Free Things to Do in Aurora

BUZZ AROUND SOUTHLANDS

Coined as “Aurora’s Main Street” Southlands is an Outdoor Lifestyle Center filled with fun things to do throughout the year. In the summer, stop by for admission-free concerts for the whole family to enjoy. In the winter, Southlands offers holiday-themed events and an ice rink. While there is a small fee for the ice rink, your pass is good all day.

STOP BY THE AURORA HISTORY MUSEUM

Discover some of the city’s oldest artifacts and the pieces of history that make the city great at the Aurora History Museum. Open Tuesday-Sunday, visitors are welcome to take self-guided tours while viewing rotating and permanent exhibits. Don’t miss the fully-restored 1913 train trolley!

TAKE A TOUR OF ART IN PUBLIC PLACES

View public art across the city! Situated along the R-Line, riders can catch a glimpse of the city between the Peoria and Lincoln stations. You can also take a stroll around the city to see more pieces.

VISIT THE COLORADO FREEDOM MEMORIAL

Honor our nation’s heroes at the Colorado Freedom Memorial. This admission-free memorial is the first of its kind because it honors every Colorado veteran, regardless of rank or war. Search for names or take a walk around the grounds, you might even see the F-16 planes pass by.

TOUR AURORA’S FIRST BREWERY

Dry Dock Brewing Company North Dock offers free tours every Saturday starting at 2:00 PM. All ages are welcome, while guests trying free samples must be 21+. Brewing more than 19,000 barrels of craft beer every year, Dry Dock Brewing Company is beloved by Coloradans everywhere.

HANG OUT AT STANLEY MARKETPLACE

Between live music, pop-up events, and seasonal activities, there’s always something going on at Stanley Marketplace. This indoor market is filled to the brim with shops, restaurants, and kid-friendly activities. Check out their website or Facebook to discover what’s happening this weekend.

TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME AT PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER

Live like the pioneers at Plains Conservation Center. This realistic homestead in Aurora encompasses 1,100 acres of open space complete with mid-19 century sod homes, one-room schoolhouse and more.

CHECK OUT NATURE AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Open sunrise to sundown, discover Colorado’s natural habitat alongside creatures and critters at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Hike through 15,000 acres of open space or grab a map for the Wildlife Drive, complete with best viewing spots for bison, pronghorn deer and more.

VISIT THE CITY’S HISTORICAL SITES

Aurora has a military history that spans all the way to back to a past Commander in Chief! Discover Aurora’s historic sites through an interactive tour of sites. Or visit the historic Building 500 located on the Anschutz Medical Campus which was once the temporary home of President Eisenhower.

GET OUTSIDE IN THE CITY

Jump on the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, a 14-mile public trail that spans across Aurora, Denver, and Commerce City. Perfect for walking, biking, running and leashed pets, the Sand Creek Regional Greenway collides with High Line Canal Trail, making it easy to spend an afternoon enjoying nature in Aurora.