We usually share what to do with kids in Naperville throughout the year to give parents ideas for keeping tiny tots, children and teens entertained. While this summer will look a lot different, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun activities you can do with your kids locally or even in your own backyard while practicing social distancing. To help, we’re sharing our annual guide to things to do with kids in Naperville this summer.
The Naperville Public Library has a host of things to do with kids in Naperville this summer with their virtual programming. You’ll find storytimes, concerts, kids’ yoga, and more. The library also has virtual teen events, so older kids will find plenty to do as well.
Cooking and baking are great things to do with kids while social distancing and as a bonus, kids are more likely to eat what they have a hand in making. Send someone from your household to the 95th Street Farmer’s Market in Naperville on Thursdays between 3 and 7pm for local fruits and veggies. Then, have kids choose a recipe using the ingredients. Try one of these easy recipes that kids can make.
While many annual Naperville family activities were postponed, the Naperville Park District is now holding some outdoor activities where safe social distancing is possible, including Children’s Lunch Hour. The free event is held on Thursdays at various outdoor locations around town. Kids and parents alike will enjoy engaging performances starting at 11:30am. The events last about 45 minutes. Before attending, check out the guidelines for safe attendance. Up next: On July 14, Todd Downing will put on a show at Riverwalk Grand Pavilion and on July 21, Circus Boy will perform at the 95th Street Community Plaza. See the full schedule here.
Okay, so this technically isn’t one of the Naperville kids’ activities but the Forest Preserves are a fairly short drive away. Round up the kids and go for a family bike ride or hike on one of the less congested trails. Check out the trails guide to plan your route. For younger kids, a nature scavenger hunt can be fun. Use one of these free printable nature checklists to explore the great outdoors.
The Naperville Park District is hosting its annual Concert in the Park series for families on Sunday evenings from 7 to 8:30pm. The events are free. Again, you’ll want to read over the safety guidelines for attending the outdoor events. The concerts will take place in a different park each week. You can see the schedule here.
Camping is one of the quintessential things to do with kids in summer. While you can certainly camp out in nature, with younger kids, sometimes just setting up tents in the backyard is adventure enough. Tell stories, make s’mores over a fire pit and look up at the stars before snuggling up in your sleeping bags.
Another of our fun summer activities for kids in Naperville is having a picnic in the park. Pack lunch, bring a blanket and set up shop in a quiet area in one of our many parks, which are currently open. Soak up the sunshine, enjoy lunch, play a game of catch or spend the afternoon reading.
The Burr Ridge Village Center, which is less than 30 minutes from Naperville, will be hosting drive-in movies once a month between now and October 7. Up next on August 5 is A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. For tickets, check the Facebook event page regularly for updates on when they’re available. You’ll be able to tune into the movie audio through FM radio. You can also order food from participating Burr Ridge Village Center restaurants and it will be brought to your car. You’ll have to remain in your car throughout the movie. However, you can get out to use a public restroom as long as you wear an appropriate face covering and follow social distancing guidelines.
We hope our annual guide to things to do with kids in Naperville this summer is helpful! If visiting a friendly, experienced pediatric dentist in Naperville is also on your summer to-do list, schedule a visit at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry today by calling us at (630) 848-PEDO. You can read all about how we’re safely providing care to the kiddos with our COVID-19 safety protocols here.
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