Centennial Beach
Located just a few blocks west of Naperville’s vibrant downtown area, Centennial Beach is the Naperville Park District’s unique, outdoor aquatic facility. Those walking along the Riverwalk west of Mill Street can catch a glimpse of the Beach layout, which features nearly two acres of water to explore, a sandy beach, and four acres of lawn for seating. Favorite Beach amenities include a zero-depth entry with water play features, a large deep end, lap lanes, diving boards, a shallow-end slide, Adirondack chairs, colorful umbrellas and large trees for shade, and Centennial Grill with picnic tables nearby.
Centennial Beach welcomes visitors as well as members, with something for all ages. Teens can spend the day there with friends, young children can play for hours building sand castles and splashing in the water, and adults can read, relax, swim, and socialize. In addition to daily open swim, the Beach offers weekend adult floats and several Sunday evenings set aside for families with special needs. Special Needs Nights in 2023 are scheduled for June 11, June 25 and July 16 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Funded by contributions from citizens in the 1930s, Centennial Beach was built from a limestone quarry to commemorate Naperville’s 100th birthday. The Naperville Park District acquired the Beach from the City of Naperville in 1969 and completed several major renovations over the years, including enlarging the historic bathhouse, reconfiguring the entry and adding Centennial Grill in 2011. You can read more about the history of the Beach at napervilleparks.org/beachhistory as well as on a series of interpretive panels located in the bathhouse.
To enjoy a day at the Beach, residents and nonresidents can purchase day passes or a membership if planning to visit the Beach more than a few times this summer. Please note that daily entry is on a first-come, first-served basis both for members and those purchasing day passes. For more information about Centennial Beach, visit napervilleparks.org/centennialbeach.
Centennial Grill serves a variety of favorite summer items, including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, salads, soft serve ice cream, soft drinks, hot pretzels and more. For added convenience, access the menu and order online at napervilleparks.org/centennialgrill. In addition to enjoying treats from the Grill, guests may bring their own food and beverages, however, no alcohol or glass containers are allowed.
Aquatic programs at Centennial Beach include aquatic fitness classes, swim lessons for all ages, ranging from infant/parent classes to adult programs, the Mudrats swim team, Beachside yoga, paddleboard yoga and springboard diving. More information about registering for these programs can be found at napervilleparks.org/centennialbeach.
Paddleboat Quarry
Another favorite destination for enjoying summer water activities along the Riverwalk is the Paddleboat Quarry, where you can rent paddleboats, kayaks and paddleboards. The Quarry is open daily from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. from May 27 through mid-August. Rentals are purchased on site on a first-come, first-served basis for 20-minute or 40-minute rides. Paddleboats can accommodate up to four people and kayaks include one-person or two-person rentals. Paddleboards are available for adults or for youth who are 13 years of age or older. (Those under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign the waiver.)
Paddleboat rides make an ideal outing for families, teens and adults at an affordable cost and in a convenient location in downtown Naperville. Additionally, kayaks and paddleboards are fun for those who enjoy paddling on their own. While out on the water, you can get a close-up view of any wildlife in the area, feel the summer breezes, and feel like you are on vacation.
500 Jackson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
www.napervilleparks.org/centennialbeach
