The splash fountain at Fredenhagen Park is running, the paddleboats are out at the Quarry, and a floating concert stage is scheduled to drift past the covered bridge at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 7. If your family hasn't walked the Naperville Riverwalk yet, the week of July 7 packs in live music on the water, public art, and open swimming all within a 1.75-mile stretch.

The Riverwalk is a free, brick-paved path along the DuPage River through downtown Naperville, built by community volunteers and dedicated on Labor Day 1981 for the city's 150th birthday.

What's open

Centennial Beach, the spring-fed former limestone quarry at Jackson Avenue and West Street, is open daily through Wednesday, August 12. Admission runs $10 for adult residents, $8 for ages 3–17, with a $5 twilight rate after 5 p.m. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, according to the Naperville Park District.

The Paddleboat Quarry at 441 Aurora Ave. is open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through August 12. A four-seat paddleboat costs $16 for 20 minutes or $22 for 40. Single kayaks and paddleboards start at $11. First-come, first-served.

Moser Tower, the 160-foot structure housing the 72-bell Millennium Carillon, offers guided tours ($3 for ages 5 and up, free for ages 4 and under) on Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays noon to 6 p.m., and Fridays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-August. On a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline from the top of the 253-step climb.

Free music on the river starting July 7

The River Sounds Summer Concert Series opens Tuesday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. at Jaycees WiFi Park near the Municipal Center and Water Street district. Around 8 p.m., musicians move onto a floating stage on the DuPage River just west of the covered bridge. The series runs six Tuesday evenings through Tuesday, August 11. Free, no tickets needed.

Public art: 24 painted dog sculptures along the Riverwalk

Twenty-four hand-painted dog sculptures and one cat are stationed along Main Street, Jefferson Avenue, Water Street, and the Riverwalk as part of the 2026 "Dog Days of Summer" installation. People's Choice voting stays open through Saturday, August 29, according to the Downtown Naperville Alliance.

New gateway park under construction

A new park at 430 S. Washington St. broke ground in June 2026 and the city expects completion by Friday, October 30, at a cost of about $2.1 million, with $1.3 million covered by state grants, according to the Chicago Tribune. The park will include a low-flow walkway along the river connecting the Washington Street bridge to the Moser covered bridge. It's part of the city's Riverwalk 2031 initiative, a dozen projects planned for the path's 50th anniversary.

"What a cool symbol to have a park that everybody in the community can use that connects the city, the Riverwalk, and the college," Jim Godo, North Central College vice president for communications and external affairs, told the Tribune.

Parking and accessibility

Four free downtown garages serve the Riverwalk: Municipal Center Parking Deck (400 S. Eagle St.), Central Parking Facility (75 E. Chicago Ave.), Water Street Parking Facility (120 Water St., roughly 400 free spaces), and Van Buren Parking Facility (43 W. Van Buren Ave.). On festival days, head straight to Water Street or Municipal Center.

The core downtown sections are paved brick with curb ramps and gentle grades, comfortable for strollers and wheelchairs. Moser Tower has an elevator to its observation level. The westernmost wooded sections through Sindt Woods are narrower and less accessible. Leashed dogs are welcome on the path but not inside Centennial Beach.

Fee-assistance information for Centennial Beach and the Paddleboat Quarry has not been published in available sources. Families can check napervilleparks.org or call (630) 848-5000.

This week in Naperville

Tuesday, July 7, 5 p.m. — Wil-O-Way Park Playground Ribbon Cutting, 1408 W. Jefferson Ave. New playground features a 20-foot track ride, colossus slide, ADA-accessible swing, and ADA ramp. Light refreshments. Free.

Tuesday, July 7, 6:30 p.m. — River Sounds Concert Series opener, Jaycees WiFi Park (Water Street district). Live music moves to a floating stage on the river around 8 p.m. Free.

Wednesday, July 8, 8:15 a.m. — Riverwalk Commission meeting, Municipal Center Meeting Room C, 400 S. Eagle St. Open to the public; sign up to speak up to 15 minutes before start.

Thursday, July 9, 7 p.m. — BrightSide Theatre "Summer in the Parks: Classic Broadway," 95th Street Community Plaza, 3109 Cedar Glade Dr. Free, hour-long outdoor musical performance. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Sunday, July 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Water Street Fine Art Fine Craft Show, downtown waterfront. Live jazz, kids' activities. Water Street closed to cars 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; park in garages north of the river. Free admission.