Welcome to Naperville, IL, the number one safest city in the U.S.!
Naperville is an incredible place to settle, raise a family, and retire, and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live. Plus, it’s only an hour away from Chicago, making it easy to commute and hit the big city!
So whether you’re moving here or visiting, Naperville welcomes you with open arms! Let’s get into it!
Halloween in Naperville, IL
Naperville residents love celebrating Halloween and have plenty of spooky and fun things for you and the family to get involved with.
Plus, Naperville goes all out on Halloween decorations — so go for a walk around town to see spooky and spectacular houses!
Be sure to check out the Naperville Police’s advice on staying safe over Halloween.
Trick or Treat and Downtown Naperville Halloween Hop
- Where: Downtown Naperville
- When: Sunday before Halloween
- Cost: Free
Usually held in the morning for a couple of hours, this annual event encourages kiddos and parents to dress up and head into downtown Naperville for some trick-or-treat action.
Local shops have candy and treats to give out, and it’s a good opportunity to hit up your fave restaurants and shops!
Refreshments are available, as well as a variety of exciting games.
Naperville Park District Halloween Happening
- Where: Grand Pavilion on the Riverwalk
- When: Halloween Sunday
- Cost: Free
This Halloween-themed fest is specifically for kids aged 10 and under and includes activities, goodies, and games.
Naperville Trolley Halloween Lights
- Where: Location disclosed upon booking
- When: Mid-End October, every hour from 7 pm–9 pm (date dependent)
- Cost: $25 per person
Fancy a family-friendly ride around Naperville to see the Halloween lights and sights on the incredibly popular Naperville Trolley?
Public and private one-hour tours are available for roughly two weeks leading up to Halloween. Booking requests are available in May/August.
All Hallows Eve
- Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St.
- When: Weekend before Halloween, 6.30 pm–10 pm
- Cost: $20 per person
Ideal for families and kids aged 16 and under, the Naper Settlement All Hallows Eve event has a range of activities and performances, both inside and outside. Please note that there are no costumes or masks allowed at this event.
Howlin’ at the Moon
- Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St.
- When: Halloween weekend, 5 pm–10 pm
- Cost: $20 per person
This one’s strictly for the 21+ crowd!
A range of performances and attractions are available at Howlin’ at the Moon, as well as Halloween-themed food and alcoholic beverages.
Wear your best costume and enter the costume contest, stroll through the Moonlight Market, or take your photo in the graveyard!
The Naperville Salute
- What: Independence Day celebration
- Where: Rotary Hill, Riverwalk Park, 500 Jackson Ave.
- When: June 30–July 3
- Cost: Varies
If you’re in town for the 4th of July, take full advantage of all of the celebrations and head along to The Naperville Salute.
A free-to-attend family-friendly celebration, The Naperville Salute is run by Naperville Responds for Veterans, a not-for-profit organization that assists veterans in need and their families.
Considering the fact that Naperville as per the last census had over 3,500 veterans living in the city, they’re a worthy cause helping uplift those in need.
The Naperville Salute is billed as a way to thank veterans, active military, first responders, and their families. Over four days the celebration will see around 7,500 people come out for the food, beer, live music, and family activities on offer.
The full schedule will be released closer to the time, and generally though the first day is free, the following days cost between $5–$15 to attend.
Naperville Fireworks Show
- What: Independence Day Fireworks
- Where: Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Dr.
- When: July 4, 9.30 pm
- Cost: Free
A hugely popular annual event, why not celebrate Independence Day by bringing the whole family and settling in for the community fireworks show!
Held at the Frontier Sports Complex, you can enjoy the sights from either on the field or inside your car.
Fireworks begin at 9.30 pm and you won’t have to pay for either parking or admission!
There’s plenty of parking both within the complex and at Neuqua Valley High School (2360 95th St.), so you won’t be left circling Naperville for ages, trying to find a spot.
Further information will be posted here, closer to the time.
Naperville Irish Fest
- What: Naperville Irish Fest
- Where: Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave.
