20 Best Things to Do in Naperville, Illinois

By VacationIdea Staff on October 26, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of Jim Vallee - Fotolia.com

From gardens and museums to swimming holes and adventure parks, the options of things to do in Naperville, IL are endless. Many of the attractions are family friendly and will be a memorable way to spend the day no matter what your age. If you want to be outdoors, spend the day fishing at the Blackwell Forest Preserve or splashing around at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park. Other sites and attractions that shouldn’t be missed include having a bite to eat at Le Chocolat de Bouchard, going for a ride with Naperville Trolley & Tours, and having a refreshing drink at the Solemn Oath Brewery.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Morton Arboretum

Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre living museum that has a large array of trees, shrubs, and plants from around the world. The arboretum is open throughout the year so that visitors can explore and appreciate its beauty during every season. There are many events and activities held at Morton Arboretum that the entire family will enjoy, such as the Art of Bonsai, the Craft Beer Festival, Mystery Dinner, and Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, which is a one1mile outdoor walking tour through the winter woods, which are brought to life with innovative projections, lights, and music.

4100 Illinois 53, Lisle, IL 60532, Phone: 630-968-0074

2.Blackwell Forest Preserve

The Blackwell Forest Preserve is a 1,266-acre Illinois preserve that is extremely popular and voted one of the best in the western suburbs. Visitors there can go camping, have a picnic in one of the designated areas, or even go fishing for catfish, rainbow trout, or largemouth bass. The picnic area has tables scattered throughout the grassy area, while the more adventurous can go exploring to get up close and personal with a range of flora and fauna. The trails are wonderful for walking, jogging, cycling, cross-country skiing, or horseback riding. From April to September, visitors are invited to rent a canoe, kayak, or rowboat to spend some time on Silver Lake or further out to the DuPage River.

Butterfield Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555, Phone: 630-933-7200

3.Cantigny Park

Five hundred acres of adventure await you at Cantigny Park and there are many events held there throughout the year. Some of these include a Date with History, which guides visitors through photographs and artifacts from the area’s local history, and Artistry in Wood, which displays woodworks from artists all over the state. Other fun things to look forward to are Family Kite Night, where you can fly out your best kites with the family, or a walk through the budding gardens during the annual Spring Bulbs Festival. The award-winning gardens also has its own golf course, two historic museums, and four restaurants to dine in.

1 S 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189, Phone: 630-668-5161

4.Centennial Beach

Centennial Beach has been the local “swimming hole” that locals and residents have flocked to year after year. It’s a great place to just sit back and relax with your friends and family on a warm summer’s day. Cool down with a swim in Centennial Beach’s historic stone quarry, which is often considered better than any pool or lake. Amenities include diving boards, a deep-water area, floating rafts, Adirondack chairs, a centennial grill, bag toss areas, and an open grass area. The beach is completely wheelchair accessible and also has lockers, picnic tables, a sand play area, family washrooms, a waterslide, and much more.

500 West Jackson, Naperville, IL 60540, Phone: 630-848-5092

5.Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park

Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park is a fun-filled water park where the entire family can cool down on a hot summer’s day. Attractions are suitable for visitors of all ages and include Cajun Creek, Crocodile Isle, and Tabasco Falls, among many others. Mud Bug Beach is great for the little ones and has a sand play area that makes it feel just like a day at the beach. You can also enjoy a relaxing swim at Alligator Alley while hanging out with your friends or indulge in a refreshing drink or tasty snack at the Swamp Shack Cafe. Browse weekend getaways from Chicago

8301 Janes Ave, Woodridge, IL 60517, Phone: 630-353-3350

6.DuPage Children's Museum

The DuPage Children’s Museum is where all the kids want to go when in Naperville, Illinois, and as a matter of fact, even the adults look forward to having a good time there. The exhibits at the museum bring fun to science, math, and art, encouraging kids to learn in an interactive experience. There are nine different “neighborhoods” in the museum, such as Make It Move, Creativity Connections, Young Explorers, and The Studio, which is filled with arts and crafts supplies for kids to get creative with. Admission to DuPage is $12 per person and it is open at various times throughout the week.

