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Top picks in Aurora

Kid-friendly outdoor spaces

You need a place where your children can move around freely, and you want to be able to enjoy the fresh air while they do it.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Morrison Nature Center image 1
Morrison Nature Center image 2
Nature preserve

Nature preserve offers compact indoor learning spaces and a huge outdoor play area with features like dinosaur rocks and stick bridges. Trails wind through prairie, cottonwood forest, and wetlands, supporting bird feeders and wildlife sightings including coyotes. The atmosphere is peaceful and family-friendly, with children exploring and adults relaxing on comfy couches.

Kids explore animal exhibits like turtles and snakes and enjoy feeding them. Indoor and outdoor areas offer interactive play structures, a dirt table, and a scavenger hunt that keeps children engaged.

Huge outdoor space features dinosaur rocks, stick bridges, and a beaver dam fort. Multiple sand areas and a dirt table offer varied play options. Beautiful trails and landscaping surround the nature play area.

People are saying

"I enjoyed a peaceful walk with birdsong and wildlife."

"The outdoor play area was huge and included dinosaur rocks."

"The outdoor play area is unparalleled and great for kids."

Good to know

1

The Nature Center has a 3/4 mile hiking loop and connects to the Sandcreek Greenway.

2

The outdoor play area includes dinosaur rocks, stick bridges, and multiple sand areas.

3

The indoor center features fun toys and learning activities for kids.

02
Southlands image 1
Shopping mall

Outdoor mall features beautiful lights, comfortable seating, and intuitive layout with spacious walkways. Atmosphere is energetic and family-friendly, with fountains and an ice skating rink for kids. Live music and seasonal events add to a welcoming and lively vibe.

A spray park and water splash pad offer free, fun water play for kids. A courtyard with fountains provides a safe spot for children to enjoy and cool off.

Outdoor shopping happens in a beautiful open-air mall with a solid mix of stores, eateries, and movies. A beautiful outdoor fireplace adds to the pleasant walking experience.

People are saying

"I found it to be a great outdoor mall with a solid mix of shopping and restaurants."

"I loved the farmers market on summer weekends with all the activities."

"I found it to be a great outdoor mall with lots of stores and eateries."

Good to know

1

The farmers market operates every Saturday from 8am to 1pm during summer.

2

Free concerts take place on Thursday nights throughout the summer.

3

The mall hosts various events like fashion shows and live performances year-round.

03
Aurora Reservoir image 1
Nature preserve

Reservoir offers quiet, peaceful water with no motorized boats allowed, creating a relaxing atmosphere ideal for swimming, paddle boarding, and picnicking. Open areas include playgrounds and shaded gazebos, attracting families and weekend visitors. Lifeguards and rental options support a safe, active environment.

Water sectioned off for young kids keeps swimming safe. A nice sandy lakefront offers space for kids to play and swim. Events and activities like fishing and BBQs provide fun for families.

Open areas offer plenty of space for picnics and various outdoor activities. The setting supports family time and active fun in nature.

People are saying

"The beach here is so clean, you'll love it."

"It's a great outdoor space for activities like kayaking and paddle boarding."

"It's a great place for families with sandy areas for kids to play."

Good to know

1

Entry fee is $15 on weekends for non-pass holders.

2

No dogs are allowed on the beach or in the water.

3

The swimming beach has a lifeguard until 6 pm.

04
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream image 1

Small shop with bright colors and cheerful decor creates a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Staff includes people with intellectual disabilities, adding to the inclusive vibe. Homemade ice cream features unique flavors and fresh waffle cones made on site.

Kids enjoy the blue cookie nomโ€™ster and homemade ice cream. Staff stays kind and patient, making the experience smooth for families with toddlers and babies.

Outdoor space includes shaded seating and ample room. The owner often interacts with guests on the patio, creating a welcoming vibe.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly, they really make the ice cream experience."

"My kids loved it here; it's so kid friendly."

"It's great to have ample outdoor seating options."

Good to know

1

Parking is very easy at this location.

2

Dairy-free options are available and have great flavor.

3

The shop has a loyalty program where you can spin a wheel after 10 visits.

05
Waldoโ€™s Chicken and Beer image 1

Chicken restaurant offers lively atmosphere with numerous TVs showing sports and a kid-friendly arcade. Decor includes pop-culture chicken artwork and sizable booths for casual dining. Outdoor seating is dog friendly, adding to the welcoming vibe.

Kids eat free and the menu includes chicken tenders, sandwiches, and wings that kids enjoy. An arcade and a large outdoor seating area make it easy to keep kids entertained.

A large, dog-friendly patio offers good views and a quiet atmosphere with great music. The outdoor seating area includes an arcade, making it suitable for kids and parties.

