Family events in Naperville, IL

An outdoor bubble show at Block 59 highlights TwistiCity’s giant bubble artistry, featuring children inside bubbles and creations that can grow larger than cars. With more than a decade of experience behind it, the performance blends bubble displays with playful, interactive moments for young audiences. Lazy Dog adds to the fun with temporary tattoos, stickers, creative coloring activities, and sweet cookie treats, creating a mix of bubbly entertainment and hands-on activities for kids, plus a little treat for everyone.

The Stolp Island Block Party brings Downtown Aurora together with music, food, art, and community spirit. Enjoy live performances, a tasty variety of food trucks, showcases by local artists and makers, and activities for all ages. This free community celebration offers something for everyone, whether you are stopping by for dinner, dancing to the music, or exploring creative work from local talent. Vendor opportunities are available.

August's First Friday features complimentary entry to the museum along with activities.

Parents can drop off their ninja for a Zootopia themed evening at Ultimate Ninjas Academy. The night starts with ninja activities and games, continues with pizza, includes a screening of Zootopia, and wraps up with more time on the obstacles. Cost is $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers, with a 15% sibling discount.

Participants embark on a guided sunset kayak outing that wraps up with toasted s'mores by the campfire. This shorter, family friendly experience welcomes paddlers of all skill levels and is $69 per person. The outing starts at the Aurora Athletic Club, where cars are left before a shuttle takes the group to North Aurora Island Park. On arrival, everyone receives a paddle and a properly fitted kayak PFD, then learns key skills on land, including how to move in a straight line, steer, stop, and maintain balance and comfort. Once the instruction is complete, the guide assists with launching and the trip begins on the water. The paddle concludes back at the Athletic Club with a sunset view on the Fox River, s'mores, and relaxed conversation around the fire. Howling Wolfe Canoe and Kayak provides the kayaks, personal flotation devices, paddles, the shuttle, a guide, and those sunset views. Participants must be at least 15 years old and a minimum of 100 pounds. Children may ride tandem with an adult if they weigh at least 30 pounds and can follow directions.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a fun-filled day at Naper Settlement, with old-fashioned lawn games, food, and plenty of laughter. You can also enjoy living history demonstrations, exhibits, and the chance to explore how community and country came together over time across Naper Settlement’s 13-acre learning laboratory.

Young ninjas ages 3 to 8 can enjoy an open play session at Ultimate Ninjas Academy. With help from an adult or a coach, participants take on kid-sized versions of favorite obstacles like monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and a warped wall, along with other challenges seen on TV. For questions, call 312-500-2040 or email melissa@ultimateninjas.com. Please head to the Academy location, which is separate from the facility that serves older kids and adults.

A welcoming chess night at Block 59 with Elite Chess brings together players of all ages and skill levels for casual open play and a friendly community atmosphere. Attendees can take part in mini lessons led by Elite Chess instructors and a blitz tournament, with prizes for tournament winners and giveaways for participants. Guests may arrive and depart at their convenience. Between games, dinner is available from a Block 59 restaurant, then it is back to the boards for more chess and conversation. RSVP is requested.

An open play session at Ultimate Ninjas Academy invites young ninjas to explore the course at their own pace, with bigger challenges available when an adult or coach assists. Children can tackle favorites like monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and the warped wall, along with many other scaled versions of obstacles they may recognize from TV. This session is held at Ultimate Ninjas Academy, which is a separate facility from the other Ultimate Ninjas location that serves older participants.

Enjoy a free, all-ages live music event in a scenic farm setting at McDonald Farm. This installment of the Music on the Farm Summer Music series features The Milkman’s Kid, with Good Omen Gyoza and Sno Problems on site. Bring a lawn chair and your favorite drinks, then relax with open-air tunes and countryside views. If the forecast or site conditions are clearly unfavorable, the concert will be canceled. Lightning or thunder during the program will also end the event early. Cancellation updates will be shared on Facebook and the website, and a sign at the driveway will indicate if the event is canceled. Thanks to support from Bartlett Tree Experts, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., GreenState Credit Union, and What WE Make.

Little riders can enjoy a 20-minute trolley outing around Naperville with child-friendly music playing along the route. An optional seek-and-find list adds extra fun as the sights roll by. The ride wraps up with a turn at the trolley bell for everyone. Admission is $10.00.

Discover Naperville’s past while taking in what is new on a guided one-hour trolley ride. The route passes downtown landmarks, North Central College, the Historic District, Century Walk artworks, Park District sites, the Police and Fire campus, and Naper Settlement, along with other notable spots. Cost is $25.

The Naperville Public Library hosts an outdoor story time with a summery twist. Families can expect read-alouds, lively songs to dance to, and plenty of fun. Open to children of all ages along with their caregivers, it offers a chance to connect, learn, and play alongside others. Every participating child will receive a Top Dog award, courtesy of Lazy Dog. The award includes a voucher for a free kids meal with the purchase of an entree, a cheerful way to celebrate afterward. Limited seating is provided by Block 59, so bringing a picnic blanket or camping chairs is recommended for comfort.

Naper Settlement Farmers Market offers a lively mix of local shopping, live music, activities for kids, food and nature classes, and museum experiences in the museum’s outdoor park. Families can look forward to the new Down on the Farm Hour with free performances, story time, and shared learning. Adults can take part in complimentary classes led by community organizations and local experts on topics such as backyard chickens and beekeeping. Visitors can also explore the We the People: Naperville and the American Story exhibit and step into historic buildings including the blacksmith shop and the one room schoolhouse. Admission is free.

Children ages 5 to 8 can take part in an AG Doll themed hip hop dance class paired with a craft. The class costs $25 per participant, and registration is required.

Learn foundational angling skills with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program at Lake Patterson in Oakhurst Forest Preserve. Instructors teach casting, knot tying, and fish identification while emphasizing ethical fishing practices. Bring your own equipment or borrow loaner rods and tackle while supplies last. Illinois fishing regulations and site specific rules apply. This program is free.

Summer Nights features a guided tour of the community, opportunities to connect with neighbors and friends, and a cozy fire pit where attendees can make s’mores. A special guest speaker will share insights and inspiration. Expect sweet treats, relaxed conversation, and a welcoming way to explore what the community offers.