Updated April 2026 • Curated by NaperKids
Summer fun doesn't have to break the bank! Naperville is packed with free activities for kids and families — from library reading programs and community concerts to splash pads, nature trails, and free museum days. Here's your guide to keeping kids entertained all summer without spending a dime.
Award-winning school. 3 weeks free martial arts training + complimentary uniform for new students. Family-friendly, 50+ years expertise.
Fitness classes for moms with kids in strollers. First class free. Great way to meet other parents.
Training dancers ages 4-18 in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, and contemporary while building confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships.
Rock climbing facility designed for children as young as 2.5 years. Strictly ages 3-18. Admission $25. Opened spring 2025.
Open Studio (Elementary) with drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, interdisciplinary STEAM projects.
~80 students. Beginner class 4:30-5:15pm, followed by advanced sessions. Also has Forest Park location. Contact: [email protected], Phone: (6...
Coding and robotics programs for kids, with courses ranging from beginner coding to Minecraft, Robotics, and drones. Free trial class available.
FREE. Open grass field, basketball hoop, children's play structure, swings.
PreK-focused ninja gym. Buddy Ninjas (with guardian), Lil Movers (toddlers), Level 1 Ninja (basics), Level 2 Ninja (advanced). Free playdates for enro...
Nonprofit organization serving students from Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, and Oswego. Offers seven sports for athletes with special needs, several affil...
Community-based soccer organization established in 2006 offering programs at various skill, commitment, and cost levels. Travel soccer program (Dragon...
Breakaway BasketballLocations in Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Lombard, Lemont, Orland Park, and Mt. Prospect
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Scholarship providing financial assistance to low-income and disadvantaged persons for formal education or occup...
Founded 2016, offers Kathak dance classes for all age groups (Kids 5-8, 9-12, Teen 13-19, Adults). Hindi language classes focused on conversational Hi...
Free events and programs serving 45,000+ kids in DuPage and Will counties since 2001. Prevents problems before they start by equipping youth and famil...
Hidden gem. Unique museum with Chinese jade carvings, animal dioramas, mineral specimens, gemstones, interactive geological exhibits. Fully accessible...
Child-focused soccer development program held at Naperville Yard. Toddlers and young children learn the game through fun, structured classes with prep...
Free children's programs and events at North Aurora's public library.
Youth Soccer Academy with a mission to make soccer accessible for the entire community. Serves areas including Oswego, Aurora, Plainfield, and Napervi...
Small group nature camps at McDonald Farm in Naperville. Half-day camps (9am-12pm) Mon-Fri with unique weekly themes. Children explore native prairie,...
Wednesday drop-in group (10am-11:30am) for new moms and infants. Topics include dental health for babies, infant CPR and choking, tummy time sessions,...
Open by appointment for pottery painting (text 630-640-9442 for appointments, no set hours). Offers private pottery painting and clay making parties f...
Under 14 always free. Illinois residents get free admission on winter weekdays 11am-close through end of Feb 2026. Also free for Chicago teens under 1...
1,700 acres. Four-acre Children's Garden with climbing structures, secret streams, paved paths, wooden bridges. Maze Garden (shrub maze + toddler maze...
500-acre park. Tank Park (kids can climb tanks!), playground, gardens, walking trails, water features, picnic grounds. McCormick Museum and First Divi...
Hidden gem. FREE admission. 13,000-year-old woolly mammoth skeleton, microscopes, spotting scopes, animal tracks. Nature backpacks available for trail...
40+ acres of forest along Fox River. Live animal exhibits, hands-on learning stations, 6 hiking trails. Summer camps for ages 2-13. Free parking. Phon...
Outdoor trails and interactive nature center where kids learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Free drop-in Nature Discovery Days during winter (Nov, Jan, Feb, Mar) and two weeks each summer (August). Indoor self-guided activities for families w...
Park especially good for young children 1-5 years. Features noise-making toys, rocking horses, large green dome with holes, smaller playgrounds with s...
Universally accessible playground in the heart of DuPage County Forest Preserve's Danada South. Offers multi-sensory experiences for seeing, hearing, ...
Garden store and learning center with themed gardens and children's workshops
Obstacle course training for kids age 1-8. Weekly classes, open play, and birthday parties.
American Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacle courses and agility courses.
Remove Sensory Storytime program; note that all programs require registration unless marked as 'Drop-in' in title
Includes collaborative art projects and special themed events (e.g., Black History Month art projects).
1.75-mile pathway along the DuPage River featuring gardens, fountains, bridges, and splash areas. Free to enter. Hosts free activities and music throu...
Ninja gym with obstacle courses. Kids and adult open gym sessions (4 kids, 3 adult per week). Drop-ins welcome. Camps, parties, and competitions avail...
Inclusive play environment specifically designed for children with autism and sensory processing disorders. All children welcome. Sensory equipment. 2...
