Things to do in Aurora, Illinois

Aurora Feature Stories

Discover the hospitality businesses and attractions that make Aurora an amazing place to visit.

Leisure, Luxury, & Luck

Aurora offers the perfect blend of shopping, entertainment, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for leisure travelers, group tours, and overnight getaways alike. Conveniently located and easy to navigate, visitors can enjoy a full itinerary of experiences all within a short distance.

The new Hollywood Casino Aurora adds excitement to any visit. The modern resort features a lively gaming floor with hundreds of slot machines and table games, along with elevated dining options perfect for group outings or a night out. Guests can also unwind at the luxury spa or take advantage of flexible meeting and event spaces, making it a strong choice for group tours and small conferences. The on-site hotel offers a convenient option for those looking to stay close to the action.

Across the street, Chicago Premium Outlets is a must-visit destination for shoppers, featuring more than 140 designer and name-brand stores, including favorites like Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, and Kate Spade. The open-air layout, lined with landscaped walkways and shaded seating areas, creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that encourages visitors to browse at their own pace. Whether you are hunting for the latest trends, searching for the perfect gift, or simply enjoying a day out with friends, the variety of shops ensures there is something for every style and budget.

Beyond shopping, the outlet experience is designed with convenience and comfort in mind, offering ample parking, dining options, and seasonal events that add to the lively ambiance. It is an ideal stop for groups, allowing everyone to split up and explore their favorite stores before coming back together to compare finds and enjoy a meal or coffee break. Whether you spend a few hours or make a full day of it, the combination of savings, selection, and atmosphere makes it a highlight of any visit to Aurora.

Shopping in the Fox Valley

Fox Valley Mall is a cornerstone Aurora shopping destination where visitors can explore a wide mix of national brands, local businesses, and indoor entertainment under one roof. At the heart of the mall, Center Park creates an inviting central gathering space with seating, seasonal décor, and occasional events, giving shoppers a comfortable place to pause between stores. Nearby, Round1 Bowling & Arcade brings added energy with bowling lanes, billiards, darts, ping pong, private karaoke rooms, and a large arcade, making it easy to turn a shopping trip into a full day of fun.

On the upper level at center court, MISH MASH Adventures offers a one-of-a-kind indoor urban adventure experience inside Fox Valley Mall. Inspired by TV game shows, this challenge-room facility blends the excitement of escape rooms with game show–style obstacle courses, inviting teams of two to six players to move from room to room, solving physical and mental tasks in short, timed rounds. Each visit feels different, making MISH MASH a popular choice for families, friends, team-building groups, and parties looking for active, interactive fun in the mall environment.

Just beyond the mall, the Fox Valley area offers even more ways to extend the day. Astro Fun World, located along Route 59, features attractions such as go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, ropes and zip line elements, and arcade games, giving families and groups a high-energy destination for all-ages play. Hopvine Brewing Company nearby provides a relaxed spot to enjoy craft beer and gastropub-style food, ideal for unwinding after shopping or meeting up with friends in the evening. The Bit Theater adds another layer of entertainment with a full schedule of stand-up, improv, and themed comedy shows, inviting visitors to stay for laughs after a day in the Fox River Valley.

Eat and Drink in the Aurora Area

The Aurora Area offers a vibrant dining scene where historic charm meets a wide range of global flavors. Whether you are looking for a casual bite, a craft beverage, or a full-service dining experience, there is something for every taste across the city's walkable downtown, scenic riverfront, and beyond.

Step inside the historic Hobbs Building, an 1895 Romanesque Revival landmark designed by architect James E. Minott. Giardino Trattoria & Pizzeria serves up bold, hand-tossed gourmet pizzas, while Touché French Creole brings the flavors of New Orleans to Aurora with standout dishes like their Voodoo Tomatoes topped with corn relish and Cajun rémoulade. For an elevated dining experience, Kai Modern Japanese Kitchen offers beautifully presented, Asian-inspired cuisine in a sleek, modern atmosphere.

Right in the heart of downtown, several spots set the stage for a memorable evening before or after a show at the Paramount. Arthouse is a vibrant new American restaurant and bar located next door to the Paramount Theatre, serving a creative menu of elevated pub favorites — from charbroiled oysters and lamb satay to craft burgers and inventive sandwiches — in a lively, art-inspired atmosphere. Altiro Latin Fusion brings upscale tapas-style Latin cuisine to the ground floor of the iconic Leland Tower, with bold flavors inspired by Spain, Mexico, and South America in a setting that is just as lively as what is happening on stage. Just steps away, French 75 Gallery & Lounge transports guests to 1920s Paris with handcrafted cocktails, custom-cut ice blocks, and original artwork for sale, all set in an elegant yet relaxed gallery atmosphere. Craft Urban brings a modern American kitchen and creative cocktail program to Stolp Island, with a seasonally driven menu that pairs beautifully with their carefully curated drafts and wine.

