27+ Best & Fun Things To Do In Naperville, IL | 2024
Are you thinking about going on vacation to Naperville, Illinois, and want to make it more fun? Don’t look any further! You have come to the right place. We are going to talk about the 27 best and most fun things to do in Naperville, IL. These activities will make your trip unique.
Naperville, Illinois, is a lively city in the western suburbs of Chicago. It has lots of fun things to do for all kinds of travelers.
There are lots of fun things to do and see in Naperville, from the beautiful Riverwalk to the busy downtown area and top-notch museums. You can see the DuPage Children’s Museum, the DuPage River, the Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, and other interesting places.
27+ Fun and Awesome Things To Do In Naperville, IL
1. Naperville Riverwalk
One of the best things about Naperville is the Naperville Riverwalk, which is where your trip should start. The Riverwalk was built in 1981 to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. It has 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, bridges, beautiful landscaping, outdoor sculptures and artwork, play areas, and monuments.
The Grand Pavilion, the Riverwalk Amphitheater, and the Dandelion Fountain are some of the other places on the Naperville Riverwalk.
You can have lunch, take a walk, or just relax and think on the riverwalk. Take some time to rest and enjoy the view.
The address is 188 W. Jackson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
2. Naper Settlement
Today, one of the coolest things to do in Naperville, IL, is to go back in time to the Naper Settlement. This 12-acre outdoor museum has 30 historic houses and structures that make it feel like you are in a village from the 1800s. It opened in 1969.
From the Victorian mansion to the cute chapel and schoolhouse, the settlement lets people experience Naperville’s long past in a real way.
People can go on guided walks of the museum and go to regular events like Civil War Days, which feature life-like reenactments of historical events.
523 S. Webster Street, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
3. Centennial Beach
Centennial Beach is a fun place to go in Naperville to get away from the summer heat. Centennial Beach is a great place for people of all ages to swim, and it’s only a short walk from the Naperville Riverwalk.
This public water park is in an old double quarry next to the DuPage River. It’s about 6 acres big and has about 6.2 million gallons of open water from Lake Michigan.
The beach has different levels so that both new swimmers and experienced divers can enjoy it. There are also water slides, waterfalls, a skate park, and other fun things to do there.
With its big grassy area, it feels more like a vacation spot by the beach, especially when the sun is shining.
Location: 500 W. Jackson Avenue, Naperville, Illinois, United States
4. DuPage Children’s Museum
The DuPage Children’s Museum is a fun place for kids to be in Naperville, IL. The DuPage Children’s Museum has been around since 1987 and is a three-story wonderland carefully built to spark kids’ imaginations.
With exhibits like “AWEsome Air,” “Creativity Connections,” and the “Math Playground,” kids can learn about science, art, engineering, and math in a fun and involved way. It’s meant to make everyone who comes there curious, creative, think, and solve problems.
301 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
5. Downtown Naperville
In Naperville, you can enjoy Downtown Naperville for free. It is one of the most popular places in the Midwest to visit.
Downtown Naperville is a busy place because it has a great mix of old and new buildings that are now home to modern shops and restaurants. There are a lot of different kinds of things to buy here, from the newest fashion trends to handcrafted items made in the area.
There are also a lot of places to eat in the downtown area, from fancy restaurants to cozy cafés.
55 S. Main Street, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
6. Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park
One family-friendly thing to do near Naperville is to go to Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park in Woodridge, Illinois.
This water park with a swamp theme opened in 1997 and is a great place for the whole family to cool off on a hot summer day. There are many fun things for people of all ages to do in the park, such as Cajun Creek, Crocodile Isle, Tabasco Falls, Alligator Alley, Cattail Bay, and Mud Bug Beach.
In addition to the fun things to do, the Swamp Shack Cafe is a great place for families to get together for a drink or food.
The address is 8301 Janes Avenue, Woodridge, IL 60517, USA.
7. Naperville Historic District
The Historic District shows how much Naperville cares about keeping its history alive. 613 buildings in this neighborhood add to the area’s rich past and heritage.
The area shows the town as it was laid out at first, plus a few early additions. On the other hand, the houses are beautifully designed, which makes the neighborhood look even better. The intricate patterns and well-kept buildings tell stories of times gone by.
