Things to Do in Aurora Colorado: 17 Best Attractions (Local Guide 2026)

Looking for things to do in Aurora Colorado? This guide covers 17 best Aurora Colorado attractions from outdoor recreation to cultural experiences. Aurora sits just east of Denver as Colorado’s third-largest city, but most visitors skip it entirely—heading straight to Denver or the mountains.

That’s a mistake. Aurora things to do include Cherry Creek State Park’s 880 acres, Stanley Marketplace’s local artisan scene, authentic Ethiopian restaurants (one of America’s largest communities), and six public golf courses. Whether you’re searching for fun things to do in Aurora CO or wondering what to do in Aurora Colorado, this local guide covers the best activities and hidden gems.

Aurora Colorado Attractions: Quick Picks

1. Cherry Creek State Park

Massive 880-acre reservoir surrounded by prairie landscape offers swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking trails. The park functions as Aurora’s outdoor recreation hub—essentially everything outdoor in one location.

Summer weekends pack the swim beach and boat ramps by 10am. Arrive early or visit weekdays for easier parking and quieter trails. The 12-mile paved trail around the reservoir works perfectly for cycling or running with consistent views.

2. Paddleboard Yoga with Balance Yoga

Yoga on a stand-up paddleboard floating on Cherry Creek Reservoir. Balance Yoga runs these classes five days weekly during warm months. The core workout exceeds regular yoga—every pose requires constant micro-adjustments to stay balanced on floating board.

No prior paddleboard experience needed but yoga experience helps. Classes include board rental, instruction, and wetsuit if water’s cold. Expect to fall in—everyone does. That’s part of the fun.

3. Horseback Riding at 12 Mile Stables

Trail rides through Cherry Creek State Park on well-trained horses suitable for all experience levels. Kids as young as three can ride with adults. The Sunset and Dinner Ride combines 1-2 hour horseback ride with BBQ dinner and sunset views—book this one ahead as it fills fast.

Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Bring sunscreen and water. Horses are gentle and guides accommodate nervous first-timers. Weight limit is 250 pounds per rider.

4. Punchbowl Social

Restaurant-arcade-bowling alley hybrid with “dirty modern” aesthetic. Scratch kitchen serves elevated comfort food while bowling lanes, karaoke, pinball, and vintage arcade games provide entertainment. The vibe mixes industrial with quirky—exposed brick, reclaimed wood, neon signs.

Weekends get packed—arrive before 6pm or make reservations. Bowling lanes book fast Friday-Saturday nights. Food’s actually good (not typical bowling alley fare). Try the Nashville hot chicken sandwich or truffle mac and cheese.

5. Southlands Shopping

Outdoor lifestyle center designed like small-town Main Street with mix of boutiques, big-box stores, and restaurants. The “high-end small-town charm” aesthetic creates walkable shopping district. CycleBar, pottery painting studios, and dine-in movie theater complement traditional retail.

Dining ranges from gastropubs to upscale sushi. Good lunch options include The Keg Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, or Oregano’s Pizza. Saturday afternoons bring live music to the plaza during summer months. Free parking throughout.

6. Aurora Reservoir

One of Colorado’s largest city parks surrounding 820-acre reservoir. State-record walleye and smallmouth bass caught here attract serious anglers. Swimming beach, paddleboarding, kayaking available summer months. Hiking and biking trails circle the lake with scenic mountain views.

Archery range offers target practice with equipment rentals available. The 8.5-mile lake loop trail works for easy hiking or trail running on mostly flat terrain. Less crowded than Cherry Creek despite similar amenities.

7. Plains Conservation Center

Living history museum and nature preserve showcasing Colorado prairie life past and present. Explore 1,100 acres with Rocky Mountain views, historic homestead village replica, and reconstructed tipi camp. Nature center provides trail maps and information about local flora and fauna.

Special programs include moonlight hikes, prairie ghost stories, and wildlife tracking workshops. Hiking trails cross native grasslands where bald eagles, coyotes, and pronghorn roam. Free admission makes this excellent family activity on budget.

