Family events in West Chicago, IL

At Ultimate Ninjas Academy, this homeschool-only Junior Ninjas class welcomes ages 6 to 9 for a 50 minute session that begins with a warm up then moves into coached obstacle challenges and courses. Participants take on bigger skills with guidance from an adult or coach, tackling features like monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, a warped wall, rings and laches, along with other scaled versions of obstacles seen on TV. No prior obstacle experience is required. The curriculum builds on concepts introduced in Lil Ninjas, adding more complex challenges while emphasizing safe technique and plenty of fun. Instructors introduce new goals and course setups each week to help students develop strong fundamentals and confidence over time.

The Naper Settlement Farmers Market unfolds across the museum’s outdoor park with opportunities to shop locally, live music, children’s activities, and classes focused on food and nature, all with no admission charge. A new highlight, Down on the Farm Hour, brings families together for no-cost performances and story time. Adults can take part in complimentary classes presented with community organizations and local experts on topics like backyard chickens and beekeeping. Visitors can also explore the We the People: Naperville and the American Story exhibit and step into historic spaces such as the blacksmith shop and the one-room schoolhouse, all included with free admission.

The Morton Arboretum welcomes non-service dogs during Dog Admission, offering one of the limited opportunities each year for canine companions to visit. Guests can explore up to 16 miles of trails and enjoy a range of natural areas together. Service dogs may visit any day at no charge and should be identified at the gatehouse upon arrival. On Dog Admission Days, trail access for dogs spans a broader part of the day and members receive an exclusive early-access window to bring their dogs. On Dog Admission Afternoons, entry for dogs begins later and early member hours are not offered.

Spavone's serves a comfort food special starring tender neckbones simmered for hours, paired with your choice of soup or salad, warm garlic rolls, and a side of pasta for $16.99. Quantities are limited and planned around reservations because the dish takes time to prepare, so calling 630-529-3154 to reserve in advance helps ensure availability while supplies last.

At Warren’s Ale House, a lively, family-friendly trivia night features a fast-paced mix of questions spanning pop culture, music, movies, TV, history, sports, and more. The event is hosted live and welcomes all ages, offering smart, approachable challenges for both seasoned players and first-timers. Enjoy good food, cold drinks, and food and drink specials, with prizes and bragging rights on the line. There are no gimmicks and no pressure, just upbeat fun that rewards quick thinking and teamwork.

Enjoy a midweek cruise night at One Twenty Live, where a recurring meet brings together car and bike enthusiasts. Expect a wide range of vehicles, from clean builds and period correct rides to classics, imports, exotics, motorcycles and overland rigs. The event is family friendly and open to everyone, and furry friends are welcome. One Twenty Live also offers a menu of food and drinks.

Enjoy an evening of live music with True Company as they roll through a setlist that spans cherished old-school tunes to current chart favorites. The band keeps the energy high with familiar songs that invite everyone to sing along and get up to dance.

This multi-day conformation specialty is part of the fall specialties and is overseen by BaRay as superintendent. A strong turnout is anticipated.

Varsity football pits the Panthers against Batavia, the defending conference champions. The Panthers aim to climb toward the top in this matchup.

Hit the mini golf course with your dog and enjoy treats and fun activities together. Frosty Paws will be available for purchase. Dogs must be kept on a leash and be current on vaccinations. Admission is $8.

Hanover Park’s Fall Fun Fest brings a seasonal celebration to the Community Center with activities and entertainment for all ages. Attendees can look forward to live performances by Serendipity and Louder Now, music from a DJ, and a full lineup of games and crafts. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon art, and hayrides, while community vendors and outreach booths add to the fun. Local restaurants will offer food and treats so there is plenty to enjoy. More details will be announced soon.

Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling is a community festival near Downtown Naperville that welcomes families and offers a friendly way to say goodbye to summer. Attractions include music on the main stage, food and beverage vendors, a family fun area, a carnival, unique special events, a business expo, and a parade. WCCQ 98.3 Free Country will host a tent with JULIE giveaways.

Local small businesses come together for a market featuring handmade goods and gifts, fashion and accessories, jewelry, home decor and one-of-a-kind pieces. Find baked treats, coffee, lemonade and other specialty beverages, plus options from food trucks. Browse art and crafts and more from a wide mix of vendors. Enjoy the outdoor market, then head inside The Rustic Fox to explore the boutiques as well.

Members Only brings a high-energy show to Naperville Last Fling, featuring hair, pop/rock, and new wave from a single decade of music. With a playful nod to the flux capacitor and a go-big attitude, this downtown Naperville performance is set for maximum energy.

Test your knowledge at Sunday trivia at Noon Whistle Brewing. Baig of Tricks hosts two hours of general knowledge questions with themed bonus rounds and music rounds. Craft beer from Noon Whistle keeps the energy up as teams compete. Top teams earn prizes and bragging rights. Arriving early is encouraged to secure a spot and grab drinks before the questions begin.

Walking With Giants is a free outdoor, walkable exhibition presented by the McAninch Art Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in association with the College of DuPage Foundation. Ten painted silhouette sculptures, each about 10 feet tall, are installed along a route surrounding the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn. Created by contemporary artists with input from the community, the works celebrate American artistic achievement and honor influential figures in visual art, music, theater, and dance, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Daycare gets a playful twist with a shark-themed photoshoot where campers become the stars of their own PAWS inspired movie poster. Each session includes a framed print, two to three edited digital images, and a themed treat bag. This experience is available Monday through Thursday during the event week.

Venardos Circus brings a Broadway-style, animal-free circus experience to Benedictine University, created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos. Inside a custom red and white striped tent, audiences will see a lively blend of aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, hand balancers, comedic performers, daredevils, and magicians presented with theatrical flair. Doors open one hour before showtime for preshow entertainment and photo opportunities, and classic concessions like popcorn, cotton candy, and house-made all-natural pink lemonade are available. The performance runs about 90 minutes with a brief intermission. Free onsite parking is available. Tickets are sold only through the official Venardos Circus website, and tickets from resellers or private social media offers are not accepted.