Recreation and Leisure
The state of Washington is an outdoor lover’s dream. There are many things for visitors and residents to do, such as hunting, fishing and camping. The Olympic area is a must-see for visitors; tourists and residents can explore tidal pools and whale watching.
The Puget Sound is a birder’s paradise. It is home to an astounding array of different birds, like loons, turkey buzzards, sand hill cranes, and even puffins. The Olympic Peninsula sponsors both educational and entertaining birding events, including an annual Christmas Bird Count and weekly bird walks.
Residents can also take in the majestic Olympic scenery by lama, an activity which is quickly growing in popularity with the locals. Like the ancient Incas, nature lovers can explore forests and the winding trails of the Olympic mountains on the back of a lama. Whale watching is also another popular pastime. The waters of the Pacific northwest are home to several species of whales, including grey whales and orcas. There are annual events that celebrate their annual migration north to their feeding grounds.
Naperville is also a rafter’s dream and a fisherman’s heaven. The area is dotted with tributaries that feed the Pacific waters and anglers can hope to land both halibut and the Beardslee trout.
Naperville also offers a wide variety of other activities, if you’re not the outdoors type. For example, visitors and residents can spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying a wine tasting tour across the Tacoma Narrows. You can also enjoy an weekend antiquing or even take in a round of golf. If you’re looking for something more exciting, however, there are many activities to suit your mood. There are many casinos in the city, that offer almost every game of chance imaginable. Blackjack, poker, casino, even live entertainment- there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The city also hosts a farmer’s market, where shoppers can find locally grown fruits and vegetables, handicrafts designed by local artisans, and fresh seafood and shellfish.
If you are searching for a more leisurely way to spend an afternoon, that the city of Naperville has just what you’re looking for.
Over 155,000 visitors a year converge on the water facility known as Centennial Beach. The beach features water depths for swimmers or waders of all ages with almost six acres of fence-enclosed area with park facilities.
Enjoy brick paths that wind along the DuPage River through the City’s downtown. Built in 1981 by residents to commemorate the city’s 150th birthday, the Riverwalk features fountains, covered bridges, the Riverwalk amphitheater, consisting of the Celebration 2000 Millennium Wall and Labyrinth, gazebos and shaded sitting areas, a cultural center, a large sled hill, the Riverwalk Eatery, a picnic pavilion and paddleboat rides.
Residents can find sporting action at any of the 134 parks on more than 2,400 acres maintained by the Naperville Park District, or at one of two 18-hole golf courses, the 124-acre sports complex, bike paths, or one of the many recreational areas managed by The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
Naperville Fast Facts
Population: 42,514 people, and the median income for a household in the city is $40,846, and the median income for a family is $54,136.
Average temperatures: January 44F/32F; July 76F/46F. Average precipation between 1.78 and 7.54 inches.