Shanghai Garden

The High Line Canal trail is rather lengthy at 67 miles, but it offers an incredible variety of different scenery that will make your hike even more invigorating. This trek is part of a much larger trail system owned and operated by Denver Water. Access to the recreation trail can be found at Expo Park, Highline Park, Aurora Municipal Center, DeLaney Farm, and Norfolk Glen Park. Runners and walkers beware, as the trail allows horses in the High Line Canal area.

The Centennial House is one of Aurora's most significant pieces of history for various reasons. The structure is a Queen Anne Victorian-styled home and is the oldest of the nine houses Donald Fletcher built to begin developing a new community east of Denver. The community's original name, Fletcher, was later changed to Aurora. The home was one of the first in the area to feature plumbing and has had both its interior and exterior restored to reflect its original 1890s appearance. Tours are available, but you must call to reserve your time.

Nature lovers and fans of the great outdoors absolutely love the Morrison Nature Center, and for plenty of good reasons! This venue is the perfect avenue by which you can encounter some of Aurora's natural beauty. The Morrison Nature Center is located on Star K Ranch, which is over 200 acres and is part of the Sand Creek Regional Greenway. This Greenway is a 14-mile trail system that connects Aurora to Denver and Commerce City, and that long stretch of nature offers plenty of excellent opportunities to see some of the area's most amazing wildlife in its natural habitat.

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.