Date night is supposed to be exciting, romantic, and a chance to connect with your partner amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
However, planning a night out can create unnecessary stress for both you and your partner – especially if you’re new to an area. This is precisely why we created this guide to having a fun date night in Naperville!
Naperville is a beautiful, quaint suburb of Chicago with a plethora of activities to try with your partner.
From the lovely DuPage River to wine-tasting events, there is always something to try for a fulfilling date night experience.
So, in this article, we’ll cover:
- 10 amazing ideas for date night in Naperville
- Top tips for making your date night an experience to remember.
Let’s take a look at some of our favorite options!
Ideas For A Date Night In Naperville
Naperville offers a wide variety of activities that can make the perfect setting for a date.
We’ve made sure to include a suitable date for all types. Whether you want an outdoor adventure or a cozy and relaxing evening, we’ve got it covered in this section!
Riverwalk
For people looking for a calm activity to do outdoors, the Naperville Riverwalk is a terrific option.
The DuPage River is almost 2 miles long, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
This is a great activity to do before or after dinner – and particularly as the sun is setting!
- Location: DuPage River
- Cost: Free
- What to Expect: A mild walk along the river, with stops to take photos or soak up the atmosphere
- Parking: Parking lot provided, but street parking is available if the lot is full.
Naper Settlement
Next, the Naper Settlement and Homestead (est. late 1800s) is a historian’s ideal destination for date night.
This outdoor museum is dedicated to the settlers of Naperville and includes costumed staff, gorgeous grounds, and information about Naperville’s heritage.
- Location: Webster St, Naperville
- Cost: Free (members or Naperville residents), $12 for adults, or $10 for seniors
- What to Expect: An enjoyable stroll through a 19th-century homestead and settlement outfitted with a blacksmith, log cabin, schoolhouse, and more
- Parking: Parking lot on the southwest corner of Porter Ave/Webster St.
Centennial Beach
Centennial Beach is a great choice for a sunny day (or even a sunset)!
Centennial Beach caters to those looking to have a rejuvenating date that is perfect for picnicking, swimming, and other low-key water activities. You’ll be amazed at how blue and clear the water is!
- Location: Jackson Ave, Naperville (next to the DuPage River)
- Cost: Free
- What to Expect: Centennial Beach offers a refreshing swim and a place to lay out from Memorial to Labor Day, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. (6 p.m. on Sunday)
- Parking: Free area to park along Rae Rd.
Downtown Dining
Are you interested in experiencing some of the wonderful restaurants of downtown Naperville?
This city offers many different cuisines from Italian, Japanese, American, and more.
Popular spots for dining include Santo Cielo, Allegory, and Fiamme. To secure your spot at any of these restaurants, it’s highly recommended that you make a reservation!
- Location: Searching the restaurant name will give you precise location information, but 55 Main St is the general location
- Cost: Varies depending on the restaurant
- What to Expect: Diverse restaurants across downtown Naperville that can cater to all cravings. From coffee shops and sports bars to the full dining experience, everyone can find something delicious here!
- Parking: Municipal center parking on Eagle St, as well as parking garages dispersed across downtown
Hollywood Palms Cinema
Movie nights are a very cozy way to enjoy date night, and Naperville contains a terrific movie theater just for this purpose!
Hollywood Palms Cinema offers a luxurious movie-watching experience with reclining seats and dining options that include drinks, brunch, entrees, and desserts.
Additionally, Hollywood Palms Cinema offers daily specials for drinks, such as $5 glasses of wine on Wednesdays. All you have to do is pick a movie to see and head down to the theater!
- Location: Searching the restaurant name will give you precise location information, but 55 Main St is the general location
- Cost: Movie tickets are $14, omitting any food or drinks purchased in the theater
- What to Expect: Access to all of the newest movies, with a menu that’ll knock your socks off! This is an opportunity to simply be next to your partner and enjoy some entertainment as a couple
- Parking: Spaces on the north and south sides of the theater.
Wine tasting
Speaking of wine, downtown Naperville provides several wine-tasting options for you and your partner to enjoy.
Some popular options include Tasting deVine Cellars, SixtyFour, and Cooper’s Hawk Winery.
Wine tasting is not limited to restaurants across downtown Naperville, however.
Wine-tasting events happen frequently in Naperville, such as the Godfrey Wine Fest and the Naperville Wine Festival.
- Location: There are several locations, but you’ll want to head to downtown Naperville
- Cost: Ranges from $20-$80. Some wine-tasting activities offer discounts depending on the day, such as wine-tasting Wednesdays
- What to Expect: An evening of tasting wines side-by-side with your partner, amidst fun conversation and snacking
- Parking: Street parking in downtown Naperville.
