Aurora · Kane County, IL

Outdoors in Aurora

Scout analyzed 101 Aurora places and surfaced the ones that actually fit outdoors.

Places analyzed

101

Matches

19

Typical spend

$0

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Best neighborhoods for outdoors

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Scout-verified spots

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Outdoors

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Oakhurst Forest Preserve is ideal for a free outdoor excursion, offering trails, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit, perfect for a family outing or solo walk.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Greene Valley

Outdoors

Greene Valley

Greene Valley is a free nature preserve ideal for a several-hour outdoor adventure, offering trails for hiking and views of nature. It pairs well with a picnic or a post-hike meal nearby.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Saw Wee Kee Park

Outdoors

Saw Wee Kee Park

This park is suitable for an active outing, offering trails for biking, horseback riding, or hiking. Expect to spend a few hours here, enjoying the wildlife and water activities for no cost.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Spring Lake Park

Outdoors

Spring Lake Park

Spring Lake Park is ideal for a free family outing, offering playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails along the waterfront. Plan for a 1.5-2 hour visit, best enjoyed on a sunny day.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Red Oak Nature Center

Outdoors

Red Oak Nature Center

Red Oak Nature Center is a solid choice for a few hours of outdoor exploration and learning, perfect for families or solo adventurers. Expect to spend little to no money unless you purchase souvenirs or attend a paid program.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Hidden Lake Forest Preserve

Outdoors

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve is good for a half-day outdoor activity like hiking, picnicking, or kayaking. It's a low-cost option that pairs well with a picnic lunch or can be a standalone activity.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0–$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve

Outdoors

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is good for a few hours of hiking or fishing, making it a suitable solo adventure or family outing. Expect to spend little to nothing if just hiking, or up to $20 for boat rentals.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Waubonsie Lake Park

Outdoors

Waubonsie Lake Park

Waubonsie Lake Park is ideal for a free, leisurely outdoor activity with family or solo. Expect to spend 1-2 hours walking trails, fishing, or letting kids play, pairing well with a packed lunch or a nearby cafe afterward.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
St. James Farm Forest Preserve

Outdoors

St. James Farm Forest Preserve

St. James Farm is a good destination for a 2-3 hour nature walk or bike ride, easily paired with a picnic. Expect to spend little to no money here.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Springbrook Prairie

Outdoors

Springbrook Prairie

Springbrook Prairie is a free outdoor space ideal for a nature walk, run, or bike ride. Plan for 1.5-3 hours of activity, best enjoyed on a clear day as part of a family outing or solo adventure.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Fabyan Forest Preserve

Outdoors

Fabyan Forest Preserve

This nature preserve is ideal for a few hours of outdoor exploration, potentially including a visit to the museum or windmill. It's largely free, though special exhibits or activities might have a small fee.

OutdoorsHistoryViews
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

Outdoors

Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

Silver Springs is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering space for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Expect to spend little to no money unless renting equipment or purchasing snacks, and prepare for a good amount of walking.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Rocky Glen Waterfall

Outdoors

Rocky Glen Waterfall

Rocky Glen Waterfall is a scenic natural spot, ideal for a short outdoor walk or a picnic. It's a free activity that pairs well with other outdoor adventures in the area and typically takes about an hour to explore.

ViewsOutdoorsRelaxed
$0 typical1 hr visiteasy parking
McCullough Park

Outdoors

McCullough Park

McCullough Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a 1-2 hour family outing or solo walk. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a stop during a longer day exploring Aurora.

OutdoorsRelaxedPlayful
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Lippold Park - Fox Valley Park District

Outdoors

Lippold Park - Fox Valley Park District

Lippold Park is a free outdoor space ideal for a morning or afternoon with family or for a solo walk. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the trails or playgrounds.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Jericho Lake Park

Outdoors

Jericho Lake Park

Jericho Lake Park is ideal for a few hours of outdoor family time, offering trails, fishing, and picnicking. It costs nothing to enter and is best visited during pleasant weather.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
City of Aurora- Phillips Park Zoo

Outdoors

City of Aurora- Phillips Park Zoo

Phillips Park Zoo is a great low-cost option for a family outing, offering animal viewing, playgrounds, and open spaces. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here, especially if combining the zoo with other park amenities.

OutdoorsAnimalsSports
$0–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Wolf's Crossing Community Park

Naperville Park District

Wolf's Crossing Community Park

Wolf's Crossing Community Park is a good free option for a couple of hours outdoors, suitable for families or a solo walk. Expect to spend 90-120 minutes enjoying the open space, perhaps paired with a picnic.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
North Aurora Island Park

Outdoors

North Aurora Island Park

This park is suitable for a free hour-long stroll or picnic, often paired with other local attractions. It's an outdoor spot best enjoyed in good weather.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

What Scout found

  • 19 of the 101 analyzed Aurora places fit outdoors.
  • 100% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 100% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Adventurous, Playful, Educational, Quiet.

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