As part of your plans to visit Naperville, take a slow walk or ride your bike through the neighborhood to enjoy its beauty and charm.
Naperville, IL 60540, United States
8. Moser Tower And Millennium Carillon
The Moses Tower and Millennium Carillon are some of the best things to see in Naperville, IL. It is also known as the Naperville Bell Tower.
This one-of-a-kind 16-story building, 160 feet tall with 72 bells, stands at the base of the Riverwalk’s Rotary Hill and dominates the town’s skyline. There is talk that the Carillon building is one of the four biggest in the United States.
People can go on a tour and then climb the 253 steps to the top of the tower to get a great view of the city. People who can’t climb can take the lift to the Gallery Level Observation Deck and stay there.
The Carillon also holds events often, where the city is filled with the sound of melodic chimes.
443 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
9. Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
For nature lovers, the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve is a fun place to be outside in Naperville. Birds like meadowlarks, dickcissels, grasshopper sparrows, woodcocks, and bobolinks live in the 1,832-acre Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve Preserve. The preserve is also home to northern harriers, short-eared owls, and Henslow’s sparrows, which are all state-endangered.
Many rare species find safety here in this Illinois Nature Preserve, which is a great place to watch birds.
There are also 7 miles of trails that you can use for hiking, biking, horseback rides, cross-country skiing, or just relaxing in nature.
Naperville, IL 60540, United States
Looking for other things to do near Naperville? Check out some fun things to do in Galena, IL and Aurora, IL.
10. Paddleboat Quarry
The Paddleboat Quarry is one of the best places to go in Naperville for water sports. It is right next to the Riverwalk and Centennial Beach.
At the Paddleboat Quarry, people can take paddleboats, paddleboards, or kayaks and paddle through the calm water while taking in the beautiful scenery. They also have free splash pads that people can use as soon as they get there.
Though it depends on the weather, this place is open from spring to fall.
441 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
11. Wentz Concert Hall
Going to Wentz Concert Hall to see a show at night is a fun thing to do in Naperville. Wentz Concert Hall is on the Naperville campus of North Central College and is the site of many events of all kinds.
This 617-seat venue, which is home to the North Central College Fine and Performing Arts, is small enough that every note can be heard clearly by everyone in the crowd.
The Concert Hall is a favorite among artists and audience members because it looks beautiful and has a cutting-edge sound system. A night at Wentz is always memorable because it regularly hosts acts from across the country and around the world.
171 E Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
12. Naperville Trolley & Tours
On its one-hour rides, the Naperville Trolley and Tours take you back in time to see how the city has changed and grown.
Since it opened in 1995, the Naperville Trolley and Tour has been giving history tours, pub crawls, and group trips. Visitors can go on guided tours that show them around historic neighborhoods, downtown, and other important places while learning interesting facts and stories about Naperville’s past and present.
For Halloween and Christmas, there are also tours with holiday themes.
Naperville, IL 60540, United States
13. BrightSide Theatre
The BrightSide Theatre is the newest professional theater in the western suburbs. It is right in the middle of old downtown Naperville.
Every year, the theater puts on at least four famous shows and has a summer camp for kids of all ages to get them interested in live theater.
There are many shows, from musicals and plays to kids’ theater, so there is something for everyone who likes the theater. Because of the small space, the actors and audience feel like they know each other, which makes each show special.
31 S Ellsworth St, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
14. Knoch Knolls Nature Center
Checking out the Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a fun thing to do outside in Naperville. The Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a green haven in the middle of the city, right on the DuPage River.
This environmentally friendly building has many learning materials and beautiful views of the surrounding area, plants, and animals.
You can start your exploration of Knoch Knolls Park, which has paths, ponds, and a disc golf course, at the center.
320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville, IL 60565, USA
15. Naperville Public Library
The Naperville Public Library is not just a place to find books; it is an important part of the community where people who want to learn can find comfort.
There are a lot of books, e-books, podcasts, newspapers, and magazines at the Naperville Public Library. It has a computerized library for kids as well. There are also events for families, storytimes, and fun programs for people of all ages at the library, making it a great place for everyone.
3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA
16. Seager Park Interpretive Center
The Seager Park Interpretive Center is a great place to take kids in Naperville, IL. This 30-acre park near downtown Naperville encourages people to care about the environment by giving them hands-on opportunities to learn.