- When: 2023: Friday, September 22, 3 pm–10 pm; Saturday, September 23, 12 pm–10 pm
- Cost: Adults 16+, $25 per person; children under-15 go free
Put on by West Suburban Irish, a Naperville not-for-profit organization, the Naperville Irish Fest has been a family-friendly annual event since 2021.
West Suburban Irish was started in 1997 by Naperville resident Kevin Dolan, who wanted to start an annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the city.
Today, the group’s mission statement is to help create a network of “members, volunteers, artists, and enthusiasts”.
With around 293,000 citizens of Irish descent in DuPage and the surrounding counties, there’s certainly a lot of Irish love and pride to be found!
The Naperville Irish Fest is held over two days (usually around August/September) and features live Irish music and dancing, cultural activities, sport (including Irish hurling!), and artisan makers.
You’ll find plenty of food and beverages on offer, as well as fun activities and games for the younger ones.
Naperville Oktoberfest
- What: Oktoberfest
- Where: Naper Settlement
- When: 2023: Friday, October 6, 5 pm–10 pm; Saturday, October 7, 3 pm–10 pm
- Cost: Adults $20 per person; Youths (4–12) $15 per person
Love polka-rock, beer, German food, and lederhosen? Lucky for you, Naper Settlement hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration over two days.
Feast on potato pancakes, pretzels, brats, and landjäger, and enjoy beers from local and traditional brewers. Beer not so much your style? There’s wine available, too.
And, while the adults may be a little more interested in the beers and dancing, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family to be had.
Send the kids out to play lawn games — including corn hole, giant Jenga, and lawn pong — or carve pumpkins, while you kick up your heels and down some steins!
You’ll find plenty of free parking nearby. Just be sure to assign a designated driver to your group, or else call a cab from the local taxi service.
Further information about the exact line-up of food and entertainment will be available closer to the time.
Naperville Parade of Lights
- What: Holiday Parade of Lights
- Where: Downtown Naperville
- When: November, 7 pm
- Cost: Free
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Naperville, the Holiday Parade of Lights is an annual family-friendly parade held in downtown Naperville.
Bundle up warm, gather the kids, and head down to the corner of Webster and Jackson Streets to catch the pre-parade entertainment from 6.30 pm. The parade itself consists of lit-up floats, as well as festivities for the whole family.
Afterward, take the kids down to Santa’s Workshop (hosted in Naperville Public Library) to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos (open until 9 pm).
All proceeds from the fundraiser go towards organizations that help the community, including:
- Youth educational programs
- Food, housing, and employment organizations
- Mental health awareness organizations.
Nearby parking will be reserved for parade participants (and any unauthorized cars parked along the parade route will be towed from 3 pm), so plan to get down there early to snag a good viewing spot.
Christmas in Naperville
The Christmas season in Naperville is a great time of year to visit.
While the locations for the Christkindl Christmas Markets haven’t been announced yet (fingers crossed they’ll be back at Naper Settlement!), you’ll still find plenty to see and do over this time.
- What: Holly Jolly Days
- Where: Naper Settlement
- When: December
- Cost: $5 per person; children under 4 go free
Bring the kids over to Naper Settlement for Holly Jolly Days, where they can get involved with different activities, craft making, or settle in to hear a Christmas story. You can even snap a selfie against the Victorian Christmas backdrop.
Worth knowing that there’s no food or beverages available during the event, and the last entry is at 6 pm.
Naperville Trolley Holiday Lights Tour
- Where: Pickup locations vary
- When: December
- Cost: $25 per person
If you’ve been on the Halloween Lights Tour with Naperville Trolley then it’s much the same, only Christmas.
Choose from the Northern Tour (Christmas lights north of 75th St.), the Southern Tour (Christmas lights south of 75th St.), or the Eastern Tour (new for 2023). Every year is different as the tour entirely depends on the homeowners’ decoration decisions.
Tours are available as either private charters or public tours, and bookings are available from May/August.
While the trolleys are heated, you should still dress warm, and bear in mind that you can’t bring any food, but can bring (lidded) drinks. Sadly, unless you have a service dog, they won’t be allowed to come along for the ride.
