Activities for Kids in Naperville
In Naperville there is no reason for boredom. Fun destinations for all ages are just a short drive away.
Urban Air Adventure Park
New to Naperville this past summer, the Urban Air Adventure Park, 1955 Glacier Park Ave., is a 55,000-square-foot trampoline and adventure park for children, teens and adults. It features a ropes course, trampolines, go-karts, climbing walls, a Sky Rider coaster, the Spin Zone and a Ninja Warrior obstacle course.
“Urban Air brings different, a-typical adventures to Naperville, all set in a high-energy, music-pumping atmosphere where safety is No. 1,” said Molly Bardson, general manager. “It is very popular for birthday parties and for fun-loving people of all ages.”
Based in Texas, Urban Air has slightly more than 100 Adventure Parks located all over the world. It even features a café with a liquor license, but consumption of alcohol is prohibited while patrons have access to the various adventures.
Brookfield Zoo
Approximately 25 miles east of Naperville is the renowned Brookfield Zoo, a 216-acre facility which houses more than 3,000 animals of all types. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the land donation which preceded the zoo’s establishment in 1934.
Guests of all ages enjoy visiting the animals, of course, but the Brookfield Zoo also offers periodic special events like the Winter Wine and Whiskey Fest (Feb. 22); Party for the Planet (April 18); and ZooRunRun (Sept. 13).
Animal encounters with penguins and giraffes are offered for an extra fee. It is hoped that these up-close connections between guests and animal residents will encourage a more caring attitude toward animals and nature, said Sondra Katzen, director of public relations.
The Zoo is open year-round with periodic free admission (check the website for details).
DuPage Children’s Museum
DuPage Children’s Museum is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution that was founded in 1987 by two early childhood educators, Louise Beem and Dorothy Carpenter. They identified a need for more hands-on play experiences for young children. After operating in various locations around the county, the museum opened at 301 N. Washington St. in Naperville in 2001.
Open seven days a week year-round, the museum inspires curiosity, creativity, thinking and problem-solving through self-directed, open-ended learning experiences. Intentionally-designed exhibits and carefully selected tools promote wonder and discovery through the integration of the arts, science and math.
The museum is a place where children (and their adult partners) learn through play while having fun with everything from bubbles to whooshing air tubes.
Funtopia Adventure Park
Funtopia Adventure Park came to 2639 Aurora Ave., Ste. 103, during the spring of 2018 and it is entertaining toddlers, children and adults, seven days a week year-round.
The 27,000-square-foot indoor park has more than 50 themed areas, including rope ladders, a huge ropes course, a dinosaur wall, a giant slide and even “buildings” to jump on like you are a superhero. You can also conquer a ninja course by swinging from ring to ring, traversing through nets and more.
Birthday parties using one of three different packages may be accommodated in on-site rooms. In addition, adult groups from churches, corporations and schools are welcomed for parties.
The park also features a toddler play area and a concession stand. Memberships allowing access one hour every day of the year may be purchased.