Naperville is a city located in the DuPage and Will counties of Illinois. It is known for its vibrant downtown and bustling shopping scene. The city is home to a variety of activities and attractions and is a great place for families, couples, and groups of friends to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a day of outdoor exploration, a cultural experience, a night of entertainment, or something else, Naperville has something for everyone! Read on to discover the best things to do in Naperville, Illinois.
Naper Settlement
Naper Settlement is a living history museum that works to preserve the history of Naperville and its surrounding areas. This 19-acre outdoor museum features over 30 historic buildings that have been restored to their original condition.
Visitors can explore the buildings to see displays and artifacts from the city’s past or take part in educational programs such as interactive tours and hands-on activities. Naper Settlement is a great place to learn about Naperville’s past and connect with the city’s roots.
DuPage Children’s Museum
The DuPage Children’s Museum is a hands-on learning facility for kids of all ages. With interactive exhibits and activities, visitors are encouraged to learn about science, art, culture, technology, and more.
The museum is also home to a special exhibit space, where visitors can explore a variety of topics and activities related to the museum’s theme. Whether you’re looking for a day of exploration or a fun way to spend some quality time with the kids, the DuPage Children’s Museum is sure to provide a great experience.
The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre nature preserve located in Lisle, Illinois. The grounds are filled with trees, gardens, and trails that are perfect for exploring and admiring the beauty of nature.
In addition, there are many educational and recreational activities onsite, including special exhibits, lectures, and classes that focus on the environment, ecology, and conservation. The Morton Arboretum is a great place to spend the day outdoors and learn more about the environment.
First Division Museum
The First Division Museum is a military museum that pays tribute to the history of the US Army’s 1st Infantry Division. The museum is located at Cantigny Park, a 500-acre park in Wheaton, Illinois. The museum features a variety of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of the 1st Infantry Division’s service throughout its long history. Visitors can also take part in guided tours and educational programs, making the First Division Museum a great way to learn about America’s military.
Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium
The football team of Naperville Central Redhawks plays at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The stadium, which is on the Naperville Central High School campus, hosts football games, concerts, and other events all year long. Along with other amenities, the stadium has a snack bar, concession stands, and restrooms. Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium is a terrific location to be if you’re a sports lover or just looking for a fun way to spend the day.
Catigny Park
Catigny Park is a public park in Naperville, Illinois. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including a disc golf course, a skate park, and a frisbee golf course. There are also several walking and biking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great place to spend the day with the family. Catigny Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as music concerts, festivals, and seasonal celebrations.
Centennial Beach
Centennial Beach is a public beach located in Naperville, Illinois. The beach is open year-round and features a variety of activities, including swimming, volleyball, and sandcastle building. The beach also has a concession stand, restrooms, and plenty of parking for visitors. Centennial Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Naperville Riverwalk
The Naperville Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile path that follows the banks of the DuPage river. The path is lined with shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a great place to explore. Visitors can also take part in activities such as biking, walking, or kayaking down the river. The path also features a variety of sculptures and historic sites, making it a great way to learn more about the city’s history.
Naperville Bites and Sites Food Tours
The Naperville Bites and Sites Food Tour is a great way to explore the city’s culinary scene. The tour takes guests to some of the city’s best restaurants and food trucks and provides them with a delicious sampling of the city’s cuisine. The tour also includes a guided tour of the city’s historical sites, making it a great way to learn more about Naperville’s past.
Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon
The Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon is a 155.5-foot tall tower located in downtown Naperville. The tower is home to a carillon of 47 bells, which chime out melodies every quarter hour. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. The carillon is also the site of several concerts throughout the year, making it a great place to enjoy some musical entertainment.
Solemn Oath Brewery
Solemn Oath Brewery is a craft brewery located in the heart of downtown Naperville. The brewery serves a variety of beers, ales, and stouts, and offers guided tours of the facility. The brewery also hosts events such as concerts and beer dinners, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a unique drinking experience, Solemn Oath Brewery is a great place to visit.
Ball Factory Indoor Play and Cafe
Ball Factory Indoor Play and Cafe is an indoor playground and cafe located in Naperville. The playground features a variety of activities for kids, including slides, obstacle courses, and more. The Cafe serves a variety of snacks and drinks, making it a great place for parents to relax and watch their kids play. Ball Factory Indoor Play and Cafe is a great place to spend the day with the family.
Knoch Knolls Nature Center
Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a nature preserve located in Naperville. The preserve offers over 10 miles of trails and boardwalks, which are perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area. The nature center also hosts events such as nature walks, bird watching, and educational programs, making it a great place for both nature lovers and families alike.
Bright Side Theatre
Bright Side Theatre is a non-profit theater located in Naperville. The theater produces a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year, and also hosts a variety of other events such as improv and stand-up comedy shows. Bright Side Theatre is a great place to experience the performing arts in Naperville.
