It’s no secret that there is A LOT to do in downtown Naperville. As the 3rd largest city in Illinois, visitors will find delicious and unique restaurants, retail shops, entertainment, and so much more. With so many places to go, we’ve designed separate itineraries for big and little kids, but have them combined into one big map for easy crossover ideas.
A Perfect Day with Little Kids in Naperville
Designed for ages 3-7
🕒 Total Time: About 5–6 hours
🌦️ Ideal for: Sunny or partly cloudy days
📍 Locations: All within ~5 minutes of downtown Naperville
🔒 Unlock the full itinerary with a printable checklist, interactive map, and insider tips.
✨ Quick Preview
Here’s a sneak peek at your Naperville family adventure with little kids:
Morning Play
Start your morning at one of Kidlist readers’ 10 Best Children’s Libraries with Play Areas. Visitors can play with magnatiles, puzzles, the doll houses, countless toy animals, and more. The library is also home to a variety of morning storytimes and children’s programming.
Prefer to start outside? There’s also a fantastic all-abilities playground nearby, featuring adaptive swings, soft surfaces, and paths that connect to a scenic riverwalk for a leisurely family stroll.
A Lunch You’ll Melt Over
When hunger strikes, head to a cozy lunch spot specializing in melty, kid-approved comfort food. Whether you dine in or take it to go for a picnic in the park, this stop is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Midday Exploration
It’s no secret that our readers LOVE this children’s museum located in the heart of downtown Naperville. Visitors will enjoy this playful, hands-on destination where learning comes alive through exploration, creativity, and fun.
Sweet Treat
Save room for dessert at a nostalgic candy and sweet shop filled with nostalgic charm and irresistible treats. Families will find candies, gourmet popcorn, roasted nuts, and hand-dipped chocolates. There’s truly something for everyone. You’ll know you’re nearby from the sweet smells of caramel popcorn coming out the front window.
Bonus: A Beloved Bookshop
Round out your day with a stop at a cherished independent book and toy shop. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025, it’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and carefully curated selection of books for readers of all ages. The train table is a popular stop with every visit.
A Perfect Day with Big Kids in Naperville
Designed for ages 6-12
🕒 Total Time: About 5–6 hours
🌦️ Ideal for: Sunny or partly cloudy days
📍 Locations: All within downtown Naperville
🔒 Unlock the full itinerary with a printable checklist, interactive map, and insider tips.
✨ Quick Preview
Here’s a sneak peek at your Naperville family adventure:
Morning Stroll: Art or History
Kick things off with a walk through downtown where you’ll find public art sprinkled throughout the city, guided by a handy map from the local art league. Prefer something more immersive? Step into a living history museum where costumed interpreters bring the 19th century to life as you wander through preserved buildings and interactive exhibits.
Over-the-Top Lunch
When lunchtime rolls around, it’s time for a dining experience that doubles as dessert. This local favorite is known for its towering milkshakes topped with cookies, candy, and even slices of cake. While the full menu has plenty of options, you’ll definitely want to save room for the star of the show!
Midday Activities for Every Interest
Afternoons in Naperville offer something for everyone. You might:
- Rent a paddle boat or bike to explore the quarry at your own pace.
- Browse a local small business filled with one-of-a-kind games, gadgets, and gifts. The store owner is filled with helpful knowledge to guide you in picking the perfect items.
- Sit down at a pottery studio to paint your own creation—a special keepsake that will be ready for pickup after firing. When you go back you can check out more spots on our itinerary!
Sweet Treat
If you didn’t go for the milkshakes at lunch, you’ll want to stop for an afternoon pick-me-up at a bustling boba shop. With countless flavors and toppings to choose from, it’s an instant favorite for both kids and adults.
Bonus: The Best View in the City
For the perfect finale, climb to the top of a landmark tower with sweeping views of Naperville. On select days you can ascend all 253 steps, take in the skyline, and learn a bit of local history along the way.
Get the Full Naperville Itinerary for Little and Big Kids Here👇
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