Visitors Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

Are reservations needed for Centennial Beach?
No, entry to Centennial Beach is handled on a first-come, first-served basis through either a Beach membership or the purchase of a daily admission.  A Centennial Beach membership does not guarantee entry to the facility.  If the Beach reaches capacity, members’ entry will be delayed until spots open within the facility.

When is Centennial Beach scheduled to be open?
The 2022 Centennial Beach schedule can be found here.

Will the Beach open during periods of inclement weather?
Decisions about opening and closing the facility will be at the sole discretion of the Park District staff. Please check our rainout line for current opening status: napervilleparks.org/cancellations. No rain checks or refunds will be given for daily admissions due to weather, late park openings, or early park closures.

How much does it cost to visit Centennial Beach?
Information on Daily Admission Fees can be found here

Are Centennial Beach Memberships available for purchase?
Yes, memberships are available for residents and nonresidents to purchase.  Guests interested in purchasing a Centennial Beach membership can do so here.  Memberships purchased through May 30 will receive the preseason discounted rate.  Memberships purchased after May 30 will be charged the “Regular” rate. Members will be able to access the Beach at 11:00 am, Monday through Friday, 30 minutes prior to daily admission guests.  Members will receive early entry on weekdays at 11:00 am, 10% discount at Centennial Grill, and coupons to redeem for other Park District amenities. (Coupons can be picked up at Centennial Beach starting on May 30.) A Centennial Beach Membership does not guarantee entry to the facility.  If the Beach reaches capacity, members’ entry will be delayed until spots open within the facility.

What are the Centennial Beach rules?
A complete list of Beach rules can be found here.

Will there be Adult Float?
Yes, Adult Float times will be available.  A schedule of Adult Float times can be found here  All Adult Float guests must have a Beach membership or pay the appropriate daily admission fee.  Adult Float guests may remain in the facility for the day’s open swim.

Can I bring a group to Centennial Beach?
Day camps and organization-based groups will be accommodated.  Organizations can contact Centennial Beach at 630-848-5000 for more information. Groups, such as parties, family gatherings, etc. may attend Centennial Beach, but group rates will not be taken at this time.

How do I enter the facility?
Guests will enter the facility through the two gates located at the front of the Centennial Beach Bathhouse at 500 West Jackson Ave. on the west side of the Beach. All bags and coolers will be checked prior to entry. 

Where can I park for Centennial Beach?
Parking is available near the Centennial Beach Bathhouse, located at 500 West Jackson Ave. on the west side of the Beach. 

What are the facility cleaning and disinfecting procedures?
The locker rooms and restrooms, including sinks, faucets, toilets, door handles, and showers, will be cleaned and sanitized regularly.  Lounge chairs, lounge areas, common areas, and frequently touched surfaces also will be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis.

Do I need to practice social distancing in the facility?
Yes, guests should practice social distancing at all times during their visit.  Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ lengths) from other people who do not reside in your household. Follow social distancing queues when waiting in line for admissions, the diving boards, slide and Centennial Grill.

Will I be able to bring in my own food and drink?
Guests may bring in their own food and drink, but alcohol and glass is prohibited. All coolers and bags will be checked prior to entry.  The Park District will have trash cans available throughout the park for guests to use. All guests are expected to leave their area as they found it.  Centennial Grill also will be open with food and beverage options available for purchase.

Will deck furniture be available for use?
A limited number of chairs and picnic tables will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs from home.

How is Centennial Beach different from a pool?
Centennial Beach is an historic quarry that holds an amazing 6.2 million gallons of water that starts with zero depth and goes as deep as 15 feet. It is classified as a “beach” through the Illinois Department of Health and not as a swimming pool. The water itself is chlorinated, re-circulated and hand-skimmed to remove debris, but it is not filtered like a typical swimming pool. Additionally, the water is not heated, so the temperature increases over the course of the summer, provided that the air temperatures are adequately warm.

Does Centennial Beach have any special rules or requirements?
The Deep Water Test is the most unique requirement we have. Patrons who have not yet graduated from the 8th grade are required to take a swim test prior to entering the deep end/diving board area. This is for the safety of all swimmers. The test consists of a swim of 100 total meters using the freestyle stroke and using side-to-side breathing. A complete Deep Water Test description and comprehensive facility rules information can be found here.

Why is the water less clear than a swimming pool?
Centennial Beach’s water is chlorinated, re-circulated and hand-skimmed to remove debris, but it is not filtered like a typical swimming pool.

Is the water quality tested?
Yes – our staff tests the water 2-3 times daily to monitor chlorine levels and pH balance. We typically follow swimming pool regulations with regard to water quality standards. On a weekly basis, our water is sampled and tested by an independent laboratory to ensure that the water quality is being maintained.

Why do you take safety breaks each hour?
Our safety breaks are a great opportunity for swimmers to take a break from the water, rest and check-in with family members.

At what age can kids swim in the deep end?
Kids can swim in the deep water regardless of age, provided they have passed the Deep Water Test.

Can my kids use floats, inner tubes, noodles or other water toys?
We do not allow the use of floats, tubes or noodles at the Beach. You may bring in small water toys and soft/squishy balls. Only Coast Guard approved floatation devices are permitted. There are a limited number of life jackets available at the Beach.

Does my child need to wear a swim diaper?
For the safety of all of our swimmers, and per the Illinois Department of Health, children who are not toilet-trained must wear swim diapers while in the water.

Can I bring my pet to Centennial Beach?
Per the Illinois Department of Health, pets of any kind are not allowed in the facility. The exception to this restriction is service animals.

• Adirondack Chairs
• Bag Toss Areas (Bag toss sponsorship opportunities are available)
• Centennial Grill
• Deep Water Area (15 ft.)
• Diving Boards
• Family Washrooms / Changing Rooms
• Floating Rafts
• Handicap Access
• Bathhouse
• Life Vests
• Lockers (please bring your own lock)
• Open Grass Area
• Picnic Tables
• Sand Play Area
• Sand Volleyball (Volleyball court sponsorship opportunities are available)
• Showers
• Umbrellas
• Water Play Features
• Waterslide
• Zero-Depth Entry

• Downtown Naperville
• Millennium Carillon
• Paddleboat, Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals
• Riverwalk
• Riverwalk Café
• Riverwalk Playground