Odyssey Fun World
Odyssey Fun World is an indoor amusement park located in Naperville. The park features a variety of rides, games, and attractions, making it a great place to spend the day with the family. Odyssey Fun World also hosts special events throughout the year, such as laser tag and virtual reality experiences.
Hidden Key Escapes
Hidden Key Escapes is an escape room located in Naperville. The escape room features a variety of puzzles and challenges that are perfect for groups of two to six people. Visitors are given 60 minutes to unravel the mystery and escape the room, making it a great place to test your problem-solving skills.
Paddleboat Quarry
Paddleboat Quarry is a public park located in Naperville. The park features a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. Visitors can also take part in fishing and swimming, or simply explore the grounds and admire the views of the Quarry. Paddleboat Quarry is a great place to spend the day outdoors.
Naperville Trolley & Tours
Naperville Trolley & Tours is a great way to explore the city of Naperville. The trolley tours allow visitors to experience the city’s attractions, sights and sounds in a fun and convenient way. Visitors can also learn more about the city’s history and culture as they explore the city.
Wentz Concert Hall
Wentz Concert Hall is a performing arts venue located on the campus of North Central College in Naperville. The venue hosts concerts, theatrical performances, and other events throughout the year. The hall is also home to the Old Towne School of Folk Music, which provides music lessons and workshops for children and adults.
Naperville Century Walk
The Naperville Century Walk is a public art project that celebrates the history of the city. The project features a variety of artwork located throughout the city and includes paintings, sculptures, and murals. The walk provides visitors with a great opportunity to explore the city and learn about its history and culture.
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve is a 1,858-acre nature preserve located in Naperville. The preserve features a variety of trails and boardwalks, where visitors can explore the area’s natural beauty. The preserve also offers activities such as bird watching, fishing, and canoeing.
Pinot’s Palette
Pinot’s Palette is a paint-and-sip studio located in Naperville. The studio offers classes in painting, drawing, and sculpting, and provides all the materials needed to complete a project. Visitors can also enjoy a glass of wine or beer while they create their masterpieces. Pinot’s Palette is a great place to spend an evening creating art.
Naperville Community Concert Center
The Naperville Community Concert Center is a performing arts venue located in downtown Naperville. The center hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and other events throughout the year, making it a great place to enjoy some entertainment. The center also offers a variety of educational programs, making it a great place to learn more about the arts.
Commander Dan Shanower September 11 Memorial
The Commander Dan Shanower September 11 Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the victims of the September 11 attacks.
The memorial is located in Naperville’s Riverwalk Park and features a steel beam from the World Trade Center and a fountain. The memorial is a touching tribute to the victims of the attacks, and a great way to remember those who lost their lives.
Millennium Wall
The Millennium Wall is a public art installation located in downtown Naperville. The wall features a number of mosaic murals that celebrate the city’s history and culture. The wall also features a time capsule that is set to be opened in the year 2099. The project was commissioned by the Naperville Century Walk and was created by local artists and volunteers.
Exploring Naperville’s Parks and Trails
Naperville is home to numerous parks, trails, and outdoor activities. The Riverwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Naperville. This scenic path winds along the banks of the DuPage River and is a great place for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. The Riverwalk also plays host to numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
For a more adventurous outdoor experience, Naperville has several biking and hiking trails. The Illinois Prairie Path is a 61-mile-long trail that passes through Naperville. The trail is perfect for hikers and cyclists, offering plenty of sights and scenery along the way.
Shopping and Dining
Naperville is home to a wide variety of shops and restaurants. The downtown area is filled with quaint boutiques and cafes, providing the perfect spot for a day of shopping and dining. The Westfield Fox Valley Mall is a great option for those looking for a more traditional shopping experience. The mall features over 150 stores and restaurants, as well as a movie theater and bowling alley.
For a more upscale dining experience, Naperville has several fine dining restaurants. The city is home to several top-rated restaurants, such as Graham’s Chophouse and Meson Sabika. These restaurants serve up delicious dishes that are sure to please any palate.
Entertainment and Events
Naperville is a city that loves to party. The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Last Fling, Ribfest, and the Summer Concert Series. These events are great for families and provide plenty of entertainment, food, and music.
The city also has several theaters and music venues, offering an array of live music and theatrical performances. The Morton Arboretum is also a great spot for some outdoor entertainment. This stunning park has 1,700 acres of trees, plants, and trails, providing you with plenty of opportunity to explore nature.
Conclusion
Naperville, IL is a lively city with plenty of things to do. From parks and trails to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone in Naperville.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or an adventurous night out, Naperville has something for you. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Naperville and explore all the city has to offer!
