20 Fun Things to Do in Aurora
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in Aurora | Sites & Attractions | Outdoors
As Colorado’s third-largest city and one of the best Denver suburbs, it’s no surprise that you’ll find fun things to do in Aurora. However, this city is often overlooked in favor of nearby Denver.
But Aurora is full of hidden gems, which I uncover in this article. Learn where to find outdoor recreation, historical sites, delicious food, and much more.
Check out my guide on where to stay in Aurora as well if you want to stay longer or want more budget-friendly hotels than what you’ll find in Denver!
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20 Best Things to Do in Aurora
Cherry Creek State Park
Go boating, hiking, horseback riding, or ice fishing at this large state park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 690-1166 | Cherry Creek State Park Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: $10 vehicle pass
Cherry Creek State Park is one of the best state parks in Colorado, and there is so much you can do here! In the winter, you can hike, cross-country ski, ice skate, sled, or ice fish. In summer, you can swim or paddleboard in Cherry Creek Reservoir, or bring your pup to the dog park.
There is also camping available at the park year-round. Proximity to the city and modern amenities make it some of the best camping near Denver.
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Stay and play near DIA.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 452-6900 | Gaylord Rockies Resort Website
This resort and convention center is close to Denver International Airport. It’s a great place to stay just after you arrive or before you leave Colorado.
Swim in the year-round indoor and outdoor pools, float the lazy river, or hop on the waterslides in summer! You can also get pampered at the spa or relax by the campfire. There are also shows and seasonal entertainment throughout the year.
And if you’re visiting the Denver area, check out Nate’s guide to the best Denver hotels.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Check out a unique natural area just minutes from the Big City.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 289-0930 | Rocky Mountain Arsenal Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset daily | Entrance: Free
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best day trips from Denver or Aurora. It’s also one of the top free things to do in the Denver area!
This was a chemical weapons manufacturing site for 50 years before becoming a refuge for bison, birds, deer, coyotes, and other wild animals. Take the 11-mile Wildlife Drive or explore the many hiking trails at the park.
Day in Denver
Make the short drive to the Mile High City and spend the day exploring.
📍 Google Maps | Things to Do in Denver Guide | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
Aurora is next to Denver, so it’s definitely worth setting aside a day or two to explore Colorado’s biggest city. Venture into various Denver neighborhoods to enjoy the local culture, and check out top area attractions. These include Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, Meow Wolf Convergence Station, and the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Sites & Attractions
Stanley Marketplace
Shop, eat, and drink at this former aviation plant.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 990-6743 | Stanley Marketplace Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm Sun – Wed, 7 am – 10 pm Thurs – Sat
The Stanley Marketplace is housed in an aviation manufacturing building and has kept its 1950s feel from when the plant was opened. Now, it’s full of trendy shops, restaurants, gyms, a marketplace, and more.
Southlands
Enjoy the variety of attractions at this open-air mall and lifestyle center.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 627-5000 | Southlands Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 6 pm Sun
Southlands in southeast Aurora is one of the nicest malls in Denver. You can spend time browsing the shops, grabbing coffee, or enjoying seasonal activities. There’s ice skating in winter and concerts in summer in the open spaces of the mall.
Beyond the Blackboard
Browse a toy store that’s loved by teachers and kids equally.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 627-5791 | Beyond the Blackboard Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon-Sat, 12 pm – 6 pm Sun
Beyond the Blackboard is a local Colorado store at Southlands started by two sisters. They’ve filled their store with games, science kits, art projects, and other educational toys that kids will love. It’s a great place to visit after checking out some of the biggest kid-friendly attractions in Denver.
Beyond the Blackboard also has products for teachers to use in the classroom. The staff is happy to help both adults and kids find games and toys to enjoy.
Bally’s Arapahoe Park
Spend a day at the races.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 690-2400 | Arapahoe Park Website | Entrance: $5 adults Sat & Sun, free adults Mon, free under 17 (seasonal, reopening August 2025)
Head to the horse races at Bally’s and spend a day cheering (and perhaps betting) on the ponies as they run. Kids under 18 are always free but must be with an adult. Fancy hats are not required, but come on — wouldn’t they be fun?
Dry Dock Brewing
Wet your whistle with a delicious craft beer.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 400-5606 | Dry Dock Brewing Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily
We take our beer seriously here in Colorado (check out Abigail’s roundup of the best Denver breweries to see what I mean). Dry Dock is no exception! Dry Dock is no exception!
Head to South Dock to try a few beers, get a tour, or play shuffleboard and board games near the fireplace. North Dock has a tasting room, indoor patio, pizza, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Ethiopian Food
Try mouth-watering dishes along Havana Street.
Aurora has a large Ethiopian community, and there are several great restaurants along Havana Street. Here, you can sample some of the cuisine’s most iconic foods. Try Addis Ababa, Megenagna, Eatopia, Cozy Cafe, or Golf 1st Market (which is also a restaurant) for a delicious meal.
Of course, there are also incredible restaurants in nearby Denver — check out our complete list or try a downtown Denver food tour!