Art galleries
There is no shortage of art galleries in Naperville, and they all tap into the creative essence of the city.
Some of the more prominent galleries include Schafer Gallery, Art Gallery Image Studio, and Gallery Y of Lombard.
If you and your date are interested in art, you’ll definitely want to consider visiting a local gallery in Naperville1
- Location: There are several locations across the city
- Cost: Free
- What to Expect: Walls of thought-provoking art that can be perused at your leisure. This activity might pair well with a dinner date afterward!
- Parking: Parking lots are available at select locations.
Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is a nearly 2,000-acre expanse of nature and tree life. This immense garden also includes an outdoor museum and seminars on tree research that is happening in the arboretum.
This date activity is perfect for nature lovers and those who are looking for an outdoor experience with their significant other!
- Location: Lisle, IL
- Cost: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors
- What to Expect: Strolling in nature is the main focus of this activity, so it is best to plan on a sunny or clear day
- Parking: Parking lots are available.
Mini Golf
Who doesn’t love a little date-inspired competition?
Mini golf is a really fun way to hang out with your partner, especially if you both miss a few putts!
As for locations, Lost Mountain Adventure Golf and Wilderness Falls Mini Golf are favorites among the Naperville mini golfing crowd.
- Location: Across Naperville
- Cost: Around $20
- What to Expect: A little physical activity, some healthy competition, and a lot of laughing!
- Parking: Parking lots are available
Stargazing at Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park’s 500-acre stargazing grounds offer a very romantic (and scientific) date option.
Cantigny Park is affiliated with the Adler Planetarium, which is an institution of space exploration that provides stargazing assistance to those interested in learning about the stars.
Fun fact: The Adler Planetarium is the first planetarium to be established in the US! This is one date activity that history buffs are sure to love as well.
- Location: Winfield Rd, Naperville
- Cost: $5 per vehicle
- What to Expect: A tremendous lawn to sit on and watch the universe from. Make sure to bring a picnic blanket to sit on while you stargaze!
- Parking: A parking lot is available, but there is a fee (see cost).
Here Are Some Tips For You To Have A Wonderful Date Night In Naperville
Now that we’ve talked about multiple settings that provide an excellent date night experience, it’s time to move on to discuss some key things to remember while you’re on your date!
Plan ahead
Since you’re perusing this article, it can be assumed that you’re putting a romantic plan together for you and your partner. Setting up a plan for your date is the best way to make sure that it goes well!
Planning can include picking an appropriate outfit, making a reservation, and filling the car up with gas. Making a checklist can be very helpful for accomplishing date-related tasks!
Consider your partner’s interests
This is a big one! Usually, when we plan dates, we consider the activities that we like to do (after all, we’re the ones planning it!).
However, a tremendous way to display empathy for your partner and their interests is to plan a date that is tailored to them as well.
Make reservations
If you’re thinking about planning a date that requires a booking, such as eating at a restaurant, it is advisable to make a reservation.
Although getting a table might not seem like an issue, you won’t know if the restaurant can accommodate you until you actually show up unless you call ahead and confirm. It’s quick and can save an unforeseen change of plans!
Dress nicely
Some of the date ideas listed above require comfortable shoes (like sneakers), but sneakers can be dressed up or down!
A great way to show your partner that you’re excited for the date is to dress nicely for the occasion.
If you’re unsure of what to wear, Pinterest can give you infinite ideas for casual and cute outfits that are date-appropriate.
Be present
Distractions are everywhere, especially in this technologically-reliant era. It’s a good idea to put your phone away during the activity to stay present with your partner.
You might want to avoid putting your phone face down on the restaurant table – that still unconsciously communicates that you’re ready to pick your phone up at the drop of a hat.
Put all technology away and focus on curating romance during your date!
Communicate openly
Communication is the cornerstone of a successful relationship.
If you need to take breaks during physical activity, don’t like your drink, or have any other date-related concerns: tell your partner. They can help you overcome any hurdle that comes up during the date!
Embrace spontaneity
Planning is a great way to ensure that your date runs smoothly, but unpredictability is part of life (unfortunately).
So, if you order a dish you don’t like, or if your partner wears the wrong walking shoes, make spontaneous adjustments so that both of you can return to enjoying the date!
Enjoy the moment
We all have a tendency to rush through life, but this attitude can dampen the mood during a date.
Try your best to be present with your partner and reflect on the journey of your relationship!
This may involve walking a little slower, ordering an extra appetizer, or tacking on another activity after the main event has finished.
Show appreciation
Planning a date takes time and mental energy. If your partner chooses to take you out for a special day, show them that you appreciate the gesture throughout the date.
This will be specific to your partner. For example, your partner may respond well to physical touch (such as hand-holding) to let them know that you appreciate their loving gesture!
