Naperville is a bustling suburb in the western sector of Chicago that has plenty of things to do, so much so, that you may decide to skip downtown Chicago altogether! You’ll find plenty of family-friendly fun at places such as the DuPage Children’s Museum, Odyssey Fun World, Bowlero Naperville, and even enjoy a comfortable stay at an Airbnb vacation rental. For more adult-only fun, be sure to check out Airbnbs with pool, Solemn Oath Brewery, Bar Louie, or sip on some wine while you paint a fabulous picture at Pinot’s Palette. Naperville also has a rich history, and you can experience some pieces of this history firsthand at places such as the Naperville Settlement or at the Naperville Century Walk. For more great ideas, be sure to read on as these are just a few of the exciting things to do in Naperville, Illinois.
1. Skydive without boarding a plane (from USD 89.0)
If skydiving sounds intriguing to you, but you’d rather skip the whole jumping out of an airplane bit, then this experience is definitely for you. Get ready for an adrenaline rush, where you’ll start your indoor skydiving experience with a small-group training course before enjoying two floating sessions in the vertical wind tunnel. Inside the tunnel, you’ll experience wind speeds as high as 175 mph (282 kph), all with your guide coaching you just outside the tunnel. Safe skydiving for the win!
Chicago-Naperville Indoor Skydiving with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
2. Tour the historical buildings of Naper Settlement
The Naper Settlement Museum is a wonderful outdoor museum that spans 13 acres (5.2 hectares) and features 30 historical buildings that each have a fascinating background. You can take a mobile tour using your smartphone when you visit, as well as partake in a scavenger hunt. Some of the buildings you’ll have the chance to tour include the Pre-Emption House, which was a hotel and tavern dating back to the 1860s as well as Copenhagen Schoolhouse, the clapboard-built school where young children received their lessons in the 1890s. Naperville Settlement is also the venue of many special events including concerts and festivals; be sure to check their website to see if anything exciting is planned during the time of your trip.
Naper Settlement Museum
Address: 523 S Webster Street, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Naper Settlement Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 USD
3. Hit Centennial Beach for a game of beach volleyball
The sandy shores of Centennial Beach enjoy a rich history, with its roots dating back to 1932 when the beach was first opened to the public for swimming and other entertainment. While swimming is certainly an option at Centennial Beach, be sure to enjoy some of the other amenities available, including the use of a sand volleyball court. Round up your closest friends, or make new ones on the sands, and see who can spike the ball to a sandy victory. After your game, be sure to enjoy a picnic under a shade tree or stop by the Centennial Grill for a quick snack or full meal.
Centennial Beach
Address: 500 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Centennial Beach
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
Price: 9 USD
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4. Treat your kids to a day at the DuPage Children's Museum
Posted by DuPage Children's Museum on Saturday, 11 May 2019
Your kids are sure to have a blast when visiting the DuPage Children’s Museum, but what’s better than being able to learn a lot during the duration of your visit! The museum features exhibits that focus on science, art, and math, allowing your kids to explore things that are likely to be naturally interesting to them. Some of the exhibits include Make it Move, which focuses on basic physics, Math Connections, and Build It, which is based on engineering and critical thinking. Various daily activities are also available at the museum; to see what is happening during your visit to Naperville, be sure to check their website.
DuPage Children's Museum
Address: 301 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: DuPage Children’s Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm
Price: 12 USD
5. Catch a game of soccer at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium
Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium is the primary venue for North Central College to host football and soccer games. The Cardinals kick off the football season in the fall, making for a perfect weekend excursion if that is when you plan to be in town. The soccer season begins around the same time, giving you plenty of sporting options. Check out their website for more information on both teams’ home game schedule.
Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium
Address: 455 S Brainard St, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium
6. Take a romantic stroll along the Naperville Riverwalk
Created back in 1981, the Naperville Riverwalk was built to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the city. The beautiful 1.75-mile (2.8 km) walk follows the western banks of the DuPage River and is a great place to take a romantic stroll with your significant other. Besides a great view of the river, the Naperville Riverwalk is also home to a number of beautiful fountains, bridges and outdoor sculptures, making it a great place to unwind after a day spent discovering Naperville.
