Looking for things to do Memorial Day weekend in Naperville? We've rounded up family-friendly Memorial Day events, outdoor fun, and meaningful ways to spend the long weekend together.
From parades and festivals to backyard BBQs and local adventures, Memorial Day weekend in Naperville is the unofficial kickoff to summer for many families.
While you're enjoying the extra day together, it's also an important time to pause and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service of our country.
Memorial Day Weekend Events in Naperville for Families
Searching for Memorial Day weekend events in Naperville? Here are family-friendly events happening locally this weekend:
Saturday May 23, 2026
⛳Wonder Woods Mini Golf at Morton Arboretum
🏠House Tour: Springtime on the Farm
🎶Carillon Recital
🎶Chicago Rewired – The Premier Chicago Tribute Band-Cantigny
Sunday May 24, 2026
⛳Wonder Woods Mini Golf at Morton Arboretum
🎶Carillon Recital
Monday May 25, 2026
⛳Wonder Woods Mini Golf at Morton Arboretum
🎉Memorial Day Parade
🪦Morning Wreath-Laying Services
Residents are invited to attend solemn tributes at local monuments prior to the main parade:
7:45 AM: CDR Dan Shanower/9-11 Memorial (Behind City Hall)
8:15 AM: G.A.R. Monument (Naperville Cemetery, south side)
8:35 AM: Veterans Park & Gold Star Families Memorial (100 E. Gartner Road)
9:00 AM: Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery (911 North Avenue)
9:25 AM: Burlington Square (307 N. Ellsworth Street)
🎉10:30 AM | Parade: Steps off at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and West Street. The route travels east on Jackson, north on Washington Street, and east on Benton Avenue.
🎉12:00 PM | Observance Ceremony: Immediately following the parade, gather at the Central Park Pavilion for patriotic music from the Naperville Municipal Band, keynote addresses, and a wreath-laying ceremony
Weekend Activities
Outdoor Events
🏖️Centennial Beach: The historic stone quarry swimming facility officially opens for the summer season on Memorial Day weekend, operating from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Sunday through Monday.
🚣Parks & Paddleboats: The Paddleboat Quarry will be open for rentals, while most Naperville Park District facilities (including Springbrook and Naperbrook golf courses) will operate over the long weekend.
Indoor Events
📽️Visit a Movie Theatre
AMC Bolingbrook, Cinemark, Hollywood Palms, Regal and Studio M
See our full local events calendar here.
Have a Memorial Day event in Naperville to share? Submit it to our calendar here!
What Memorial Day Is Really About
Memorial Day weekend is filled with fun for many families, but it's also a day to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Here are a few meaningful ways families can recognize Memorial Day together:
- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
- Visit a local veterans memorial or cemetery.
- Display an American flag at home.
- Help your child create a red poppy craft, a symbol of remembrance following WWI.
- 👉🏽 Get more ideas for honoring Memorial Day with kids here.
Things To Do at Home Memorial Day Weekend
Looking for simple Memorial Day weekend activities for kids and families? Try one of these easy ideas at home:
- Host a backyard BBQ with sprinklers and lawn games.
- Take a family hike or nature walk.
- Organize a red, white, and blue bike parade around the neighborhood.
- Create patriotic sidewalk chalk art.
- Make an American flag pin with safety pins and beads. Get directions→
 JannHuizenga | Canva |
Memorial Day Facts for Kids
- Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day following the Civil War.
- It became an official federal holiday in 1971.
- Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May each year.
- Volunteers place hundreds of thousands of flags at Arlington National Cemetery annually.
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