Introduction

Your new posting at Buckley Air Force Base (now Buckley Space Force Base) is surrounded by scenic hikes, historical and cultural sites, and the wide-open spaces of Aurora, Colorado. There is a wide variety of things to do for the whole family on the base and in the surrounding areas of Buckley Space Force Base, from different reservoirs perfect for a day on the water to educational sites recreating history right before your eyes. We have organized activities into categories below; click any of them to jump to the section if you already know what you want to do. Due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, it is best to call ahead to confirm temporary hours before you go. (1-4) Golfing (5-8) Gyms (9-10) Movie Theaters (11-16) Outdoor Recreation (17) Shopping (18-19) Museums

Suggested Read:

Buckley Space Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center

19 Buckley AFB (Space Force Base) Things to Do

Buckley AFB (Space Force Base) Golf Course

Aurora

1. Springhill Golf Course

800 N. Telluride St. Aurora, CO 80011

Phone

: 1 (303) 739-6854 Springhill Golf Course features courses that are a little different from the norm. Shorter holes force experienced players to work on their shot-making skills and allow for newer golfers to practice before experiencing a more demanding golf outing.

2. Aurora Hills Golf Course

50 S Peoria St, Aurora, CO 80012

Phone

: 1 (303) 739-1550 One of the most popular courses in the metro area of Aurora, Aurora Hills Golf Course has reasonable fees and well-maintained holes. This course has challenges for all ability levels.

3. Meadow Hills Golf Course

3609 S Dawson St, Aurora, CO 80014

Phone

: 1 (303) 326-8450 Meadow Hills Golf Course provides beautiful views of large lakes and lush grounds. Meadow Hills hosted the Denver Open and is still considered one of the best and most popular courses in the area.

4. Murphy Creek Golf Course

1700 S Old Tom Morris Rd, Aurora, CO 80018

Phone

: 1 (303) 739-1560 A great place for beginners, Murphy Creek has award-winning practice facilities and courses for all skill levels. Murphy Creek features a unique homestead farming theme with rustic equipment and building design throughout the course.

Buckley AFB (Space Force Base) Gym

5. Buckley Fitness Center

Building #35 Buckley Air Force Base, CO, 80011-0000

Phone

: 1 (720) 847-6679 The Buckley Fitness Center is located on base, and despite its smaller size compared to some of the bigger gyms, it has everything you need for your workout routines. There are fitness classes, a weights room, and even massage therapy.

Aurora

6. CrossFit Terra Nova

15821 E Centretech Cir, Aurora, CO 80011

Phone

: 1 (720) 231-7834 Workouts at CrossFit Terra Nova are structured into classes. They pride themselves in close communities that work and celebrate their fitness together. All coaches are CrossFit coaching certified.

7. A1 Boxing Academy

14200 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

Phone

: 1(720) 600-4984 A1 Boxing Academy offers something a little different than the traditional gym. Get into shape with boxing, fitness, and kickboxing classes. They also have programs for kids.

8. VASA Fitness

15200 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80011

Phone

: 1 (719) 294-6630 VASA Fitness has a wide range of workout classes, machines, free weights, and anything else you could possibly want from a gym. And one unique amenity is their Fitness Cinema, where you can catch a movie while you work out.

Movie Theaters

Aurora

9. Movie Tavern Aurora

18605 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80013

Phone

: 1 (303) 680-9913 For a high-class movie experience, head a little farther out from Buckley Space Force Base and find Movie Tavern Aurora. This theater shows new releases paired with gourmet eats and cocktails served to you at the touch of a button.

10. Century Aurora and XD

14300 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

Phone

: 1 (303) 363-0300 From blockbusters to limited releases, Century Aurora and XD has your movie needs covered.

Buckley AFB (Space Force Base) Outdoor Rec

Aurora

11. Cherry Creek State Park

4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014

Phone

: 1 (303) 690-1166 Not far Southwest off base is Cherry Creek State Park. This 880-acre park consists of a natural prairie and wetland environment. There are all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy here, including boating, camping, hiking, model plane flying, and horseback riding.

12. Aurora Sports Park

19300 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80011

Phone

: 1 (303) 739-7000 This 220-acre park is perfect for any sports family. Aurora Sports Park has 12 baseball and 23 multi-use/soccer fields that host competitions for all ages and skills.

13. Triangle Park

1600 Espana St, Aurora, CO 80011

Phone

: 1 (303) 739-7000 Triangle Park is great for families with kids. There are playgrounds and covered picnic shelters here, along with walking paths to enjoy the beautiful scenery of this little park.

14. Aurora Reservoir

5800 S. Powhaton Rd. Aurora, CO 80016

Phone

: 1 (303) 326-8425 For some time on the water, head over to the Aurora Reservoir. Get a full day of boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Rentals are available for some of the watercraft, and there’s even an archery range along the shore.

15. Plains Conservation Center

21901 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80013

Phone

: 1 (303) 326-8380 The Plains Conservation Center is a natural area with reconstructed homesteads and Cheyenne camps. Experience life on the prairie then and now, along with hiking trails and public educational events.

16. Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch

16002 E Smith Rd, Aurora, CO 80011

Phone

: 1 (703) 780-2000 There are 250 acres of woodland to explore at Star K Ranch. The well-maintained trails offer a quiet escape with an abundance of plant and animal species that call the park home. Visit the Morrison Nature Center when you visit to learn more about the history of the site.

Aurora Colorado Shopping

15. Southlands

6155 S Main St Suite 260, Aurora, CO 80016

Phone

: 1 (303) 627-5000 This open-air mall is built more like a small standalone town than a recreational area. Enjoy popular retailers, dining, and a multiplex at Southlands.

Buckley AFB (Space Force Base) Museums

Aurora

18. Aurora History Museum

15051 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012

Phone

: 1 (303) 739-6660 Learn about the rich regional and local history of Aurora at the Aurora History Museum. A great place to bring the family, there are exhibits and programs for all ages. Experience photos and artifacts from Aurora’s military history and a fully restored 1913 trolley that used to run in the city.

19. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230

Phone

: 1 (303) 360-5360 A must-visit for any aviation enthusiast, the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum features wartime aircraft, a WWII uniform collection, aviation art and is on the site of the former Lowry Air Force Base.

Conclusion

With the beauty of the natural prairie surrounding you, your posting at Buckley Space Force Base is sure to create many memories and give you plenty of adventures. We hope that this guide has helped you narrow down some day trip options and given you a little more insight into the area immediately surrounding Buckley Space Force Base. With the constantly growing city of Aurora, you will surely find more to do than this guide can fit into a list. Don’t forget to ask the locals for their favorite spots, and we hope you find your own near Buckley Space Force Base.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.