Naperville Riverwalk
Address: 400 S Eagle St, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Naperville Riverwalk
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Try delicious fare with Naperville Bites and Sites
Check out another great review! "We had a fabulous time on the walking tour of Naperville!! It was art, history, food...
Posted by Naperville Bites & Sites on Monday, 24 June 2019
One of the best ways to explore a city is to take a food tour, allowing you to sample fares from some of the best restaurants in the city, all while getting to know a little bit more about the town. Naperville Bites and Sites Food Tours are a great way to experience the food and cultures of Naperville. The tour lasts approximately three hours and visits a total of six restaurants in the historic downtown area. Some of the restaurants and eateries you’ll stop at include Allegory, Fat Rosie’s and Cookie Dough Creations. With so many foods to try, be sure to come hungry!
Naperville Bites and Sites
Address: 200 E 5th Ave, Naperville, IL 60563
Website: Naperville Bites and Sites Food Tours
Opening hours: Apr - Nov: Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 3pm
Price: 53 USD
8. Take your best pictures at Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon
No trip is complete without snapping some pictures to remember your trip by, and obviously to make your Instagram followers jealous. The Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon is a great place to do just that. The tower, built in 1999 to commemorate the third millennium, stands at a massive 160 feet (48.7 meters) tall and features 72 carillon bells. Tours of the towers are also available during the spring and summer months, allowing you to climb the 253 steps that lead to the very top of the tower, where you can snap some pictures from the top looking down.
Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon
Address: 443 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon
Price: Free
9. Check the brewing process at Solemn Oath Brewery
Beer lovers unite and then visit Solemn Oath Brewery while in Naperville. The brewery serves beers made in house. You can watch the process of beer being made from the taproom itself, as only a half wall separates you and your fellow patrons from where the magic happens. If you find a new favorite while trying the different brews at Solemn Oath, you can purchase the same to go in cans and bottles. If you plan to visit, be sure you have your credit or debit card handy, as the brewery does not accept cash.
Solemn Oath Brewery
Address: 1661 Quincy Ave #179, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Solemn Oath Brewery
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 12pm - 9pm; Thu - Fri: 12pm - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
10. Get up, close and personal with the creatures of Knoch Knolls Nature Center
The Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a great place for visitors of all ages to get a bit closer to the animals around us. Take a stroll through the center and check out the resident fox snake, box turtle, and salamander. Outside, you’ll find a great playground where you can let the kids burn off some energy after exploring the exhibits indoors.
Knoch Knolls Nature Center
Address: 320 Knoch Knolls Rd, Naperville, IL 60565
Website: Knoch Knolls Nature Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
11. Catch a show at BrightSide Theatre
The BrightSide Theatre is the only place in Naperville where you can catch a professional theatrical performance, and the location couldn’t be better than the historic district. With a wonderful eight years of performances under their belt, the folks at BrightSide know just how to put on a show to keep you completely entertained. The shows available at the theatre vary, so be sure to check out their website to see what is showing during your visit to Naperville.
BrightSide Theatre
Address: 31 S Ellsworth St, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: BrightSide Theatre
Price: 25 USD onwards
12. Have a fun day at Odyssey Fun World
Go-karts and arcade games are just the beginning of the fun to be had at Odyssey Fun World. Batting cages to practice your swing and seasonal zip lining is also available in addition to bumper boats, mini-golf, and laser tag. For visitors who are so inclined, the park also features a Ferris wheel and the Himalaya Roller Coaster. If you find yourself getting a bit peckish during your visit, be sure to check out Chipper’s Cafe, where you can get a burger, hot dog or pizza.
Odyssey Fun World
Address: 19111 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Website: Odyssey Fun World
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Price: 10 USD onwards
13. Make your great escape at Hidden Key Escapes
https://buff.ly/2F3SvUF Starting at the 3 minute mark, there is a funny skit about an escape room...how this guy imagined he completed the escape room. Think outside the box!
