There’s a particular kind of energy in Naperville the week before school starts — new backpacks, early bedtimes creeping back in, and everyone trying to squeeze in one more taste of summer. Here’s how I’ve spent these last few days with my family, and a few spots I think you’ll love too.
A Night at the Movies: Shrek at the Riverwalk If you haven’t locked in a plan for this Friday night yet, the Naperville Park District is hosting a free outdoor screening of Shrek at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. Grab folding chairs or a blanket, claim a spot on the lawn, and let the kids run off their last bit of summer energy before the backpacks come out.
• When: Friday, August 21, 2026, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
• Where: Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Sindt Ct, Naperville, IL 60540
• Cost: Free (yay)
• More info: https://napervilleparks.org/anightatthemovies
I’d pair it with a walk through downtown beforehand — dinner, a treat, and then the movie. A full night without any real planning required.
Naper Nuts & Sweets: No back-to-school kickoff is complete without a stop at Naper Nuts & Sweets at 10 W. Jefferson Ave. This old-fashioned candy shop has been a downtown staple for nearly 30 years, and it’s exactly the kind of place that makes “one last summer treat” feel like a tradition rather than an errand.
Ice cream for a job well done. Whether you’re celebrating a good first day or just trying to keep spirits high before the routine kicks back in, downtown Naperville has no shortage of ways to make it sweet. A few of my go-tos: Kilwin’s Naperville, serving handmade chocolates and ice cream since 1947, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for something a little more elevated, and Oberweis Scoop Shop, which leans nostalgic in the best way. Any one of them turns a Tuesday into an occasion.
Here’s to a smooth transition back into the school-year rhythm, and to finding little reasons to celebrate along the way. If you’re weighing a move before the school year gets fully underway, I’m always happy to talk through what’s available in the Naperville and Western Suburbs market.
