Naperville is one of the most popular suburbs of Chicago. Escape the overcrowded areas of Chicago and swap it for the entertainment and fun days out on offer in Naperville. Whether you are looking for a quiet, relaxing stroll outdoors or something fun for the kiddies, Naperville has something for everyone.
We have compiled a list of the top-rated things to do in Naperville, Illinois. Scroll through our top 10 activities and places to visit in Naperville and you are sure to find a few things to add to your list!
Visit DuPage Children’s Museum
The DuPage Children’s Museum is one of the best activities for the kiddies and is located for the traveler’s convenience – across from the Naperville train station. The museum offers three floors of hands-on interactive exhibits. The exhibits allow the children to learn through play and focus on science, math, and art. Every exhibit in the DuPage Children’s Museum provides an area for children to experiment and explore their creativity.
The museum is great for birthday parties, as they can cater for private functions in their private room. For private functions, all the guests will benefit from unlimited time in the museum.
Address: 301 North Washington Street, Naperville, Illinois
Take A Naperville Riverwalk
The Naperville Riverwalk is a two-mile park that is located in the heart of the city. The Riverwalk follows the DuPage River banks, with connections to many other cultural attractions in the vicinity.
When visiting the Naperville Riverwalk be sure to make use of the paddle boat rentals that they have to offer, for the best day out with your family. You can enjoy a walk around the park with views of decorative fountains and the sound of The Millennium Carillon. The Millennium Carillon is a 72-bell musical tower and can be heard along the Riverwalk. The tower is over 16 stories high and can be seen from wherever you are along the path.
While you are in the area, why not also pay a visit to the Naper Settlement? Keep reading to find out more about the settlement.
Address: 500 Jackson Avenue, Naperville, Illinois
Visit Beautiful Cantigny Park
This beautiful park is located less than 10-miles north of downtown. This gorgeous space boasts 500 acres, with 30 acres of formal gardens. A fantastic place to stop off on your visit is the parks visitor center that has been fitted with a three-dimensional scale map. Why not make the most of the space on offer and explore the gardens on a self-guided tour?
The estate also features the Robert. R. McCormick Museum. The estate once belonged to Colonel Robert. R. McCormick, who was an editor of the Chicago Tribune. Cantigny Park is also home to a First Division Museum, which has been rated as one of the top military museums. The First Division Museum highlights the history of the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S Army. Explore through exhibits and displays through many arenas of war. Don’t forget to get a photograph of the tanks located outside!
Before returning home, you can also pay a visit to the golf club that is located within the grounds. The Cantigny Golf Club features 27 holes and has been rated as one of the top public courses in the United States.
Address: 1 South 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, Illinois
Naper Settlement Structures
As we mentioned above, the Naper Settlement can be accessed from the Naperville Riverwalk route. Within the settlement is a 12-acre museum that has preserved the community’s heritage. In the mix of historical buildings are two 19th century builds and a mansion that was built in 1883.
For a great day out, you can take your pick from the thirty wonderful structures to explore the settlement. Among the structures is also a Civil War-era church. This church was moved to Naper Settlement in 1969.
For an extra special day out, why not make the most of the programs, events, tours, and outdoor exhibits on offer? You may even be lucky to catch one of the historical re-enactments. The historic buildings are not open between November and March, however, Naper Settlement remains open throughout the year. You can also enjoy free admission if you are a Naperville resident.
Address: 523 South Webster Street, Naperville, Illinois
Centennial Beach Fun
While you are enjoying a day out along the Naperville Riverwalk, why not plan a trip to Centennial Beach too? Centennial beach has a unique swimming pool that will not be found anywhere else in the world. The historic stone quarry remains were used to create this pool. So, if you are looking for something different to do during the summer, look no further!
Near the beach are also plenty of fun activities such as water slides, floating attractions, and water fountains. You can even make use of the beach that is perfect for volleyball and sandcastle building with the children. There is sure to be something for all the family!
Address: 500 Jackson Avenue, Naperville, Illinois
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
The preserve boasts more than 26,000 acres of forest and is conveniently located just five miles north of Naperville. Almost 900 acres of the land at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is woodland. So, if you are looking for somewhere to explore and get adventurous, then this is the one for you!
Unsurprisingly, Herrick Lake is popular for fishing, bird watching, biking, and horseback riding. This peaceful preserve is perfect for a quiet afternoon fishing from the shore or out on the lake using one of the non-motorized boat rentals. Even in the cold weather, Herrick Lake has something to offer with cross-country skiers making use of the trails.
Knoch Knolls Nature Center
The Knoch Knolls Nature Center offers a brilliant educational resource for families to explore. Also, families can take part in one of the many programs and classes throughout the year. Included in some of the programs is the chance to meet resident animals such as garter snake and a box turtle.
Also, there are 5-miles of breathtaking woodland trails to explore for adults or families alike. You can also enjoy a relaxing day out with the nature-themed playground and 18-hole disc golf. Just don’t forget your lunch to enjoy in one of the many picnic spots!
If you are into adventure, then the water trails are where you may want to head on your visit. The Nature Center features a boat launch that allows both kayaks and canoes to participate in the water trails.
Address: 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, Illinois
Ball Factory Indoor Play & Café
The Ball Factory has been designed for both children and adults alike. Join in with your children and play together! If you are looking for somewhere to explore and interact with your child, then this is the perfect place for it! Both you and your child are sure to have fun in the Ball Factory.
The Ball Factory is ideal for children 6 months to 12 years old. Within the attractions are a parent and baby area, a four-level play area, an imagination playground, slides, a café, ball blaster area, and so much more!
As a bonus, both adults and teenage siblings can be admitted into the Ball Factory for free!
Funtopia Kids Zone
If you are looking for somewhere fun that stands out from other play areas, then this is definitely worth a visit for you and your children. There is something for all ages at Funtopia. Children, teenagers, and adults can all have fun and explore the climbing wall, ropes, and ninja courses.
Ultimate Ninjas Adventure Area
Are your children obsessed with ninjas? If your children are eager to learn some ninja moves, then Ultimate Ninjas is the best place for your children to burn off some energy. Ultimate Ninjas features an obstacle course that has been inspired by the television show – American Ninja Warrior.
Children who are aged 6 to 15 years old can enjoy the courses. They also host Friday Family Ninja Nights every Friday evening at 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