8. Vintage Theatre

Intimate live theater with no bad seats—every performance feels up-close and personal. The bar creates themed cocktails matching each production for immersive experience. Productions range from musicals to dramas to comedies throughout the year.

Small venue means shows sell out. Book tickets ahead especially for opening weekends. Arrive 30 minutes early to grab drinks and settle in. The intimate setting creates connection with performers you won’t get at larger theaters.

9. Volcano Tea House

Taiwanese restaurant and bubble tea shop designed for Instagram with modern geometric pastels and enormous angel wings wall. The aesthetic is stunning—every corner offers photo opportunities. Come for the pictures, stay for bubble tea and pot stickers.

Food menu includes Taiwanese classics like beef noodle soup, fried chicken, and dumplings. Bubble tea comes in dozens of flavors with customizable sweetness and ice levels. Weekends bring crowds of people photographing the wings—visit weekday afternoons for easier access.

10. Stanley Marketplace

Converted aviation manufacturing facility now housing 50+ locally-owned businesses. Stanley’s offers boutiques, restaurants, craft beer hall, yoga studio, and urban garden all under one historic roof. The industrial-chic vibe feels authentically Colorado.

Weekend mornings are ideal for browsing without crowds. Multiple coffee shops offer good caffeine stops. Restaurant options include ramen, pizza, tacos, and barbecue. Punchbowl Social anchors the entertainment side. Free parking lot rarely fills completely.

11. Aurora Hills Golf Course

Aurora’s oldest public course dating to 1969 with four tee sets accommodating all skill levels. Well-maintained greens and scenic layout make it local favorite. Tin Cup restaurant serves post-round meals and drinks with solid pub food.

Aurora operates six public courses total—you could golf different course daily for nearly a week. Aurora Hills stands out for consistent conditions and friendly staff. Book tee times online to guarantee preferred times especially weekends.

12. Aurora History Museum

Free cultural center showcasing Aurora’s development from agricultural community to Colorado’s third-largest city. Exhibits include fully restored 1913 trolley car, historical artifacts, and “A Mosaic of Cultures” highlighting Aurora’s Ethiopian community—one of largest in United States.

Takes 60-90 minutes to explore thoroughly. Rotating exhibits keep content fresh for repeat visitors. Kids enjoy the hands-on displays and trolley car. Good rainy day option or culture break between outdoor activities.

13. Arapahoe Park Racing

Live thoroughbred horse racing weekends during summer months (May-August). Free admission to grandstand with betting windows throughout facility. Concession stands serve snacks and drinks. The excitement of watching horses thunder around track beats watching on TV.

First-time bettors can ask staff for help understanding odds and placing bets. Minimum bets typically $2. Bring binoculars for better views from grandstand. Dress casual—this isn’t Kentucky Derby formality.

14. Colorado Freedom Memorial

Powerful memorial honoring nearly 6,000 Colorado service members who died in military service. Jagged glass panels symbolize Rocky Mountain peaks with names etched throughout. Dedicated in 2013, the memorial creates moving experience walking through glass reflecting fallen heroes.

Open 24/7 with lighting after dark. Respectful quiet atmosphere appropriate for reflection. Takes 20-30 minutes to walk through and read inscriptions. Veterans Day and Memorial Day see special ceremonies.

15. Aurora Fox Arts Center

Professional theater company in Aurora’s Cultural Arts District operating since 1946. Two stages offer different experiences—242-seat main theater for large productions, intimate 72-seat studio for experimental works. Productions emphasize underrepresented voices and diverse perspectives.

Season runs year-round with rotating shows every 6-8 weeks. Award-winning performances rival Denver theater district quality at lower prices. Book ahead for popular shows. Located on East Colfax with free parking lot.

16. Tables Restaurant

Upscale New American cuisine using farm-to-table ingredients in charming atmosphere. Zagat-rated 4.5 stars for consistently excellent food. Outdoor patio offers pleasant dining warm months. The pei mussels with fennel, celery root, and grilled sourdough are signature dish.

