ParkTalk Blog – Visitor’s Guide to Naperville Parks

Monday, August 4, 2025

As a suburb that perfectly blends big-city amenities and small-town charm, Naperville has become one of the most popular Chicago suburbs to visit and spend a “daycation” with friends and family. However, with a seemingly endless list of activities and landmarks, it can be overwhelming for tourists to plan out the perfect itinerary. This guide highlights some of the must-see destinations provided by the Naperville Park District to assist you in maximizing your next visit to Naperville.

The Riverwalk: Naperville’s Summertime Hotspot

The Naperville Riverwalk during the summer is overflowing with visitors during the season, and the Park District has an assortment of amenities for tourists to make the most of their visit.

Centennial Beach

Birdseye view of Centennial Beach during the summer.

Once a limestone quarry-turned-public swimming spot, Centennial Beach has been one of the hottest summer sites in Naperville since 1931. Every summer, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, Centennial Beach welcomes thousands of guests for summer fun in the heart of Downtown Naperville. Although it isn’t a swimming pool or a lake, it provides a unique experience for both residents and visitors. Families can wade in the shallow end of the pool and enjoy additional water features, while experienced swimmers can show off their diving skills in the deep end. Looking to stay dry? Lay out in the open grass areas surrounding the water and relax while enjoying ice cream and other refreshments from Centennial Grill. 

Paddleboat Quarry

Visitors enjoying a paddleboat and kayak ride in the quarry.

Located across the West Branch of the DuPage River from Centennial Beach, Riverwalk visitors are greeted with another popular summertime destination, the Paddleboat Quarry. Patrons can rent a paddleboat, kayak, or paddleboard and explore the quarry for 20-minute or 40-minute rides. Walking on the dock, boarding your vessel of choice, and paddling in a large body of water emits a similar feeling as a lake house getaway!

The Riverwalk’s Beautiful Landscape

Blooming flowers along the Riverwalk path.

The Naperville Riverwalk’s beautiful scenery attracts tourists from all over the Chicagoland area. Walking along the brick path, visitors will find multiple gathering spots ranging from quiet and tranquil to more active. The conversation and splashing sounds of Centennial Beach visitors ring throughout the Riverwalk, yet there is also open space to lay out a blanket to picnic and relax on nearby Rotary Hill. Visitors can sit in the shadow of the Millennium Carillon or a nearby tree and enjoy the musical chimes at the top of each hour. If a family is looking for additional activities, children can explore the playground over at Centennial Park located farther west, or at Harmony Park, which is just east of Rotary Hill.

Link Up at the Brooks!

Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses each offer their own unique experiences for golfers. Operated by the Naperville Park District, both courses host thousands of guests and various tournaments yearly and give visitors the feel of competing in a major tournament. After a fun day playing 18 (or 9), guests can retreat to the course clubhouse for refreshments. These iconic courses provide golfers of all skill levels enough challenge and enjoyment that have them returning time and again to play. 

Springbrook Golf Course

Youth golfer teeing off at Springbrook Golf Course.

Springbrook Golf Course is a beautiful, 18-hole championship golf course in central Naperville. Adjacent to the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, each hole is lined with mature trees and lush foliage that highlights is as a parkland-style course. In 2021-2022, Springbrook underwent major renovations that included all new tees, bunkers and more to improve golfers’ overall experience. For over 50-years, this course has attracted visitors from all over and has been a place to challenge their skills and spend time with friends and family.

Naperbrook Golf Course

The Marie Todd Practice Facility at Naperbrook Golf Course.

Naperbrook Golf Course is a links-style course featuring rolling hills, native prairie grasses and several ponds located throughout the course. Links-style courses are the most famous type of layout as they are known to challenge golfers with wide-open fairways and steep dunes. However, visitors can sharpen their skills at the 10-acre driving range and the Marie Todd Practice Facility, which was added to Naperbrook in 2024.

Natural Exploration

While Naperville is a bustling city with popular facilities and destinations, there are plenty of natural areas for individuals looking to engage with the outdoors. Environmental stewardship and education are important to the Naperville Park District, and the agency provides residents and visitors plenty of opportunities for them to learn about and explore nature.

Knoch Knolls Nature Center

View of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center and adjacent pond in the springtime.

Knoch Knolls Nature Center has been Naperville’s environmental hub since opening in 2014. Inside the Nature Center, visitors are surrounded by interactive exhibits, interpretive signage describing the site’s history, live native species and much more. It is the epicenter of environmental education for Naperville, and it has become a popular destination for families in the area. Surrounding the facility is Knoch Knolls Park – a 263-acre park featuring several activities. The park offers an 18-hole disc golf course, fishing spots, canoe and kayak launch access, picnic areas, and a playground. Additionally, visitors can truly immerse themselves in nature by exploring the 5.5 mile trail through woodlands, prairies and waterways.

Trails

Paved trail cutting through Pioneer Park.

The trail at Knoch Knolls Park isn’t the only path in Naperville for visitors to surround themselves in nature. It’s worth noting that residents consistently emphasize their appreciation of the Park District’s broad network of trails. Stretching across the community, Naperville’s trails (an approximate total of 75 miles) are used for common outdoor activities like running and biking. Visitors are welcome to stroll through multiple parks along the trail or challenge themselves with a long bike ride. No matter what the activity, trail users will be delighted by the beautiful sights found along the community’s trails.

Naperville Park District’s goal is to provide high-quality park and recreation experiences to the community and beyond. The District maintains and operates 140 parks across more than 2,400 acres of land, as well as multiple facilities that help provide a myriad of recreation opportunities for all ages and interests. Children can explore up to 78 playgrounds with unique design and a variety of equipment. Adults seeking to recreate together can compete on a multitude of pickleball, tennis and basketball courts. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in Naperville, the Naperville Park District welcomes all visitors who seek to create long-lasting memories with friends and loved ones.

To discover more activities, facilities, and events hosted by the Naperville Park District, explore the Park It! In Naperville webpage at www.napervilleparks.org/parkit.