The Seager Park Educational Center has a park, picnic shelters, a basketball and sand volleyball court, a playground, trails, and an outdoor educational area. It also has an indoor classroom. The center also has hands-on displays that teach about the environment, plants, and animals in the area.
The center is close to Seager Park, which has trails, ponds, and woods that make it a peaceful place to relax.
1163 Plank Road, Naperville, IL 60563, USA
17. Pinot’s Palette
Want to do something artistic and fun with your friends in Naperville? After that, go to Pinot Palette and paint, drink, and have fun.
People can paint masterpieces with the help of a teacher at this art school while sipping their favorite drinks. Aside from paintings, seasonal themes, big events, and private parties always make the colors feel new.
People who come to the studio can also buy wine and beer at the bar there.
The business is located at 175 Jackson Avenue, Suite 123, Naperville, IL 60540, USA.
18. Ball Factory Indoor Play And Cafe
You can have a great time with your family in Naperville, Illinois, at the Ball Factory Indoor Play and Cafe. This indoor playground is a dream come true for kids and a haven for parents. It gives kids a place to let loose with their energy and creativity.
The play areas are for kids only and are clean, safe, and fun. They keep kids moving. The Ball Factory Playground is fun for kids from crawlers to 12 years old because it has a ball-blasting arena, mega blocks, and more. There are different play areas for kids to explore, including child and baby areas with gates.
Address: 864 Illinois Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
19. Blackwell Forest Preserve
The Blackwell Forest Preserve is one of the best places for nature lovers to spend time outside near Naperville, IL.
The Blackwell Forest Preserve covers more than 1,300 acres and has gently rolling hills, prairies, grasslands, and wetlands. Wild turkeys, deer, bald eagles, great herons, coyotes, red foxes, and muskrats are just some of the local animals that like to live there.
There are also lots of fun things to do outside in the area, like fishing, boating, picnicking, camping, hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and horseback rides.
We can be reached at Butterfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555, USA.
20. Odyssey Fun World
The Odyssey Fun World is one of the best places for families to visit near Naperville. It is in Tinley Park, Illinois. There are many rides and activities at the amusement park that are fun for both kids and adults.
Odyssey Fun World has a lot of fun things to do, like video games, mini-golf, and go-karts. This place is great for families because it has things to do inside and outside, so you can have fun no matter the weather. A lot of kids and adults love their indoor play area and laser tag field.
Tinley Park, IL 60477, USA, 19111 Oak Park Avenue
21. Bowlero Naperville
Want to do something fun tonight in Naperville? After that, go to Bowlero Naperville. Both locals and tourists can have fun with their families at this recreation center.
The entertainment center has 40 bowling lanes with large TV walls and stylish lounge chairs. Plus, they have a huge play area with the newest and coolest games for people of all ages. There are also billiard tables, pools, and laser tag areas for more types of fun.
The entertainment center also has a restaurant and bar where you can get tasty food and cool drinks. It’s a full package for family fun.
1515 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
22. Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre public garden and outdoor museum with a library, a herbaria, and a program for tree study. It is only 20 minutes from Naperville.
The Arboretum has gardens, collections of trees, shrubs, and other living things, as well as restored areas, such as a restored tallgrass grassland. The living collections have more than 4,100 kinds of plants, and more than 200,000 of them have been cataloged.
There are also bike paths, hiking walks, a 4-acre interactive children’s garden, a 1-acre maze, and many other fun things to do at the Arboretum.
4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
23. TopGolf Naperville
Going to Topgolf Edison today is one of the best things for golf fans to do in Naperville. This top entertainment spot is more than just a golf range; it’s where golf and entertainment meet, so both players and people who don’t play golf will have a great time.
Microchipped balls are used at TopGolf to keep track of each shot’s aim and distance. There are big targets on the field that make it more competitive and make every swing an exciting task.
TopGolf is both a place to play golf and a place to meet people. It has a lively bar with unique drinks, a large food menu, and live music events.
They also have coaching classes for people who want to get better at swinging. And for people who like to compete, leagues and events let them show off their skills against others.
3211 Odyssey Ct, Naperville, IL 60563, USA
24. Paramount Theatre
One of the fun things to do near Naperville at night is to see a show at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois. The 1,885-seat theater, which opened in 1931, shows how much people in Illinois love the arts.
