Group Tours and Programs
The museum offers programs and activities for people of all ages and abilities.
Call or contact us with questions or to schedule your today!
Group Tours and Field Trips | History Presentations | Scout Programs
Group Tours and Field Trips
A visit to the Fire Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of firefighting in Aurora
and the surrounding region while learning fire safety. The Museum features multiple permanent and
temporary exhibits across two floors. Tours are ideal for all ages—from children to active adults.
Tour Procedures
A $25 nonrefundable deposit to secure your time / date that will be applied to your final bill.
A Look Through the Museum Tour *Most Popular – All Ages*
$6 per person – Length: 1 hour
Guided or Self-Guided Tour of our main exhibit, Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued.
Time to explore second floor exhibits – Aurora Room and Education Room.
Age-appropriate fire safety video
Museum Tour & Activity
$9 per person – Length: ~1.5 hours
A Look Through the Museum Tour as described above.
Choice of Activity: Additional activities may be added for $3 each
Color your own fire helmet and learn about a firefighter’s gear
Be prepared; create your own mini first-aid kit and home escape plan
Fire themed storytime and craft
Team scavenger hunt throughout the museum
Museum Tour & Presentation
$10 per person – Length: 1.5 hours
A Look Through the Museum Tour as described above.
Select one of the following presentations:
10 Fires that Shaped History
The Great Chicago Fire
The Architecture of Firehouses
History of Firefighting in Aurora
Fires of Aurora’s Past
From Everyday Life to Museum Artifact
Preserving Your Family History
Tours of Aurora Fire Department Central Station
Tours of Central Station must be schedule with the Aurora Fire Department. Please call the Fire
Prevention Office at (630)-256-4130. Tours are generally 30-45 minutes in length.
History Presentations
The Great Chicago Fire
Learn about the fire beyond the tale of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow! We’ll address the myths surrounding the fire and give the full story of how the fire started, spread and impacted the city of Chicago for years to come.
History of Firefighting in Aurora
From the Young America Fire Engine Company No.1 in 1856 to the nine stations serving Aurora today, discover the dramatic growth and changes the Aurora Fire Department has seen throughout the years.
10 fires that shaped history
The safety measures that we have in both our homes and public spaces have sadly, largely come from tragedy. From the panic bar to well lit, unblocked exit doors, learn about the fires that impacted how we all stay safe today.
Architecture of the Fire House
From colonial shacks to picturesque red brick buildings, fire stations have been carefully designed to not only best support the fire firefighters but also to best fit into the community they exist in. By examining the architecture of fire stations we can see the change in how society thought of the fire service.
From Everyday Life to Museum Artifact
A museum’s collection helps tell stories, provides primary source evidence and allows visitors to see the past firsthand. But how are collections collected? How are they organized and cared for? In this presentation, you will learn all about collections and artifacts and how they are used by museum staff.
Fires of Aurora’s Past
From devastating blazes to moments of resilience, Aurora’s history has been shaped by fire. “Burned Into Memory: Aurora Fires of the Past” explores the major fires that altered the city’s growth, infrastructure, and safety practices, revealing how these pivotal events left a lasting mark on the community…and still echo through Aurora today.
Preserving Your Family History
Curious on how to best preserve your own history? Staff will discuss basic conversation and preservation techniques, conducting oral histories and guidance on research resources.
Scout Programs
The Aurora Regional Fire Museum provides a variety of educational experiences that can help fulfill the requirements needed to earn many scouting badges. The following are some of the programs we currently offer. We also can tailor programs to meet the requirements of other badges and levels for both boy scouts and girl scouts.
All programs include free admission into the Museum, Museum patch, and special program. A minimum of 8 scouts is required for each program and a maximum of 20 scouts is accepted to ensure a quality experience.
Tiger Elective Adventure: Safe and Smart
Time: 1 ½ hours
Cost: $10 per person
Come visit the Aurora Regional Fire Museum and learn all about fire safety. This adventure can also include a visit next door to Aurora’s current Central Station to talk with emergency responders. Tiger cubs will learn all about dialing 911, fire safety practices such as “Stop, Drop, and Roll”, “Stay Low and Go”, creating fire escape routes, using a blanket to smother a fire, and checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Wolf Elective Adventure: Collections and Hobbies
Time: 1 ½ hours
Cost: $12 per person
Come visit the Aurora Regional Fire Museum and see our collection of firefighting equipment. While you are here, you will learn how to start, exhibit, and maintain a collection. You will also have the opportunity to make an autograph book and gather autographs. In addition, the program will include basic letter writing skills and fun games that involve collecting. Participants will get to make their own small collection they can take home.
Wolf Elective Adventures: Hometown Heroes
Time 1 ½ hours
Cost: $10 per person
Come visit the Aurora Regional Fire Museum and learn about our hometown heroes, the Aurora First Responders. During this program, you will also find out about dogs and horses and how important they have been for the fire service. You will also be able to go next door to the Aurora Central Fire Station and visit with our human heroes. You will also create thank you cards and notes to be given to the first responders on September 27th, First Responder’s Appreciation Day.
Webelos Adventure: First Responder
Time: 2 ½ hours
Cost: $20 per person
Come visit the Aurora Regional Fire Museum and learn what it takes to be a First Responder. You will learn basic first aid and how to treat common injuries. You will also learn what to include in a home first-aid kit and how to create an emergency readiness plan so that you are prepared. You will also have the opportunity to go next door to the Aurora Central Fire Station and visit with a first responder. Participants will take home their own mini home first-aid kit.
Webelos/AOL Elective Adventure: Build My Own Hero
Time: 1 ½ hours
Cost: $10 per person
Come visit the Aurora Regional Fire Museum and discover what it means to be a hero. You will learn how citizens can be heroes in their communities and hear about First Responders in other countries who have made the world a better place. While you are here, you can also create your own superhero and recognize a First Responder hero at the Aurora Central Fire Station with a “My Hero Award”.
Museum Tour
Time: 1-2hours
Cost per Cub: $6 without Museum Patch or $9 with Museum Patch
The Aurora Regional Fire Museum can make a custom experience that is fun for everyone. In addition to specialized programs, you can bring your Den or Pack to tour the Museum. Learn about the history of firefighting, the Aurora Fire Department, and fire safety. Tours can also include a visit to our Children’s Discovery Room. Pair your tour with a tour of Aurora’s current Central Fire Station for an unforgettable experience.
