UPDATED 06/06/2025
Can you feel it? The temperature is rising and we’re finally approaching summer. As the weather gets warmer, it also means your kids will soon be out of school. Without lessons to keep them busy, it’s important to find fun things to keep your little ones’ minds and bodies active throughout the summer.
As pediatric dentists in Naperville, our doctors are experts in making kids smile — and we’re not just talking about when they’re in the dentist’s chair. We have the inside scoop on the best things to do with kids in Naperville to help you keep your kiddos busy all summer long.
Things to do With Kids in Naperville for Summer 2025
INDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN NAPERVILLE —
We’ll start our list of things to do with kids in Naperville with indoor activities because we know rainy and super hot days can be tough. Thankfully, there’s plenty of entertainment to be had in town.
Get Summertime Learning at Dupage Children’s Museum
Just because they’re not in school doesn’t mean your children shouldn’t keep learning during the summer. Keep your kids’ knowledge going at the Dupage Children’s Museum. By combining play with learning, the museum will keep even the most restless kiddos entertained for hours.
Let Kids Run Wild at Ball Factory Indoor Play
Your kids will have the time of their lives climbing and sliding on the indoor playground at Ball Factory. Since the playground is designed for kids 12 and under, adults and teen siblings are allowed to accompany the kiddos for free. There’s a cafe and free wifi, so parents can even work while their little ones play. Is your child a summer baby? Ball Factory is great for groups and offers kid’s birthday packages.
Catch a Reading at One of Naperville’s Public Libraries
One of our favorite things to do with kids in Naperville is visit one of our three amazing public libraries, all of which offer kids’ activities. Yoga, storytime, a book and cookie club — you can’t go wrong when you take your kids to the library. The schedule is updated regularly so always check the website for the most recent programs.
Climb the Tanks at First Division Museum
Teach your kids all about our nation’s military history at First Division Museum in Cantigny Park. The museum is home to 16 military vehicles, from WWI to Desert Storm, and kids are even allowed to climb on the tanks. Admission is always free.
Burn Off Some Energy at Funtopia
With climbing walls, a Ninja Warrior obstacle course, aerial acrobatics, a giant slide, and more, Funtopia is an active kid’s dream. The attractions are designed to be empowering and confidence-building. There’s even special pricing for parents who want to join in on the action.
Tour the Farmhouse Museum at Kline Creek Farm
Take a step into history and tour the rustic farmhouse at Kline Creek Farm. Just 12 miles north of Naperville, this peek at the past is a fun, free activity for kids this summer. Learn all about how the farm worked and the role the farmhouse played in rural activities. No registration necessary — just show up and explore.
Volunteer at Hesed House
Teach your kids the value of giving back to the community by volunteering as a family for a local charity. Hesed House in Aurora is the second largest homeless shelter in Illinois, providing meals, shelter and support for people in need. They accept volunteers on an as-needed basis, so take advantage of the summer months and sign up the whole family.
Drop-In at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center for Free Nature Discovery Days
These free indoor, self-guided activities are designed for families with kids ages 4-10. There is no registration required. Simply stop by the River Room at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center (320 Knoch Knolls Rd) between 9am and 12:30pm Monday-Friday or 9am and 2:3opm on Saturday for crafts, games, and hands-on exploration. Here’s what’s coming up next:
- Amazing Reptiles – August 2-8, 2025
- Butterflies & Moths – August 9-15, 2025
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN NAPERVILLE —
Now, for the outdoor fun! Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Naperville when you want to soak up the sun.
Check Out the Naperville Summer Sculptures (And Enter our Contest!)
The summer sculptures are back in downtown Naperville. This year’s theme is rubber ducks! Our sculpture, Doc Duck, is a sunny little reminder that the best smiles start here. Spend the afternoon browsing the sculptures and be sure to snap a picture with Doc Duck to enter for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2. Visit our summer contest page for details!
Grab a Free Show with Children’s Lunch Hour Entertainment
Tuesdays just got a lot more fun with free, outdoor children’s concerts in Naperville. Held at either Naperville Riverwalk’s Grand Pavilion or the 95th St. Community Plaza, the shows take place on six Tuesdays throughout June and July. Concerts begin at 11:30am and run for about 45 minutes.