Naperville Tuk Tuk Holiday Lights Tour
- Where: Pickups available in downtown Naperville
- When: December
- Cost: Starts at $25 per person
Want an alternative way to see the downtown Christmas lights? Why not hop on one of the Naperville tuk tuks? You can even bring your own holiday drink (alcoholic or non)!
The tuk tuks can seat up to six people and have covers as well as heated seats. Be sure to wrap up warm, however, and then just sit back, listen to the festive tunes, and watch the lights go by!
A holiday lights tour around Naperville by tuk tuk will be one to write home about, for sure!
TubaChristmas Concert
- Where: Downtown Naperville
- When: December
- Cost: Free to attend; participants pay $10 to register, $15 for music, or $20 for large-print music
TubaChristmas is an annual tuba concert around the world playing a range of traditional Christmas music, celebrating all tuba players, teachers, composers, and more.
Tuba players of all ages can join in, by paying between $5–$10 to register, and an additional fee for music sheets. Music sheets are reused every year, so if you play every year, this is a one-time fee.
In Naperville, the family-friendly event is held outside the US Bank along Jefferson Avenue at Washington Street.
Registration is $10 from 9 am with a rehearsal at 10 am, an hour before the concert. Participants are encouraged to wear bright and festive colors and to decorate their tubas.
Attendees can also purchase various merchandise on the day, or ahead of time from the TubaChristmas website.
Full event details can be found here.
Naperville Easter Egg Hunt
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, which typically falls between March 22 and April 25.
The period leading up to Easter is known as Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days (not counting Sundays). During Lent, many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, and spiritual discipline.
The Great Egg Hunt
- Where: Frontier Park Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Rd.
- When: April
- Cost: Free, donations suggested
Hosted by the Naperville Jaycees, a community organization, the annual Easter egg hunt is a fun event for the whole family.
With a total of 14,000 eggs placed strategically around the 4 ball fields of Frontier Park Sports Complex, kids are divided into age groups (0–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7-8 years) and then let loose at the sound of a horn.
Children under the age of two are allowed to be assisted by a parent, but for everyone else it’s a free-for-all! Prizes are available, and the Easter Bunny will even make an appearance.
Parking is available at the complex. However, it is somewhat limited, so they recommend arriving 30 minutes early (the hunt generally kicks off around 9am).
While the event is free, non-perishable food items and shelf-stable microwave meal donations are suggested and encouraged. All donations will go to a charitable organization.
Bonus Easter Egg Hunt: Flashlight Egg Hunt
- Where: Knoch Knolls Park, 336 Knoch Knolls Rd.
- When: 2023: Thursday, April 6, 7.45 pm–8.15 pm, 8.40 pm–9.10 pm
- Cost: $9 (resident), $13 (non-resident)
Put on especially for the 9–13 year olds by Naperville Parks, get down to the Lower Picnic Grove at Knoch Knolls Park for the Flashlight Egg Hunt! All you’ll need is warm clothing, a flashlight, and something to put your eggs and prizes in.
Bear in mind that there are two times available but you should only register for one.
Kids must be accompanied by adults — but no sneaky egg hunting! Kids need to find their eggs by themselves.
Holi Celebration Naperville
- What: Holi Festival of Colors
- Where: Rotary Hill, Riverwalk Park, 500 Jackson Ave.
- When: 2023: Saturday, April 8, 11 am–4 pm
- Cost: Free to attend, bags of color $2.50 each
The Hindu festival of Holi which celebrates the arrival of spring has gained popularity around the world, thanks to its bright and fun nature.
No doubt you’ve seen videos of the young (and young at heart!) jumping around to music, covered in bright splashes of paint powder.
In Naperville, Simply Vedic — a not-for-profit organization that serves the Naperville South Asian community — hosts an annual Holi celebration on Rotary Hill in Riverwalk Park.
While entry is free, you will need to buy bags of organic powdered color from the festival for $2.50 per bag. Strictly no outside color is allowed to be brought into the festival.
The event is family and pet-friendly, and you can also enjoy cultural performances throughout the day. Vegetarian food and drink is also available to purchase. Unfortunately, you can’t bring your own in.
