Naperville IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Naperville, Illinois.
1. Naperville Riverwalk
SCENIC URBAN WATERWAY
The Naperville Riverwalk is a nearly two-mile linear park at the heart of the city near downtown that follows the banks of the DuPage River with manicured walking paths and scenic bridge crossings. Visitors can enjoy paddleboat rentals, decorative fountains, and connect to other cultural attractions along this beautiful waterway. This picturesque public space serves as the crown jewel of Naperville and hosts special events throughout the year, including the end-of-summer Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling celebration.
2. Naper Settlement
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Naper Settlement is a 12-acre living history museum that preserves the heritage of Naperville with two original 19th-century buildings including an 1883 mansion. The settlement features thirty explorable structures, including a Civil War-era church relocated to the property in 1969, offering visitors an immersive experience with costumed characters and historical reenactments. While the Visitor Center remains open year-round, the surrounding historic buildings are closed between November and March, making spring through fall the ideal time to visit.
3. DuPage Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING CENTER
The DuPage Children's Museum offers a world of interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds through hands-on learning experiences. Children can explore various educational zones that blend play with science, math, and art concepts in an engaging environment. Families will appreciate the thoughtfully designed spaces that cater to different age groups and developmental stages, making it a perfect destination for a day of fun and learning.
4. Centennial Beach
HISTORIC SWIMMING QUARRY
Centennial Beach is a unique swimming spot in Naperville that was once a limestone quarry and now serves as a popular summer destination for locals and visitors alike. Located along the Riverwalk, this historic beach offers a zero-depth entry that gradually deepens to 15 feet, providing swimming opportunities for all ages and abilities. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach area, water slides, and diving boards while soaking up the sun during the warm summer months.
5. Millennium Carillon
TOWERING MUSICAL MONUMENT
The Millennium Carillon stands as an impressive 72-bell musical tower soaring more than 16 stories high along the Naperville Riverwalk. This magnificent instrument can be both seen and heard throughout the entire Riverwalk area, creating a melodious atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. The carillon hosts regular concerts and special performances, adding a distinctive cultural element to Naperville's downtown experience.
6. Downtown Naperville
VIBRANT SHOPPING DISTRICT
Downtown Naperville offers a charming blend of historical architecture and modern amenities with over 300 shops, restaurants, and services lining its pedestrian-friendly streets. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores alongside an impressive selection of dining options ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Throughout the year, downtown hosts numerous events and festivals that showcase the city's vibrant community spirit and welcoming atmosphere.
7. AMC Showplace 16
MODERN CINEMA EXPERIENCE
AMC Showplace 16 provides Naperville residents and visitors with a state-of-the-art movie-watching experience featuring the latest blockbusters and independent films. The theater offers comfortable seating, premium sound systems, and high-definition projection for an immersive cinematic experience. Movie-goers can enhance their visit with a selection of traditional concessions and expanded food and beverage options, making it a perfect entertainment destination for families, couples, and film enthusiasts.
8. Ball Factory
INDOOR FAMILY PLAYGROUND
Ball Factory is an indoor playground where families can play together in a safe, clean, and inviting environment that's accessible and affordable for a day out with children. The facility features a four-level play structure with slides and obstacles, ball pit, ball blasting arena, interactive floor, kids tractor area, and an Imagination Playground with soft big blue blocks. Parents can join in the fun or relax in the dedicated areas with pool tables, TV, free Wi-Fi, and a café while keeping an eye on their children in the open-concept playground.
9. Bowlero
UPSCALE BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Bowlero offers a modern bowling experience with stylish lanes, plush seating, and high-definition video walls creating an energetic atmosphere for casual bowlers and serious players alike. Beyond bowling, guests can enjoy a full arcade, sports bar, and casual dining options serving upscale comfort food and creative cocktails. The venue provides the perfect setting for family outings, date nights, corporate events, and birthday celebrations with its blend of classic bowling fun and contemporary entertainment amenities.
10. Hollywood Palms
DINNER AND MOVIE THEATER
Hollywood Palms offers a unique cinema experience where guests can enjoy first-run movies while dining on made-to-order meals served directly to their comfortable theater seats. The elaborately themed auditoriums transport moviegoers to exotic locations, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the film-watching experience. This innovative dinner-and-a-movie concept elevates the traditional night out by combining quality dining with entertainment in one convenient location.
11. Funtopia
ADVENTURE CLIMBING CENTER
Funtopia challenges visitors with innovative climbing walls and obstacle courses designed for adventurers of all ages and skill levels. The facility features themed climbing elements that transform physical activity into imaginative play, including castle towers, giant spiderwebs, and simulated ice climbs. Safety-focused staff provide instruction and supervision, ensuring a secure environment where families can build confidence and create memorable experiences together.
12. Cantigny Park
HISTORIC GARDENS ESTATE
Cantigny Park, located just beyond Naperville in Wheaton, is a 500-acre park featuring stunning formal gardens, historic museums, and picturesque landscapes once owned by Chicago Tribune publisher Colonel Robert R. McCormick. Visitors can explore the McCormick Museum, a 35-room mansion showcasing early 20th-century opulence, or the First Division Museum with its impressive collection of military tanks and interactive exhibits honoring American soldiers. The park's expansive grounds include themed gardens, walking trails, a golf course, and special event venues that host concerts, festivals, and educational programs throughout the year.
13. Chicago Premium Outlets
LUXURY DISCOUNT SHOPPING
Chicago Premium Outlets in nearby Aurora offers an upscale outlet shopping experience with significant discounts on designer and name-brand merchandise. The outdoor mall features over 170 stores including luxury brands, athletic apparel, home goods, and accessories in a pedestrian-friendly layout. Shoppers can take breaks at various dining options throughout the center and enjoy amenities like covered walkways, a children's play area, and special seasonal events that enhance the retail experience.
14. Blackberry Farm
LIVING HISTORY FARM
Blackberry Farm in Aurora provides visitors with a glimpse into rural American life through its living history demonstrations, historic buildings, and heritage farm animals. Families can enjoy seasonal activities including hayrides, paddle boats on the lake, miniature train rides, and interactive educational programs that bring agricultural history to life. The picturesque grounds feature a carousel, playground, and picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for creating lasting family memories throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
15. Cosley Zoo
NATIVE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Cosley Zoo in Wheaton specializes in native Illinois wildlife and domestic farm animals, providing an intimate and educational zoo experience on its five-acre grounds. Visitors can observe over 200 animals representing 60 species while learning about conservation efforts and natural habitats through thoughtfully designed exhibits and informative signage. The zoo offers various seasonal events, wildlife encounters, and educational programs that connect people of all ages with the natural world in an accessible and engaging environment.