Posted by Hidden Key Escapes on Wednesday, 20 March 2019
If you’re looking to use your critical thinking skills in the most entertaining way possible, you’ll definitely want to check out one of the Hidden Key Escapes Rooms of Naperville. This Naperville-based venue has a total of four rooms from which you can attempt to escape; be sure to check out their website to see what themed rooms are available (themes can be prone to change) and to book your escape. If you’d like to try something a little different, you might consider checking out Hidden Key’s portable escape games, which you can play from the comfort of your Naperville hotel or Airbnb.
Hidden Key Escapes
Address: 24W500 Maple Ave Suite 108, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Hidden Key Escapes
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 5pm - 9:45pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 8:45pm (closed on Mon & Tues)
Price: 28 USD
14. Rent a boat from Paddleboat Quarry
Paddleboating is a fun way to get out on the water without having to worry with getting wet, and at Paddleboat Quarry, you can rent paddleboats to do just that. Take your boat out for 20-40 minutes and enjoy the view from the water of the Riverwalk. Other boats are also available for rent at Paddleboat Quarry, including kayaks and paddleboards. Be sure to check the weather forecast if going paddleboating sounds like a blast, as bad weather can cause the quarry to close.
Paddleboat Quarry
Address: 441 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Paddleboat Quarry
Opening hours: 10am - 7:30pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD onwards
15. Tour historic downtown Naperville via trolley ride
There is plenty to see and learn about when visiting Naperville, and one fun way to do just that is to take a trolley tour. When you take a tour through Naperville Trolley and Tours, you’ll get to enjoy an hour-long ride through the historic downtown area of Naperville where you have plenty to learn about. Tours start from varying locations; you’ll receive more information when you reserve your spot on the tour, which can be done on their website.
Naperville Trolley & Tours
Website: Naperville Trolley & Tours
Price: 18 USD
16. Attend a concert at Wentz Concert Hall
The Wentz Concert Hall is one of the best places in Naperville to catch a live concert. The venue is located on the North Central College campus and can seat up to 617 attendees. Musical performances span from classical tunes to jazz and contemporary styles. As for performance dates, shows and pricing can vary greatly, it is recommended that you check their website for more information on performances available during the time frame of your Naperville getaway.
Wentz Concert Hall
Address: 171 E Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Wentz Concert Hall
17. Check out beautiful art along Naperville's Century Walk
What started as a public art initiative back in 1996 has become an iconic area in Naperville. The Century Walk is comprised of about 50 pieces of art that are used to express up 187 years worth of city history. Within the works of art, you’ll find the faces of 56 residents as well as other mosaics, reliefs, and sculptures. Some of the art you’ll see include the sculpture Laughing Lincoln, the mural Parade of the Century and the mosaic River of Life.
Naperville’s Century Walk
Address: 34 Chicago Ave # B2, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Naperville’s Century Walk
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
18. Enjoy outdoors at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve is a great place to get outside and enjoy nature while in Naperville. The preserve serves as a home for a number of bird species, making it a fantastic place to visit for birdwatchers. The birds aren’t the only great thing about Springbrook though, there are a number of trails you can hike, an off-leash dog park for your four-legged friend and an area specifically for flying model aircraft and drones.
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
Website: Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
Price: Free
19. Paint a memento and sip some wine at Pinot's Palette
Paint and sip studios have become a popular past time, making it a great place to hang out for a while during your trip to Naperville. Drinks can be purchased within the store, but be sure to remember that you cannot bring your own drinks. For more information on the available painting events that will be going on during your stay, be sure to check their website.
Pinot's Palette
Address: 175 W. Jackson Avenue, Suite 123, Naperville, IL
Website: Pinot’s Palette
Price: 15 USD onwards
20. Enjoy a shopping trip in downtown Naperville
The downtown district of Naperville is a great place to find all sorts of shops and boutiques. You’ll find many of the brand names you know and love, including Anthropologie, Pottery Barn and the Banana Republic alongside some of the best local shops Naperville has to offer. Stop by Anderson’s Bookshop to find your next page-turner, or pop into Little Luxuries and find a piece of home decor that you simply can’t go home without.
