6 Things to Do in Aurora, Chicago

Spanning across four counties, Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois and it has a rich history and a vibrant mix of cultural and social offerings. This suburb, which is just 40 miles west of Chicago, consistently ranks high among the best cities for living the American Dream, thanks to its reasonably priced homes, top-notch schools, well-appointed attractions, and abundance of recreation opportunities.

If you want to see where the “City of Lights” shines brightest, here are just six activities that you’ll need to check off your bucket list.

1. Catch a Classic Flick for Just a Buck

Perhaps the most historic building in Aurora, the Paramount Theatre is a wonder to experience in so many ways. First opening its doors in 1931, the theatre has a gorgeous Art Deco design featuring some absolutely stunning Venetian elements.

The Paramount presents an exciting selection of Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts, but it’s their Movie Mondays that keep many coming back again and again. For just $1, you’ll get to enjoy a modern cinema classic projected on their magnificent two-story screen.

2. Shop Till You Drop at the Chicago Premium Outlets

Don’t let the name confuse you; the Chicago Premium Outlets are actually located in Aurora. Following its most recent expansion, this internationally known outdoor shopping center now has over 170 stores including a number of high-end fashion retailers where savvy shoppers from all corners of the globe come to flex their purchasing power. 

With so much to explore, it’s understandable that you might find yourself in need of a breather. Fortunately, amenities at the Chicago Premium Outlets include art installations, fireplaces, a play area for the kids, and even a reflecting pond that’s just steps away from a Churro Factory stand.

3. Feast on Some Tacos Dorados at Jalisco’s Tacos

Available at their four different locations throughout the city, the “tacos dorados” at Jalisco’s Tacos are made with your choice of shredded beef (desebrada) or chicken in a deep-fried tortilla and topped with fresh lettuce, slices of tomato, and freshly shredded Chihuahua cheese. Frying crisps the edges of the tortilla and and meat filling to add a great crunch, which when combined with the seasoned oil and fresh toppings makes for one delicious bite after another.

To be absolutely clear, tacos dorados are wholly different from typical tex-mex style tacos with yellow shells. These tasty tacos are best enjoyed fresh out of the kitchen along with a cold horchata. 

4. Spend a Day at Phillips Park

The Phillips Park Zoo houses a variety of birds and mammals including bald eagles, grey wolves, and mountain lions. The zoo also has a reptile house where you can see different species of tortoises, snakes, and even alligators up close.

When you finish up with the zoo, you can take a short stroll through the beautiful sunken garden to the park’s visitor center where you can see something a little less lively but just as captivating—the collection of mammoth bones that were unearthed in nearby Mastodon Lake during the Great Depression. 

5. Get a Black Tie Special Mocha at Endiro Coffee

This latte accented with blackberry, lavender, and white chocolate flavorings tastes great hot or iced, and it’s just one of the unique signature drinks available at this downtown cafe. Endiro Coffee also offers delicious comfort food options along with fresh juice blends and some serious milkshakes, all of which you can enjoy on their patio that features a beautiful view of the downtown riverfront.

Endiro’s Aurora location is their first and only international cafe—for now. The Africa-based company collaborates with local farmers in its native Uganda and sends their coffee production to be sold in Aurora as a means of fueling their global vision of ending child vulnerability.

6. Rock Out at RiverEdge Park

Imagine yourself strolling along the bank of a serene river reflecting the vibrant hues of a sunset all while the soothing sounds of one of your favorite songs lilts in background. This is exactly what you’ll experience at RiverEdge Park.

Located directly on the Fox River, this impressive open-air music garden in the heart of Aurora plays hosts to events throughout the year but entertainment offerings really ramp up during the warmer months. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway, picnic blanket sing-alongs, or all out headbanging, you’re sure to find something on RiverEdge’s packed calendar worth checking out.