Free after-school drop-in activities, mentoring, tutoring, clubs, life skills classes, leadership opportunities, volunteer opportunities.
Drop-in crafts, birthday parties, special events. STEM makerspace with finished crafts and supplies available. Studio open for making at any time.
Gymnastics, fitness classes, Mommy & Me, camps, birthday parties. Open gym for members. Non-competitive: bars, vault, beam, tumbling. Mon-Fri 9AM-7PM,...
Free family event at 5:30pm. Check library events calendar for upcoming dates.
Hiking, picnicking, archery, fishing, boating, tubing, camping. Camping Fri-Sat nights May-September. Great for family outings.
Free STEM sessions at Commissioners Park on Mondays from 2-5 PM. Exposes elementary and middle school students to diverse STEM topics through hands-on...
FREE. Scenic strolls, picnicking, open-air amphitheater with seasonal concerts and movie nights.
Includes Storytime at the Museum, IKEA Storytime, bilingual storytime, cultural crafts, and LEGO Club (grades 1-5). Free to all but registration requi...
FREE storytimes: Great Beginnings (birth-23mo), Preschool Storytime (3-5yr), Family Storytime (Saturdays, no registration). Sensory Supported Storytim...
Free admission, tours by appointment Wed-Sat 10am-4pm. Kids Time is a free family event for play and museum exploration. Kids Train Club also availabl...
Private neighborhood swim and tennis club in southeast Naperville (Lincoln Junior High boundaries). Tennis pro Hugh Flanagan has coached for 25+ years...
Always free. One of the last free zoos in the country. Worth the 45-min drive from Naperville.
Worth the drive. Check chicagochildrensmuseum.org for all 2026 free days.
Grain bin sandbox, spring animals, pedal tractors, pony rides, gem mining, train rides, face painting. Seasonal (fall popular for apple picking/pumpki...
Sitting areas, lighted picnic spots, egret sculpture garden, canoe access along the Fox River.
Provides food and support to over 10,000 people weekly in Naperville and DuPage County. Programs include weekly food assistance, infant care packages ...
Over 40 free children's programs weekly across three locations. Includes storytimes, craft classes, special events, summer reading programs, outdoor s...
Painting, ceramics, collage classes. Phone: 630-682-5402 ext. 333.
Oswegoland Park District's first splash pad with 17 spray and play features. Seasonal outdoor.
Stories, songs, and literacy-based activities for school preparation. IPPL cardholder exclusive; registration required. Also offers early literacy pro...
Check events page regularly for special events, parents' night out, and possible free open gym promotions. Download their app for latest updates.
Waiver required. Cash only. Check premiergymwest.com/events/ for special events and schedule updates.
FREE weekly storytimes (Family Storytime on Thursdays), STEAM activities, arts & crafts sessions. Escape Room: Magical Land of Oz (teams of 2-6). Regi...
Downers Grove Park District recreation center hosting various youth programs.
All Children's Room programs are free and open to the public. Storytime with stories, music, rhymes. Process art for preschool ages 4-5. Pokemon Go wa...
All styles: Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Breakdancing, Freestyle, Tumbling, First Steps Early Learning. 8 spacio...
Youth sports education program offering soccer classes, camps, and skill development at the Wheaton Park District Community Center. Programs include p...
Competitive figure skating academy with world-class coaching. Private lessons with personalized instruction. Training includes freestyle, ice dancing,...
Annual events: Village Picnic (Art in the Park, petting zoo, scavenger hunt, fishing derby), Wednesday Night Summer Concerts (Roger C. Claar Performin...
Waiver must be signed by parent/guardian. Cash only. Check website for closures and schedule changes. Call (630) 554-7480.
Automotive-themed indoor play area with bounce houses. Open for play and birthday parties.
Nonprofit providing expert grief support for children ages 5-18, families, and adults experiencing loss. Youth and family bereavement support. Service...
Check sheddaquarium.org for complete 2026 free day calendar.
Free zoo established 1915 with 100+ animals from 41 species. Bald eagles, wolves, mountain lions, otters, reptile house. Free splash pad and playgroun...
13-acre outdoor history museum with interactive exhibits, guided tours, seasonal events, Early Learning Playscape, splash pad, and summer camps. Admis...
FREE bowling for kids through the KidsBowlFree.com program during summer. Sign up online for free game passes.
Hockey programs for children at all levels, figure skating from beginner to advanced. Public skating sessions available.
Water slides, splash pads, family-friendly water park. Seasonal - opens summer 2026. Hours: Mon-Thu 12-7pm, Fri 11:30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 12-6pm. Phone: (6...
Premier ice skating rink near Naperville with ice skating lessons for all ages and abilities. Public skate times year round with character skates and ...
Free storytimes: Baby Storytime, Baby & Toddler Storytime, Storytime ages 4-7, Sensory Storytime (inclusive/sensory-friendly). Also science programs (...