People are saying

"This American food is the best fried chicken I've ever had."

"The chicken fingers are tender and flavorful, a great kid-friendly option."

"The outdoor space's patio is dog friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers buy-one-get-one-free draft beers all day on Tuesdays and Sundays.

2

Kids eat free on Mondays, making it a great family option.

3

The restaurant has a drive-thru for quicker service.

06
Sweet Cow image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop offers smooth, silky ice cream with about 25 unique flavors including vegan options. Cozy space includes plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with a welcoming, fun vibe. Small scoops come with rich taste, making it a popular neighborhood spot.

Staff consistently pamper children during visits. Ice cream scoops come in smaller kid-sized portions around 2.5 ounces. Milkshakes like mint chocolate chip tend to be less thick than usual.

Plenty of clean sitting areas exist both inside and outside. The patio outside offers a nice spot to relax after ordering.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is off the charts good and flavorful."

"The ice cream flavors here are amazing and delicious."

"It's so kid friendly; they truly went above and beyond to pamper my child."

Good to know

1

Sweet Cow offers a wide variety of flavors, including vegan options.

2

A single scoop at Sweet Cow is about 2.5oz, smaller than standard servings.

3

Parking at Stanley Marketplace can be difficult, especially during busy hours.

07
MHOR R/C Raceway image 1
Hobby store

Indoor clay and outdoor turf tracks offer varied RC racing challenges with a large pit area for setup and repairs. The hobby shop is fully stocked with parts and models, focusing on 1/10 scale buggies. The atmosphere is family-friendly and welcoming, attracting racers of all ages and skill levels.

Kids find RC cars exciting and engaging here. Staff provide helpful guidance to get children started, making it fun for all ages.

Outdoor space features a turf layout designed for stock Arrma Groms. Both indoor and outdoor tracks are available for racing.

People are saying

"The people at this Outdoor Space are so helpful and kind."

"You can learn to race RC cars with the kindest people around."

"They're awesome and will take care of you, making it Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

Both tracks are well maintained and fun to drive.

2

The place is affordable for a day of RC car driving.

3

There are two tracks: one indoor and one outdoor.

08
Einstein Bros. Bagels image 1

Bagel shop offers drive-through service and a small outdoor patio with limited shade. Atmosphere feels warm and lively with a clean, quiet indoor space that has minimal seating. Bagels and breakfast sandwiches are consistently fresh and well made, attracting a steady flow of customers.

Staff regularly cut bagels into smaller pieces for kids and hand out cookies to make them happy. Orders come out right every time, making breakfast with children smooth and easy.

A nice patio offers a peaceful outdoor setting. A small sitting area has only one umbrella, so shade availability varies.

People are saying

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful with the bagels."

"The staff here is so wonderful and kind to kids."

"I enjoyed sitting on the nice patio."

Good to know

1

Drive-thru closes at 3pm, but may close earlier if busy.

2

No inside seating available; only drive-thru and takeout.

3

Most bagels are premium, adding 80 cents each.

09
Black Bear Diner Aurora image 1
American restaurant

Cabin-style restaurant with homey-rustic decor featuring bear-themed accents and walls adorned with travel items and old photos. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, clean and comfortable with spaced-out tables. Noise level can rise during busy times, but overall vibe is pleasant and inviting.

Staff show great patience with kids and handle their requests well. They provide crayons and coloring books and help children choose their food with clear explanations.

Dog-friendly patio offers a welcoming spot with no wait when seated outside. Staff clean the outdoor tables thoroughly after being notified.

People are saying

"The food here is always delicious and satisfying."

"The servers here are so attentive and kind to kids."

"The service in the Outdoor Space was patient and kind."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays.

2

Expect a 10-minute wait for a table during peak hours.

3

Parking is available in front and at the back of the building.

10
Family Shooting Center image 1

Outdoor shooting range offers mountain views and a friendly atmosphere focused on safety and respect. Range includes multiple shooting disciplines with strict safety rules enforced by attentive officers. Facility features a well-stocked store and membership-only options, attracting both new and experienced shooters.

Staff provide hands-on help with equipment and teach shooting fundamentals to both parents and children. Kids get to use their own lanes, making it a shared experience for families.

Outdoor shooting includes archery, trap, skeet, pistol, and rifle options. The range sits in a state park and offers a safer, more comfortable experience without indoor ear concussion.

People are saying

"This outdoor space is incredibly safe and respectful, with attentive staff."

"The staff here makes the fun activities really interesting and safe."

"The range officers are really Kid Friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

The range fee is $27 per person for entry.

2

Reservations are not required, but arriving at opening time helps avoid lines.

3

Safety rules include a 10-minute ceasefire for target placement and 30-minute shooting intervals.

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Aurora, Colorado

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