Aurora's diverse culinary lineup continues with Alice's Corner, known for its comforting Bolivian specialties, and La Quinta de los Reyes, where guests can enjoy vibrant Mexican cuisine along the riverfront. With live music, table-side guacamole, and a colorful setting, it is a dining experience as lively as it is flavorful.  For a romantic evening with a side of live entertainment, Amore Mio pays homage to the great Italian-American restaurants of mid-20th-century New York City, with house-made pastas, hand-crafted sauces, and brick oven pizza — plus a piano bar and hidden speakeasy tucked below the dining room.

For bold Southern-inspired flavors with a lively nightlife energy, Vibez on the River brings something new to the riverfront — signature dishes like fried catfish, marinated lamb chops, and Cajun chicken alfredo are served alongside handcrafted cocktails in a two-level space that feels as much like a night out as it does a great meal. Just north of downtown on Lake Street, El Jefe – Leña y Mar brings a lively Mexican dining experience to Aurora, spanning street tacos and fresh seafood all the way to a 34-ounce tomahawk steak, with live music and dancing on weekends.

Casual dining options are plentiful and full of local flavor, offering something for every craving. Spartan Ale House delivers a lively atmosphere with elevated pub fare and a wide selection of drinks. Tavern on Broadway provides a welcoming neighborhood feel paired with classic favorites. Mich Big Taco is a go-to spot for bold, satisfying bites packed with flavor. Carnitas de Puerco y Puerca is known for its rich, authentic pork dishes that keep guests coming back. Jalisco Tacos serves traditional favorites with fresh ingredients and vibrant taste. Taqueria El Tio & Restaurant offers a laid-back setting and a menu full of crowd-pleasing staples. Elotes Gomez is a must-stop for the best street corn and savory snacks that capture authentic Mexican street food flavors.

Craft beer and entertainment come together across the Aurora Area with several standout spots to explore. Two Brothers Roundhouse is housed in the country's oldest limestone roundhouse — a landmark along the Fox River — and pairs a chef-driven gastropub menu with award-winning craft beers, Two Brothers Artisan Spirits, and house-roasted coffee, all in a space that also hosts live music and a beloved weekly Cars & Coffee. Foreign Exchange Brewery adds a globally inspired twist to the local craft scene with locally flavored drinks and diverse plates. Nearby, McCarty Mills Taproom provides a relaxed setting to enjoy a rotating selection of crafted brews.

Aurora also offers plenty of places to grab coffee, sweets, or a quick treat. Society 57 combines a welcoming café atmosphere with a strong community feel, serving specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and light lunch options in a social space inside Aurora's historic Pocus building. Dapper Brews Coffee is a favorite downtown stop for expertly crafted espresso drinks made with organic ingredients, offering a relaxed setting that is perfect for recharging during a day of exploring.

Endiro Coffee is a mission-driven, tree-to-cup café born in Uganda and roasting single-origin Ugandan coffee right here in downtown Aurora, with a menu of globally inspired food and a genuine commitment to ending child vulnerability through every cup. Café 1888 adds even more variety with a cozy coffeehouse experience featuring specialty drinks, fresh pastries, and breakfast and lunch offerings that make it a great stop any time of day. 9Bar on Aurora's west side is a celebration of Asian cuisine and culture, bringing together bubble tea, ramen, bento boxes, bao, and a full bar in one energetic, welcoming space.

Fun for the Whole Family

Aurora offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, especially on the west side of the Fox River, where outdoor adventure, water fun, and hands-on experiences make it easy to plan a memorable day together. From farm life and seasonal activities to golf, playgrounds, and aquatic centers, there is something for every age and interest.

A favorite for families is Blackberry Farm, a charming living history museum where pioneer life comes to life through educational demonstrations and interactive fun. Admission includes unlimited rides on the train, hay wagon, pedal tractors, paddle boats, carousel, and ponies, making it a popular destination for children and adults alike.

Aurora also offers plenty of classic family fun indoors. Aurora Skate Center is a longtime local favorite where visitors can lace up their skates and enjoy music, themed skate sessions, and an energetic atmosphere that appeals to kids, teens, and nostalgic adults alike. Parkside Lanes adds even more all-ages entertainment with bowling, casual fun, and a welcoming environment that makes it easy for families and groups to spend time together. At Sports Zone, guests will find even more active recreation, with space for games, athletics, and group-friendly fun that keeps everyone moving.

Golfing families and casual players can also enjoy Orchard Valley Golf Course, a public 18-hole championship course that completed a full renovation in 2026. With its 6,800-yard, par-72 layout and four sets of tees, the course offers a beautiful and approachable challenge for players of all skill levels.