The Paramount Theatre has a beautiful design, plush seats, cutting-edge sound systems, a large stage, and high-tech lights. The theater puts on Broadway-level shows all year long, so theater fans should go.
A lot of the shows they make are fun for both kids and adults and teach us useful things. The Paramount Theatre is clean and well taken care of, and the staff is always ready to help guests.
23 E Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506, USA
25. IFLY Indoor Skydiving Chicago (Naperville)
Today, one fun and different thing to do in Naperville with your family is to go skydiving at iFLY Indoor Skydiving Chicago (Naperville). The indoor flying experience at iFLY Indoor flying Chicago is both exciting and safe.
It has a 14-foot recirculating tube, a 48-foot chamber height, and a top speed of 171 mph (275 km/h). The iFLY Chicago-Naperville opened in 2014. The vertical tube made me feel like I was skydiving in free fall.
With the help of trained teachers, even people who have never done it before can safely enjoy it. You can also improve your flying experience with virtual reality apps that take you to real jumping spots around the world. For kids ages 4 to 16, there is special training for them. This makes it a favorite among energetic young people.
1752 Freedom Drive, Naperville, IL 60563, USA
26. Naperville Farmer’s Market
This weekend, one fun thing to do in Naperville, IL, is to get fresh food at the Naperville Farmer’s Market.
This outdoor market happens every Saturday in the parking lot of the Fifth Avenue Station. It has a lively mix of food sellers, craft booths, and farmer’s stands.
There are many local vendors at the Naperville Farmer’s Market who sell herbs, fruits, veggies, and items that are made by hand. Handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, and crafts are just a few of the unique, high-quality items you can find here.
200 E 5th Avenue, Naperville, IL 60563, USA
27. Hidden Key Escape
Want to do something fun with your family and friends in Naperville, IL? Then, go to Hidden Key Escape for an adventure that will pull you in and keep you guessing.
Family and friends can use their teamwork and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way at The Hidden Key Escape, which is interactive and one-of-a-kind.
You can choose from four rooms with four different themes, which makes it a great place for families. H@ck3rs, Museum Heist, The Hideaway, and The Victorian Room are some escape rooms.
620B W 5th Avenue, Naperville, IL 60563, USA
28. Naperville Country Club
The 18-hole championship course at the Naperville Country Club in Naperville, Illinois, has been around since 1921. This golf course was made by Tom Bendelow and is fun for players of all skill levels. The course is difficult, but it also has a beautiful, peaceful setting.
The club has a beautiful 6789-yard Par 72 championship course and a beautiful building with a full-service restaurant and bar. It is rated as one of the best private luxury golf courses in the Chicago area.
Make this golf course one of the things you must do in Naperville.
Twenty-five West 570th Street, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
29. Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium
See a soccer game at the Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, which used to be called Cardinal Stadium. It’s a fun thing to do in Naperville this weekend.
Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire played at the 5,500-seat stadium, which opened in 1999. It is now used for high-profile events like the Illinois high school boys and girls soccer state finals and the Wes Spencer Crosstown Classic, which is an annual match between Naperville North and Naperville Central high schools.
455 S Brainard St, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
30. First Division Museum
For history buffs, one free thing to do near Naperville is to check out the First Division Museum. This museum is in Cantigny Park and is dedicated to Robert R. McCormick, who used to own the land of Cantigny Park.
He also fought in the First World War with the First Division. Artifacts and displays in the museum are from the beginning of the war up to the present day. There is also a shop at the museum that sells many military-related books.
It is a beautiful place to learn about the First Infantry Division while you are there.
The address is 1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189, USA.
31. Funtopia Naperville
Some of the coolest things to do inside Naperville are the exciting, fun, and healthy things you can do at Funtopia. This busy recreation center has lots of fun things for both kids and adults to do.
Funtopia has a lot of fun things to do, like fun walls, a rope course, a ninja course, a big slide, and an area just for toddlers.
Besides the fun things to do, the building has a lot of private rooms and a large bar area that is great for birthday parties, group events, and other social get-togethers.
2639 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
Get ready for your trip to Naperville, IL.
Because Naperville, Illinois is a nice mix of the past and the present, there are lots of things to do there. It is a place that moves the heart and soul because of its long past and lively present.