We visited Naper settlement with a friend from the UK. This living history museum is in the center of Naperville and consists of a number of buildings laid out to show how life in Naperville changed from an outpost to a turn of the century village.
There are more than 15 buildings which include a blacksmith, fire station, school house, settler home, church and town hall
Staff dressed in costume greet you at the various locations and teach you about the history of both Naperville and life as a settler.
For example the blacksmith was busy making a horseshoe and he explained how it was done and the importance of a Blacksmith in history.
A gentleman in one of the houses gave a very interesting insight into how people expanded on what they had, starting with a single wooden room as a home and clay to make pots to having a home with several rooms and a thriving business.
At the printing press a lady allowed the kids to make bookmarks.
Another highlight was the school room where they give actual lessons and answer questions about teaching and punishment.
They also have children who come out in costume and show you how various activities are preformed such as washing clothes and playing games. These are interactive and guests can join in. We tried the stilts, metal puzzles and hoops.
There is also a fun play area with splash pad which is turned on between May and October on days over 70F. There is also slides and climbing equipment but most interesting is the replica covered wagon and fort which lets kids really feel like they are in the past. This area is designed for kids age 2-7 years of age.
Inside the reception building there is an museum exhibit with the history of the town. There hold a variety of events through the year.
Naper settlement is open year round Tuesday to Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 1-4.
For Naperville residents admission is free. For non residents prices vary depending on the time of year.
This is a wheelchair accessible location and most activities can be enjoyed by all.
As rated by parents
8/10 - Interesting educational experience. I enjoyed this location as history was brought to life in an engaging, interactive way which i felt helped my kids learn about local history. I felt the staff/actors were good and well informed including the kids. Initially when we arrived it seemed like there were not many interactive activities other than reading plaques and listen to actors, but later the games came out and child interactive equipment for the fire station. I am not sure why they were not out right away but it defiantly increased our enjoyment when they did arrive. We also loved the school house and play area although this was not of much interest to my 12 year old. I felt it was very good from an interactive learning opportunity perspective but not where I would take the kids on a regular basis as they were bored quickly
From a price perspective... I did not mind paying a fee as I am a non resident, but considering I live just on the outskirts of Naperville I did feel paying $40 for 4 people (my youngest is free as he is under 4) was steep. I understand they need the money to preserve the history but not charging residents and overcharging non residents puts me off visiting again.
I WOULD go again but not for a long time as didn't feel it occupied the kids enough for the price. I WOULD recommend to anyone interested in local history especially residents as it is free for them. This is a HALF day activity.
As rated by a 12 year old
7/10 - It was okay. I liked the school house and playing traditional games. The blacksmith was sort of interesting and some of the other actors but otherwise it was just an outdoor museum and not very interesting for me.
I WOULD maybe go again but WOULD NOT recommend as a fun day out for my age.
As rated by a 8 year old
7/10 - At first I was really bored looking at old houses and things but then we got to the school house and we played games from olden day times. I liked the play area and water area even though we didn't have a swim suit.
I WOULD go again but not for a long time as its not that fun and WOULD recommend for my age if they like things from the olden days
As rated by a 2 year old
5/10 - He enjoyed running around and playing in the play area but otherwise he was not interested as he didn't really understand what was going on and spent most of the visit wanting to run in circles or push his cars.
TOP TIPS
- Go if your a resident. its free
- Take a swim suit if its a warm day for the splash pad
- Take drinks
There are more than 15 buildings which include a blacksmith, fire station, school house, settler home, church and town hall
Staff dressed in costume greet you at the various locations and teach you about the history of both Naperville and life as a settler.
For example the blacksmith was busy making a horseshoe and he explained how it was done and the importance of a Blacksmith in history.
A gentleman in one of the houses gave a very interesting insight into how people expanded on what they had, starting with a single wooden room as a home and clay to make pots to having a home with several rooms and a thriving business.
At the printing press a lady allowed the kids to make bookmarks.
Another highlight was the school room where they give actual lessons and answer questions about teaching and punishment.
They also have children who come out in costume and show you how various activities are preformed such as washing clothes and playing games. These are interactive and guests can join in. We tried the stilts, metal puzzles and hoops.
There is also a fun play area with splash pad which is turned on between May and October on days over 70F. There is also slides and climbing equipment but most interesting is the replica covered wagon and fort which lets kids really feel like they are in the past. This area is designed for kids age 2-7 years of age.
Inside the reception building there is an museum exhibit with the history of the town. There hold a variety of events through the year.
Naper settlement is open year round Tuesday to Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 1-4.
For Naperville residents admission is free. For non residents prices vary depending on the time of year.
This is a wheelchair accessible location and most activities can be enjoyed by all.
As rated by parents
8/10 - Interesting educational experience. I enjoyed this location as history was brought to life in an engaging, interactive way which i felt helped my kids learn about local history. I felt the staff/actors were good and well informed including the kids. Initially when we arrived it seemed like there were not many interactive activities other than reading plaques and listen to actors, but later the games came out and child interactive equipment for the fire station. I am not sure why they were not out right away but it defiantly increased our enjoyment when they did arrive. We also loved the school house and play area although this was not of much interest to my 12 year old. I felt it was very good from an interactive learning opportunity perspective but not where I would take the kids on a regular basis as they were bored quickly
From a price perspective... I did not mind paying a fee as I am a non resident, but considering I live just on the outskirts of Naperville I did feel paying $40 for 4 people (my youngest is free as he is under 4) was steep. I understand they need the money to preserve the history but not charging residents and overcharging non residents puts me off visiting again.
I WOULD go again but not for a long time as didn't feel it occupied the kids enough for the price. I WOULD recommend to anyone interested in local history especially residents as it is free for them. This is a HALF day activity.
As rated by a 12 year old
7/10 - It was okay. I liked the school house and playing traditional games. The blacksmith was sort of interesting and some of the other actors but otherwise it was just an outdoor museum and not very interesting for me.
I WOULD maybe go again but WOULD NOT recommend as a fun day out for my age.
As rated by a 8 year old
7/10 - At first I was really bored looking at old houses and things but then we got to the school house and we played games from olden day times. I liked the play area and water area even though we didn't have a swim suit.
I WOULD go again but not for a long time as its not that fun and WOULD recommend for my age if they like things from the olden days
As rated by a 2 year old
5/10 - He enjoyed running around and playing in the play area but otherwise he was not interested as he didn't really understand what was going on and spent most of the visit wanting to run in circles or push his cars.
TOP TIPS
- Go if your a resident. its free
- Take a swim suit if its a warm day for the splash pad
- Take drinks
No comments:
Post a Comment