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Aurora, Illinois

· Aurora, IL

Why you should go…

Aurora sits along the Fox River in the western Chicago suburbs and anchors a region that includes Batavia, Geneva, Yorkville, and Oswego. The city is home to the award-winning Paramount Theatre, Chicagoland's largest outlet shopping center, and one of Illinois' largest waterparks, alongside riverfront parks and trails.

  • #fox river
  • #outlet shopping
  • #theatre
  • #waterpark
  • #chicago suburbs

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Aurora, Illinois, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Naper Settlement

    Under $25

    A 13-acre outdoor living-history village in Naperville with restored 19th-century buildings.

    3.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    St. Charles, Illinois

    Free

    A historic Fox River town west of Chicago known for its walkable downtown and riverside dining.

    12 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Villa Olivia

    $25–$50

    Family ski, tubing and golf destination in Bartlett with a quad chairlift, six rope tows and an 18-hole golf course.

    17 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Joliet, Illinois

    Free

    A historic Route 66 and canal town on the Des Plaines River, anchor of Illinois' Heritage Corridor.

    18 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    The Pinball Capital

    Under $25

    One of the Midwest's largest pinball arcades, with more than 130 machines near Chicago.

    20 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Chicago Northwest

    Free

    Tourism marketing office for Chicago's northwest suburbs, covering Schaumburg, Arlington Heights and more.

    21 mi awayMore like this