Free parking is available in the surrounding area, as well as ADA parking. Be aware that there’s nowhere to wash the color off after the event, so you’ll be stuck multi-colored until you get home!
While white is great to show all the colors, be sure to wear warm clothes as you never know what the weather will be like in April!
Kayaking in Naperville
If you’re a keen paddler, you’ll find plenty of locations to get out on the water in Naperville.
Kayak or Paddleboard Tour
- Where: DuPage River
- Operator: Naperville Kayak
- Cost: $45 for a single kayak/paddleboard, $90 for a tandem kayak
For beginners or those looking for a tour along the DuPage River, we recommend booking a tour with Naperville Kayak.
While the kayak or paddleboard, paddle, personal floatation device, and a water-resistant bag for your belongings are all included, you’ll need to make sure you wear synthetic clothing (avoid cotton) and secure shoes that you’re happy to get wet. You should also bring sunscreen, a hat, snacks, and water.
Sessions include instruction followed by a guided tour along the DuPage River. Solo paddlers must be a minimum of 13 years old, or 5 ft. tall and weigh at least 100 lbs.
Children aged 8–12 are welcome in tandem kayaks, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Naperville Kayak are seasonal and operates from May–October only.
Kayak, Paddleboard, or Paddleboat Rental
- Where: Paddleboat Quarry, 441 Aurora Ave.
- Cost: Paddleboats: $12/$17; Paddleboards: $10/$15; Single Kayaks: $10/$15; Tandem Kayaks: $15/$22
Paddleboat Quarry, one of the historical quarries in Naperville, is now a picturesque spot where you can head out on the water on a paddleboat, kayak, or paddleboard.
Watercraft can be hired for either 20 or 40 minutes, and the hire will include some brief instructions as well as a personal floatation device.
Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult on paddleboats, those aged 13 and up can hire paddleboards (under 18s need to have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian), and under 13s need to be accompanied by an adult on kayaks.
On a sunny day, getting out in relatively safe water could be just the activity for the whole family. Paddleboats will even take up to four people — just be careful not to push anybody in!
Ice Skating in Naperville
Nothing says “winter fun” more than ice skating! And in Naperville you’re spoiled for choice, with a range of outdoor skating rinks as well as the local year-round indoor ice rink.
Outdoor Ice Skating
- Where: Centennial Park (500 W. Jackson Ave.), Nike Sports Complex (288 W. Diehl Rd.), Wolf’s Crossing Community Park (3252 Wolf’s Crossing Rd.), Meadow Glens (1303 Muirhead Ave.), Gartner Park (524 W. Gartner Rd.)
- When: December 15–February 15 (weather dependent)
- Cost: Free
Organized by Naperville Parks, there are three lit (Centennial Park, Nike Sports Complex, and Wolf’s Crossing Community Park) and two unlit (Meadow Glens and Gartner Park) outdoor ice rinks open over the winter period.
Bear in mind that while they do aim to open by December 15, this depends on the weather, as they can only open after a period of extreme cold.
But when the rinks do open — oh boy, Are you in for a treat! There’s nothing quite like outdoor ice skating, especially on natural ice rinks.
Keen hockey or broomball players can play on the boarded rinks in Centennial Park, while free skaters can hit the third rink without the risk of being hit by a loose puck!
Lit rinks will close at 10 pm, and unlit rinks close an hour before sunset. There’s a full list of rules and regulations on the parks’ website, so be sure to pay close attention or risk being kicked off the ice!
Indoor Ice Skating
- Where: All Seasons Ice Rinks, 31W330 N. Aurora Rd.
- When: Year-round; Monday–Friday, 10 am–7 pm; Saturday–Sunday, 8 am–6 pm
- Cost: Public skating: $10/$15; skate rentals: $4
Keen to get on the ice outside of the winter season? All Seasons Ice Rinks have you covered! Whether you’re after public skating, figure skating, or ice hockey, you can do it all.
For public skate sessions, they recommend purchasing ahead of time online. Not only will you get a $5 discount, but you’ll also be informed if the session is canceled for any reason.
