Top Ten Places for Summer Fun in Aurora Illinois

If you are looking for some fun activities for the whole family to round out the summer, I have assembled a top ten list of places to go to have some fun. As a local Aurora Illinois resident, all of these activities often make up a yearly outing for my family. If you are interesting in the Aurora area, you can also visit my website to find out more about the Aurora Community.

10. Enjoy the benefit of outlet shopping at the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall in Aurora. This mall has it all! Located at 1650 Premium Outlets Boulevard. Just exit the I-88 tollway to Farnsworth Avenue North.

9. Cool off from the heat by taking in an IMAX movie at the Randall 15 IMAX movie theater. This Goodrich movie theater is located at 500 N. Randall Road in Batavia.

8. Investigate the history of Aurora and other surrounding area fire departments, at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. This museum is located at 53 North Broadway in downtown Aurora. The museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00-4:00.

7. Take a Metra train trip to downtown Chicago in the summer. The BNSF Railway Line will take you directly into the heart of downtown Chicago at Union Station. Hop a free trolley from Union Station to a variety of fun locations downtown, such as the museum campus or Navy Pier. Go to the Metra website to find your nearest train station

6. Take a break from cooking a hot meal in your kitchen and explore the fresh fruits and vegetables at the local Farmers Markets this summer. Kane county Farmers Markets are found in Aurora, Batavia, Elgin, Geneva, St. Charles and Sugar Grove. DuPage county Farmers Markets can be located in the towns of Naperville, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove and Lisle.

5. Visit the SciTech Hands-On Museum in Aurora – SciTech's mission is to engage people in experiencing and learning science and technology in a fun and interactive way. This fun museum is located at 18 W. Benton Street in Aurora.

4. Explore small quaint shops in the Fox Valley. Naperville, Geneva and St. Charles are just a few of the many great cities in our area that exhibit the small hometown feel with their downtown shopping opportunities. History, charm and treasures await your next shopping adventure in these local venues.

3. The Naper Settlement offers history and fun in Naperville. Located at 523 S. Webster St. in downtown Naperville, the Naper Settlement is a museum village of 19th century homes, shops and public buildings that exhibit a collection of historical facts and furnishings. Visit their websiteor call the Settlement at 630-420-6010

2. Visit the Philips Park Zoo for free! This zoo features Bald Eagles, Gray Wolves, Cougars, a Fox, an Arctic Fox, a Platinum Red Fox, North American River Otters, Llamas and a lot more. The Philips Park Zoo is located at 901 Ray Moses Drive in Aurora.

1. Water parks! There is no better way to cool off from the summer heat than in a family fun water park. Fortunately, you do not have to travel far to find relief, as the Fox Valley Park District sponsors two local parks. Splash Country Water Park is located at 195 S. Barnes Road in Aurora and the Philips Park Aquatic Center is located at 828 Montgomery Road in Aurora. These parks feature pools, water slides and fun for the whole family.