Open swim Mon-Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun 12PM-8PM (summer season). Water park features. Swim lessons available.
9-hole par 27 course, driving range, mini golf. Junior program welcomes 200+ kids/year. Perfect for beginners - short course without pressure. 3rd gen...
Weekly storytimes for different ages. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. 2026 Bookmark Contest (grades K-8). Children's area has light-up wall, ...
Weekly story times, craft sessions, and STEM programs tailored for children.
YS Play Area with forts, mini climbing wall, games, LiteZilla. Take & Make crafts. Explore More Illinois (free museum/attraction passes for cardholder...
FREE. Great for kids interested in animals and birdwatching. Connect with local wildlife.
Women's recreational and competitive gymnastics and tumbling facility serving the Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, and western suburbs area. Teach...
Year-round indoor/outdoor aquatic park. Must register for time slots online. Max capacity 40 per slot, min 25 to avoid cancellation. Zero-depth entry ...
Offers Adaptive Play Time and Sensory Friendly Saturday programs with modified environments for children with disabilities, autism, and sensory proces...
Nationally accredited 5-acre zoo with 150+ animals representing 60+ native Illinois species including bobcats, foxes, goats, and sheep. Free admission...
Open since 1955 (70 years). Saturday afternoon lessons open to all ages, geared mainly toward children. Family and group sessions.
Fall festival with corn maze, pumpkin patch, outdoor family activities, bouncing trampoline, zip lines, petting zoo, slides, and more. About 25 minute...
Premier indoor/outdoor soccer facility. Lil' Kickers (18mo-7yr), skills development (8-10yr), 3v3, Futsal leagues. Off Wolf's Crossing, 2 miles west o...
Community basketball organization offering the Bolingbrook Magic travel teams for competitive youth basketball players. Also provides supervised open ...
Indoor inflatable play park with bounce houses and obstacle courses.
Indoor pool with family/open swim. Adult swim last 10 min of every hour. Year-round swimming. Swim lessons also available.
Basketball, swimming, crafts, cooking. 'We Are Aurora Youth' offers free meals noon-4PM at designated centers. Summer youth programs available. A.R.I....
Free weekly storytime at participating locations. No registration needed. Store hours: Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 11-7. Call (331) 288-9766 to confirm.
FREE open gym for littles. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30-11am. Safe, encouraging play space with age-appropriate toys and activities. Part of Community C...
Free after-school and summer programs. Gym, conference room, multi-purpose room, open recreation area. Open Mon-Sat.
City-run summer youth programs including camps, activities, and free meal programs.
Language immersion program at select elementary schools for students from both English and Spanish speaking households. Promotes bilingualism starting...
Known for Fall Fest events with pumpkins, hayrides, and self-feed petting zoo. Spend the day meeting farm animals and feeding them.
Zero-depth entry leisure pool, drop-off slides, twisting enclosed body flume slides, kid-friendly spray area, lap swimming at designated times.
114,355 sq ft multi-purpose sports facility opened in 1994 with one NHL-sized rink, one Olympic-sized rink, and a turf field. Offers ISI and USFSA fig...
Seasonal outdoor refrigerated ice rink at Block 59 dining and entertainment complex (between Yard House and Cheesecake Factory). 7,200 sq ft rink with...
Indoor ice arena with NHL rink (200x85) and skills rink (100x55). Offers learn to skate and hockey programs for all ages with Snowplow Sam levels for ...
June 18-21, 2026. Kendall County's largest festival. Free concerts, carnival rides, petting zoo, pony rides, 5K race, Father's Day parade, business ex...
Non-profit recreational soccer program organizing teams for boys and girls ages 6-14 through the Woodridge Park District. Spring and fall outdoor seas...
Family aquatic center. Swim lessons available. Part of Wheaton Park District.
Cooperative extension of the Naperville Park District providing year-round recreational and social programs for children, teens, and adults with speci...
60 forest preserves, 500+ miles of trails. Nature centers have free exhibits. Check calendar of events for free nature programs for kids.
Must register online ahead of time. One parent can register up to 4 children. Upcoming: Mar 7 Leprechaun Trap, Apr 4 Farm Planter. Kids get to keep wh...
Family-owned indoor playground with 4-story play structure, slides, tunnels, foam obstacles, and mazes. Designated toddler zone. Cafe for parents with...
Family farm with petting zoo for over 33 years. Friendly farm animals to pet and feed. Free pony rides on Saturdays & Sundays in October (11am-5pm). P...
Indoor playground with 50+ climbing fun walls, ropes course, ninja course, giant slide, jump area, and toddler area.
Kids bowling parties on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Everything provided except cake and ice cream (bring your own).
Darien Park District facility with three NHL-size sheets of ice for hockey, figure skating, and open skating. Home of Chicago Edge Skating Academy whi...