There are some rules and regulations, so be sure to check them out before you hit your session.
Axe Zone in Naperville
- What: Axe throwing or rage room
- Where: Axe Zone, 1592 W. Ogden Ave.
- When: Tuesday–Thursday, 4 pm–9 pm; Friday–Saturday, 1 pm–10 pm; Sunday, 1 pm–7 pm
- Cost: Axe throwing: $24.95/$37.95/$49.95; Rage room: $70/$90 (all prices ex. tax)
Ever felt like letting your inner Viking loose? Well, at Axe Zone in Naperville you’ll be able to either book in for some axe throwing or smash some things in their rage room!
Axe throwing is a huge amount of fun (especially for groups), and is a family-friendly activity (the minimum age to participate is five). You can even bring your own food and drink along.
You’ll need to wear toe-closed shoes (axe plus toes does not equal a good time!) and clothes that you can move comfortably in are a good idea.
While they will accept walk-ins, it’s best to make a booking at least one to two weeks ahead through the website.
Bookings are available for 1 hour, 90 minutes, or 2 hours and include training with their axe-perts.
The rage room, on the other hand, is a different kind of fun altogether! Participants must be aged 12+, and those between 12–17 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older. Those who are pregnant cannot participate.
Closed-toe shoes are again a must, but they’ll provide all the rest of the protective gear you need. Again, comfortable clothes are a good idea.
You can bring your own music to smash away to (in fact, it’s recommended), and items you can destroy include beer and soda bottles, plates, monitors, phones, VCRs, TVs, printers, and more. There are even some “surprise” items…!
Up to four (and a minimum of two) can enter the rage room together, and rather than having a time limit, the price depends on how many things you want to smash!
With only a $20 difference between them, we’d recommend more. In this case: more is more!
Be aware that for both activities, you’ll need to sign a waiver. It’s a fun time but there are some risks involved, so be sensible!
CrossFit Naperville
If you’re a CrossFit enthusiast or looking to get started with the exercise program, there are several different gyms around Naperville that will welcome you.
Known for its high-intensity workout system, it’s not only a great way to stay fit but also an excellent group activity.
Some of the businesses around Naperville that offer CrossFit include:
CrossFit 630
Located at 670 W. 5th Ave. Unit 108, CrossFit 630 is a dedicated CrossFit training space.
They offer a variety of training sessions throughout the week, including personal training, group classes, Olympic lifting, and youth training. You can even sign up for a digital membership to work out from home.
Prices vary, with drop-in classes setting you back around $20 per class. Trainers can also help you with nutrition coaching.
South Naperville Strength
You’ll find South Naperville Strength at 24137 111th St. Unit G.
Much like CrossFit 630, there are a number of classes available during the week. They even offer CrossFit for kids and teens. Nutrition coaching is available here, too.
You’ll have to get in touch for information about pricing, though drop-in classes are also $20 per class.
Revolution Fitness
Revolution Fitness can be found at 3075 Book Rd. #111.
In addition to CrossFit classes, they also offer Bootcamp/Spartan SGX/DEKAFIT, Olympic lifting, gymnastics, and nutrition coaching.
Depending on how often you want to attend, pricing will vary. High school students get a slight monthly discount.
Hot Yoga Naperville
- What: Hot yoga
- Where: Hot Yoga Naperville, 400 S. Main Street
- When: Monday–Thursday, 4.30am–9pm; Friday, 4.30am–7.30pm; Saturday, 5am–1.30pm; Sunday, 5am–5pm
- Cost: Day pass: $20; Youth membership (25 and under): $77 per month; Adult membership: $91 per month
Opened in 2003, Hot Yoga Naperville is Naperville’s local hot yoga studio.
As all hot yoga enthusiasts know, hot yoga is a particular practice made popular by Bikram Choudhury where the room is heated to better allow your body to reach maximum flexibility.
You then go through a series of set poses which are progressively more difficult, as your muscles warm up.
Hot Yoga Naperville no longer only offers hot yoga but also hot pilates, fusion, Yin yoga, and Ashtanga. Whatever your preferred style of yoga, you can find it in downtown Naperville!
