8 Best Places and Things To Do in Aurora, Illinois

Aurora is a charming city located in the state of Illinois, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of exciting things to see and do in Aurora. Here are some of the best places and activities to explore in the city.

1. Phillips Park Zoo

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Located within the scenic Phillips Park, this small yet charming zoo is home to a variety of animals, including wolves, cougars, otters, and more. The zoo also has a playground, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails.

2. SciTech Hands-On Museum

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This interactive science museum is perfect for kids and adults alike, with hands-on exhibits that explore a variety of scientific topics, from electricity and magnetism to engineering and robotics.

3. Aurora Regional Fire Museum

Aurora Regional Fire Museum which includes a park and signage

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Located in a beautifully restored firehouse, this museum is dedicated to the history of firefighting in the Aurora region. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase antique fire engines, equipment, and artifacts from the city’s firefighting history.

4. Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple

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Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Tirumala in the Chittoor district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most visited and richest temples in the world, drawing millions of devotees every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the idol of Lord Venkateswara in the temple is a self-manifested one and is considered very sacred by the devotees.

5. Aurora Historical Museum

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The Aurora Historical Museum is a local history museum located in Aurora, a city in the state of Illinois in the United States. The museum is housed in the historic Tanner House, a Victorian mansion built in 1857 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum’s exhibits cover a range of topics related to Aurora’s history, including the city’s founding and early development, its role in the Civil War, and its growth and transformation in the 20th century. The museum also features exhibits on notable Aurora residents and organizations, such as the Aurora Silverplate Manufacturing Company.

6. Tanner House Museum

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Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tanner_House_Museum

The Tanner House Museum is a historic house museum located in Aurora, Illinois, in the United States. Built in 1857, the Tanner House is a beautiful Victorian mansion that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was originally built for prominent Aurora businessman and politician, William Tanner. Over the years, the house passed through several different owners and was used for various purposes, including as a boarding house, a restaurant, and a funeral home.

7. Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center

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The Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center is a popular water park located in Aurora, Illinois, in the United States. The park features a range of water attractions, including several water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a children’s play area. Visitors can enjoy thrilling water rides such as the Serpentine Slide and the Triple Dipper, or relax and float along the lazy river. The wave pool is a great place to cool off and have fun in the sun, while the children’s play area features a variety of interactive water features and play structures designed specifically for younger visitors.

8. Waubonsie Creek Trail

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The Waubonsie Creek Trail is a popular multi-use trail located in the city of Aurora, Illinois, in the United States. The trail spans 4.5 miles and follows the Waubonsie Creek as it winds its way through scenic woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. The trail is open year-round and is a popular destination for hikers, runners, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. Along the way, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the creek, as well as the surrounding landscape and wildlife.

Whether you’re looking to explore Aurora’s rich history, enjoy its natural beauty, or take in a show or concert, there’s no shortage of exciting things to see and do in this vibrant Illinois city.