Things to do in Aurora

Explore Aurora’s parks, trails, waterfront recreation, global dining, shopping, and family-friendly indoor activities for an easy local outing.

Aurora offers a broad mix of outdoor recreation, international food, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment. The city’s expansive layout includes neighborhood parks, trails, open spaces, and reservoirs where visitors can walk, cycle, picnic, watch wildlife, or spend time near the water. With mountain views visible from many areas, even a simple afternoon outdoors can feel spacious and scenic.

Beyond its parks and waterfront recreation, Aurora stands out for its cultural variety. Markets, restaurants, and shopping districts reflect communities from around the world, making food exploration one of the city’s most rewarding activities. Indoor entertainment, fitness venues, cinemas, and large retail centers provide options when the weather changes, while casual gathering places suit an unhurried weekend. Whether you are planning time with children, looking for a budget-conscious outing, or building a day around dining and shopping, Aurora has enough variety to shape a flexible itinerary without leaving town.

Frequently asked questions about Aurora

What are some of the best things to do in Aurora?

Explore Aurora’s parks and trails, browse local shopping areas, and sample its varied food scene. Stanley Marketplace is one option for combining shopping and casual indoor time in a single stop.

What can families with kids do in Aurora?

Families can spend active playtime at Sky Zone Trampoline Park or catch a film at Movie Tavern Aurora. Aurora’s parks and open spaces also offer room for relaxed outdoor time with children.

What are some free or budget-friendly things to do in Aurora?

Walking neighborhood paths, visiting public parks, and exploring Aurora’s shopping districts can make for an inexpensive outing. Window-shopping at Southlands is another flexible option, with spending limited to whatever fits your budget.

What are the best indoor things to do in Aurora on a rainy day?

On a rainy day, browse international groceries at H Mart, explore indoor shopping centers, or plan a leisurely meal. These options make it easy to stay occupied without relying on good weather.

What can I do in Aurora for dining and a weekend outing?

For a weekend meal, Aurora offers cuisines ranging from German and Italian to Korean and Hawaiian; Seoul K-B.B.Q.& HotPot is one local choice. Pair dining with a walk through a park, a movie, or browsing local markets.

Things to do in Aurora

Furniture StorePhoto of American Furniture Warehouse — Furniture Store

American Furniture Warehouse

Retailer selling a variety of furniture, including outdoor pieces, plus home-decor items & artwork.

Aurora, CO|4
Seafood RestaurantPhoto of The Juicy Seafood — Seafood Restaurantvia Google Maps

The Juicy Seafood

Unpretentious space with maritime decor offering seafood dishes, desserts & happy-hour specials.

Aurora, CO|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Aurora City Place — Shopping Mall

Aurora City Place

Standard strip center with familiar big-box retailers, casual eateries & professional services.

Aurora, CO|4
RestaurantPhoto of Dozens - Fat Boy's Bar & Grill — Restaurantvia Google Maps

Dozens - Fat Boy's Bar & Grill

TV-packed sports bar with pub grub galore (including weekend brunch), pool tables, karaoke & patio.

Aurora, CO|4
ParkPhoto of Aurora Sports Park — Park

Aurora Sports Park

A 220-acre park with 12 baseball & 23 multi-use/soccer fields that host competitions at many levels.

Aurora, CO|5
Bar & GrillPhoto of The Rock Restaurant and Bar — Bar & Grillvia Google Maps

The Rock Restaurant and Bar

A lively tavern with sports on TV & a patio dishing up American pub grub plus Mexican bites.

Aurora, CO|4
Amusement CenterPhoto of Sky Zone Trampoline Park — Amusement Center

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Venue for trampoline-based activities, zip-lining, sports & more, with various theme nights.

Aurora, CO|4
GymPhoto of VASA Fitness — Gymvia Google Maps

VASA Fitness

Aurora, CO|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Abilene Street Market — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Abilene Street Market

Aurora, CO|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Hoffman Heights Shopping Center — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Hoffman Heights Shopping Center

Small, basic shopping center with discount stores, casual eateries & services.

Aurora, CO|4
GymPhoto of VASA Fitness — Gymvia Google Maps

VASA Fitness

Aurora, CO|4
Nature PreservePhoto of Aurora Reservoir — Nature PreserveOur original photo

Aurora Reservoir

Over 800 acres of water for fishing, swimming & nonmotorized boating, plus drinking-water storage.

Aurora, CO|5
Italian RestaurantPhoto of Carrabba's Italian Grill — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.

Aurora, CO|4
Barbecue RestaurantPhoto of Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que — Barbecue Restaurantvia Google Maps

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.

Aurora, CO|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Iliff Crossings Shopping Center — Shopping Mall

Iliff Crossings Shopping Center

Aurora, CO|4
SupermarketPhoto of Arash International Market — Supermarketvia Google Maps

Arash International Market

Market specializing in food items & spices from Persia, along with lots of fresh produce.

Aurora, CO|4
Garden CenterPhoto of Nick's Garden Center & Farm Market — Garden Centervia Google Maps

Nick's Garden Center & Farm Market

Neighborhood nursery with everything plant- and seed-related, plus a farmer's market with produce.

Aurora, CO|5
ParkPhoto of Del Mar Park — Park

Del Mar Park

Spacious city park featuring sports courts & fields, an outdoor pool, playground & adult rec center.

Aurora, CO|4
Sports BarPhoto of Legends of Aurora Sports Grill — Sports Barvia Google Maps

Legends of Aurora Sports Grill

Diverse menu plus poker, pool, karaoke, bingo & flat-screen TVs draws families & sports fans alike.

Aurora, CO|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Arapahoe Crossings — Shopping Mall

Arapahoe Crossings

Indoor retail center with familiar shopping venues & eateries, plus a mainstream movie house.

Aurora, CO|4