Things To See And Do In Naperville Illinois

Naperville is the fifth largest city in Illinois and a short train ride away from Chicago. Known for its family friendly atmosphere and exciting nightlife, there is plenty to do in Naperville from dawn til dusk; we list some of the best options.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville, United States

Naperville Riverwalk

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.

Centennial Beach

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.

Paddleboats & Kayaking

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.

Trolley Tours

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.

Naper Settlement

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.

DuPage Children’s Museum

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.

Pinot’s Palette

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.

Ghost tours of Naperville

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.

Wentz Concert Hall

Known for its unique acoustic design, Wentz Concert Hall is one of Naperville’s many hidden gems. Built in 2008, Wentz Hall opens its stage to myriad performers, including famous authors, dancers and musicians. Wentz is owned by North Central College’s Fine Arts Center, and performances are open to the public, so that you can see great performances without having to drive into Chicago.

Solemn Oath Brewery

Naperville has a wide variety of entertainment for adults, including its downtown bar scene. Off the beaten path is Solemn Oath Brewery, which is tucked away in a tricky little warehouse location on the west side of town. Enjoy unique local brews directly from the brewers themselves; beer snobs are always welcome here.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.