11 Things to Do in Naperville, Illinois

By jhenr | Updated July 8th, 2023

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Naperville, Illinois, maybe a small city, but it is packed with things to do. From its historic downtown area to its beautiful parks and trails, there is something for everyone in Naperville. Here are ten of the best things to do in this charming city.

Where is Naperville Located?

Naperville is a charming midwestern city nestled along the banks of the DuPage River. Naperville is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts with its winding tree-lined roads, historical architecture, and abundance of lush green parks.

Whether hiking through Naperville’s many wooded trails or strolling along the riverfront pathways, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of this vibrant city.

What To Do in Naperville?

Naperville also boasts an exciting arts scene, with year-round performances and galleries displaying everything from paintings and sculptures to cutting-edge modern art installations. Whether you’re visiting Naperville for work or pleasure, this vibrant city offers something for everyone!

Also Read: Things to Do in Illinois

Riverwalk Along the Dupage River

Pedestrian footbridge over the DuPage River on the riverwalk area in Naperville, Illinois

Nestled along the picturesque DuPage River, Naperville’s Riverwalk provides a great way for families and friends to enjoy the DuPage Valley. The Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile pedestrian path that runs from downtown Naperville to Route 59, with plenty of activities along the way. You’ll find everything from bridges and boardwalks over wetlands and prairies to scenic overlooks of the river valley.

Also Read: Where to Find a Passport Office in Naperville

Naper Settlement

NAPERVILLE, IL, USA – JULY 14, 2018: Naper Settlement was built in 1969 and features 12 acres of historical building and structures from Naperville, IL.

Naper Settlement is a living history museum that brings the 1800s alive. Visitors can take an 18-minute tour of the town and interact with people from all walks of life. Kids will love hands-on activities like woodworking, blacksmithing, and weaving. Plus, this museum is right next door to a petting zoo!

Centennial Beach

Chicago, IL – June 28th, 2020: Despite signage indicating beaches and waterfront access are still closed due to COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, people still flocked to Kathy Osterman beach.

Naperville’s Centennial Beach is a gem of a park with a beautiful view of the sunset over the Valley Trail and picnic areas. If you’re looking for a place to take your kids, this is one of our favorites!

Knoch Knolls Nature Center

Male hiker looking through binoculars in forest

Knoch Knolls Nature Center is one of the premier outdoor spaces in the city of Chicago, offering visitors a wealth of opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and exploring nature. The highlight of Knoch Knolls is undoubtedly its many miles of lush trails, which wind through forests, prairies, and wetlands. Whether you are an avid hiker or simply looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, Knoch Knolls has something for everyone.

Moser Tower & Millennium Carillon

NAPERVILLE, IL, USA – JULY 14, 2018: The Millennium Carillon and Moser Tower were built in 1999 to commemorate the third millennium and 21st century. The area features concerts, parks, and activities.

Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon are two landmarks that are worth visiting for their architectural beauty. Moser Tower is a beautifully designed art deco tower with an observation deck that can be rented for private events. Millennium Carillon is a historical carillon composed of 49 bells from 13 different countries. The Carillon was completed in 2003 and has been playing ever since!

Naperville Bites and Sites Food Tours

Seafood platter

Napa Valley Bites and Sites is a food tour company offering Naperville walking and bus tours. Tours have themes such as Bites & Sites Downtown, Bites & Sites on the Hill, and Bites & Sites In the Suburbs. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insight into Naperville’s history, with local restaurants providing tastings along the way.

Naperville Kayak

Couple kayaking together in mangrove river of the Keys, Florida, USA. Tourists kayakers touring the river of Islamorada.

The Naperville Riverwalk offers a great way to take in the city’s natural surroundings. There is also an observation tower where you can see out into the natural habitat and even spot wildlife. For something more adventurous, try kayaking down the DuPage River with Naperville Kayak! We offer several different types of tours that are sure to suit your interests.

Hidden Key Escapes

Woman climbing on man-made cliff in the sport centre

Hidden Key Escapes is a company that specializes in designing and building ingenious escape rooms. Whether you’re looking for an entertaining activity with friends or a challenging puzzle to test your mental skills, Hidden Key Escapes has the perfect room for you.

Their rooms are filled with cleverly disguised clues and unique puzzles that will keep you on your toes until the very end. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that will push your mind to its limits, look no further than Hidden Key Escapes.

Naperville Trolley & Tours

Naperville is a suburban city located about 35 miles west of Chicago. The downtown area is home to several restaurants, shops, and attractions that make for the perfect afternoon or evening getaway. One popular attraction is the Naperville Trolley & Tours. This trolley operates seven days a week and offers tours around the city and lunch and dinner cruises along the Chicago River.

Dupage River Trail

Pedestrian footbridge over the DuPage River on the riverwalk area in Naperville, Illinois

Naperville River Walk is a scenic 2.5-mile pedestrian walkway that follows the DuPage River through downtown Naperville. The trail features a variety of amenities and activities for residents and visitors alike.

Dupage River Trail-The Dupage River Trail is a scenic 2.5-mile pedestrian walkway that follows the DuPage River through downtown Naperville. The trail features a variety of amenities and activities for residents and visitors alike.

Conclusion

Naperville is a great place to be and we hope you enjoy all the things that are offered here. Whether you’re looking for some good food or want to explore the outdoors, there’s something for everyone in Naperville.