The following events and programs are happening at Naper Settlement during May 2025. Beginning in May, the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM-4PM and Sunday from 1-4PM with general museum admission $12 for adults (13+), $10 for seniors (62+), and $8 for youth (4-12). Naperville residents with proof of residency, children under 4, and members receive complimentary admission.
Weed Ladies Spring Sale
10AM-3:30PM Thurs. & Fri. May 1 & 2; 1-4PM Sun.,May 4 / Free admission to the sale
The Weed Ladies Spring Sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements for sale. Each one of-a-kind silk or dried floral creation has been designed by the Weed Ladies of the Naperville Heritage Society volunteer group. Proceeds benefit the Naperville Heritage Society. Admission to the Weed Ladies Spring Sale is free. Please enter Naper Settlement’s main entrance and inform the Guest Services Team that you are attending the Spring Sale.
Naperville Cemetery Walking Tour
5:30-6:30PM Thurs., May 1 / $15/person
As you stroll through Naperville Cemetery, you will step back into the past to learn the stories of pioneers, trailblazers, and everyday heroes who once breathed life into the very streets you walk today. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and covers about two miles. Open to all ages. Pre-registration is required.
Family STEM Night: May Flowers & Pollinator Power
6-7PM Thurs., May 8 / $8/person (recommended for families with children 12 and under)
Bloom into spring with hands-on STEM fun! Discover the science of plants, explore pollination, and create flower-inspired experiments that the whole family will enjoy. This program is recommended for families with children 12 and under. Pre-registration is required.
Sensory Friendly Saturdays
10-11AM Sat., May 10 / Included in general admission
Visit Naper Settlement for Sensory Friendly Saturdays, where families can explore the museum’s historic grounds in a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy hands-on activities and sensory stations designed for those with sensory sensitivities.
History Unplugged: Hands-on History (High School Teachers)
10 AM-12PM Sat., May 10 / $10/teacher
Explore the rich, diverse stories of our community in this immersive workshop for high school teachers. This professional development offers hands-on activities, interactive discussions, and practical teaching strategies to help bring local history to life in the classroom. Pre-registration is required.
The Great Decoding Escape Room
Available at 10:30AM, 12PM, or 1:30PM Sat., May 10 / $15/person
The year is 1915 – the second year of the first World War. You and your party are cargo shipping analysts for the Great Lakes Naval Intelligence Office. They need your help in figuring out where to land an Allied ship full of secret cargo. Good luck with your mission! Recommended for ages 12+.
Homeschool Days: Pioneer Food Science
1-4PM Thurs., May 15 / $8/person
Explore how pioneers preserved and prepared food on the frontier. Through hands-on activities, uncover the science behind pickling, baking, and fermentation, and connect these historic techniques to modern food science.
Origins of Naperville Walking Tour
5:30-6:30PM Thurs., May 15 / $15/person
Listen to stories from Naperville’s founding to the generosity of Caroline Martin Mitchell on a walking tour of the west side of downtown Naperville. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and covers about two miles. Open to all ages. Pre-registration is required.
Naperville Plays
10AM-12PM Sat., May 17 / Included in general admission / Free to Naper Settlement members or DuPage Children’s Museum members with proof of membership
Calling all curious little gardeners! Visit Naper Settlement for a delightful day of discovery at Naperville Plays. This hands-on event will immerse your little ones in the wonders of plants, growth, and the magic of nature.
Spring Into History
10 AM-4PM Sat., May 17 / Included in general admission
Jump start your summer and discover history! Visit Naper Settlement for a day of discovery and hands-on activities. Bring your family and make memories while exploring the past.
Speakeasy Escape Room
Available at 1PM or 2:30PM Sun., May 18 / $15/person
You have been recruited to help a local detective agency track down Prohibition’s most notorious crime boss. It is up to you to gain entry into the speakeasy. Recommended for ages 12+.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Historian – Community Conversations: A Place in the World
11:30AM-12:30PM Thurs., May 22 / Free
Community Conversations is a dynamic program funded by Illinois Humanities that explores “A Place in the World.” Centered on curiosity and active listening, it invites you to see familiar surroundings in a fresh light. Come share your own stories and listen to the rich narratives of our community. Together, we will de-familiarize the familiar and rediscover each other in new contexts. Be a part of this transformative dialogue and help shape our collective identity. Teachers will earn one hour of professional development credit as they explore the threads connecting our diverse experiences.
Craft by Beer: Radiant Art in the Dark
7-9 PM Thurs., May 22 / $20/adult (21+)
Under the glow of blacklights, participants will transform vibrant neon paints into a stunning work of art on canvas. Sip, paint, and connect with friends in a lively atmosphere filled with color and creativity! This program is for adults only – you must be at least 21 years of age to participate. A valid ID is required at event entry. Pre-registration is required.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Historian: Naperville Riverwalk
11:30AM-12:30PM Tues.,May 27 / $10/person
Created for Naperville’s 150th anniversary, the Naperville Riverwalk has become a core part of downtown. Learn about the history and growth of the Naperville Riverwalk and enjoy a brief tour of the original footprint. Participants are welcome to bring a lunch as the program will start with a historical presentation at Naper Settlement.
Naper Settlement is located at 523 S. Webster Street. For more information about registration for a specific event or program and to purchase museum admission tickets, visit NaperSettlement.org.
