Family Fun Attractions Near Naperville, Illinois

Naperville, Illinois describes itself as a place full of beauty and charm with an atmosphere that both welcomes its visitors and residents. The downtown area offers historic architecture and plenty of attractions that give you a reason to visit and spend some time in the Naperville, area. Nearby family attractions include places such as the Brookfield Zoo, Dupage Children's Museum, and the Centennial Beach.

The Centennial Beach was named as one of the great 150 places in Illinois in 2007. The beach offers plenty of activities for the children and the whole family to enjoy. It includes a slide near the shallow end, and also plenty of play area on the shallow end for the little toddlers to enjoy as they build their sand castles. For those that enjoy a good round of Frisbee, there is also play-space for Frisbee throwing as well as an area that has playground equipment too. There is also a concession stand for snacks as well as a beach store too. The beach is located at 500 West Jackson Avenue in Naperville, Illinois.

After some fun at the beach, or the family just needs some time to relax, Naperville also has a paddle boat area at the Riverwalk Quarry. A group can rent a paddle boat for twenty and forty minute rides. Paddle boat rides take place on non-school days during the months of May through September. All rides end an hour before dusk.

At the Dupage Children's Museum, children can explore learning in the art, math and science areas. Children can have a hands on experience in the "Build It" or "Make it Move" neighborhood. Kids can even get their groove on as they dance in the Therabeam to make different lights and sounds. There is also a large "light bright" inspired area that allows kids to make pictures with the pegs of light. If you have brought the wee little ones (those under 2), there is even a special exploration area for them. To inspire creativity or to let children let their imagination come alive, the museum offers classes, programs and free daily activities in the art studio.

For those who enjoy getting in touch with their wild side, or have a love for animals, families can bring their children to the Brookfield Zoo. Some of the animal exhibits include the butterflies, the swamp, a the bird house, Seven Seas, Tropic World and the Australia House. When you visit the butterflies, you can actually be right inside their screened in environment and walk around as you observe the beautiful flying insects. You just might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. Get in touch with the dolphins as you view the Seven Seas or go see the scary alligator snapping turtles at the swamp. In the birdhouse, you can see birds such as the Microneasian Kingfisher or the Crested Wood Partridge. In the Australia House, you can watch the kangaroos, the hairy nosed wombat or get a close look at the Rodrigues Fruit Bat. While seeing all the animals at the zoo, you can also plan for special presentations, a tour or even a motor safari. There is plenty to see and enough to do to make for an entire day of fun and play at the Brookfield Zoo.

If your family is looking for something fun and perhaps low cost, head to Naperville to visit with the animals, learn new things, or just relax at the beach. Naperville offers something for everyone in the entire family to enjoy.