9 Things to Do in Aurora, as Recommended by the Locals

Although it’s considered a suburb of Denver, Aurora, CO, is the third largest city in the state, with a population of over 380,000. Aurora was home to the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Ute, and Sioux peoples until the silver boom of the 1880s brought European settlers to the area. In the early 20th century, the city was known primarily as an agricultural community because of its fertile plains, perfect for farming and cattle ranching. The city began to boom, however, in the 1940s when the establishment of military bases in the area brought a large number of military personnel and their families. By the 70s and 80s, it had become one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. 

Aurora’s quaint, tree-lined streets and dramatic views of the majestic Rocky mountains provide the setting for a diverse and welcoming population (in fact, Aurora proudly claims the title of the most diverse city in Colorado), vibrant culture, and solid economy. With all that rich history and culture comes an inviting atmosphere offering attractions for all ages and interests! 

For people who are unacquainted with the city, figuring out what they should see and do might take some serious research, so we asked some of the residents for their suggestions. Read on to discover what exciting activities the locals recommend during your stay in Aurora, Colorado!  

1. Enjoy the beauty of the Plains Conservation Center  

“Whether you’re looking for a permanent destination, staycation, or just visiting, Aurora is home to a variety of top activities to enjoy,” says Layne Fernandes, photographer and owner of local studio La Dolce Vita Photography.  

“Aurora has visibly grown in the past decade with more homes, embracing new cultures from other states and abroad. You can be a busy bee or simply enjoy calm and quiet while in town. As an Aurora resident for two and a half decades and a photography studio owner, I am honored to share the natural beauty of Aurora (and its astounding 300-plus days of sunshine) with families from all over to enjoy a memory-making session with us!” 

“One of the most popular places to go for an outdoor adventure is the Plains Conservation Center. Not only is it a beautiful backdrop, but it’s also a fascinating place to go and learn about the natural history, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the Colorado plains. They offer guided tours, miles and miles of hiking trails, and a historic farm site featuring several historical buildings dating back to the 1800s. Tour the schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and farmhouse for a peek at what life was like for the early settlers living and working on the plains!” 

2. Marvel at the magic of the sunflower fields 

Grace Clawson, photographer, videographer, FAA-certified drone pilot, and owner of Captured with Grace Photography, gave us another tip on where to snap some great memories. “Start your journey by visiting the stunning sunflower fields near Denver International Airport,” she says. “It’s a picturesque spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike!” It’s important to note that this awe-inspiring property is actually privately owned by the airport and leased by a farmer who plants the sunflower crop, so walking through the fields and touching the flowers is prohibited. You can, however, pull up and park on the road next to the field to take pics. 

3. Spend a day at Stanley Marketplace 

Stanley Marketplace, formerly Stanley Aviation Corp., is the proud home of over 50 independently owned Colorado businesses. You’ll find pretty much everything there, from cute boutiques and home décor shops to wellness and fitness services. It’s a great spot to bring the fam, too. Stanley is home to Tattered Cover Kids, an offshoot of Tattered Cover, one of the most beloved Colorado institutions for bibliophiles, and Mindcraft Makerspace, a toy store featuring STEM kits, arts and crafts, and much more.  

As you might expect, the Marketplace also houses a wide variety of restaurants, bars, artisanal markets, and sweet shops. While the Marketplace is home to a diverse mix of fun stuff to eat and buy, it’s way more than that! The calendar of events is seriously packed full of fantastic stuff to see and do. For example, there’s a summer music series, live jazz, cooking classes, film showings, yoga and puppy rescue (yes, together), art exhibits, and drag bingo! 

4. Embark on an adventure at Cherry Creek State Park  

“As a photographer that has lived in Aurora, CO, for the better part of 30 years, I can tell you that it’s a great place with plenty of things to do for just about anyone,” says Elvis Sherman, photographer and owner of Denver Pro Headshots. “It’s a diverse community ready for people with diverse interests!  It’s a city, but you can still enjoy the outdoors. There are great places for adults to enjoy, but you can also bring your family. If you were visiting Aurora, then I would have to recommend a day at Cherry Creek State Park. I visit it at least a few times a year to enjoy some macro photography.”   