Downtown Naperville
Website: Downtown Naperville
21. Dine on authentic American cuisine at The White Chocolate Grill
With only three locations in the country, The White Chocolate Grill is an authentic American restaurant that should be experienced while in Naperville. Start your meal off with an appetizer, such as egg rolls or chips and salsa before moving on to the main course of Citrus-Soy Glazed Salmon, Roast Prime Rib or a juicy burger and fries. Dessert is a must when you dine here as well, and rightly so; how could you pass up the chance to try a white chocolate brownie or the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake? You’ll want to make a reservation while planning your trip, which can be done on their website.
The White Chocolate Grill
Address: 1803 Freedom Dr, Naperville, IL 60563
Website: The White Chocolate Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 11am - 9pm; Tue - Sat: 11am - 10pm
22. Try a microbrew or martini at Bar Louie - Naperville
Bar Louie is a great venue to unwind at the end of a day exploring Naperville, with delicious drinks ready for you to try. You’ll find menu items including martinis, microbrews, and wines as well as burgers, wings and flatbreads. Some nights feature live music at Louie’s, which is the perfect compliment to whichever cold drink you decide to order.
Bar Louie - Naperville
Address: 22 E Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Bar Louie - Naperville
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am
23. Listen to live music at Frankie's Blue Room
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you love listening to live music or DJs mixing up sweet beats, you’ll definitely want to check out Frankie’s Blue Room. Frankie’s shares the building with two other bars and gives customers access to a rooftop patio you’ll love hanging out on. For more information on who will be performing during your stay in Naperville, be sure to check out Frankie’s website; tickets to shows can also be purchased online.
Frankie's Blue Room
Address: 16 Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Frankie’s Blue Room
Price: 10 USD onwards
24. Give in to self-indulgence at Arista Spa & Salon
What’s a vacation without a little self-pampering? For the ultimate relaxing experience, be sure to plan on stopping by Arista Spa & Salon while visiting Naperville, one of the fun things to do for adults in Naperville, Illinois. Arista is a full-service spa, offering customers massages, manicures & pedicures and various body treatments. Packages are also available to customers who would like to enjoy multiple services. To make sure you can be fully accommodated, it is recommended that you book your treatments ahead of time.
Arista Spa & Salon
Address: 2155 City Gate Ln # 201, Naperville, IL 60563
Website: Arista Spa & Salon
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 10am -5pm
Price: 65 USD onwards
25. Enjoy retail therapy at Naperville Route 59 95 Plaza
If you are thinking about what to do in Naperville, then look no further! There’s nothing like shopping till you’re ready to drop, and the Naperville Route 59 95 Plaza shopping center is a great place to do just that. You’ll want to stop by Krishna Fashion House to find your new favorite shirt or pants before stopping by Mod Pizza or Tokyo Bay Sushi Bar & Grill for a quick bite to eat. If you fancy a bite of dessert, stop by Nothing Bundt Cakes for a sweet treat to end your day of shopping.
Naperville Route 59 95 Plaza
Address: 2747 Forgue Dr, Naperville, IL 60564
Website: Naperville Route 59 95 Plaza
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 6pm; Sun: 6am - 9pm
26. Catch the latest box office hit at Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Theatre
What better way to relax on vacation than to catch the newest movie everyone’s been talking about? For all showtimes before 6 pm pay only matinee prices. This makes Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 an economical option for watching any fantastic movie during the day time, and it is definitely possible when you are on a holiday. To get the most up-to-date showtimes and movie information, be sure to visit the cinema’s website.
Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Theatre
Address: 1227 E Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL 60563
Website: Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Theatre
Price: 5 USD onwards
27. Hit the lanes of Bowlero Naperville
With 40 lanes to have a bowling good time, Bowlero Naperville is a fun-filled stop for the whole crew. Bowl a game or two before hitting up the arcade to play pinball and Pac-Man, going for the win at laser tag or hanging out at the billiard tables. For the adults, you can enjoy a drink at the sports bar, which serves up beer, wines and specialty cocktails. And don’t worry if, in the midst of your fun, your stomach starts growling; there’s plenty of food items to choose from, including burgers, pizza, and wings.
Bowlero Naperville
Address: 1515 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Website: Bowlero Naperville
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 11pm; Fri: 12pm - 1am; Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 11pm
28. Embark on a Naperville food tour (from USD 64.0)
In order to truly visit Naperville, you’ll want to eat as the locals do, which means skipping the tourist-aimed restaurants and chowing down at some of the best family-owned eateries in town. Make this easier on yourself by purchasing a ticket for one of the local food tours, such as the Naperville Food and Culture Walking Tour. This tour has you visiting six local restaurants in a three-hour-long tour through historical Naperville, where you’ll enjoy learning fun facts about the area. Be sure to come hungry!
Naperville Food and Culture Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
29. Solve riddles across Naperville (from USD 30.0)
You’ll get to see Naperville in a unique way with this adventure tour where you’ll use your smartphone as a guide that gives you clues to solve puzzles around the city. The tour typically takes 1-3 hours to complete, though it is not a race against the clock, so be sure to take your time and enjoy your adventure. Made for a group of up to 12 participants, this tour is available at any time of day.
Naperville Puzzling Adventure
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
30. Survive the zombie apocalypse (from USD 20.0)
Hit the streets of Naperville as you try to find items that will help you to survive the zombie apocalypse. You’ll use your smartphone in this fun, interactive game to try and scavenge food, weapons and other supplies, all while avoiding the small colonies of zombies that have formed. The game takes approximately an hour to complete, so be sure to gather as many items and supplies as possible to ensure your survival!
Zombie Scavengers Game - Naperville, IL
Duration: 1 hour
31. Play at Ball Factory Indoor Play and Cafe
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Step into a world of fun at Ball Factory! Our lively atmosphere is filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished...
Posted by Ball Factory Naperville on Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Ball Factory Indoor Play and Cafe in Naperville is a vibrant and exciting destination for families seeking fun and entertainment. With a wide range of engaging activities and amenities, it offers a perfect environment for children to play, explore, and unleash their creativity. The facility boasts a massive play structure with slides, tunnels, and ball pits, guaranteeing endless hours of energetic play.
Parents can relax in the comfortable cafe area, savoring delicious snacks and beverages while keeping an eye on their little ones. Ball Factory’s friendly staff ensures a safe and clean environment, making it a fantastic choice for memorable family outings in Naperville.
Ball Factory Indoor Play and Cafe
Address: 864 Illinois Rte 59, Naperville, IL 60540, United States
Website: Ball Factory Indoor Play and Cafe
Opening hours: Fri- Sun: 10am - 6pm; Mon - Thu: 9:30am - 3pm (closed on Wed)
32. Catch a show at BrightSide Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
BrightSide Theatre, located in Naperville, Illinois, is a non-profit theater company that stands out for its dedication to professionalism and community engagement. Established in 2011, the theater’s primary goal is to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences with outstanding productions. By presenting a diverse repertoire of classic plays, musicals, and contemporary works, BrightSide Theatre ensures a rich and varied theater experience for all attendees.
What truly distinguishes BrightSide Theatre is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The company actively works to make theater accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. They organize sensory-friendly performances for those with sensory sensitivities and offer educational programs to involve students and young actors in the theatrical arts.
BrightSide Theatre
Address: 31 S Ellsworth St, Naperville, IL 60540, United States
Website: BrightSide Theatre
Get ready for an exciting time in Naperville
No matter what brings you to Naperville, you’ll find plenty of things to do to keep your trip fun and exciting. Use some of these ideas as a jump-off point while planning your trip, and you’re guaranteed to make only the best of memories that’ll make you want to come back for a repeat visit. That’s not a bad thing, is it?
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Naperville, Illinois
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