The Aurora History Museum
The Aurora History Museum is a delightful hidden gem located in the historic 1902 Chamberlin Observatory building in the city’s oldest park, Tivoli Park. Home to thousands of artifacts from Aurora’s frontier roots to its postwar boom and beyond, this quaint museum will send you straight down the rabbit hole of Aurora’s fascinating history! The museum houses an impressive collection of historic clothing and textiles. Along with a massive archive of photos documenting the city’s early days, there are rooms restored to look exactly like an old Victorian Aurora home and an old-timey classroom! The Aurora History Museum is especially fun for kids who can try on historical costumes, explore hands-on exhibits and scavenger hunts, and even meet special guests like Disney princesses and superheroes at seasonal events. Admission is very affordable at just $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and kids age 6-17. Children under 5 get in free. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. Don’t miss out on exploring the intriguing story of Aurora at this fantastic hidden history hub!
Address: 15051 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 739-6660
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Aviation enthusiasts will be over the moon with this next hidden gem – the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum! Located on the former grounds of Lowry Air Force Base, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum will satisfy your inner aircraft nerd with impressive exhibits of vintage planes, spacecraft, artifacts and interactive educational displays. Marvel at the massive B-52 bomber mounted at the museum’s entrance, perfect for that iconic airplane selfie. You can even climb aboard a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star or Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker to explore the cockpit and imagine yourself as a pilot. Wings Over the Rockies has one of the finest collections of World War II aircraft in the US, displayed in authentic wartime hangars. Must-see exhibits include the experimental 1940s XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft and the P-38 Lightning fighter plane. Kids will have a blast in the Aviation Learning Center trying out the flight simulator and designing their own aircraft. There are annual events like the Star Wars-themed “Space Expo” and seasonal space camp programs. With so much to discover, you’ll want to give yourself at least half a day to properly explore this incredible air museum campus.
Address: 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230
Phone: (303) 360-5360
Aurora Fox Arts Center
Nestled in the heart of Aurora’s Arts District, the Aurora Fox Arts Center is the ideal spot for a cultured day enjoying outstanding performing and visual arts. This multifaceted center is home to the intimate Mainstage Theater, known for its innovative contemporary productions. There are also visual arts galleries hosting new exhibits every 6 weeks. You can take classes through Aurora Fox’s School of Theater and Arts, with workshops available in acting, dance, writing, music and more. There is truly something for all ages and interests here! For a uniquely artistic experience, catch a music performance, live play or stand-up comedy show on select nights. The galleries are free and open Tuesday through Saturday. Supporting the local arts community while having an awesome night out – now that’s what I call a perfect hidden gem attraction! Check the Aurora Fox event calendar ahead of your visit to see what inspiring exhibit or show to catch during your time in Aurora.
Address: 9900 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010
Phone: (303) 739-1970
Aurora Reservoir
Nature lovers will delight in this next top-secret Aurora spot – Aurora Reservoir. Nestled on 655 acres southwest of the city, this peaceful oasis feels worlds away yet is just a short drive from downtown. Known for its excellent fishing thanks to frequent trout stocking, the reservoir is a haven for kayaking, paddle-boarding, hiking and wildlife watching. There are over 4 miles of walking trails circling the reservoir and along creeks, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Pack a picnic and relax at one of the many gazebo shelters overlooking the glittering water. The swimming beaches are open seasonally, providing the ideal place to cool off in the summer. With sweeping panoramic views, it’s a gorgeous spot for landscape photography and watching unforgettable Rocky Mountain sunsets. Entrance to Aurora Reservoir is $7 per vehicle, making it an affordable nature escape from the city. Paddle craft rentals, fishing licenses and pavilion rentals are also available on-site. For an idyllic outdoor retreat off the beaten path, it doesn’t get much better than Aurora Reservoir!
Address: 5800 S Powhaton Rd, Aurora, CO 80016
Phone: (303) 326-8425
Stanley Marketplace
For a taste of Aurora’s artsy, eclectic side, spend an afternoon wandering historic Stanley Marketplace. Occupying a former airplane manufacturing plant, this lively hub of boutiques, eateries and breweries embodies the city’s independent culture and entrepreneurial spirit. With its soaring hangar ceilings and colorful murals, Stanley Marketplace is an inspiring blend of old and new Aurora. With two dozen shops and restaurants to choose from, you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts and apparel by local artists and makers at Stanley. The airy Twenty-Two Juice Company crafts the most delicious cold-pressed organic juices and smoothies. Bookbinders Whiskey & Kitchen is a cool warehouse pub dishing up inventive comfort food and craft whiskey flights. Don’t miss The Big Wonderful, Stanley’s expansive indoor/outdoor beer garden overflowing with food trucks, bocce ball and live music stages. On weekends, explore the bustling Stanley Farmer’s Market tucked into the center’s lane, filled with farm-fresh local produce, baked goods and flowers. However you choose to spend your time at Stanley Marketplace, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!
