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

ParkPhoto of Jewell Wetlands Park — Park

Jewell Wetlands Park

A habitat for diverse wildlife, this conservation area offers trails & a butterfly garden.

Aurora, CO|5
Sporting Goods StorePhoto of Big 5 Sporting Goods — Sporting Goods Storevia Google Maps

Big 5 Sporting Goods

Chain retailer providing a full range of sporting & outdoor equipment, shoes & apparel.

Aurora, CO|4
Japanese RestaurantPhoto of Leezakaya — Japanese Restaurantvia Google Maps

Leezakaya

Aurora, CO|5
Sports Activity LocationPhoto of Moorhead Recreation Center — Sports Activity Locationvia Google Maps

Moorhead Recreation Center

Aurora, CO|5
Irish PubPhoto of Sheabeens Irish Pub — Irish Pubvia Google Maps

Sheabeens Irish Pub

This long-running, family-owned joint in a strip mall offers pizza & sandwiches, plus live music.

Aurora, CO|4
Steak HousePhoto of Old Hickory Steakhouse — Steak Housevia Google Maps

Old Hickory Steakhouse

A menu featuring classic steakhouse dishes, sides, & cocktails in a modern, tavern-style setting.

Aurora, CO|4
Event VenuePhoto of Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center — Event Venuevia Google Maps

Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center

Aurora, CO|4
ParkPhoto of Horseshoe Park — ParkOur original photo

Horseshoe Park

A creek & trails run through this narrow 10-mile park with a horseshoe shape & baseball diamonds.

Aurora, CO|4
Amusement ParkPhoto of Slick City Action Park — Amusement Parkvia Google Maps

Slick City Action Park

Aurora, CO|5
Italian RestaurantPhoto of Bettola Bistro — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Bettola Bistro

Aurora, CO|5
GymPhoto of Chuze Fitness — Gymvia Google Maps

Chuze Fitness

Aurora, CO|5
LibraryPhoto of Aurora Public Library (Central) — Libraryvia Google Maps

Aurora Public Library (Central)

Aurora, CO|4
BarPhoto of Whispers On Havana — Bar

Whispers On Havana

Relaxed, family-run watering hole offering karaoke nights & comfort grub like burgers & green chili.

Aurora, CO|4
Department StorePhoto of HomeGoods — Department Storevia Google Maps

HomeGoods

Home-decor chain stocking a variety of furnishings, bedding, kitchenware, holiday goods & more.

Aurora, CO|4
Indoor PlaygroundPhoto of Go Bonkers — Indoor Playgroundvia Google Maps

Go Bonkers

Aurora, CO|5
Hot Pot RestaurantPhoto of Bong Bong Hot Pot — Hot Pot Restaurantvia Google Maps

Bong Bong Hot Pot

Aurora, CO|5
GymPhoto of Planet Fitness — Gymvia Google Maps

Planet Fitness

Aurora, CO|4
Nature PreservePhoto of Plains Conservation Center (Visitor Center) — Nature PreserveOur original photo

Plains Conservation Center (Visitor Center)

Natural area with a reconstructed prairie homestead & Cheyenne camp, hiking trails & public events.

Aurora, CO|5
ChurchPhoto of Colorado Community Church — Churchvia Google Maps

Colorado Community Church

Aurora, CO|5
RestaurantPhoto of bb.q Chicken Village on the Park (Aurora) — Restaurantvia Google Maps

bb.q Chicken Village on the Park (Aurora)

Aurora, CO|4