Camp Naper
Guest Post by Naper Settlement
There’s summertime fun at Naper Settlement, an outdoor history museum, which is a regional attraction and gathering place for more than 135,000 visitors each year. Visitors enjoy hands-on programs and special events within a magnificent 12-acre museum campus. Our nationally accredited museum is located in the heart of Naperville, the fifth largest city in the State of Illinois.
The site consists of 30 historic buildings in a village setting, featuring galleries and exhibits, interactive areas, hands-on activity centers for children and the Harvard Early Learning Playscape. An elegant Victorian-era home original to the site – the Martin Mitchell Mansion — is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
During the summer season of April through October, interpreters wearing period clothing demonstrate the life and daily work of residents from the earliest pioneers to those who lived during the Victorian era. They tell the story of how life changed for people in Northern Illinois in towns such as Naperville throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as communities grew from frontier outposts to bustling centers of commerce and industry.
Harvard Early Learning Playscape
Splash, climb, touch, explore, trade, play, pretend and slide into adventures at the new Harvard Early Learning Playscape, designed for children ages 2-7. The Playscape’s play area includes Naperville’s only splash pad. The water features of the splash pad are activated May through October, weather permitting. Free drop-in programs are included with regular admission at the Playscape including Playscape Readers, a storytime on Wednesdays, followed by Pioneer Picnics. Third Thursday Thinkers that will be held on Thursdays, July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 17.
Naper Nights Concert Series
The Naper Nights Concert Series continues the History of Rock featuring classic rock tribute bands from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 24-25 and Aug. 21-22. There’s also family-friendly activities for the kids.
Naper Settlement Trade Days
Trades Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 27 features trades of the past and present, plus an opportunity to take home a do-it-yourself project. The Hometown Picnic from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 features old-fashioned contests and a vintage baseball game. See who wins the apple pie baking competition. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic to get into the 19th century spirit.
During Settlement Sundays in July and August from 1 to 4 p.m., admission to Naper Settlement includes free sundaes from Culver’s (to the first 250 visitors), hands-on family activities and tours of the historic buildings.
Discover the wonder of play and innovation in a historic setting during Naperville Plays with Naper Settlement, the DuPage Children’s Museum and the Naperville Public Library from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16 at Naper Settlement. Enjoy exhibits and hands-on activities included with admission to Naper Settlement.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors (ages 62+) and $8 youth ages 4-12. Children 3 and under and members are free. Naperville residents receive free general admission.
Visit www.napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.