You can purchase single-day passes which give you access to all classes offered on that day, or a monthly membership. Youth memberships are also available for those aged 25 and under, but you’ll have to purchase this at the studio so that they can verify your ID.
For those of you who may be considering becoming a qualified hot yogi, they also offer intensive teacher training.
Naperville Riverwalk
- What: Naperville Riverwalk
- Where: Start at Brethren Peace Plaza, 1033 W. Jefferson Ave.
- Cost: Free
Often described as the “Crown Jewel” of Naperville, the Riverwalk was created in 1981 for the 150th anniversary of the city.
Spanning 1.75 miles, with brick paths and bridges, fountains, event places, outdoor artwork, recreational facilities, celebratory memorials, and more, the Riverwalk is an absolute must-do while in Naperville.
Many of the downtown Naperville “hot spots” are along the Riverwalk, including Centennial Beach, Rotary Hill, Paddleboat Quarry, and more.
Naperville is committed to preserving and improving the Riverwalk for generations to come and has a 2031 Master Plan in place.
Be sure, too, to check out the detailed Riverwalk brochure for a map of the walk, the potted history of its creation, and safety notes.
The Riverwalk is used by multiple people across all different walks of life, so remember to share the path. Bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, and any motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Riverwalk, so leave them at home and enjoy the walk!
Naperville Farmers’ Market
- What: Naperville Farmers’ Market
- Where: 200 E. 5th Ave.
- When: Every Saturday, 7 am–12 pm
- Cost: Free entry
Is there anything better than buying fresh produce direct from the grower? Held every Saturday, you’ll find the Naperville Farmers’ Market located near 5th Ave. Train Station in downtown Naperville.
There are over 50 vendors who show up year-round, including:
- The Cheese People, and more.
Live performances and events also take place, so you can bring the whole family to the market and settle them in front of the performers while you browse the market selections!
Knoch Knolls Park and Nature Center
- What: Knoch Knolls Park and Nature Center
- Where: Park: 336 Knoch Knolls Rd.; Nature Center: 320 Knoch Knolls Rd.
- When: Park: Every day, 8 am–7 pm; Nature Center: Monday–Friday, 9 am–12.30 pm; Saturday, 9 am–3 pm
- Cost: Free entry
If you’re itching to get out and see some nature, Knoch Knolls Park is the place to be.
Not only is it one of the Naperville Park District parks, it also contains a Nature Center which allows visitors to learn more about the nature and wildlife in and around the DuPage River.
Knoch Knolls Park is made up of land donated in 1980 to the Park District by Judge Win Knoch and his wife Irene.
It also includes the remaining Knoch farmland, Glyman Woods, and Biannucci Confluence, all of which were purchased between 1980–1989. A further donation in 2021 added 40 acres of land. To date, Knoch Knolls Park consists of roughly 258 acres of land.
Knoch Knolls Nature Center is an ideal place to visit with the kids. Children aged 5–10 can even enroll in Nature Center Camps, offered over the summer, as well as free Nature Discovery Days, or free Nature Hikes.
Of course, it’s not just for kids — there are also Adult and Family Nature Programs available, as well as a host of other activities. Group bookings, birthday parties, and events can all be hosted, too!
All info can be found on the website.
Centennial Beach
- What: Centennial Beach
- Where: 500 Jackson Ave.
- When: End of May through to the end of summer
- Cost: Varies
For somewhere to cool down over the summer, you can’t pass by Centennial Beach. An aquatic park and historic ex-quarry, it’s located in downtown Naperville.
Consisting of 6 acres of land and an abandoned quarry filled with 6.2 million gallons of water, Centennial Beach is a popular spot in the summer, with visitors coming from all over Illinois.
While you can pay a daily admission fee for entry, Naperville residents and those in the know opt for an annual membership that allows them entry throughout the season.
The shallow end of the pool only reaches a depth of 4 ft., and leads to a sandy beach, making it the perfect spot for kids to relax and play. There are even special water features for added fun, a slide, and an ADA lift for accessibility.
