks. These include the large expanse of Cherry Creek State Park as well as many other smaller, more urban parks.
Aurora is also home to the Aurora Reservoir, which is a great place to take a walk, go fishing or have a picnic. In addition, there are plenty of attractions geared towards families – a space museum, recreation centers and more. Whenever you visit and whatever the size of your group, you’re sure to have fun!
Attractions in Aurora for History and Science Lovers
For those who love learning about the past, the Aurora History Museum is a must-see. The museum chronicles the city’s history from its founding in the 1880s to the present day. It’s also within walking distance of Aurora Hills Golf Course if you’re looking to add some leisure to your trip.
Centennial House Museum is an interesting historic home, built in 1890. It’s the oldest of the 9 remaining houses from the original Town of Fletcher and is full of fascinating artifacts.
Families with budding scientists will enjoy the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. The museum has over 50 aircraft on display, as well as interactive exhibits. If you’re looking for things to do in Aurora, CO with kids, this is a great option.
The Aurora Fossil Museum is another great attraction for those who love science. The museum has a large collection of fossils, as well as interactive exhibits. It’s the perfect place to visit on a rainy day!
Art and Culture in Aurora
Aurora is home to the Aurora Fox Arts Center, which hosts performances throughout the year. It’s less known than the Vintage Theatre – which is also a great place to catch a live performance – but worth popping into. The center also offers classes and camps for those who want to learn more about the arts.
The city is also home to a number of murals, which can be found throughout downtown. These murals depict Aurora’s history and culture. If you’re looking for things to do in Aurora, CO that are free, this is a great option!
Outdoor and Active Things to Do in Aurora, CO
Aurora is a great place for those who love being outdoors. In addition to the Aurora Reservoir mentioned earlier, there are also plenty of trails for hiking, biking and walking. Some city parks worth exploring are:
- Great Plains Park, featuring a playground and a picnic shelter;
- Del Mar Park, with a swimming pool, basketball courts and a playground;
- Utah Park, home to a playground, tennis courts, and a pond;
- There are also plenty of things to do in Aurora, CO for those who love being
Looking for a longer hike, some excitement or horseback riding? The following attractions are sure to keep you occupied.
Cherry Creek State Park
Located just outside the city, this park is a great place to hike, bike, camp, fish and more. It consists of over 3,300 acres of natural prairie and wetland, surrounding the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir. Some activities you can engage in are:
- rowing with Rocky Mountain Rowing Club;
- picnicking at Hobie Hill Group Picnic Area;
- fishing at The Marina at Pelican Bay;
- swimming on the Swim Beach;
- camping at Cherry Creek State Park Campground;
- shooting at the Family Shooting Center.
You could easily spend the whole day in this park and not get bored. And if you have your furry friend with you, don’t worry – there’s a huge off-leash area for dogs!
Bally’s Arapahoe Park Horse Track
This horse track is open from May to September and features live racing. In addition, there are simulcast races year-round, so you can bet on races taking place all over the country. If you’re looking for things to do in Aurora, CO that are a little bit different, this is a great option.
Star K Ranch
This ranch is open to the public for a variety of activities, including horseback riding, hiking, fishing and more. It’s a great place to spend a day if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Places to Visit Near Aurora – in Denver and Beyond
If you’re looking for things to do in Aurora, CO that are close by, Denver is only a short drive away. And there’s plenty to do in the Mile High City! Some attractions worth checking out are:
- The Denver Zoo;
- The Denver Museum of Nature & Science;
- Denver Art Museum;
- Colorado State Capitol;
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park.
Farther west, you’ll find Morrison with attractions like Morrison Natural History Museum, Colorado Music Hall of Fame and Dinosaur Ridge. The town is also surrounded by mountains and parks, such as the Bear Creek Lake Park and the Red Rocks Park. The latter is a great place to go for a hike!
Chatfield State Park is located less than 30 minutes from Aurora’s Cherry Creek State Park. It’s a great place for hiking, fishing and camping, and it’s home to the Chatfield Farms belonging to Denver Botanic Gardens.
Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Aurora and Tell Us About It!
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Aurora, CO – whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, arts and culture, or somewhere to take the kids. You’re sure to find something that suits your interests! And once you’ve visited, be sure to come back and tell us all about your trip. We’d love to hear from you!
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