Aurora History Museum
Learn about the history of Colorado’s third-biggest city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 739-6660 | Aurora History Museum Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Tues – Fri, 11 am – 4 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free
The Aurora History Museum has interesting exhibits that describe the area’s past. The museum shares women’s contributions to Aurora, as well as contributions from Aurora’s Ethiopian and Mexican communities.
Head here to learn what makes one of Colorado’s best cities unique, and bookmark my guide to the best museums in Denver if you want to explore even more museums.
Stampede Club
Go boot scootin’ at this lively local favorite.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 696-7686 | Stampede Club Website | Hours: 8 pm – 2 am Fri & Sat, 6 pm – 12 am Sun, Closed Mon – Thurs | Entrance: from $10
This nightclub features Modern Swing on Mondays, Ladies Night on Wednesdays, and Latin music on the weekends. Learn to swing dance and line dance, or simply head to the Stampede for live music.
Mochinut
Pop in for a little dessert.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 879-0611 | Mochinut Website | Hours: 8 am – 9 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon
Mochi donuts are a combo of mochi (Japanese rice cakes) and donuts. Pop into Mochinut to try this tasty dessert hybrid. This shop is in a strip mall with several great places to eat.
Drop by for dessert after dinner at Addis Ababa, or grab a cup of coffee at the attached coffee shop to go with your treat.
The Aurora Fox Arts Center
See a play in a historic, post-WWII theater.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 739-1970 | Aurora Fox Arts Center Website | Showtimes Vary
This vintage theater was built as a movie theater in 1946, and the 61-foot neon sign makes it an iconic Aurora spot. Today, you can see plays, musicals, and other live shows at the Aurora Fox Arts Center.
Outdoor Attractions in Aurora
Plains Conservation Center
Learn about life on the plains throughout history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 326-8380 | Plains Conservation Center Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 4:30 pm Mon – Thurs, 6:30 am – 6 pm Fri, 8 am – 6 pm Sat & Sun (March 1 – Oct 31); 6:30 am – 4:30 pm Mon – Fri, 8 am – 4:30 pm Sat & Sun (Nov. 1- Feb. 28) | Entrance: Free
Although most people think of the Rocky Mountains when they think of Colorado, a large part of the state is plains. At the Plains Conservation Center, you’ll learn how Native Americans survived and lived in the area. You’ll also learn about the local plants and wildlife that make the flatlands their home.
Aurora Reservoir
Go paddleboarding, jetskiing, or even scuba diving at this local swimming hole.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 326-8425 | Aurora Reservoir Website | Hours: varies, see webpage | Entrance: $10 vehicle pass weekdays & non-peak season; $15 summer weekends & holidays
The Aurora Reservoir is one of the best lakes near Denver where you can cool off on a hot summer day! After the ice thaws, boats with electric motors (no gas) and non-motorized boats are allowed on the reservoir until the end of November. You can also swim, fish, scuba dive, and visit the archery range.
Morrison Nature Center
Meet a bull snake and salamander and wander the Star K Ranch area.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 326-8445 | Morrison Nature Center Website | Hours: 12 pm – 4:30 pm Wed – Fri, 9 am – 4:30 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Mon & Tues | Entrance: Free
The Morrison Nature Center has hands-on activities to help kids learn about the local wildlife. There are field guides and exhibits to educate adults as well.
The surrounding Star K Ranch area features trails and a self-guided history tour. When visiting, be sure to stop by the observation area overlooking the wetlands.
Red-tailed Hawk Park
Play horseshoes, walk the Piney Creek Trail, or cool off at the “sprayground”.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 326-8650 | Red-tailed Hawk Park Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm daily
This local park has access to the Piney Creek trail, plus sand volleyball courts, a baseball backstop, bocce courts, and horseshoe pits. In summer, kids can cool off at the splash park for a fun afternoon.
Barr Lake State Park
Spot nesting eagles and other wildlife at this nearby state park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 659-6005 | Barr Lake State Park Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: $10 vehicle pass
Barr Lake State Park is about a half-hour drive from Aurora, and is worth the trip if you’re looking for an easy hike near Denver. You can walk or bike along the lake, go fishing or kayaking, and visit the nature center.
But, the real draw is the many bald eagles that winter at the park. One couple stays to nest and raise their eagle babies at Barr Lake each year! If you have binoculars, you’ll want to bring them along.
12 Mile Stables
Go horseback riding through Cherry Creek State Park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 699-6128 | 12 Mile Stables Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: $60+ horse rides; $35 pony rides
12 Mile Stables is located inside Cherry Creek State Park. Enjoy a 1-2 hour ride through the scenic park, or bring the kids for pony rides in the stable area. A sunset dinner ride includes beef brisket and tasty sides… along with an awesome view.
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Aurora often gets overshadowed by Denver, but there’s plenty to do here for every interest! Let me know in the comments what interests you most. For more nearby activities, check out our Ultimate Guide to Denver!
❓ Need help planning your trip? You can also ask your question on our Denver forum and receive responses from multiple Denver experts.