Top 12 Free Things to Do in Aurora

• Various hiking trails in and around Aurora, including Cherry Creek State Park and the Aurora Reservoir.

History and Significance:

• These trails offer outdoor enthusiasts opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Colorado and enjoy outdoor recreation.

What to Expect:

• Scenic trails suitable for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. Some trails may lead to beautiful reservoirs.

Visitor Information:

• Trails vary in difficulty, so choose one that suits your fitness level. Be prepared with water and proper gear.

Lace up your boots and venture out on Aurora’s many miles of trails winding through prairies, wetlands and foothills free-of-charge. Spot herons stalking the ponds and grasslands blanketed in wildflowers along the Sand Creek Greenway. Or ascend into pine-scented forests and be rewarded with panoramic views on segments of the Alderfer/Three Sisters trail network. History buffs will appreciate interpretation of the High Line Canal fringed by mature cottonwood trees, hand-dug by settlers in the 1860s. Families can bring bikes to traverse gently rolling paths connecting play areas perfect for picnicking and letting kids burn off energy.

Relax in Nature

Name and Location:

• Various parks and green spaces in Aurora, such as Utah Park and DeLaney Farm Historic Park.

History and Significance:

• These natural spaces provide residents and visitors with peaceful places to unwind and connect with nature.

What to Expect:

• Tranquil settings for picnics, meditation, and enjoying the outdoors amidst Colorado’s stunning landscapes.

Visitor Information:

• Pack a picnic, bring a book, or simply enjoy the serenity of these green spaces.

Escape into the peaceful tranquility of the great outdoors at Aurora’s myriad parks and open spaces. Spread out a blanket on the endless grass lawns of Fitzgerald Park for cloud-gazing and daydreaming. Wade into cool ponds in search of frogs and turtles at the wildlife haven of Coal Creek Crossing Open Space. Grab binoculars and meander through prairie meadows bright with colorful wildflowers spotting feathered residents at Aurora Hills Natural Area. As the sun sets, stick around for potential coyote sightings and awe-inspiring starry night skies.

Attend Community Events

Name and Location:

• Various community events and festivals held in Aurora throughout the year.

History and Significance:

• These events showcase the city’s vibrant culture, diversity, and community spirit.

What to Expect:

• Festivals, concerts, and gatherings that celebrate art, culture, and local traditions.

Visitor Information:

• Check the city’s event calendar for upcoming community events and their locations.

Aurora comes alive with festive energy thanks to abundant community events happening year-round. Groove to live music and fill up on tasty bites from food trucks at summer festivals. In winter, get into holiday spirit ice skating hand-in-hand under twinkling lights. When weather warms up, stretch out on a lawn hosting free outdoor movies or concerts. Don’t miss film screenings paired with food offerings reflecting diverse cultures during Global Fest at Aurora Municipal Center’s grassy amphitheater. Art aficionados will love the First Friday Art Walk each month, wandering downtown galleries showcasing rising creative talents.

Tour Public Art

Name and Location:

• Public art installations scattered throughout Aurora, including sculptures and murals.

History and Significance:

• Aurora’s commitment to public art enhances the city’s aesthetic appeal and cultural vibrancy.

What to Expect:

• A self-guided tour of artistic creations that contribute to the city’s unique character.

Visitor Information:

• Pick up a map of public art locations at the Aurora Cultural Arts District or explore on your own.

Aurora is an open-air art museum thanks to thought-provoking murals, intriguing sculptures and creative displays installed across the city’s public spaces. Snap an iconic selfie with The Traveler 12-foot tall mirrored stainless steel statue of a modern nomadic man at Denver International Airport. Along the High Line Canal, keep an eye out for Artful Audacity showcasing works inspired by area heritage. Enjoy a walking tour to take in the RiNo Arts District’s colorful rotation of eye-catching graffiti. Didn’t get your fill? Aurora Fox Arts Center offers free public receptions during new gallery exhibitions.

Disc Golf at Local Parks

Name and Location:

• Disc golf courses in various parks across Aurora, such as Expo Park and Centre Hills Disc Golf Course.

History and Significance:

• Disc golf is a popular recreational activity that combines the principles of golf with throwing a flying disc.

What to Expect:

• Challenging and enjoyable rounds of disc golf in scenic park settings, suitable for all skill levels.

Visitor Information:

• Bring your own discs or rent them at some courses. Check park websites for course details.

Practice your putting and driving skills playing rounds across Aurora’s scenic disc golf courses completely free. Utah Park delivers elevation changes and long holes suited for casual matches between friends. Saddle Rock winds along Bear Creek backed by dramatic Flatiron mountainscapes – just bring your own flying disc to play. Looking for competition? Show off talents honed at Aurora Reservoir challenging layout during Doubles League nights under glowing lights. Novices are also welcome to learn while borrowing discs provided by the parks department.

Denver Zoo

Name and Location:

• Denver Zoo, located a short drive from Aurora at 2300 Steele St, Denver, Colorado.

History and Significance:

• A beloved institution known for its conservation efforts and diverse collection of animals from around the world.

What to Expect:

• An exciting day exploring animal exhibits, educational programs, and interactive experiences for all ages.

Visitor Information:

• Check the zoo’s website for hours of operation, admission fees, and special events.

Lions, tigers and bears – oh my! Be wowed by exotic creatures from around the globe without paying premium prices thanks to free days at the nearby Denver Zoo. Every November, the zoo opens its doors without charge in honor of the community that has supported their important mission of animal conservation for over 100 years. Go wild spotting playful ape antics, chilling with lazy sloths, and visiting the showstopping new tropics habitat hosting everything from tiny tamarin monkeys to massive elephants.