301 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540, Phone: 630-637-8000

7.Herrick Lake Forest Preserve

The 887-acre Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is one of the most popular ways to spend the day outdoors while in Naperville, Illinois. There is so much flora and fauna that you will come across while exploring the land, including over 250 species of migrating wildlife and 470 different types of plants. Activities include hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and much more. There are various picnic sites as well as fishing areas in the 22-acre Herrick Lake; the lake is known for flathead catfish, sunfish, carp, and largemouth bass. From May to September, visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and rowboats to take out on the water. The number of things to do and see are endless at the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve.

Naperville, IL 60563, Phone: 630-933-7248

8.Knoch Knolls Nature Center

Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a wonderful place to spend a day in the outdoors. The entire family can get out there and enjoy the cycling and hiking trails, which pass breathtaking creeks, ponds, rivers, bridges, and much more. There’s a boat launch at the center for you to use while boating or kayaking. The nature-themed playground is suitable for kids between the ages of 2 and 12 and has lots of activities they can enjoy. Families can also use the designated picnic areas for a fun-filled day; the picnic areas are fitted with tables, fire rings, and grills for use on a first-come first-served basis.

320 Knoch Knolls Rd, Naperville, IL 60565, Phone: 630-864-3964

9.Le Chocolat de Bouchard

Offering the ultimate chocolate, wine, and dessert experience in Naperville, Le Chocolat de Bouchard is way more than just a chocolate shop. If you’re in Naperville, you must stop by the stunning patisserie and try out their croissants and gourmet pastries. Visitors can also indulge in one of the 40 specialty lattes, cappuccinos, and other drinks at Le Chocolat’s Espresso Bar. The place is a chocoholic’s dream come true, and you can try all sorts of fun and delicious concoctions or even indulge and order a decadent custom cake. The on-site French bistro has delicious charcuterie platters, seafood entrees, crepes, and many other delicious things to try.

127-129 S Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540, Phone: 630-355-5720

10.Naper Settlement

Naper Settlement is a 12-acre outdoor history museum that is fun and wonderful for the entire family. There are tons of interactive exhibits that will teach visitors about the history of the area, from pioneer times all the way to the present day. The settlement has been around since 1969 and is home to many permanent and visiting exhibitions; one of the most popular is a 3,500-square-foot gallery filled with artwork, artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. The Heritage Gallery has a rotating array of temporary exhibits with pieces from different collections by local artists. Naper Settlement offers three walking tours of Naperville’s older commercial and residential neighborhoods, giving visitors an insight into architecturally and historically significant structures.

523 S Webster St, Naperville, IL 60540, Phone: 630-420-6010

11.Naperville Bites and Sites Food Tours

Naperville Bites and Sites was voted the number one activity to do while in Naperville. The guided walking food tours will take you through Naperville’s history, culture, architecture, and people, all while enjoying delicious food and drink from locally owned and operated pubs, shops, and restaurants. The quest visits historic buildings, offbeat paths, and hidden parks, giving you an insider’s view to the area’s past and present. Tours are held every weekend from April through November and are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Woodridge, IL, Phone: 630-347-6553

12.Naperville Trolley & Tours

Though Don Wehrli didn’t open Naperville Trolley & Tours until 1995, the idea was first formulated long ago when Walt Disney replied that “there’s great satisfaction in making other people happy” when asked why he built the park. Presently run by Don’s daughter, Annette, Naperville Trolley & Tours is very much a part of the community. It is one of the best ways for tourists to travel around and learn about the area’s history, while locals use the trolley often as a means of transportation. The Historic Trolley Tour is a must-do and offers 30 minutes of fun and history combined. Phone: (630) 355-2242

13.Riverwalk

Tranquil and serene, the Riverwalk is a wonderful place for people to unwind, enjoy a stroll, and simply appreciate the beautiful scenery around them. The brick path is 1.75 miles long and winds along the DuPage River. As you walk along it, you’ll come across beautiful fountains, bridges, outdoor artwork and sculptures, celebratory memorials, recreational facilities, and meeting and event spaces. Some of the popular sites include the landmark clock tower in Fredenhagen Park, Paddleboat Quarry, and the Dandelion Fountain. The distinctive decor and fixtures of Riverwalk are a reflection of Naperville’s ties to its historic past as the oldest settlement in DuPage County.

