Culture Street

Aurora's Great Plains Park is great in so many ways. Visitors can enjoy several outdoor activities like splashing around in the water feature area, watching the kids play on the jungle-gym or running around and playing a game of catch on the spacious open fields. The park gets high marks from many visitors who site its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere. It is also a favorite of nature lovers, as you can enjoy a picnic lunch or just sprawl out on a blanket on the grass with your favorite book and take in some of that Colorado sunshine.

The Denver Zoo has a pedigree almost as impressive as those of the animals it houses. Established in 1896, the facility is by far the city's most popular attraction as it welcomes over one million visitors every year. You'll find over 4,000 animals here that represent 700 species. See leopards, king cobras, black rhinos, coral reef fish, elephants, zebras, vampire bats, gorillas and much more. The kids will also enjoy the petting areas and highly informative special exhibits scattered throughout this highly entertaining venue.

Get a feel of what it was like to attend class in a two-room schoolhouse when you visit Aurora's Melvin School. The structure, built in 1922 and named a landmark in 1986, originally served the outlying community of Melvin. In 1949, the structure was carefully moved to make room for the Cherry Creek Reservoir. After being used as a tavern for 17 years, the Cherry Creek Historical Society moved the school to its current location on the grounds of Smoky Hill High School where it continues to be owned and maintained by the Cherry Hill School District.