Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Tinley Park, IL

  • Published 2023/04/07

Tinley Park features a rich arts and culture scene, tasty restaurants, and a great spot to enjoy music and entertainment.

This place is a quaint little village and a Chicago suburb in Cook County, Illinois.

It is a fascinating town, surrounded by others, just as peaceful villages of the county.

Likewise, it is Chicago’s fastest-growing suburb and becoming a peaceful tourist spot.

Discover the best things to do in Tinley Park, Illinois!

Learn Local History at Tinley Park Historical Society

Kick off your adventure with a visit to the Tinley Park Historical Society!

The museum, established in 1974, is one stop spot to learn about the village’s history.

The society’s campus contains two museums.

The first is the Old Zion Landmark Church.

It is made in Prairie Gothic style, with its construction dating back to 1884.

The second one is the schoolhouse museum right next to it.

These spaces contain displays and relics of Tinley Park’s early days and everyday life.

The on-site library is just as fascinating, where the city documents family history and other village-centric materials.

Tinley Park Historical Society is a beloved spot to host events, including exhibitions, parties, and Christmas celebrations!

Ride the Magnificent Horses of Forest View Farms

Did you know that horses are brilliant animals?

If you are looking for a chance to bond with these creatures, visit Forest View Farms!

This farm is an old establishment, helping people learn about horses since the 1950s.

It is famous for its horse rides, trailing through the enchanting Cook County Forest Preserve.

Don’t you know how to ride a horse? Don’t worry!

They offer riding lessons.

You can opt for private or group lessons, whether a beginner or an expert.

Children aged three and up get their pony to ride in a controlled setting.

Forest View Farms is also a hotspot for parties.

You can celebrate events—such as birthdays, wedding receptions, and company picnics—with great amenities and horses.

Make your way to Lockwood Avenue to learn how to have a fun day with horses!

Enjoy the Zabrocki Plaza

Edward J. Zabrocki was the village’s beloved Mayor, having held his office from the 80s to the 2010s.

To honor this local legend, the city named Zabrocki Plaza after him.

This little plaza is a historical area but is also open for the public to roam around.

It features park benches lining the circular plaza and a neat brick walkway.

Yet, the gorgeous landscaping is the highlight of this space.

Trees, bushes, and flower pots are arranged neatly to increase the park’s charm.

The iconic fountain right in the middle of the plaza is another highlight, giving a perfect background for your pictures.

Zabrocki Plaza is also known to host all sorts of events, including National Night Out day, music nights and local concerts, Mayor’s Tree-Lighting Ceremony, and Farmers Market.

If you want to take a break between sightseeing in Tinley Park, Zabrocki Plaza is the best choice!

Sample Beers at Hailstorm Brewing Co.

Hailstorm Brewing Co. is one of the local’s beloved hangout spots.

It is a craft brewery with a short space containing wooden tables, a bar counter, and an open patio for sunny days.

You can enjoy more than 15 beers on tap here.

In comparison, there are regular drinks like ale, lager, and American IPA.

However, the brewery also serves flavors like key lime pie and strawberry vanilla cheesecake!

Their scratch-made kitchen pairs this fantastic selection with the most delicious light snacks.

Some of these sandwiches are gumbo, flatbread, pretzels, and panini.

The brewery’s taproom is also famous for the events it host, from a yoga class and live music to trivia nights and creative endeavors.

As an essential part of the craft brewing scene in Chicago, Hailstorm Brewing Co. serves happiness in a beer glass!

Catch Shows at Tinley Park Performing Arts Center

Tinley Park Performing Arts Center is where the theatre enthusiasts of the village meet!

This facility is a fun combination of community theatre, children’s theatre, and other performing arts programs.

The center plays shows all year round, with new stories, faces, and productions.

One thing is for sure: whenever you visit, an exciting show will always play at the facility.

Their theatre is big enough—with 120 seats—to give you a comfortable experience of the shows.

The center also organizes various classes on improv and acting.

As they run throughout the year, you can attend one whenever you’re in town!

Go to Tinley Park Performing Arts Center to enjoy local and original performances!

Find your Groove at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Built in 1990, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre is one of the largest music venues in Chicago.

This outdoor music venue boasts of seating as many as 28,000 people.

The stage stands at the far end, overlooking the covered seating and open grass space.

As a result, it is a popular spot for many music festivals and concerts.

These include Lollapalooza, Rock the Bells Festival, and B96 Pepsi SummerBash.

Many celebrities continue to grace this beloved music destination with their presence.

Lana Del Rey, Nicki Minaj, David Bowie, Bon Jovi, and Bob Dylan are some of the names on this extensive list.

The schedule of the venue is always booked and busy.

Whenever you visit Tinley Park, some exciting gig will always be waiting for you at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre!

Splash around the White Water Canyon Water Park

The idea of a fun day for many people means visiting the water park.

If you are one of them, visit Tinley Park’s exciting White Water Canyon Water Park.

