21 Things to Do in Naperville, IL with Kids

Don’t be fooled by Naperville's small size; it may seem small at first glance, but it offers far more family-friendly activities than you expect. It once appeared to be a quiet suburb, but has grown into a destination featuring engaging attractions for children and adults alike.

It is located in the far western suburbs of Chicago, making it easily accessible for families visiting from the city or neighboring suburbs.

Whether you are planning a longer stay or visiting for a single day, there are plenty of places to visit in Naperville that give you a memorable experience. Visitors can enjoy kid-friendly restaurants, museums, outdoor spaces, historic landmarks, and sporting venues, all in one place. With so many things to do in Naperville, your trips are going to be an excellent choice for family outings and a great starting point for planning additional summer day trips from Chicago.

Located across from the Naperville Metra station, DuPage Children’s Museum is easy to reach by train or car. Opened at this location in 2001, the museum features many hands-on exhibits designed especially for young children. Popular areas include a bubble station, a flowing water play area, oversized light pegs for small hands, wind tubes, a wind tunnel, a construction zone, and an electricity learning space. The museum can easily fill three hours for preschool and kindergarten-aged children while still offering engaging elements for older siblings.

Urban Air is a large indoor activity center that features climbing walls, trampoline areas, ropes courses, dodgeball courts, and go-karts. With plenty of attractions designed for different age groups, the park provides a full day of entertainment in one spot.

Naper Settlement brings history to life through a collection of historic buildings relocated to one central area. Visitors can explore how people lived and worked in different periods through artifacts and costumed volunteers.
The experience begins with a one-room log cabin from the early 1800s, complete with period furnishings like a fireplace, butter churn, and small sleeping quarters. The site also features the Halfway House, once used by travelers between Naperville and Aurora.
Newer additions include a playground inspired by a Conestoga wagon, a splash pad, and an agricultural building that highlights Midwest farming history.

If you want a luxurious movie experience, the Hollywood Palms Cinema is a spot for you. With a relaxed environment, it features reclining leather seats and advanced picture and sound quality.
Along with movie snacks, the theater serves meals and drinks delivered directly to seats, which allows guests to enjoy food while watching films.

The Naperville Riverwalk follows the west branch of the DuPage River along a brick-lined path decorated with bridges, fountains, and sculptures. Beginning in downtown Naperville, it offers a relaxing escape from shopping and dining areas nearby.
During warmer months, the Riverwalk Amphitheater hosts concerts and library programs.
At the end of the walk is the paddleboat quarry, where visitors can rent pedal boats for a short ride around the pond. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available for older children and adults seeking more active fun.

For more than a century, Riverwalk Park has been a central feature of Naperville. The park features playgrounds, walking paths, horseshoe pits, an ice rink, and a paddleboat pier.
Here you can enjoy views of the DuPage River, beautiful landscaped gardens, and local wildlife such as ducks, which makes it a wonderful outdoor destination.

Centennial Beach is a popular warm-weather destination located close to downtown Naperville. Originally a limestone quarry, natural springs filled the area with water in the early 1900s. Today, the park includes a sandy beach area with zero-depth entry, a water slide, diving boards, and spaces for sand volleyball and lawn games. Non-residents can visit at reduced rates during evening hours.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is a popular local restaurant that is known for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. This restaurant is run by a family and serves classic Italian dishes, which show its close connection to the origins of deep-dish pizza.
The Naperville location is popular with families and visitors who are looking to experience a traditional Chicago meal.

Naperville continues a long-standing tradition of public art displays throughout downtown. Each summer, painted sculptures appear across the area, adding color and creativity to city streets.
Recent displays feature large insect sculptures such as bees, ladybugs, caterpillars, and snails. Visitors can explore downtown while searching for all the sculptures and voting for favorites.

If you want to experience something adventurous, the Naperville Ghost Tour is the perfect thing for you to enjoy. On this tour, you can explore local legends and historical stories with a spooky twist. The walking tour is led by an experienced guide who shares stories of unusual events and folklore tied to the town’s past.
The storytelling style keeps the experience engaging and entertaining while highlighting Naperville’s history in a unique way.

