Where to Go With a Baby in Aurora, Colorado (When You Just Need to Get Out of the House)

Oct 9

9 min read

Close-up of a newborn baby's tiny feet wrapped in soft cream fabric, photographed by Tiny Details Photography in Aurora, Colorado.

If you're looking for somewhere to take your baby in Aurora, Colorado, there are plenty of places to enjoy a little time outside the house, from stroller-friendly walks and museums to restaurants, shopping centers, and even a few unexpected outings.

And I'm not necessarily talking about places designed for babies. Sometimes you just want to eat a meal you didn't cook, wander around somewhere different, or see another adult human being.

I remember those days. Getting out of the house with a baby could feel like a whole production, but staying home all day wasn't always what I wanted either. Sometimes I wanted to do something fun with my kids, and sometimes I just wanted to go somewhere for an hour and feel like myself again.

So I put together some of my favorite places around Aurora. Some are wonderful for stroller walks, some are better when you have an older sibling tagging along, and a few are simply places I love going myself.

When You Just Want Someone Else to Cook

Village Inn on East Hampden Avenue

I have to start with Village Inn on Hampden because this one is personal.

I've been going to this Village Inn for years. In fact, I go so often that I know the staff by name, and they know my family. I started taking my children there when they were newborns. They're 12 and 9 now, and some of the staff still remember them from when they were babies.

How cute is that?

One of the things I've always loved about this location is the atmosphere. The staff have always been wonderful with my babies. They're excited to see them, but they're also respectful of their space. They understand babies make noise, wiggle around, and occasionally have opinions about what's happening.

And nobody makes it a big deal.

The food is reasonably priced, the menu has plenty of familiar favorites, and I genuinely enjoy eating there. But I think the reason I keep coming back is that it feels like a little part of my children's childhood. The people working there have watched them grow up.

I know that sounds sentimental for a restaurant, but I think those little connections are part of what makes a community feel like home.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Lazy Dog at Southlands is another favorite of mine, especially when I'm meeting up with friends or family.

The menu is enormous, which is helpful when you're trying to coordinate a group of people who all want something different. It's also generally a lively restaurant, and I've always appreciated that kind of atmosphere when bringing children along.

When you've got a baby, sometimes the last thing you want is to sit in a completely silent restaurant worrying about every little sound they make.

I wouldn't say you have to seek out noisy places, but I do think there's something comfortable about being somewhere that already has a little life happening around you.

Bookmakers and a Couple of My Other Favorites

Bookmakers Bar & Grill is one of those cute local burger places I love. It's worth keeping in mind when you're craving a good burger and want to try somewhere different from your usual routine.

And while we're talking about food, I have to mention a couple of my favorite places around Iliff and Parker Road.

I absolutely love Bajeko Sekuwa Nepalese & Indian Cuisine, especially their momos. If you've never had momos, they're delicious little dumplings, and they're one of my favorite reasons to go out for a meal.

I also really enjoy Masalaa Restaurant when I'm in the mood for Indian food.

Now, I'm not claiming that every one of these restaurants is specifically designed for newborns. They're simply places I enjoy, and I think that's worth remembering. When you're taking a baby out, the outing can be for you, too.

When You Want to Walk Around Without Having a Big Plan

Southlands Shopping Center

Southlands is one of my favorite recommendations because there's almost always something happening.

It's an outdoor shopping center in southeast Aurora with restaurants, stores, places to sit, and community events throughout the year. It's a great place to put the baby in the stroller and wander around without having a particular destination in mind.

I especially like it when you have an older child with you. There are areas where kids can play, and there's enough happening that everyone can enjoy getting out for a little while.

And because it's an outdoor shopping center, you have options. You can enjoy the fresh air when the weather is beautiful, then head inside a store or restaurant when you need a break.

Of course, Colorado weather gets to have an opinion about your plans, too. But on a nice day, Southlands is a lovely place to spend an hour or two.

Stanley Marketplace

Stanley Marketplace is another wonderful option, particularly when you'd rather stay indoors.

It's a collection of restaurants, shops, and businesses all gathered into one large building in northwest Aurora. You can grab something to eat, browse a few stores, meet up with someone, or simply wander around.

I like places like this because you don't have to make a whole day of it. You can show up, get a coffee or lunch, walk around a little, and head home whenever you're ready.

It's also a good alternative when the weather isn't cooperating with your plans for an outdoor stroll.

When You Need Some Fresh Air

Aurora Reservoir

The Aurora Reservoir is one of those places that reminds me how beautiful it can be to live here.

There's a paved trail around the reservoir, and the views of the water are wonderful. The full loop is approximately eight miles, so I'm certainly not suggesting that you need to walk the whole thing with your newborn.

Pick a comfortable stretch, enjoy the scenery, and turn around whenever you feel like it.

I think there's something really nice about getting outside with a baby when you've spent a lot of time indoors. You don't need a destination or an activity. Sometimes a little fresh air and a change of scenery are enough.

And if you've got an older sibling along, the reservoir also has the Senac Creek Nature Center, where children can explore and learn about the area.

One practical note: the reservoir is a fee-based recreation area, so check current entry information before heading over.

Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch

Another outdoor option is the Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch.

This is a lovely place for a quieter outing, with nature trails and opportunities to learn about local wildlife. It's especially worth considering when you have an older child who wants something to explore while the baby enjoys the ride.