400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL 60540, Phone: 630-305-5984

14.Solemn Oath Brewery

Solemn Oath Brewery creates delicious craft beers that take inspiration from their passion for Belgian, West Coast, and barrel-aged beers. The brewery has been around since 2012 and their taproom is open to visitors seven days a week. The taproom is a great place to experience everything that Solemn Oath offers, and you can enjoy pints as you take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the brewery where the beer is made just a few feet away. Some of the most popular drinks on the current taproom beer list include Death by Viking, Snaggletooth Bandana, White Van, and Punk Rock for Rich Kids.

1661 Quincy Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, Phone: 630-995-3062

15.Millennium Carillon

The Millennium Carillon can be found at the Moser Tower and Visitor Center on Aurora Avenue in Riverwalk Park. The carillon is a remarkable structure which was gifted to the city to celebrate the New Millennium. It is composed of a 16-storey structure with 72 bells, which makes it one of the largest grand carillons in the world. Visitors may take the stairs (253 of them) to the top of the tower on a guided tour. (If you are unable to climb so many stairs you can use an elevator to access the Gallery Level Observation Deck). You can check the website for tour times and to find out when the weekly recitals take place.

443 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, 630 848 5000

16.Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve

Springbrook Prairie Preserve covers a massive 1829 acres, most of which is covered with grasslands which offer breeding and migrating birds a natural sanctuary. Besides being a birder’s paradise, the preserve offers visitors a whole range of outdoor recreational opportunities. There are 7 miles of trails which you can explore on foot, by bike, horseback or cross-country skis. You are welcome to bring along a picnic to enjoy at one of the picnic tables dotted around several grassy areas. Four-legged friends are welcome and there is a special area where you may let them off the lead to explore. There is also a model-craft area on an old airfield to the west of the preserve.

Naperville, IL 60540, 630 933 7200

17.BrightSide Theatre

Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Naperville, the BrightSide Theatre launched its inaugural season in 2011. Since then it has been delighting Naperville residents and visitors with top-class live entertainment each year. In addition to producing at least 4 popular shows each season, the theatre also hosts children’s Summer Camp in order to instill a love of live performance in children of all ages (from 6 years up). Just a few of the many shows which have graced their Naperville stage include A Christmas Carol, Steel Magnolias, The Bridges of Madison County and Thoroughly Modern Millie Jn. Check their website for details and tickets.

31S Ellsworth Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, 630 447 8497

18.Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center

Home to the North Central College Fine and Performing Arts, the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center are a wonderful cultural resource for the residents and visitors of Naperville. The Concert Hall offers high-tech acoustics which can be “tuned” by moving the sound-absorbing curtains; it produces a full calendar of wonderful musical recitals across just about all genres of music as well live stage performances. It is also home to the Chicago Sinfonietta and the DuPage Symphony Orchestra. The Fine Arts Centre stages rotating free exhibits by students and professional artists – you can see what‘s on by visiting their website.

171 E. Chicago Ave, Naperville, WI 60540, 630 637 7469

19.Hollywood Palms Cinema, Bar and Eatery

A night out at the Hollywood Palms Cinema, Bar and Eatery is a must on your Naperville itinerary. Unlike any other cinema, Hollywood Palms has been custom-built to offer visitors an extraordinary cinema experience. Before the movie you can enjoy a cocktail at one of the 2 lobby bars, before proceeding to your very own reclining seat in the auditorium. Now you can sit back and relax as you watch the movie of your choice on the big screen. You can order a delicious meal (perfectly designed to be eaten in the dark) to be delivered to your seat from one of the unobtrusive wait staff.

352 S. Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540, 630 428 5800

20.Hidden Key Escapes

If you think you have what it takes to unravel complicated codes and riddles, Hidden Key Escapes are waiting to test your self-perceptions. Hidden Key Escapes offer you and your friends or family a fun-filled hour in which you need to work together as a team in order to escape one of their themed escape rooms. There are 4 rooms to choose from, all of which have an escape rate of less than 30%. If you think you are up to it you can book your room of choice on the website. An escape room experience requires at least 2 participants – some rooms can accommodate up to 10 escapees.

24W500, Maple Ave 108, Naperville, IL 60540, 630 442 0239