The park is enormous and surrounds the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, where you can go boating, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding. It’s a really popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. In addition to the water activities, Cherry Creek features over 35 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. There are picnic areas and campgrounds if you want to make a weekend of it! The park has wetlands, prairie grasslands, and cottonwood groves, so you’ll be sharing the park with a plethora of wildlife in their natural habitat. 

Good to know: The park is open year-round, but you’ll want to check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for updates on water quality and fire bans or to get park passes or a license if you plan on fishing. 

5. Check out the local microbrews  

“If you enjoy craft breweries, then Colorado is a great place for you, and that includes Aurora!” says Sherman. “There are plenty of establishments to choose from that serve great custom beers, and probably no less than a dozen in the Aurora area.  Most microbreweries are also restaurants, not just bars. That means you can feel comfortable enjoying a family dinner at the same time.”  

With so many breweries sharing the city, it may be overwhelming to pick just one or two (or three) to try—but never fear—this year marks the inaugural “Aurora Brews Cruise!” Armed with your trusty collectible pint glass and custom map (which you’ll receive when you sign up at a participating brewery), you’ll collect stamps for your map from each brewery you visit when you buy a drink. Once you’ve completed your map, you can leave it at your final brewery destination to enter a drawing to win awesome brewery-related prizes! 

6. Visit the Aurora History Museum 

Bill Watson, local real estate broker and CEO of YourHomeSoldGuaranteed Realty, had a couple of family-friendly suggestions for fun things to do in Aurora, including visiting the Aurora History Museum. Dedicated to sharing the stories that make up the rich history of Aurora, the museum has a variety of exhibits covering a range of topics, including the early settlers and pioneers of the area, the city’s growth and development, noteworthy events and milestones, and the diverse cultural communities that have shaped the city. They also have rotating exhibits highlighting different aspects of the history and culture of Aurora.  

In addition to the exhibits, you’ll find educational programs, events, and activities like guided tours, workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities. Researchers and genealogists will appreciate the research library and archives, too.  

Good to know: The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. It’s closed on Mondays.  

7. Commune with nature at the Morrison Nature Center 

Located in the 200-acre Star K Ranch Park, the Morrison Nature Center offers interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. You can hike the trails, explore the wetlands and riparian areas, and embark on guided nature walks and wildlife viewing, where you may see mule deer, snapping turtles, painted turtles, and coyotes. The park is also an excellent spot for birdwatching! Look closely; you may spot red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, great horned owls, and blue jays.  

With a focus on conservation and environmental stewardship, the center also hosts educational workshops and themed events throughout the year where you’ll learn about the local flora, fauna, geology, and ecology of the South Platte River Valley in which the center resides. 

Good to know: While the trails are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, the center hours vary by season, so it’s best to call ahead to plan your trip.  

8. Immerse yourself in the arts 

One of the highlights of Aurora’s arts and culture scene is the Aurora Cultural Arts District (ADAD). This 16-block area in the historic commercial corridor features several indoor and outdoor performance venues, studios, and galleries hosting live music, theater and dance productions, art exhibitions, and more. The ACAD aims to support and showcase local living artists and performers through a wide variety of activities like exhibitions, live performances, festivals, workshops, and other cultural events throughout the year.  

9. Party at Global Fest 

About 1 in 5 people in Aurora are foreign-born, and more than 160 languages are spoken in the city’s schools. If you’re lucky enough to be in Aurora during Global Fest, you get to celebrate them all! This incredible annual festival is on its 11th year of celebrating all the international cultures represented in the city through food, performances, and lots more. 

 You’ll find an international marketplace, art displays, musical and dance performances on two stages, a fashion show, creative activities for the kids, and a huge variety of local food trucks. One of the biggest highlights of the festival is the parade of nations in which Aurora residents gather to carry the flag of their countries from the Municipal Center onto the main stage and through the Great Lawn. Almost 60 flags are held in the parade by someone living in Aurora representing that country. Not only is it visually stunning, but a moving testament to the city’s diversity. 

Enjoy Aurora!

This list of suggestions is just a few examples of the exciting things that Aurora has to offer, and once you explore the city, you’ll love it just as much as we do! From its expansive prairies to its bustling nightlife, Aurora has something for everyone. And with its fantastic diversity of residents, you’ll never run out of things to learn or delicious food to try. Visit Aurora and see for yourself!