Life is all about exploring new things and places, and Naperville is one of the most exquisite places. For friends, families, couples, and even coworkers, there are numerous unique things to do in Naperville.
Whether visiting mysterious escape rooms in the name of unique things to do in Naperville with kids in Naperville or team-building activities for your office team, we’ve made a list of the fun unique things to do in Naperville ahead.
So, buckle up and get ready for an adventurous rundown of unique things to do in Naperville for adults to enjoy!
1. Go to the Naper Settlement Open-Air Museum
We all have heard about indoor museums where all the horror movies take place but have you heard of an open-air museum? Not many have! As per the management of this fantastic place, Naper Settlement is YOUR museum.
As an award-winning historical museum, this 13-acre fortress hosts tours, exhibitions, education programs, and even weddings. The most exciting thing about this museum is that it’s not dull and is confined to a one-room hall. Visitors can roam around and learn about the past and present.
In honor of the 150th anniversary of the Naperville Fire Department, a new and thought-provoking exhibit titled “A Strong Back and A Strong Mind” will be on display until December 20, 2024. If this is something you’d want to see, make sure to add Naper Settlement as your next unique thing to do in Naperville!
2. Visit the Best Horror Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are a favorite of many now. Regardless of age, young kids, teenagers, and even adults enjoy going to the escape rooms in the name of unique things to do in Naperville with kids because of the thrill and adventure that comes from it.
Mind Trap Escape Rooms offer the best experience and are one of the most unique things to do in Naperville. With several horror themes to explore, Mind Trap has the best escape room scenarios to leave your mind storming for new ideas to solve the puzzles.
Some horror themes you can enjoy are:
- Vampires: In this terrifying and adventurous escape room, you will explore the family tomb of Castle Horvath in your search for a wicked vampire and the release of his imprisoned wife. Within the confines of the cemetery, the Horvath family conceals several sinister secrets, and your team and you will be responsible for it!
- Locked-Up Supermax: This theme is set where you were wrongfully accused of a crime, never tried, and given a life sentence without parole. In this hour, when the warden attempts to put down a riot, you must find a way to get out of your cell and go free!
- Pharaoh’s Chamber: You have only sixty minutes to find the holy scarab and a way to leave the tomb before the traps catch you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a lifelike setting with advanced visual effects, hidden pathways, and more in this thrilling escape room!
3. Have a BBQ Party in the Heart of Illinois
Who doesn’t love BBQ done well? If there’s one thing constant about parties, it’s the meat. Although we all have backyard BBQs occasionally, Naperville is the heart of Illinois, which calls for a special BBQ event.
With multiple fantastic barbeque restaurants in Naperville, feel free to use the one closest to you and with excellent ratings. Some options you can consider include Sharko’s BBQ, Mission BBQ, Gemato’s Wood Pit BBQ, and Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ if you want adventure.
Be sure to book a table beforehand because these places are known as the most fun unique things to do in Naperville and are always jam-packed. Moreover, don’t forget to go on an empty stomach because the meat is fantastic!!!
4. Plan a Mafia Heist-Themed Day Out with Your Group!
After the Money Heist became a world-famous phenomenon, many people now consider it a niche topic to enjoy, but of course, with legal considerations. There are now many play areas with Squid Game and mafia themes that people can enjoy.
You can plan one such day with your friends when you visit some fun places dressed up in red suits, like in Squid Game or Money Heist. To make unique things to do in Naperville for adults a bit more realistic and adrenaline-filled, visit an escape room game at Mind Trap.
The theme of Mafia Heist would be perfect for this day. As the biggest escape room in the Midwest, it is set in the 80s. According to the theme, in the middle of the 1980s, at John F. Kennedy Airport, the mafia accomplished the largest theft in American history. In Naperville, they are recruiting new members and hatching a plan to pull off a robbery.
You will only get 75 minutes to complete the robbery filled with danger, fear, and much more! So, if you’re a fun junkie, this is the best place to do it! Book this unique thing to do in Naperville now here.
5. Be Outdoorsy at The Morton Arboretum
A renowned botanical park and research facility, the Morton Arboretum is known worldwide for its concentration on trees. The Arboretum’s mission is to promote the health and beauty of our planet by planting trees and encouraging others to do the same.
There are many activities that you can enjoy outdoors in the arboretum. From doing a winter solstice hike to attending a chamber concert, there is a lot more entertainment for your day out.
Plan your visit by reserving tickets online or becoming a member directly to visit it more often and make an impact on the environment by becoming a part of something big and sustainable.
6. Organize a Scavenger Hunt
One of the most unique things to do in Naperville for adults, especially in a city filled with gardens, museums, and old history, is a scavenger hunt. This activity requires a bit more effort than others, but ultimately, it will be one of the most fun things to do in Naperville.
In a scavenger hunt, you need to make a list of objects to be found, and whichever team, or individual if not playing in teams, finds the most wins. To organize, decide on a specific area in a neighborhood and hide objects and hints scattered.
To make things a bit more organized and minimize the extra effort, you can visit an escape room like The Collector theme by Mind Trap. This can be an all-in-one treat where you wouldn’t need to do anything extra, like hiding the objects. Instead, you will have to find the clues, solve the puzzles, and get out of the abducted chamber with your group.
FAQs
What makes an activity truly “off-the-beaten-path”?
Off-the-beaten-path activities are those that aren’t widely promoted or known by most people. They often involve exploring unconventional locations, engaging in local traditions, or experiencing things that aren’t found in typical guidebooks or tourist itineraries.
How do I choose which unique activities are worth the time?
Start by aligning the activity with your interests and what excites you most. Consider factors like the level of engagement, the rarity of the experience, and how it fits into your overall travel or leisure goals. Reading reviews, asking locals, or researching the activity can help gauge its value.
Why are unique experiences often more satisfying than traditional ones?
Unique experiences provide a sense of novelty and discovery, which can be incredibly fulfilling. The challenge and unpredictability of something new creates lasting memories, while traditional activities can sometimes feel routine or expected.
Explore Unique Things to Do in Naperville!
Naperville is a western suburb of Chicago, Illinois, with a lot of unique things to do in Naperville with kids and adults to offer. Whether it’s a kid’s day out, a fun teenager party, or simply a relaxing adult outing, there are many options you can consider.
If you’re looking for the most unique and fun thing to do here, visiting an escape room and grabbing a bite on your way back is most recommended. Among others, Mind Trap is an ideal place because it’s inclusive of all genders and ages and offers an uncompromised thriller that will fill you with adrenaline.
Choose from many escape room themes ranging from horror to mystery. You and your companions will have a great time finding clues and solving puzzles.
So, don’t overthink and book your escape room visit today and enjoy one of the most unique things to do in Naperville!