Top 15 Attractions in Aurora, IL – 2025 Guide

Aurora stands as the second largest city in Illinois, offering an extensive array of activities, ensuring ample entertainment options for visitors. Known for its stunning landscapes, this vibrant urban area is complemented by nearby family-operated farms and scenic hiking and biking routes.

For those preferring to remain within the city, various green spaces, including Phillips Park and the well-known Phillips Park Zoo, abound. Visitors can also explore water parks and unique hidden gems like charming fountains. Educational institutions, such as museums and galleries, provide enriching experiences, while a lively nightlife and live music scene ensure enjoyment well into the evening hours.

As a resident of Illinois, I have had the opportunity to explore the state extensively. My numerous visits to Aurora have allowed me to personally experience the diverse attractions and highlights this city has to offer. I am confident you will appreciate my insights into the best activities available in Aurora.

1. Abbey Farms

For an authentic taste of rural Illinois, consider exploring Abbey Farms. This operational farm emphasizes traditional family enjoyment, devoid of modern distractions.

Abbey Farms prioritizes the cultivation of seasonal produce, providing unique attractions that change with the seasons.

In autumn, there is the opportunity for pumpkin picking, while winter offers the chance to select your own Christmas tree. After appreciating the farm’s beautiful scenery, visitors can purchase fresh goods, including their renowned baked items like cider doughnuts.

2. SciTech Hands-On Museum

For comprehensive experiences related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the SciTech Hands-On Museum in Aurora is unparalleled. Specifically designed for younger audiences, the museum features interactive exhibits.

With over 150 activities available, the museum is committed to inspiring and educating visitors about the wonders of science and technology. It is highly recommended for families with children who enjoy hands-on learning.

3. Philips Park Zoo

Birdwatching enthusiasts must not overlook the Philips Park Zoo, home to over 100 animals representing 41 species. One notable feature of the zoo is that admission is complimentary, and it is segmented into various themed areas, including an aviary and a reptile house.

Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of species, including Barred Owls, Peregrine Falcons, cougars, and North American River Otters, along with a designated Kids Zone for younger guests.

4. Splash Country Water Park

For those seeking aquatic excitement in Aurora, Splash Country Water Park provides a vast range of water activities.

The park features distinct areas, including a deluxe tube slide and a lazy river extending over 1,000 feet.

There are also zero-depth pools available, and for families with young children, toddler pools and land-based activities like sand pits are provided.

5. Red Oak Nature Center

Red Oak Nature Center exemplifies the beauty of Illinois’ countryside, located along the eastern bank of the picturesque Fox River. Spanning 40 acres, the center is teeming with local wildlife and rich vegetation. A visit here is ideal for individuals interested in learning about the local ecology while immersing themselves in nature.

Visitors can explore hiking trails, including the renowned Fox River Trail, suitable for both hiking and biking. The nature center houses a variety of educational exhibits, including the ‘Sense the Seasons’ gallery, which provides insights into the environment. Many exhibits at the center are interactive, enriching the visitor experience.

6. Mastodon Lake and Trail

Mastodon Lake and Trail represents a natural retreat within the dynamic suburban environment of the Chicagoland area. The 3.5-mile trail loop that encircles Mastodon Lake provides a tranquil escape for hikers, joggers, and nature lovers, with stunning vistas of the lake, wetlands, and prairies to savor.

Situated in the heart of Phillips Park, this site features notable attractions, including a mastodon slide and a tusk maze, along with a charming gazebo, ideal for gatherings.

The lake derives its name from the mastodon fossils uncovered in the region during the 1930s, adding historical significance to the park’s natural allure. Younger visitors can enjoy playgrounds, sandpits, and courts for volleyball and basketball. I believe the Mastodon Lake and Trail represents a must-visit location for anyone exploring or residing in Aurora.

7. Aurora Regional Fire Museum

The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is an essential stop when visiting Aurora, providing an insightful exploration of the fire service history in the city. The museum aims to educate visitors about fire services and safety while ensuring an entertaining experience.

Many exhibits are interactive, allowing guests to engage with activities such as handling a leather fire bucket and trying different hose nozzles. Visitors can also simulate driving a fire truck and experiment with sirens and horns from fire engines. Housed in a historic building dating back to 1894, the museum itself is a piece of living history.

8. Oakhurst Forest Preserve

If outdoor exploration appeals to you, visit the Oakhurst Forest Preserve, featuring vast stretches of unmarred landscapes and delightful vistas overlooking the city.

At the heart of the preserve lies a 55-acre lake, including lush marshland areas, making it an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts. A network of trails throughout the preserve allows for discovery of diverse flora and fauna from various viewpoints, providing optimal spots for observing stunning sunsets.

9. Fox Valley Mall

For comprehensive shopping experiences in Aurora, the Fox Valley Mall houses over 130 stores, alongside diverse dining venues and entertainment options. Major anchors include notable retailers like Macy’s, JCPenney, H&M, and Sephora, along with unique boutiques and regional favorites. A food court featuring a wide array of cuisines caters to a variety of tastes, while younger visitors can enjoy a carousel and the Fox Valley Train.

With its upscale ambiance, prime location, and extensive selection of retail and service offerings, Fox Valley Mall serves as a premier shopping destination for both residents and tourists.

10. Phillips Park

Covering an impressive 325 acres, Phillips Park is regarded as one of the city’s premier green spaces. The park features numerous attractions, including the Mastodon Gallery and the renowned Sunken Garden.

Visitors will also find a fishing lake that spans 28 acres, catering to those passionate about angling. Ample walking trails crisscross the park, and a Winter Recreation Area is available, offering opportunities for sledding during snowy periods.

11. Banana Split

For a delightful treat in Aurora, consider visiting Banana Split Inc, a seasonal soft-serve ice cream shop located opposite Garfield Park. This establishment operates from February through October.

During this period, locals flock to enjoy some of the finest ice cream in Aurora, featuring an extensive range of flavors. A personal favorite is the ‘Pineberry Boat,’ composed of vanilla and strawberry ice with strawberry and pineapple toppings. However, the signature offering remains the banana split, available in three sizes, including the notorious ‘Groaner.’ Be sure to bring your appetite if you decide to try it!

12. Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm spans 54 acres and serves as an excellent destination for families interested in engaging with the local environment while visiting an active farm.

The farm features a petting zoo, playgrounds for young children, and a variety of recreational rides, including a hay wagon, a scenic train, and pedal tractors.

This establishment acts like a living history museum, recounting the story of farming and its evolution over the years. In winter, an ice skating rink is available for seasonal enjoyment.

13. Airtastic Play Land

Airtastic Play Land is more than just an indoor trampoline center; it is an expansive environment for children to play, run, and jump freely. Being an indoor establishment, it is ideal for families seeking activities on rainy days.

The facility boasts various inflatable attractions and play areas for bouncing, climbing, and jumping, making it an ideal spot for kids to expend their energy.

14. Vaughan Aquatic Center and Indoor Water Park

The Vaughan Aquatic Center and Indoor Water Park offers a perfect escape regardless of external weather conditions, featuring a sizeable eight-lane pool along with a heated therapy pool for relaxation.

The facility includes zero-entry pools, slides, and water playgrounds, making it an appealing destination for families.

15. Swimming Stones

Swimming Stones is not a swimming venue but rather a water sculpture created by Christian Tobin Isaac. This piece captures the hydrostatic dynamics of water in motion, showcasing the kinetic energy produced by towering granite obelisks.

The installation features a series of fountains merging art with science, comprising four 12-foot tall granite obelisks, each weighing up to 4,000 pounds.