Additional recreation options can be found throughout the Fox Valley Park District, which offers programs, events, and community spaces for all ages. Prisco Community Center provides a wide variety of activities and services, while neighboring McCullough Park features a playground, picnic shelter, open green space, and a walking path connected to the Fox River Trail. The community center also serves as a flexible venue for meetings, receptions, parties, and other gatherings, with space for up to 520 guests.

Beautiful Parks and Beyond

Phillips Park is a 325-acre destination where outdoor recreation, local history, and family-friendly attractions come together in one memorable setting. As one of Aurora’s most beloved parks, it offers something for every kind of visitor, from animal lovers and golfers to hikers, paddlers, and families looking for a fun day outside.

Golfers will enjoy the championship-caliber Phillips Park Golf Course, an 18-hole course designed to appeal to players of varying skill levels. With three sets of tees ranging from 4,700 to more than 6,000 yards, the course offers a different experience from day to day depending on weather, wind, and pin placement.

A favorite stop within the park is the Phillips Park Zoo, where guests can see nearly 100 animals representing 41 species. Visitors can get an up-close look at bald eagles, a red-tailed hawk, great horned owls, gray wolves, cougars, and more. Admission is free, making it an easy and affordable outing for all ages.

The park also features plenty of opportunities to stay active. The Mastodon Trail loops around Mastodon Lake and provides a scenic 1-mile route for walking, running, and biking. Along the way, visitors will find fitness stations with exercise equipment, adding even more ways to enjoy the outdoors. A floating dock at the 28-acre lake makes it easy to launch boats, canoes, and kayaks, while shoreline restoration efforts have added to the area’s natural beauty.

Dog owners can take advantage of the gated off-leash dog park, where four-legged companions have nearly 3 acres to roam and play. Sports lovers will also find sand volleyball courts, beanbag platforms, improved softball fields, tennis courts, and an impressive 8,000 square-foot BMX and skate park that serves both beginners and experienced riders. The Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center features a zero-depth leisure pool, three flume slides, and kid-friendly play areas with spray toys, a small waterfall, and a water-dumping coconut tree.

For visitors interested in history and horticulture, the Phillips Park Visitor Center & Mastodon Gallery​ offers a fascinating look at mastodon bones discovered in the park during a 1934 excavation project. Outside, the stunning Sunken Garden features colorful seasonal plantings, ornamental grasses, topiaries, a multi-level walkway, and a three-tiered lighted fountain. Additional highlights throughout the park include a scenic waterfall, World War I cannons and memorabilia, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions.

For a truly one-of-a-kind outing, Abbey Farms is a nonprofit agritourism destination rooted in Aurora since 1949, when the monks of Marmion Abbey first opened its gates to the public. Set on more than 300 acres just off I-88, the farm comes alive across every season — summers bring a produce store, café, and live music events; fall ushers in Pumpkin Daze, with the area's largest corn maze, a you-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn cannons, ziplines, and a weekend craft beer and wine tent; and winter transforms the farm into a beloved U-cut Christmas tree destination complete with hot cider, fresh donuts, and visits with Santa. Abbey Farms delivers the kind of memorable, rooted-in-place experience that keeps visitors coming back season after season. 

Local Shops & Hidden Gems

Beyond its big-name destinations, Aurora shines through its locally owned shops and creative spaces. These small but mighty businesses add personality and charm to the city's neighborhoods and invite visitors to slow down, browse, and discover something special.

Aurora University & Campus Culture

On Aurora’s near west side, Aurora University adds a vibrant academic and cultural heartbeat to the community. The tree-lined campus blends historic architecture with modern facilities, creating a welcoming environment for students, visitors, and neighbors alike. Throughout the year, the university hosts lectures, performances, exhibitions, and athletic events that invite the public to experience campus life up close.

At the center of this cultural activity is the Schingoethe Center of Aurora University, the campus art museum and a proud Smithsonian Affiliate. Located inside the Hill Welcome Center, the Schingoethe Center cares for the university’s art collection and presents rotating exhibitions that explore diverse cultures, Native American history, and contemporary visual art. With free admission and public hours, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to engage with thought-provoking artwork, learn about the region’s stories, and experience Aurora University as a hub for creativity and lifelong learning.

Where to Stay

Aurora’s variety of nearby hotels ensures comfortable accommodations for every type of traveler. The new Hollywood Casino Aurora and Hotel, located near I-88 across from Chicago Premium Outlets, offers a modern, resort-style stay with on-site gaming, dining, and entertainment for guests seeking a full destination experience. Hampton Inn & Suites Aurora and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora provide reliable, full-service stays ideal for families, groups, and business travelers. Candlewood Suites Aurora-Naperville offers extended-stay comforts and pet-friendly options, while Comfort Inn & Suites Geneva–West Chicago — just a short drive away — adds another convenient choice for visitors exploring the greater Fox Valley area.

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