Menu changes seasonally based on ingredient availability. Entrees $25-40 range. Wine list is curated and strong. Make reservations especially weekends—intimate space fills quickly. Expect 90-minute leisurely meal pacing.

17. Denver International Airport (Bonus)

You’re flying through Denver anyway—might as well explore the architecture and infamous art. The white peaked roof mimics snow-covered Rocky Mountains and ranked #4 on American Institute of Architects’ favorite American landmarks. USA Today named it “Best Airport for Art” in 2013.

Vibrant murals throughout terminals sparked conspiracy theories about apocalyptic meanings—research online for entertaining rabbit hole. Look for “Notre Denver” bronze gargoyles in baggage claim watching over luggage. The 32-foot Blue Mustang sculpture with glowing red eyes earned nickname “Blucifer” and killed its creator during installation, adding to creepy reputation.

Planning Your Visit: Aurora CO Things to Do Guide

Getting to Aurora from Denver: Aurora borders Denver’s eastern edge—technically you can walk between cities. Most Aurora attractions sit 15-30 minutes from downtown Denver via I-225 or E Colfax Avenue. RTD light rail connects downtown Denver to multiple Aurora stations.

Best time to visit: Summer (June-August) offers warmest weather for reservoir activities and outdoor events. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds. Winter works fine for indoor attractions but some outdoor activities close seasonally.

Parking: Generally easy and free throughout Aurora. Shopping centers, parks, and most attractions offer ample free parking. Downtown Denver’s paid parking headaches don’t exist here.

Ethiopian food: Aurora hosts one of America’s largest Ethiopian communities. Multiple authentic Ethiopian restaurants cluster along Havana Street and East Colfax. Try Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant or Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant for traditional injera and wat.

Safety: Aurora has mixed reputation but most tourist areas are perfectly safe during daylight. Cherry Creek State Park, Stanley Marketplace, Southlands, and attractions listed here welcome families. Use normal urban precautions—lock cars, don’t leave valuables visible.

Things to Do in Aurora CO: Common Questions

What are the best things to do in Aurora Colorado?
Top Aurora Colorado attractions include Cherry Creek State Park for outdoor recreation, Stanley Marketplace for local shopping and dining, Aurora Reservoir for fishing and water sports, Plains Conservation Center for prairie history, and the Aurora History Museum. These activities cover outdoor, cultural, and family-friendly options.

What are fun things to do in Aurora CO?
Fun activities include paddleboard yoga on Cherry Creek Reservoir, snow tubing at Punchbowl Social, horseback riding at 12 Mile Stables, live racing at Arapahoe Park, and exploring the Instagram-worthy Volcano Tea House. These offer unique experiences beyond typical tourist activities.

What to do in Aurora Colorado for free?
Free Aurora activities include Aurora History Museum, Colorado Freedom Memorial, hiking Peninsula Trail at Cherry Creek, exploring Stanley Marketplace, and visiting Plains Conservation Center (donations accepted). Many parks charge vehicle fees but pedestrian/bike access is free.

Is Aurora Colorado worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want Colorado experiences without Denver crowds and prices. Aurora offers 880-acre Cherry Creek State Park, authentic Ethiopian food scene, local artisan marketplace, and easy access to Denver International Airport. It’s particularly good for outdoor recreation and cultural diversity.

How far is Aurora from Denver?
Aurora borders Denver’s eastern edge—you can literally walk between cities. Most Aurora attractions sit 15-30 minutes from downtown Denver via I-225 or East Colfax Avenue. RTD light rail connects downtown Denver to multiple Aurora stations.

What is Aurora Colorado known for?
Aurora is known for Cherry Creek State Park, Denver International Airport (technically in Aurora), one of America’s largest Ethiopian communities, diverse population, and being Colorado’s third-largest city. It’s also home to major military installations including Buckley Space Force Base.