Summer is here, and Aurora is filled with exciting, memorable, and creative activities for the whole family.
Explore Rocky Mountain views, waterparks, the best ice cream spots, horseback riding, and more perfect summer activities for kids of all ages.
Day at the Beach
Colorado might be a landlocked state, but you can still enjoy the white sand beaches of the Aurora Reservoir. Bring the kids (and plenty of sunscreen) and head out early to this hidden gem. Splash in the clear blue water, rent one of their standup paddleboards for a bit of adventure or bring your bikes to cruise the 8-mile bike trail. Feel free to pack a picnic! Cherry Creek State Park is home to 880 acres of freshwater. Explore kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and even boating on this massive water oasis. If you're looking for a local's secret, head to Quincy Reservoir for a peaceful retreat and the best fishing and bird watching in Aurora.
Ride into the Sunset
Experience Aurora’s natural landscape like a true local – on horseback! 12 Mile Stables sides on over 3,300 acres of the seemingly untouched prairie landscape. Gather the family for a guided horseback tour across the 27 miles of riding trails. While this activity is ideal for older children, 12 Miles Stables has Pony Rides for younger kids. See hours and prices on their website.
Explore an indoor amusement area bound to leave your kids jumping higher. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Parl is the ultimate indoor playground with trampolines, go-karts, VR simulations, suspended playgrounds, climbing walls, ropes courses, and so much more. Have the kids race each other on the warrior-style racecourse or battle on the suspended play areas for ultimate in-air action. Reserve your spot today online.
Experience the countless hours of fun that Defy Denver has to offer, perfect for a rainy day. This trampoline park is enjoyable for kids and teens looking to jump higher, explore ropes courses, or practice gymnastics. Kids can soar through the air in the extreme dodgeball arena, climb above the foam pit, or hit the trapeze bar.
This is the ultimate indoor playground with activities for toddlers to adults, and everyone in between. Play, jump, slide, explore, and get your heart rate up at this world-class adventure park.
On the ground floor of Town Center at Aurora, this arcade slash fun family center is the perfect place to park the kids while you engage in retail therapy. From arcade and skill games to mini-golf and so much more, Ka-Ko Jo's will have you beating the heat... and the high score of your favorite game.
Friend Assembly provides various classes, camps, and open studio sessions for aspiring ceramists. Immerse yourself in their guided open studio to master hands-on clay, glaze, and firing techniques.
For adults looking to unwind, Different Strokes Paint n’ Sip Studio offers the ideal setting for a date night or a great time with friends. Enjoy guided painting sessions, craft workshops, or DIY open studios! Relax, paint, and sip without the little ones in tow.
We Scream for Ice Cream
Between Banned Boba, Ice Cream Las Mariposas, Snowl, and so many more, there are plenty of places to grab an ice cream or another sweet treat. Try something trendy at Milkroll Creamery and be blown away by the unique flavors and cuteness. For shaved ice and other creative concoctions, be sure to visit Kwench in the Southlands.
Dine on the Patio
With warmer weather here, it's prime time for picnics or patio lounging while enjoying the summer breeze! Whether gathering friends or enjoying a family outing, discover Aurora's finest picnic spots and top outdoor dining locales to soak in the sunshine.
Water Fun for Everyone
Race down one of two water slides or test your courage off the high dive at Del Mar Aquatic Center. Operated by the City of Aurora, Del Mar has a full water playground, diving boards, water slides, and lots of places to play. Get there early to snag a covered cabana to beat the heat. Admission prices are very reasonable ($5 per person and under) and last all day. For more public pools in Aurora, please visit this link.
Explore the indoor/outdoor pools at Gaylord Rockies in Aurora. Hotel guests are welcome to enjoy the lazy river throughout the summer months or race down the water slide (don't worry - it's timed so everyone can compete). Between lap pools, water features, and whirlpools, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Read more about water fun in Aurora.
Discover Wildlife
Wherever you’re in Aurora, you’re never too far from wildlife. Take a hike at the Pronghorn Natural Area at sunset to look for pronghorn deer and red fox darting in between the tall grass. Spend an afternoon at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge to see American bison roaming the plains right from your car. Get up early and make the trip to The Wild Animal Sanctuary to view tigers and lions rescued from captivity.
Out and About
Aurora is filled with unique stops and must-sees that are perfect (and perfectly priced) for families. Check out these options.
Explore how flight and aviation have shaped history at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Open daily, this nationally recognized museum is a hub for innovation, education, and events. With rotating exhibits and an airplane hangar filled with iconic aircraft, families can easily fill the day.
This aviation factory-turned-marketplace is filled with fun (and usually free) things to do. From restaurants to shopping, there is much to do and explore. After games, taste-test sweet treats and designer chocolates at Miette de Chocolat. Explore Mexican-inspired eats, BBQ, and sushi all in one spot. Check their events calendar for dozens of must-sees, including live concerts, pop-ups, and seasonal activities.
Explore Aurora's Main Street with festivals, kid-zone, farmer's markets, concerts, and other events. Southlands is an outdoor lifestyle center with a four-block Main Street and community plaza surrounded by additional retailers, restaurants, and an AMC theatre.
As the third-largest Colorado city, Aurora is home to diverse cultures and historical relevance. Stop by the admission-free Aurora History Museum, Tuesday through Sunday, to explore the Gateway to the Rockies city a little differently. Snap a picture inside a restored 1913 trolley or learn more about Aurora's role in history from the rotating exhibits.