Family Aquatic Center & Indoor Waterpark, 8-lane lap pool, gymnasium, open gym hours, youth swim lessons, dance programs, sports leagues, summer day c...
Spring Break week activities in Billy Graham Center Museum, Sports & Rec Complex, Wade Center. Story time, scavenger hunts, open gym, open pool, movie...
Naperville's longest-running indoor ice rink, in business since 1972. Two full-size rinks offering year-round skating, lessons, hockey, and figure ska...
One of the largest US Figure Skating clubs in the nation, incorporated in 1976. Offers testing, competitions (DuPage Open), developmental clinics, cam...
Seasonal outdoor water park. 11 attractions: 5 water slides (2 flume, 2 free fall, 1 tot slide), zero-depth shallow end, sand play area, adults-only d...
Open to the public, no pre-registration required.
No pre-registration required. Walk-in welcome. Good for toddlers and preschoolers.
Private club offering instruction in Gymnastics, Cheer, Tumbling & Ninja. Open gym available. Preschool through competitive levels.
Free DIY workshops for kids at participating locations. Registration required. Recent project: Birdhouse (Feb 21).
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 8am-8pm. Toddler Time: Tue/Thu 10am-12pm, Sun 8-10am (under 46" only, parent/child). Jump socks requir...
Connects residents to essential health and human services. Available 24/7 with interpreting for non-English speakers. Dial 2-1-1 or text zip code to T...
Year-round indoor amusements. Adventures for all ages. Serves the Woodridge/Downers Grove/Bolingbrook/Naperville area.
Indoor adventure park with trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses. Note: Temporarily closed for renovations as of 2026.
Indoor adventure park offering customizable birthday party events with trampolines, climbing walls, and more.
Full-service YMCA with youth programs including swimming, gymnastics, sports, and childcare.
10-court indoor tennis facility with junior development lessons. Open to both Members and Non-Members. 10% multi-class discount.
Well-established community ice arena offering public skating, hockey programs, figure skating lessons, and skate rentals. Known for friendly staff and...
Established 1997. Recreational & competitive gymnastics, tumbling, ninja classes. Girls & boys classes. USAG Women's Program levels 3-10. Open gym ses...
Bowling (dragon ball ramps for young kids), laser tag, 100+ arcade games, high ropes, VR. Full restaurant. Kids Bowl Free program in summer. Mon-Thu 1...
56,796 sq ft multi-purpose sports facility opened in 1989 with one NHL-sized rink and one International-sized rink. Offers learn to skate, learn to pl...
Gymnastics, Dance (Studio 815), Cheer, Tumbling, Preschool classes. Open Gym Fridays 11am-12pm for ages 6mo-12yr ($5/child). Operating since 2005. M-S...
Swim school with parent/tot lessons, open swim, and lap swim. Also serves as swim facility for Batavia Park District fall/winter/spring.
North Central College in downtown Naperville opens its campus each summer for youth sports camps including soccer. Camps are led by college coaching s...
Competitive soccer club for players ages 5-18 operated through the Wheaton Park District. One-year commitment expectation for all players. Pre-registr...
Supervised gymnastics with skill-appropriate activities led by Y gymnastics instructors.
Exclusive provider for tennis and pickleball programming for the City of Aurora. Offers a wide range of youth and adult programs at various recreation...
Nature education and programs through the city's parks system.
Official village events calendar with community events, festivals, and family activities.
Modified play and learning environment for children with disabilities, on the autism spectrum, and/or sensory processing disorders and their families....
Step back in time to experience 1890s DuPage County farm life. Restored farmstead with historically-costumed interpreters. Hands-on farm activities fo...
Hands-on STEM camps designed to spark curiosity and build essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Founded 2009 as Naperville Moms Network, rebranded 2019. Over 80,000 mom members in western suburbs. Hosts Moms Nights, kid playgroups, special events...
Seasonal event with food trucks, live music, vendors, scavenger hunt, lantern launch. Kids under 8 free.
Related events happening in the Naperville area
Naperville offers dozens of free summer activities including library summer reading programs, park concerts, splash pads, nature walks, community festivals, free museum days, and playground hop events. Many local businesses also offer free trial classes.
Yes! The Naperville Public Library runs an extensive free summer reading program with prizes, plus free storytimes, craft sessions, STEM workshops, and special performances throughout the summer. No registration needed for most events.
Absolutely! Free outdoor options include splash pads, playgrounds, Riverwalk trails, Centennial Beach (free for residents on select days), nature hikes at forest preserves, bike paths, and community park events.
Naperville hosts free summer concert series at various parks, Movies in the Park events, and community festivals. Check the NaperKids events calendar for specific dates and locations throughout the summer.
Subscribe to "This Week in Naperville" — a free weekly email with all upcoming kids events.
Subscribe Free