Fun Things for Kids to Do in Naperville, IL
Naperville, Illinois, is a family-friendly city with plenty of activities and attractions that cater to children of all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or fun indoor activities, Naperville has something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the best things for kids to do in Naperville, ensuring plenty of entertainment and adventure for your little ones.
Explore the Scenic Naperville Riverwalk
The Naperville Riverwalk is a must-visit for families. This beautiful, nearly two-mile path along the DuPage River offers plenty of open space for kids to run, play, and explore. It features several bridges, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Along the way, kids will love the Jaycee Playground, which has swings, slides, climbing structures, and water fountains during the warmer months. The Riverwalk also has paddleboats available in the summer, giving families a chance to get out on the water and enjoy the picturesque views.
Splash Around at Centennial Beach
Centennial Beach is one of Naperville’s most popular summer attractions for kids. Unlike a traditional pool, Centennial Beach is a unique sand-bottom swimming area that was once a limestone quarry. It offers shallow sections for toddlers and deeper areas for more experienced swimmers.
Kids can enjoy a day of swimming, building sandcastles on the beach, or picnicking in the surrounding park area. There are also slides, diving boards, and a water play area that keeps children entertained for hours.
Hands-On Learning at the DuPage Children’s Museum
For a fun and educational experience, the DuPage Children’s Museum is a fantastic destination for kids of all ages. This interactive museum is packed with hands-on exhibits designed to inspire creativity and learning through play. From engineering projects to water play stations, the museum encourages children to explore science, math, and art in a fun and engaging way.
The museum regularly hosts special programs, events, and workshops, making it an ever-changing experience for visitors. It’s a great indoor option for rainy or cold days, giving kids a chance to learn and play in an interactive environment.
Discover Nature at Knoch Knolls Nature Center
If your kids love nature, the Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a perfect spot for them to explore. Located in a scenic park with trails, ponds, and forests, Knoch Knolls offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Nature Center itself features interactive exhibits about the local ecosystem, including fish tanks, live reptiles, and educational displays about the DuPage River.
The surrounding park has bike trails, picnic areas, and a disc golf course, making it a great destination for a family day in nature. Kids can learn about local wildlife while enjoying the great outdoors.
Indoor Play at The Ball Factory
For a day of active play indoors, The Ball Factory is a hit with younger kids. This indoor playground offers a wide range of activities for toddlers and elementary-aged children, from climbing structures and ball pits to slides and tunnels.
The Ball Factory encourages active play and imaginative fun, with plenty of space for kids to burn off energy. There’s even a special area dedicated to toddlers, ensuring safe and age-appropriate activities for the youngest visitors.
Enjoy Sports and Activities with the Naperville Park District
Naperville’s Park District offers a variety of recreational programs, sports leagues, and events for kids throughout the year. From soccer and basketball leagues to art classes and summer camps, there’s always something happening for children in Naperville.
During the summer, the park district runs day camps for kids, with activities like swimming, hiking, and crafting. The district also manages several playgrounds and parks across Naperville, ensuring there’s always a place for kids to play outdoors.
Step Back in Time at Naper Settlement
For a unique historical experience, Naper Settlement is a 12-acre outdoor history museum that gives kids the chance to learn about life in the 19th century. With historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on exhibits, children can explore what life was like for Naperville’s early settlers.
Throughout the year, Naper Settlement hosts family-friendly events, including Civil War reenactments, Harvest Pow Wow, and special seasonal activities. It’s a great place for kids to learn about history while having fun.
Skate at Frontier Sports Complex
For older kids and teens, the Frontier Sports Complex is a great spot for outdoor recreation. The park has an impressive skate park where kids can practice their skateboarding, BMX biking, or rollerblading skills. In addition to the skate park, Frontier Sports Complex offers soccer fields, basketball courts, and a splash pad.
This park is perfect for active kids who enjoy sports and outdoor fun, and it’s a great place for them to socialize with friends while staying active.
Endless Fun for Kids in Naperville
Naperville offers a wealth of activities for kids, from outdoor adventures along the Riverwalk to indoor play centers like the Ball Factory. Whether your children enjoy exploring nature, learning through play, or participating in sports, there’s no shortage of things to do in this family-friendly city. With so many options available, Naperville ensures that kids of all ages will always have something fun and exciting to do.
Blanche Perez is a graduate of Columbia University, where she earned her degree in Journalism. Following her academic journey, she embarked on an exciting four-year adventure across Europe, spending two years immersing herself in the culture and lifestyle of Paris. Her travels not only enriched her perspective but also deepened her storytelling skills, allowing her to craft narratives that resonate with a wide audience.
Blanche has settled in Naperville with her husband. Her time in Europe, particularly Paris, continues to inspire her work, infusing her writing with a unique blend of international flair and journalistic integrity. Whether penning articles or exploring local stories, Blanche’s diverse experiences shape her distinctive voice. She loves to write about fitness and health as well as fashion
