Arapahoe County covers much of the eastern Denver Metropolitan region and a part of the southern section as well.

The major cities and vacation attractions of Arapahoe County are listed below.

Third largest city in Colorado (pop. 222,200), Aurora is the predominant city of the eastern metropolitan area. Its growth since World War II has been influenced by the strong military presense in the area. Some of the biggest employers for the city were Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center (closed 1995), Lowry Air Force Base (closed 1994) and Buckley Air National Guard Base.

The Plains Conservation Center / Colorado Prairie Natural Area
21901 E. Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO; (303) 693-3621;
1,900 acre preserve on the eastern edge of Aurora. Includes museum, monthly moonlight walks, wagon rides and other attractions. Call for more info and reservations.

Discovery Zone
14281 E. Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO; (303) 340-1619;

Other Aurora services:

Aurora Restaurant Guide - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
Aurora Hotel Directory - Room search and reservation service.
Special Vacation Packages for Aurora - Great deals to the best vacation opportunities.

Englewood (pop. 32,300) is the county's second largest city and has a large concentration of biomedical / biotechnology companies. Back in 1858 it was an empty prairie when the discovery of gold there sparked Colorado's first gold rush. By the late 1800's it was covered with fruit orchards and was a popular place for Sunday carriage drives and picnics for the residents of nearby Denver.

Funtastic Fun
3085 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO; (303) 761-8701;
Amusement park / funzone center includes:

• Ferris Wheel
• Carousel
• train ride and cave
• air castle

Museum of Outdoor Arts
Museum Without Walls
7600 E. Orchard Rd., Englewood, CO; (303) 741-3609;

Over 50 outdoor sculptures located in the 400-acre Greenwood Plaza Business Park. The museum is comprised of the adjoining buildings, plazas and scuplture artworks.

Englewood Parks

• Belleview Park - Two great playgrounds, a miniature train and petting zoo.
• Cushing Park - Old west theme and skateboard park.

Other Englewood services:

Englewood Restaurant Guide - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
Englewood Hotel Directory - Room search and reservation service.
Special Vacation Packages for Englewood - Great deals to the best vacation opportunities.

Littleton is the third largest city in Colorado. Martin Marietta is the largest employer here.

Funplex
9670 W. Coal Mine Ave, Littleton, CO; (303) 972-4344;
3.5 acre indoor fun center includes:

• 40 lane bowling alley
• roller-skating rink
• 18-hole miniature golf
• arcade with over 150 video games
• two restaurants and ice cream shop
• Laser Storm - laser tag game
• Junior playground area
• six amusement park rides

Littleton Historical Museum
6028 S. Gallup St, Littleton, CO; (303) 795-3950;
Open: Tue-Fri 8AM-5PM / Sat 10AM-5PM / Sun 1-5PM; Free Admission;

Recreation of a 1860's homestead and turn-of-the-century farm is the basis for this living history museum. Many exhibits teach about the challenges of pioneer life and include 1910 ice house, settler's house and Littleton's first schoolhouse. The slowpace and easy going atmosphere allows visitors to interact with the staff (working in costume) and learn more about our early ancestors. Children have the chance to mingle with the animals on a real working farm.

Hudson Gardens
2888 W. Maplewood Ave., Littleton, CO; (303) 797-8565;
Open: 10AM-5PM Wed-Sun; Admission: $4 Adult / $2 Child;
Public gardens area divided into 16 different garden settings.

Discovery Zone
7510 Parkway Drive, Littleton, CO; (303) 649-1831;

Other Littleton services:

Littleton Restaurant Guide - Reviews, menus, specials and pricelist.
Littleton Hotel Directory - Room search and reservation service.
Special Vacation Packages for Littleton - Great deals to the best vacation opportunities.

Horse Magazine-of-the-Month Club
Horse Magazine-of-the-Month Club makes finding the latest horse riding tips and techniques easier than ever. Each month a different horse magazine is delivered to your doorstep for one year. This is simply the best way to receive a variety of the best.