The Naperville Riverwalk is one of many unique and free forms of entertainment that the area offers. Whether you are on a stroll with a date or your family, exercising, or taking some time to clear your mind, the Riverwalk offers a therapeutic experience with over 1.75 miles of brick paths that will take you past the tranquil landscape, fountains, parks, art and, of course, the DuPage River.
Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville, IL, USA
The Naperville Riverwalk is one of many unique and free forms of entertainment that the area offers © Brian Jelonek / Flickr
While you’re taking a Sunday stroll alongside the Naperville Riverwalk, it is impossible to overlook Naperville’s beach. That’s right, land-locked Naperville has a beach, which is, of course, manmade. Centennial Beach was created out of an abandoned quarry and holds 6.2 million gallons of water. The space includes children’s slides, diving boards, and docks, and the beach is accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Centennial isn’t the only quarry being used in Naperville. Directly across from the Beach and alongside the Riverwalk is Paddleboat Quarry, which offers paddleboat and kayak rentals. Enjoy a fun boat ride on non school days from mid-May through mid-October. You can purchase admission for this all-ages activity at the Riverwalk Cafe.
Riverwalk Cafe, 441 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL, USA 630-848-5000
Enjoy a fun and cost-efficient boat ride from mid-May through mid-October / Pexels
Naperville Trolley & Tours can show you the sights from its fleet of adorable trolleys. Private and group rental options include historic, Halloween, holiday lights, bar hop, wedding party, or birthday party tours or rides. “Trolley Chick” Annette Wehrli runs the family operation, and you won’t find a better way to take family and friends around town than like this.
Naperville Trolley & Tours, 936 Lilac Ln, Naperville, IL, USA 630-420-2223
Discover the history behind Naperville at the Naper Settlement interactive museum. This 19th-century living museum provides an educational viewpoint of how earlier settlers lived. Encounter more than 20 historic buildings across 12 acres while live costumed performers teach you about settlement life .
Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St, Naperville, IL, USA 630-420-6010
Discover the history behind Naperville at the Naper Settlement interactive museum © Bob Haarmans / Flickr
Visit DuPage Children’s Museum for a hands-on learning experience while interacting with art, math and science. In addition to the exhibits, the museum features a café and gift shop. The museum is next to the Naperville Metra train station, which makes getting there half the fun.
DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N Washington St, Naperville, IL, USA 630-637-8000
Visit DuPage Children’s Museum for a hands on learning experience © COD Newsroom / Flickr
Become your own version of Picasso with a paintbrush in one hand and a glass in the other. Local artists at Pinot’s Palette will take you through the process step-by-step while you create your own canvas masterpiece.
Pinot’s Palette, 175 Jackson Ave #123, Naperville, IL, USA 331-457-5440
Get out of your comfort zone and discover haunted Naperville while you go on a walking tour. Rated as one of the best tours in the United States, the 90- to 120-minute tour will take you a quarter mile through “haunted” Naperville with a tour guide.
Naperville Ghost Tour, 50 S Washington St, Naperville, IL, USA 630-205-2664
Get out of your comfort zone and discover haunted Naperville / Pexels