Address: 2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010
Phone: (720) 708-7650
Plains Conservation Center
Step back in time at the fascinating Plains Conservation Center, one of Aurora’s best-kept secrets. This historic village and nature sanctuary illustrates what prairie life was like for Aurora’s early settlers through a series of restored 19th-century homesteads, barns and schoolhouses. Costumed interpreters demonstrate heritage crafts like blacksmithing, quilting and soap-making, giving you first-hand insight into frontier living. Kids can experience a day in a rustic one-room schoolhouse or play old-fashioned games like horseshoes. The Plains Conservation Center offers immersive events too, like living history days with hands-on activities and tractor-drawn wagon rides. Hiking trails wind through the property’s rolling hills and native prairie landscape, perfect for wildlife watching. For a trip back in time to Aurora’s rural roots, this is one nostalgic attraction not to overlook!
Address: 21901 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80013
Phone: (303) 693-3621
Aurora Sports Park
Home to professional sports fields and family recreation facilities, Aurora Sports Park is an under-the-radar gem for active travelers. The centerpiece of the park is The Aurora Stadium, where you can catch the Rocky Mountain Vibes minor league baseball team in action. Cheer on future MLB stars in an intimate setting with 5,000 seats but major-league atmosphere and entertainment. When there’s not a game on, come play a round of mini golf or sharpen your skills in the professional batting cages. Kids will have a blast scaling the rock climbing walls at Hangin’ Around Climbing Center or racing down the indoor slides at PlayStreet Museum. To work up an appetite, swing by Colorado’s original Topgolf for a round of golf games. With so many options for sporty fun under one roof, you’ll be hitting nothing but net at Aurora Sports Park!
Address: 19300 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: (303) 326-6400
The Gardens on Havana
For a leisurely day appreciating Aurora’s natural beauty, make time to stroll through the peaceful Gardens on Havana. These imaginatively designed gardens sprawl across 10 acres of a former plant nursery, showcasing 600 varieties of roses, perennials and water plants. Delight your senses in the fragrant Lilac Garden and charming English Cottage Garden exploding with color.Let your stress melt away in the Japanese Garden, featuring koi ponds, stone pathways and trickling waterfalls. Little ones will love the interactive Children’s Storybook Garden based on classic tales like Jack & The Beanstalk. Beyond the meticulously tended gardens are prairie walking trails and wetland boardwalks, providing a serene nature escape. The Gardens on Havana hosts special events like outdoor concerts, food truck festivals and an enchanting lantern festival. For a small $5 admission fee, you’ll find tranquility, beauty and imagination in every corner of this urban oasis. It’s the ideal spot for a relaxing picnic or leisurely stroll away from the city buzz. Treat yourself to a day at this hidden Aurora gem!
Address: 1312 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 739-1560
Plan Your Trip With Aurora Party Bus Company
As you can see, Aurora is a treasure trove of unexpected delights waiting to be uncovered beyond Denver’s shadow. From historical attractions to cultural hubs and outdoor escapes, Aurora rewards visitors willing to venture off the beaten path. The best way to experience these top hidden gems in Aurora is together with friends in the comfort of a Aurora Party Bus Company bus rental. Our modern charter buses and shuttles come equipped with cushy seats, WiFi, TVs and more to make your Day Trip from Denver fun and stress-free. At Aurora Party Bus Company, our professional drivers know the ins and outs of navigating the city and can recommend the best routes to avoid traffic. Let us handle travel logistics while you simply relax and soak up all the under-the-radar wonders Aurora has in store during your custom day trip. To start planning your unforgettable Aurora getaway, call Aurora Party Bus Company at (303) 214-4282 for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your group’s size and trip details. Your amazing exploration of Aurora’s hidden attractions starts with just one call to Aurora Party Bus Company. Let us show you the remarkable side of this Denver neighbor you never knew!