Aurora is Colorado's third largest city and has a plethora of entertainment and recreational activities to keep visitors occupied. Covering just over 154,000 square miles of land, Aurora is home to 108 municipal parks, more than 20 historic landmarks, and more than 50 miles of walking and cycling trails. A museum and nature center offer educational day trips for families, while music lessons and dance classes are available for kids and adults at the Bicentennial Arts Center.
Dating to back to the 19th century, the town of Aurora has an abundance of historic sites and landmarks. Built in 1924, the American War Mothers National Memorial Home (no website; 1601 Peoria St., Aurora; no phone) was a refuge for relatives who could stay there while visiting injured soldiers in the nearby Fitzsimons Hospital during World War I. The Red Cross building and memorial (no website; 12862 E. Mountview Blvd., Aurora; no phone) was erected in 1918 to honor those who died during the war and is located outside Fitzsimons Hospital.
Documenting the changing history of the town, the Aurora History Museum (no website;15051 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora; 303-739-6666) is home to fine-art exhibits, workshops, lectures and living-history tours. Located in the Aurora municipal center complex, the museum welcomes birthday parties, schools groups and families seeking an educational day trip.
There are five trails in Aurora suitable for walkers and cyclists. Cherry Creek Spill Way trail allows access to Cherry Tree State Park, comprised of nearly 10 miles of walkways. The Highline Canal trail runs through 11 miles of the town beginning at Expo Park, with access for horse riders. For those wanting a longer trek, Sand Creek Regional Greenway trail spreads across 14 miles of Aurora, with views of the Sand Creek corridor. The Toll Gate Creek and Powerline trails are longer at 10 and 14 miles in length, respectively. At 3 1/2 miles long, the Westerly Creek trail is suitable for shorter walks and cycling.
Morrison Nature Center (no website; 16002 E. Smith Rd., Aurora; 303-739-2428) lets visitors explore Aurora's wildlife. Live animal exhibits provide entertainment for the kids and songbird feeding stations let visitors see animals in their natural habitat. American kestrels, snapping turtles and great horned owls are just a few of the creatures that inhabit the center. Three walking trails gives visitors a chance to explore cottonwoods and open prairie.
The Aurora Water Quality Understanding and Appreciation Lounge (no website; 5800 S. Powhaten Rd., Aurora; 303-739-2428) is located at the Aurora Reservoir. Guests can learn about the animals that live in the reservoir and take a look at gulls, geese, ducks and plovers. Boat rental, a swim beach and picnic tables are available on-site.
The Bicentennial Art Center (no website; 13655 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora; 303-344-1776) hosts the city of Aurora's arts cultural program. Dance, music and pottery classes take place all year, with art and history outreach programs on offer for school groups. Music classes in guitar, piano and keyboard, as well as voice coaching, are available for all ages and abilities. Ballet, jazz, tap and ballroom dancing are all taught by qualified instructors, and adults can learn country-and-western dancing, belly dancing and musical theater dancing.
