Spring break is just around the corner and the kids are already counting down the days. Skip the airport and keep it local, the Naperville area has plenty to keep the whole family busy. Here are some of our favorite spots and hidden gems to put on your list for the week.
DuPage Children’s Museum — Downtown Naperville
301 N. Washington St., Naperville | dupagechildrens.org
If you haven’t been to the DuPage Children’s Museum in a while, you’re overdue for a visit. Two floors of hands-on exhibits keep kids busy for hours, and this spring break they’re going all out with their Spring Break – Beach Break event (March 28 through April 6). Kids can dig for sea creatures in the water area, build colorful sand castles, launch creature kites in the Wind Tunnel, and more. There are dedicated spaces for toddlers and older kids alike, so no one gets left out. And when everyone needs a breather, the Bean Sprouts Cafe on the lower level has you covered!
Knoch Knolls Nature Center — South Naperville
320 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville | napervilleparks.org
Tucked along the DuPage River in southern Naperville, Knoch Knolls is one of those places that feels like a secret even though it’s been here all along. Paved trails wind through wooded areas and along the creek (stroller and wheelchair friendly) with more rustic paths branching off for those who want a little more adventure. Step inside and you’ll find a 900-gallon freshwater tank full of native fish, reptile and amphibian exhibits, a living wall of plants, hands-on interactive displays, and even an indoor scavenger hunt to keep kids on their toes. Plus there’s a nature-themed playground outside for the little ones. There’s also a disc golf course and connecting bike paths if your family wants to make a full day of it.
This spring break, they’re hosting Free Nature Discovery Days (March 28, 30-31 and April 1-3). Kids ages 4-10 can mimic frog calls, match birds to their nests, go on an outdoor scavenger hunt, make a spring craft, and more. It’s a free drop-in program with no registration required, running 9am to 12:30pm on weekdays and 9am to 2:30pm on Saturday.
Aurora Regional Fire Museum — Downtown Aurora
53 N. Broadway, Aurora | auroraregionalfiremuseum.org
This one is a little under the radar, and it absolutely shouldn’t be. Housed in Aurora’s original 1894 Central Fire Station, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum walks you through the history of firefighting with vintage trucks (including a 1918 model), old pumpers, hand tools, and interactive displays. And they just opened something really fun for younger visitors: “Safety At Play: A Firefighter’s Adventure” in their Children’s Discovery Room. Kids can suit up in firefighter jackets, hats and boots, climb in and out of a firehouse and fire truck, all while learning about firefighters and fire safety through hands-on, interactive play. Budget about 1 to 1.5 hours, and don’t miss the free parking lot behind the building. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Naperville and very much worth it.
Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum — Lisle
5700 College Rd., Lisle | ben.edu
Here’s a free hidden gem that locals don’t talk about nearly enough. Tucked inside the science building at Benedictine University in Lisle, the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum houses over 3,500 mammals, birds, sea creatures, reptiles, insects, skeletons, and more. It’s hardly ever crowded, and families tend to spend around 1.5 hours without even noticing.
Kids can tackle scavenger hunts (and earn a little prize when they finish!), explore nature play tables perfect for tots and preschoolers, and feel real animal pelts. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to look up!
This spring break (March 23 through April 2), drop in during open hours to complete a special spring craft too. One thing to know before you go: you’ll need to register online in advance since hours vary by day. That’s also how you’ll find out when they’re open (typically Monday through Friday, mid-morning to afternoon). Admission is free, donations welcome.
Discover A New Park
The Naperville Park District has no shortage of great parks, but if you’ve been sticking to your neighborhood one, spring break is the perfect excuse to venture out and explore something new.
Here’s some of our favorites:
95th Street Community Plaza (3109 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville) sits right next to the 95th Street Library, making it a natural combo trip — grab some books, then let the kids run wild on the themed playground. There’s a splash pad next door for when things warm up, covered seating for grown-ups, and restrooms nearby. Open 7am–8pm daily.
Wolf’s Crossing Community Park (3252 Wolf’s Crossing Rd, Naperville) is in a different league entirely. Reviewers have called it one of the best parks they’ve ever seen, and it’s easy to see why: there’s a splash pad, a ninja warrior course, a mini zip line, basketball and tennis courts, a volleyball court, a soccer field, a fitness circuit, a scenic hill with an accessible trail, covered pavilions, and extensive lighting so the fun can go until 10pm. This is a full afternoon (or evening) destination.
West Greens Park (711 Stevens St, Naperville) is a little secret tucked away with entry points at the end of Laird Street and Stevens Street in downtown Naperville. Freshly renovated in 2025, it’s the kind of neighborhood park that feels like a reward for those who find it, with a playground and picnic shelters without the crowds. Perfect for a low-key morning out with younger kids.
Sensory Garden Playground (2751 International Dr., Lisle) is one of the most special playgrounds in the area, and not enough people know about it. Nestled in the DuPage County Forest Preserve’s Danada South area, this universally accessible playground was built so that kids of all abilities can play side by side. There’s a sound garden with drums and chimes, a fragrance garden, high-back swings, a treehouse, a gravity rail, interactive art sculptures, and dedicated play spaces for both toddlers and kids up to 12. It’s a wonderful place to take an afternoon, whether your child has sensory needs or not. (run by the Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation in partnership with the Wheaton Park District)
From the museums to the parks, Naperville and the surrounding area has so much to offer. Spring break is a great time to get out and explore it all. The Ville Team members are Naperville locals, we know these neighborhoods because we live in them too. Check out our Naperville community guide or just reach out and we’re always happy to chat.
Happy Spring Break!