However, the deep end of the pool reaches a whopping depth of 15 ft. and contains three diving boards. This part of the pool is the deepest section of the old quarry, and in order to swim here swimmers must pass a Deep Water Test every season.
The history of Centennial Beach is pretty interesting, so even if you only dabble in the shallow end you can still enjoy the charm of this 1930s Beach and all of its amenities!
Naper Settlement
- What: Naper Settlement
- Where: 523 S. Webster St.
- When: May–September: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm; Sunday, 1 pm–4 pm; October–April: Tuesday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm
- Cost: May–October: Adults (13+) $12, Seniors (62+) $10, Youth (4–12) $8; November–April: Adults $6, Seniors, $5, Youth $4; Museum members and Naperville residents go free
You’ll have noticed we’ve already mentioned Naper Settlement multiple times throughout this article as a destination venue for events. But more than that, Naper Settlement is Naperville’s 13-acre family-friendly outdoor museum of history. A great option for seniors visiting the Naperville area.
Begun in 1969, Naper Settlement is run by the Naperville Heritage Society. In addition to hosting events, weddings, school visits, and more, Naper Settlement also has a number of exhibits available. These are both permanent and temporary.
Naper Settlement was started to help preserve the history of Naperville, so if you’re visiting from out of town, definitely put this one on your list.
Pricing varies depending on the season but is very affordable, and there’s an abundance of free parking nearby, as well as accessible parking.
Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower
- What: Millennium Carillon
- Where: 443 Aurora Ave.
- When: Temporarily closed
- Cost: Tours: $3 (ages 5+), children 4 and under go free
For a slice of Naperville history, you must check out the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower.
Sometimes called Naperville Bell Tower, the Carillon — a 72-bell instrument — is housed in a 16-story tower. It was gifted to Naperville for the Millennium and has 253 steps leading to the top.
Not a walk for the faint-hearted!
As of 2021, the tower has been closed for refurbishments, thanks to potential structural issues discovered in 2017. However, when open, you can visit the Visitor Center directly opposite Moser Tower and purchase tickets to tour all 158 ft. of it.
When operational, the Carillon plays at 12 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm daily, and is rung by a computer system. However, it can also be played by a carillonneur manually, and over the summer many recitals are performed.
It’s worth knowing that children under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an adult on this one, and there are a few safety precautions to be aware of.
Pinot’s Palette Naperville
- What: Paint & Sip Studio
- Where: 175 W. Jackson Ave., Suite 123
- When: Various
- Cost: Varies
Feeling crafty but also want to wind down with a drink? Why not both!
Pinot’s Palette is a wine and paint franchise, started in Houston, TX. Now with studios all across the U.S., the Naperville Paint & Sip Studio is right in downtown Naperville.
While the concept started as guided painting classes with wine, the Naperville branch also offers kids’ art classes and allows teens to attend other classes as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.
You can also hire the venue for private events, such as birthdays or bachelorette parties.
Those aged 21+ (and with valid ID) can indulge in a beer, wine, or spirit from the bar to go along with their painting (may or may not help your artistic talent!), but don’t try to BYOB as you won’t be allowed.
Commander Dan Shanower September 11 Memorial
- What: 9/11 Memorial
- Where: Along Naperville Riverwalk, adjacent to Naperville Municipal Center (400 S. Eagle St.)
- Cost: Free
While you’re along the Riverwalk, head to the Commander Dan Shanower September 11 Memorial and spend some time honoring those whose lives were lost.
Named after Commander Dan F. Shanower, a Naperville native who was killed in the attack on the Pentagon during 9/11, it’s a somber and moving tribute.
In fact, Naperville was one of the first U.S. cities to honor those who died in the attacks with their memorial, and its theme — “Freedom Isn’t Free — was inspired by an article Commander Shanower previously wrote.
With over 140 faces of those lost created by local school children molded onto the 48 ft. retaining wall, as well as an eternal flame, it’s quite the sight to see.
The sculpture in the center of the memorial was created out of 100 lbs of rubble from the Pentagon, a steel beam from the World Trade Center, and granite from Pennsylvania where Flight 93 crashed.