Dine at Brewery Taprooms

Name and Location:

• Various brewery taprooms in Aurora, offering craft beer and delicious food.

History and Significance:

• Aurora’s craft brewery scene is growing, contributing to the city’s culinary and cultural diversity.

What to Expect:

• A taste of locally brewed beer, often accompanied by food menus that complement the brews.

Visitor Information:

• Explore Aurora’s brewery trail and check individual taproom websites for hours and menus.

Skip pricey eateries and pull up a seat at one of Aurora’s outstanding brewpubs offering fresh menus to pair with their house-crafted beers, wines and spirits on tap. Sip a pint of smooth golden lager while grazing on duck poutine and truffle fries on Dry Dock Brewing Company’s sunny patio. At Launch Pad Brewery, battle buddies pair lighter Freedom’s Falcon IPA with hearty pub sandwiches in an aviation-themed taproom. Insurance is totally covered at Coppertail Brewing thanks to solid brews plus wood-fired pizzas and heaping salads. Arrive hungry to fill up without emptying your wallet.

Open Mic Nights

Name and Location:

• Various venues in Aurora hosting open mic nights, showcasing local talent.

History and Significance:

• Open mic nights are a platform for emerging artists to share their music, poetry, and more.

What to Expect:

• An evening of entertainment, where you can enjoy live performances and discover local talent.

Visitor Information:

• Check with local venues for their open mic night schedules and any admission requirements.

Discover fresh talent taking centre stage for open mic events at venues around Aurora when performers of all skill levels are welcome. Rookie rappers, poets, comics and musicians alike congregate to workshop still-raw content on The People’s Building’s floorboards. Never Taken Second provides a safe creative space for novices looking to overcome stage fright during low-pressure evenings. Or tap toes to eclectic local picks from the playlist of student DJs spinning free-form beats at Community College of Aurora’s radio station.

Fitness in the Parks

Name and Location:

• Outdoor fitness programs held in Aurora parks and green spaces.

History and Significance:

• These programs promote health and wellness, fostering a sense of community.

What to Expect:

• Group fitness classes, yoga sessions, and outdoor workouts in a natural setting.

Visitor Information:

• Some programs may require pre-registration, while others are open to drop-ins. Check schedules online.

Embrace the athlete within and let Aurora’s great outdoors provide your workout needs completely free. Multi-use regional trails give runners ample mile markers for distance training beside serene scenery. Wheel Pit bike park caters to enthusiastic cyclists with dirt track loops, ramps and obstacles to session surrounded by nature’s views. Yogis unwind flowing through sun salutations against scenic backdrops of open prairie skies or foothills vistas. For team sports practice, take advantage of numerous park fields and courts ready for casual soccer, basketball or tennis matches.

Prairie Gateway Preserve

Name and Location:

• Prairie Gateway Preserve, a natural area located in Aurora.

History and Significance:

• Preserving and showcasing the beauty of Colorado’s prairie landscapes and native flora and fauna.

What to Expect:

• Scenic trails, birdwatching, and a peaceful environment for connecting with nature.

Visitor Information:

• Free admission. Trails are open for hiking and wildlife observation.

Step back in time wandering peaceful acres of rare tallgrass prairie remnants at Prairie Gateway Preserve, where gold waves sway just as settlers saw centuries ago. Download the informative digital Tree Trail Guide to identify diverse flora along the paths. Kids can inspect the pond inhabitants like turtles and fish up close from an educational viewing dock while you picnic on tasty bites surrounded by unfamiliar flowers in vibrant hues. Informative guided tours occur monthly to highlight ongoing conservation efforts protecting this unique landscape.

Aurora History Museum

Name and Location:

• Aurora History Museum, located at 15051 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, Colorado.

History and Significance:

• Preserving and sharing the history of Aurora and its role in the growth of the Denver metro area.

What to Expect:

• Engaging exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that offer insights into the city’s past.

Visitor Information:

• Check the museum’s website for current exhibits, hours of operation, and admission details.

Delve into Aurora’s past with engaging multimedia exhibits at the free-to-enter Aurora History Museum centrally located downtown. Peruse black and white images chronicling the city’s origins as dusty cowtowns morphed into today’s expansive suburbs. Kids can dress up wild west-style at an interactive homesteading area and climb aboard a 19th century fire truck. After uncovering artifacts in the basement archival stacks, step through regional art showcases spanning classical paintings from the WPA era to Native American pottery in a hidden gem just blocks from bustling Colfax Avenue.

Wildlife Viewing

Name and Location:

• Opportunities for wildlife viewing in Aurora’s natural areas, parks, and open spaces.

History and Significance:

• Aurora’s diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a variety of wildlife species.

What to Expect:

• Birdwatching, observing local fauna, and discovering the beauty of Colorado’s natural world.

Visitor Information:

• Bring binoculars and a camera for the best wildlife viewing experience. Respect wildlife and their habitats.

Grab binoculars and cameras to search for wild creatures that call Aurora’s natural areas home without paying prime safari prices. Spot majestic hawks and eagles soaring above open fields along the High Line Canal. Rise early and tiptoe through wooded wetlands as the chorus of songbirds echoes and busy beavers stir at Cherry Creek State Park. At sunset in the prairie, keep watch for elusive mammals like coyotes and mule deer meandering into the golden light. Your odds increase even more when venturing onto wildlife photography tours of unique ecosystems guided by experienced naturalists.