7 Best Things To Do In North Aurora, Illinois

1. Blackberry Farm

Open May through October, Blackberry Farm is what’s called a living museum. Instead of just telling about historical periods, places like Blackberry Farm show its guests what that history looked and sounded like. The farm is a great attraction that is primarily made for the enjoyment of children, but really, guests of any age can enjoy it. Blackberry has several attractions that show some of the activities individuals took part in, from a particular time period. For example, Blackberry features a blacksmith that showcases a live blacksmith working on a real forge and using techniques from the 1900s. Another feature is the pottery shop where guests can learn about the techniques of potters from the 1850s, and see pieces fired on site. Other attractions include weavers, quilting, horse-drawn carriages, a petting zoo, cooking, and more. The hours of the farm vary on a month-to-month basis so check their website, linked below, when planning your trip.

Blackberry Farm

Address: 100 S Barnes Rd, Aurora, IL 60506

Website: Blackberry Farm

2. Phillips Park Zoo

Once home to exotic animals, the opening of the Brookfield Zoo nearby changed the Philips Park Zoo’s concentration to the wellbeing of animals that are indigenous to the biomes of Illinois. There are 41 species of animals featured at the zoo including birds of prey, otters, elk, reptiles, wolves, cougars, and more. This is a small zoo, but admission is free and it is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The zoo also features well-manicured gardens that are a pleasant setting for an afternoon stroll.

Philips Park Zoo

Address: 1000 Ray Moses Dr, Aurora, IL 60505

Website: Phillips Park Zoo

3. Phillips Park Aquatic Center

Also in Phillips Park is the Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center - a summer fun spot that is open from June to August. The water park has multiple pools, slides, kid areas, volleyball courts, concession stands, and seating areas. The park is open to the general public, Monday through Friday 12:15 to 7:30 pm (season pass holders get in at noon), and Saturday through Sunday noon to 7 pm. The hours are different on national holidays and on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, they are open from 10 am to 5 pm. The price of admission varies depending on the kind of pass, as well as the time and day you visit, so check their website for more details. The water park is also available to host birthday parties and has after-hours access for private events.

Phillips Park Aquatic Center

Address: 828 Montgomery Rd, Aurora, IL 60505

Website: Phillips Park Aquatic Center

4. Paramount Theatre

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Located in central Aurora, the Paramount Theatre is a historical theatre, famous to the area. Originally commissioned by Paramount Pictures to better accommodate their new motion pictures, the theatre was designed with a combination of Art Deco and Venetian architectural styles. The theatre is in a unique location, as it’s on an island in the middle of the Fox River. In its history, the theatre has featured films, plays, live music and comedians and continues to host a variety of entertainment. Visitors can get tickets to events online or by phone, and group rates are available. The theatre is a wonderful setting for a wedding and is a top rated location by wedding publications.

Paramount Theatre

Address: 23 E Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506

Website: Paramount Theatre

5. Basement of the Dead Haunted House

If you’re up to the challenge and looking for an adrenalin rush, this is something to keep in mind. The Basement of the Dead is a community favourite that can make your evening truly haunting, even if it’s not Halloween. This attraction is rated as one of the scariest haunted houses in all of the United States. The Basement of the Dead is located in central Aurora and is within walking distance to the Paramount Theatre. The haunted house is open Wednesdays through Mondays, 7 pm through 10 pm.

The Basement of the Dead Haunted House

Address: 42 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506

Website: The Basement of the Dead Haunted House

6. Abbey Farms

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Abbey Farms seeks to give its guests a more authentic and relaxed farm experience through classic outdoor activities that bring guests back to simpler times. The farm is home to one of the largest corn mazes in the area, that is fun to enjoy during the Pumpkin Daze Festival. Guests can also pick and cut down their own Christmas tree, during the holiday season. The farm is also a great setting for a rustic and chic wedding. The events held at the farms are a way for the local monks at Marmion Abbey to fundraise for their many ministries. So, if you are interested, visiting the farm is a great way to help this cause.

Abbey Farms

Address: 850 Butterfield Rd, Aurora, IL 60502

Website: Abbey Farms

7. Aurora Regional Fire Museum

Our final stop in this guide to the Aurora area is a great way to show support for a group of people that do a great deed for us all. The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is located near central Aurora, in the former Central Fire Station. It features a variety of exhibits that educate guests on the history of the surrounding fire stations through artefacts such as vehicles, diagrams, fireman suits, photos and more. The museum is open from Thursdays and Fridays 12 pm to 4 pm, and Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is 5 USD for adults and 3 USD for children.

Aurora Regional Fire Museum

Address: 53 N Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

Website: Aurora Regional Fire Museum

The growing city with the small town feel

North Aurora maybe a part of a growing community but it maintains the benefits of a small town, through projects that keep the community together. This is evident in the various activities in the city - they all have the common theme of being social spaces where people can get together, to have fun. In this growing world where so much interaction is done online, that kind of physical interaction is truly something to be cherished. And in North Aurora, it is alive and well.