Entertainment & Experiences in Naperville, IL

Two miles of river path with free summer concerts twice a week

Two miles of paved path along the DuPage River through downtown. Covered bridges, fountains, sculptures, and a bell tower at Moser Tower with 72 bells. Free concerts Wednesday and Thursday summer evenings at the Dandelion Fountain. The best free thing in Naperville any day of the year.

500 W Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540 · Open daily, dawn to dusk · outdoor

Swim in a limestone quarry with diving boards — right off the Riverwalk

A former limestone quarry turned into a six-acre public swimming area with a sand beach, zero-depth entry for little kids, and a deep end with diving boards. The water is naturally fed and the setting feels nothing like a suburban pool. One of the most unique swimming spots in Illinois.

500 W Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540 · Daily 11am-7pm (summer) · outdoor · Memorial Day - Labor Day

12-acre outdoor museum with 30 historic buildings — grounds free to walk

A 12-acre outdoor history museum with 30 historic buildings telling the story of Naperville from the 1830s to the 1900s. Costumed interpreters, blacksmith demonstrations, and seasonal events. The grounds are free to walk year-round; museum admission applies to building interiors and events.

523 S Webster St, Naperville, IL 60540 · Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm (Apr-Nov) · outdoor

Three floors of hands-on everything — Thursday evenings open until 8pm

Three floors of hands-on exhibits for kids — building, water play, science experiments, and art. Regularly rotates exhibits. Thursday evenings are extended hours until 8pm. One of the best children's museums in the Chicago suburbs, and you don't have to drive into the city for it.

301 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540 · Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, Thu until 8pm, Sun 9am-5pm · (630) 637-8000 · indoor

Rooftop patio downtown with house-brewed beer — five minutes from the Riverwalk

Downtown Naperville's own brewery with a rooftop patio overlooking Washington Street. Rotating craft beer selection brewed on-site, pub food menu, and live music on weekends. Walk from the Riverwalk to a rooftop beer in five minutes.

204 S Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540 · Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 11am-9pm

Saturday mornings May-October — get there early, the pastries go first

Saturday morning farmers market with local produce, baked goods, flowers, and prepared food vendors. Runs May through October at the 5th Avenue train station. Get there by 8am for the best selection — the pastry vendors sell out fast.

5th Avenue Station, Naperville, IL 60540 · Sat 7am-12pm · outdoor · Every Saturday, May-October

Live jazz and seafood — the closest thing to a Chicago night out without the drive

Upscale seafood restaurant on Washington Street with live jazz most evenings. The sushi bar and raw bar are excellent, and the atmosphere is more downtown Chicago than suburban strip mall. One of the best date-night spots in the western suburbs.

35 S Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540 · Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm · indoor

100+ shops and restaurants — walkable from the Riverwalk and the Metra

Over 100 shops, restaurants, and cafes along Washington, Main, and Jefferson streets. Mix of local boutiques and well-known brands. Walkable from the Riverwalk and the Metra station. The holiday lights in November-December are a genuine draw.

Main St & Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540 · Individual store hours vary; most open 10am-8pm · outdoor

Award-winning West Coast and Belgian beers with 20+ taps

Award-winning brewery specializing in West Coast, Belgian, and barrel-aged beers. The taproom is spacious with a rotating selection of 20+ beers on tap. Food trucks rotate through regularly. One of the best brewery taprooms in the western suburbs.

1661 Quincy Ave, Ste 179, Naperville, IL 60540 · Mon-Thu 12-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-9pm

Half-price Tuesdays — split a bay with friends and it's under $10/person

Multi-level driving range with climate-controlled hitting bays, arcade games, food, and cocktails. Tuesday is half-price all day. Bays are rented by the hour and fit up to 6 people, so it's cheaper per person than you'd think if you go with a group.

3211 Odyssey Ct, Naperville, IL 60563 · Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri 10am-12am, Sat 9am-1am, Sun 10am-12am

Former industrial building turned upscale grill — Naperville's special-occasion spot

Contemporary American restaurant in a former industrial building near I-88. Known for the patio in summer, solid steaks and seafood, and a wine list that takes itself seriously. A Naperville institution for special occasions.

2020 Calamos Ct, Naperville, IL 60563 · Tue-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm

72-bell carillon with free Sunday recitals — climb the tower for the view

A 16-story bell tower on the Riverwalk with 72 bells — the largest carillon in Illinois. Free recitals on Sunday afternoons in summer. You can climb the tower for panoramic views of the DuPage River valley. The bells sound better than you'd expect and the view from the top is the best in town.

443 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540 · Sunday recitals 2pm (summer); tower seasonal · outdoor

Discount Tuesdays and matinee prices that are actually affordable

Classic Cinemas' Naperville location with reserved seating, affordable matinees, and special screenings. Tuesday discount days. A reliable local theater that hasn't been swallowed by AMC prices yet.

1550 N Route 59, Naperville, IL 60563 · Daily, showtimes vary · indoor

500 acres, free museum, 29 acres of gardens — just pay $5-10 to park

500-acre park with the First Division Museum (free), 29 acres of gardens, a golf course, and miles of walking paths. Built on the former McCormick estate. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the military museum is genuinely good. Free admission; $5 parking on weekdays, $10 weekends.

1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189 · Daily 7am-sunset (park); Museum Tue-Sun 10am-5pm · outdoor

1856 railroad roundhouse turned brewery — the building is the main attraction

A historic 1856 limestone railroad roundhouse converted into a brewery, restaurant, and event space. Massive beer selection brewed on-site, a beer garden, and live music on weekends. The building alone is worth the drive — it's stunning and unlike any other brewery in Illinois.

205 N Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505 · Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 11am-9pm