Naperville has three public library locations: Nichols Library downtown, Naper Boulevard Branch, and the 95th Street Branch. Its plaza features a large engraved map of Naperville and sculptures inspired by classic children’s books.
The 95th Street Library includes a book-themed splash pad shared with the Naperville Park District. The splash pad operates with push buttons, which create rotating water features. This area connects directly to nearby park spaces.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving gives you an amazing skydiving experience inside a vertical wind tunnel. The technology creates a steady airflow, allowing participants to float safely.
Trained instructors guide participants through the experience and adjust techniques based on skill level. Flyers can also practice turns and controlled movements in a secure environment.

Wolf’s Crossing Community Park spans 33 acres and offers a wide range of activities. Developed between 2018 and 2019, the park includes a ninja-style obstacle course, sprint lanes, playgrounds, sports courts, picnic shelters, fitness areas, and walking trails.
The playground equipment suits children of many ages, while the combination of sports facilities and natural areas makes it a versatile destination for families with varied interests.

Ball Factory is an indoor playground designed carefully for children of all ages. The space encourages learning through supporting creativity, play, problem-solving, and social interaction.
The facility also includes a café area and hosts birthday parties. Staff members are available to assist families and ensure a pleasant environment.

The Growing Place combines a garden center with educational outdoor spaces. Visitors can explore themed gardens designed for different growing conditions, including sun, shade, and wet environments.
The property also includes butterfly and hummingbird gardens, fairy garden displays, and seasonal art and nature festivals. Children’s workshops focus on gardening and creative outdoor learning throughout the year.

Downtown Naperville is a vibrant area that features more than 100 retail stores selling both local and national brands. Here you can explore art spaces like Gallery Trio, browse boutiques, and enjoy a wide range of dining options.
The area is popular for its mix of shopping, culture, and food, which makes it a popular destination throughout the year.

The Rainbow Play Room is an indoor warehouse that allows children to test a wide range of outdoor swing sets. Options range from compact play structures to large, detailed designs, including themed models.
Families can climb, slide, swing, and explore in a climate-controlled space. This location is especially popular during colder months or rainy days and is also helpful for those considering a future playground purchase.

WhirlyBall beautifully combines lacrosse and elements of bumper cars into a fast-moving team game that is best suited for older children and teens. The venue also includes bowling, laser tag, interactive bowling challenges, and oversized yard games.
Here you can also find food options such as classic comfort meals and beverages, which makes it easy to spend several hours at the location.

Knoch Knolls Park offers a mix of outdoor recreation and educational programming. The park includes walking trails, playgrounds, a disc golf course, and access to the DuPage River.
The Nature Center features live animal exhibits representing Midwest ecosystems, seasonal displays, guided hikes, and educational presentations led by naturalists. The disc golf course provides a challenging activity for older children and teens.

These two independent shops are located side by side in downtown Naperville and offer a classic shopping experience. The bookstore features a large children’s section with frequent author events and curated recommendations.
There is also a toy store that carries a rotating selection of educational and creative toys and offers something for children of all ages. Together, the shops make a popular stop during a downtown visit.

Funtopia is an indoor climbing and adventure center with 50 unique climbing walls designed for all skill levels. Additional attractions include a ninja course, large slides, and a trapeze.
Younger children can play in a soft-play area, while older kids and adults can take on more advanced challenges. The venue is also commonly used for birthday parties and group events.

Naperville offers a remarkable blend of outdoor fun, educational events, and indoor activities that make it an excellent destination for families. Whether planning a weekend outing or a full family day in town, these Naperville attractions provide meaningful experiences that combine play, learning, and relaxation. Exploring these 21 family-friendly spots makes it easy to create fun memories while discovering everything Naperville has to offer with kids.

Reserve your room at Stardust Motel now for a convenient Naperville stay with easy city access and essential comfort.