Despite its tragic history, the memorial plaza is very picturesque and is surrounded by a perennial garden.
Naperville Millennium Wall
- What: Naperville Millennium Wall
- Where: Along Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Ave. (between Webster and Eagle Streets)
- Cost: Free
Another one to visit while on your Naperville Riverwalk, be sure to check out the Millennium Wall (at the top of the Riverwalk Amphitheater).
Built to thank all of the people and organizations who assisted with Celebration 2000, the city’s festival celebrating the millennium, it’s a beautiful spot to sit on a sunny day. You may even be able to catch one of the many free programs at the amphitheater.
Due to a structural issue, the wall was rebuilt in 2010 with the names now cast in bronze.
iFly Indoor Skydiving Naperville
- What: Indoor skydiving
- Where: 1752 Freedom Dr.
- When: Wednesday–Thursday, 11 am–6 pm; Friday, 11 am–7 pm; Saturday, 10 am–6.30 pm; Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
- Cost: $69.99–$89.99
If you’re really looking for a thrilling experience, why not try indoor skydiving? All the fun of skydiving with none of the risk!
At iFly Indoor Skydiving Naperville anyone aged between 3–103 can fly (under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult) in one of the wind tunnels.
Flight suits will be provided but best to wear comfortable clothes and lace-up sneakers. You’ll need to remove all jewelry and loose items in your pockets, as these can fly away from your body.
You’ll need to go through a training session before you can fly solo, but if you come back within three months, you won’t have to complete the training again.
Flights last for 60 minutes and can be booked as a minimum of 2 flights per package (the first 60 minutes will be your training session). If the times you can attend are flexible you can benefit from a 30% discount (valid Monday–Friday, 11 am–4.30 pm).
You can also book for large groups, birthday parties, corporate events, and more.
RiddleBox Escape Rooms
- What: Escape rooms
- Where: 620B W. 5th Ave.
- When: Monday–Sunday, 11 am–12 am
- Cost: 2 players: $40; 3–6 players: $32; 7–10 players $30
Escape rooms are great fun for families, friends, work groups, and more, and Naperville’s RiddleBox Escape Rooms have three different rooms for you to try your hand at.
The escape rooms (Old Tavern, Prison Escape, and Witch House) all have different stories, goals, capacities, and difficulty levels, so choose carefully when you book!
Though the games are designed for those aged 12+, younger players are also welcome, and under 7s go free.
Reservations need to be made ahead of time, but you may be able to make a short-notice reservation if you really want to get involved and haven’t planned ahead. Just give RiddleBox Escape Rooms a call.
Remember, 60 minutes isn’t a whole lot of time, and some of the puzzles can get really tricky, so you’ll have to work together fast in order to get out!
FAQs about Naperville
How long should you stay in Naperville?
How long is a piece of string? At the end of the day, how long you decide to stay in Naperville is entirely up to you — you may want to travel in for the day, stay overnight, or even stay for a bit longer…!
Whatever you decide, there’s plenty for you to do and see.
Is it feasible to stay in Naperville while visiting Chicago?
Absolutely! Naperville is only an hour away from Chicago by car and — if you want to avoid driving around Chicago — you can take the train from Naperville Station directly into downtown Chicago.
The journey takes about an hour and is a safe and convenient way to travel.
What type of food places are in Naperville?
There’s a huge variety of places to eat in Naperville. For example:
- Fogo de Chao Steakhouse, a Brazilian restaurant
- Meson Sabika, a Spanish tapas restaurant
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, yes, that Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
- Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, a seafood restaurant
- La Sorella di Francesca, an Italian restaurant
- The White Chocolate Grill, a modern-American restaurant
- Egg Harbor Café, a family-friendly café
- Santo Cielo, a contemporary global restaurant
- Quiubo, a Mexican restaurant.
If none of that strikes your fancy, there are plenty of other options besides!
Where to stay while visiting Naperville?
There are 18 hotels or motels that you can stay at in Naperville. However, there are also plenty of Bed & Breakfasts or AirBnBs to stay at, so no matter what you’re looking for and what your budget is, you’re bound to find it.