Listen to a Story and Watch a Puppet Show at Picnic on the Riverwalk
Don’t miss Picnic on the Riverwalk on Wednesdays through August 6, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:15am. The free event, which includes an outdoor storytime and puppet show, is open to all ages and held at the Riverwalk Amphitheatre (across Jackson Ave. from Nichols Library).
Monkey Around at Sensory Garden Playground
Sensory Garden is an accessible, inclusive playground designed to be enjoyed by all. It’s a barrier-free space that supports cognitive, social and physical development through play. There are Play Days all summer long so bring your kids for face painting, readings, music and more.
Watch a Free Movie Under the Stars
The Naperville Park District is hosting A Night at the Movies on select Fridays throughout the summer, starting on July 25. The free, family-friendly events are held at either the 95th Street Community Plaza or Rotary Hill. Bring your own chairs and snacks. See the schedule here.
Soak Up Some Sun at 31st Street Beach
While we are focusing on things to do with kids in Naperville, it wouldn’t be summer if you didn’t catch some rays at the beach. Head into Chicago for a relaxing afternoon of sun and sand at 31st Street Beach. Pack a lunch, suit up the kids and bring a book for you. While the kids splash around and build sandcastles, you can enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
Fish for Father’s Day with Dad
Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 15th, this year. What better way to celebrate Dad than by spending the day fishing with his kids at Pratt’s Wayne Woods? Registration is only $5 for kids ages 5 and up and free for kids under 5. Register here while spots remain!
Enjoy the Naperville Community Fireworks Show 2025
Celebrate Independence Day with the fourth annual free fireworks show at the Frontier Sports Complex (3380 Cedar Glade Dr.). Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm. There is no fee for admission or parking. Before the fireworks, the Naperville Municipal Band will perform patriotic tunes. Check out the details.
Attend Naperville Plays
Looking for things to do with kids in Naperville that are free? Look no further than Naperville Plays. The free event will be held on Saturday, July 26 from 9am to 12n at Knoch Knolls Nature Center (320 Knoch Knolls Rd). It’s designed for kids ages 3-10 but all ages are welcome. There will be hands-on activities and crafts provided by the Nature Center, DuPage Children’s Museum and the Naper Settlement. The Naperville Public Library will also hold a Story Walk. No registration required!
Take a Nature Walk Through the Forest Preserves in Dupage County
Dupage County is home to 60 stunning forest preserves. With almost 26,000 acres and 145 miles of trails to explore, there’s no easier way to get outside with your kids this summer. The Forest Preserves are open every day from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset. If you’d prefer something organized, join one of the Family Forest Walks.
Sunbathe at Centennial Beach
Taking a dip at everyone’s favorite swimming hole is one of the best things to do with kids in Naperville when you need to beat the heat. Complete with diving boards, beach volleyball, water slides and more, your little ones will want to spend the whole day splashing around. Bring a picnic and soak up some sun while your kids play. Just a five-minute walk from our pediatric dentistry office in Naperville, Centennial is part beach, part pool and all-around fun for the whole family.
Learn All About Farming at Kline Creek Farm
Already been to the Farmhouse Museum at Kline Creek Farm? Take your kids’ farmstead learning one step further at Chores on a Dairy Farm. Your children will learn how kids back in the day helped out around the farm. Classes run every hour from 1:30pm to 3:30pm on Mondays and Thursdays. Check the link above for an up-to-date schedule. Registration is free but there’s a suggested donation of $3.
Ride the Covered Wagon at St. James Farm
Who said tractor rides were only for the fall? At St. James Farm, you and the kiddos can enjoy 30-minute rides on select days throughout the summer. There are three rides a day, at 1pm, 1:45pm and 2:30pm. Under fivers are free and tickets for everyone else are just $5. Be sure to check the Dupage Forest calendar of events for details.
Paddle Away at the Paddleboat Quarry
And last, but not least, in our round-up of things to do with kids in Naperville this summer, is to head to the Paddleboat Quarry, located along the Naperville Riverwalk, for some fun on the water. Families can rent paddleboats, kayaks, and paddleboards from spring through fall at the Paddleboat Quarry Rentals Building (441 Aurora Ave).
Is a Kids’ Dental Exam Also on Your Summer To-Do List?
Between all of the fun things to do in Naperville with kids this summer, don’t forget to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental exam at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry. With our kidzFlix Cinema and kidzCave Arcade Game Room, don’t be surprised if your little one is thrilled to have their teeth cleaned! Schedule a visit with a Naperville pediatric dentist today!