I like having options like this because not every family outing needs tickets, reservations, or an elaborate plan. Sometimes walking around somewhere beautiful is exactly what you need.

When You Want to Do Something a Little Different

Aurora History Museum

The Aurora History Museum is one of those places I think more local families should know about.

It's located near the Aurora Municipal Center and offers exhibits about the history of our city. It's a manageable place to explore when you want to get out for a little while without committing to an enormous museum.

I particularly like the idea of taking an older sibling along. They can look at the exhibits and learn something about where they live, while the baby comes along for the outing.

It's also an affordable activity, although admission and special-program details are worth checking before your visit.

The Outdoor Sculptures Along Havana Street

Here's one you might not think of: go for a drive and look at some art.

Aurora has an outdoor sculpture exhibition called Art 2C along Havana Street. Different sculptures are displayed along the corridor, creating a little outdoor art experience you can enjoy as you travel through the area.

The city even provides an Art 2C sculpture guide and interactive audio tour to help you find the artwork.

I think this is such a fun idea for a day when you want to get out of the house but don't necessarily want to unload the stroller, pack a bag, or spend a lot of time walking around.

You can explore the sculptures from the car, and if something catches your eye, find an appropriate place to park and take a closer look.

It's also a fun little activity for older children. They can help spot the sculptures and tell you which ones they like best.

Aurora Public Library

I also think the Aurora Public Library deserves a place on this list.

Aurora Public Library offers children's programming, including activities for babies and toddlers at participating locations. Baby storytimes can be a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents and caregivers while introducing your little one to books, songs, and a different environment.

And if your baby is too little to participate? That's okay. You can still visit the library, browse books, or simply enjoy being somewhere different.

Check the library's current event calendar for age ranges, locations, and schedules before heading out.

Yes, I'm Going to Suggest a Movie Theater

Movie Tavern in Aurora

I know. A movie theater probably isn't the first place you'd expect to see on a list of outings with a baby.

But hear me out.

I love the smaller, cozy feeling of Movie Tavern on East Hampden Avenue. I've been to showings where there were hardly any people in the theater, and occasionally it felt like we practically had the whole place to ourselves.

That kind of setting can make going to the movies feel much more approachable as a parent.

Now, I wouldn't take a newborn into a regular loud movie showing without considering the sound levels. Movie theaters can be extremely loud for little ears, and you'll want to check whether the theater offers baby-friendly screenings or other appropriate options.

But I still wanted to include it because sometimes parents forget they're allowed to enjoy things they loved before having children. You may need to adjust how you do them, but you don't have to give up every outing you used to enjoy.

When You're Willing to Venture Outside Aurora

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

If you're up for a little drive, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of my favorite family destinations.

There's so much to see that you can enjoy it with children at completely different ages. Babies can come along while you explore, and older siblings have plenty of exhibits to keep them interested.

One of my favorite parts for younger children is the Discovery Zone, which has hands-on activities and areas designed for little explorers.

And here's my very practical mom advice: bring an extra set of clothes.

There is a water-play area, and if your child is anything like mine, there's a very good chance they're going to find it.

I love this museum because it's a place you can keep coming back to as your children grow. What interests them at two years old may be completely different from what they love at nine, but there's always something new to discover.

You Don't Have to Make an Entire Day of It

Here's something I wish more parents heard when they're trying to get out of the house with a baby: you don't have to accomplish anything.

You can drive all the way to Southlands, walk around for fifteen minutes, decide you're done, and go home.

You can meet someone for lunch and leave before dessert. You can plan a beautiful stroller walk and discover that today is not the day your baby wants to cooperate.

That's okay.

I remember how much effort it could take just to get everyone into the car. Sometimes the outing was wonderful, and sometimes I wondered why I hadn't just stayed home.

But I still think getting out when you feel up to it is worth trying. Not because your newborn needs a packed social calendar, but because you deserve to enjoy your days, too.

Jennifer's Two Cents

I think one of the things I love most about raising my children in Aurora is watching the familiar places become part of our family story.

I never would have guessed that a Village Inn would become one of those places for us. But here we are, years later, and the people who served me breakfast while I held a newborn still remember those same babies as big kids.

That's pretty special.

So find your places. Maybe it's a restaurant where everyone learns your name, a walking trail you visit every week, or a little coffee spot where you can sit for twenty minutes and feel like an adult again.

It doesn't need to be impressive. It just needs to be somewhere you enjoy.

And if you're in that newborn stage right now, I hope you find a few places around Aurora that make getting out of the house feel a little easier.

Key Takeaways

For an easy meal: Village Inn on Hampden and Lazy Dog are two of my favorites, along with a few smaller local restaurants I love.
For stroller-friendly wandering: Southlands, Stanley Marketplace, and the Aurora Reservoir offer different ways to get out without needing a complicated plan.
For older siblings: Try the Aurora History Museum, Morrison Nature Center, library programs, or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
For something different: Explore Aurora's outdoor sculptures or look for an appropriate family-friendly movie screening.
For the days you're exhausted: A fifteen-minute outing still counts. You don't have to stay out all afternoon.

Before visiting, check current hours, admission prices, events, and age-specific policies. They can change, especially for seasonal activities and children's programs.