It occupies five acres on W 171st Street, an area full of water slides.

The water park has the main pool, a children’s area, a three-meter drop slide, and a one-meter diving board.

The other slide is the Lazy River, which simulates a 600-foot river flowing around the area.

You can choose between the adventurous inner tub with splash buckets or the peaceful path of this winding river.

Other fun activities are interactive fountains, spray arches, and water cannons.

The park also offers facilities like lifeguards, a concession stand, locker rooms, bathrooms, and seating arrangements.

White Water Canyon is an absolute hit with every person who visits it!

Visit Rubino’s Italian Imports

If you think you can’t get authentic Italian taste in Tinley Park, Rubino’s Italian Imports begs to differ!

This unique space offers a specialty food market, grocery store, and deli all in one place.

It is an unusual structure on Oak Park Avenue, with a brick exterior, glass windows, and an arched doorway.

The interior is a proper supermarket, with aisles of items full of imported goods.

You can get sauces, spreads, liquor, gluten-free items, and other novelty products.

Since 1994, this locally-owned business also serves delicious food like sub sandwiches, sausage, salads, pizzas, and other homemade delicacies.

One bite of their delicious subs is enough for people to return repeatedly.

It won’t be a surprise if you do the same!

With a helpful staff and reasonable rates, Rubino’s Italian Imports lets you experience Italy without visiting the real place.

Explore Your Artistic Side at Vogt Visual Arts Center

You can find the art in the unlikeliest places, even a nondescript, house-like structure in the city’s heart.

Vogt Visual Arts Center is one of those places.

Don’t let the exterior fool you, as it was the house of Henry Vogt, the first mayor of Tinley Park.

People have visited this historical place since 1996 to check out the artwork of various world-famous and local artists.

Locals and tourists flock to this place to appreciate the varied artwork displays.

The center also offers various art classes, ranging from watercolor and oil painting to stained glass.

Residents of Tinley Park are often seen hosting their children’s birthday parties here.

As you can imagine, these parties are unique—they are art and craft-centric!

Access to Vogt Visual Arts Center is available all year round.

Visit at your convenience to check this little museum out!

Skate to Your Hearts’ Content at Tinley Park Roller Rink

Tinley Park Roller Rink is a fun recreation center that offers indoor skating.

In simpler terms, it is one of the best ways to get an adrenaline boost!

Make your way to Oak Park Avenue, where you can access a roller rink, skates on rent, and hours of fun.

The place has a neat schedule for every weekday: family skate nights, open skating, and teen skates.

The center is even more famous for private events, like birthday parties and group outings.

You can also access party rooms, an arcade, and food and drinks.

With a nominal fee, friendly staff, and skating lessons, the center can be a lively way to spend your evening.

So, get ready to skate around the vast expanse of Tinley Park Roller Rink!

Indulge Yourself at Fannie May

Fannie May is Chicago’s beloved confectionary shop, serving sweet deliciousness since 1920. It has several outlets throughout the city, one of which is in this suburb.

With more than a century of experience, you can enjoy a lot of chocolates, from milk chocolate bars to dark chocolate bites.

The mint meltaways, trinidads, and pixies are some of the most popular treats—make sure to try them out!

The outlet offers gift boxes, which are great for having a sweet snack during your visit.

You can also request a customized gift box at a reasonable price.

The staff is always ready to help you with a polite smile on their faces.

If you have a sweet tooth, visit Fannie May on South Harlem Avenue!

Other Things to do Nearby

Commune with Nature at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanical Gardens

Geese on Lake Katherine Nature Center's water

Kim Lewis Photography / Shutterstock.com

Spanning more than 80 acres in the neighboring city of Palos Heights, Illinois, Lake Katherine is a treat to the eyes, body, and soul.

Established in 2005, Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is a non-profit space that lets you connect with nature.

This family-owned space offers various natural attractions. Some of these are a handful of gardens, a waterfall, a Children’s Forest, Turtle Bay, and an Arboretum.

You can participate in many activities, including hiking, cycling, observation trails, canoeing, and kayaking.

Lake Katherine Nature Center is more popular as a hotspot for private events.

The park’s auditorium and clubhouse are available to host events such as parties, bridal showers, and weddings.

Parking and admission are free.

Adding a cherry on top is that you can take your dog to the premises!

This place is 14 minutes from Tinley Park.

Choose Your Adventure at Psych Escape Room

Go on a spine-chilling adventure at Psych Escape Room, a famous tourist attraction in Orland Park, Illinois.

Located 12 minutes from Tinley Park, making it a quick yet enjoyable getaway.

The place offers five escape rooms with different stories.

In one, you are an FBI Agent; in the other, you’ve lost your wallet and need to find it!

The staff briefs you on your chosen rooms before you’re locked in for an hour.

You can always try again if you don’t leave the room within the given time.

Otherwise, you can ask the Game Master to walk you through the mystery.

This award-winning facility is excellent for every group.

Go there for a night out with friends, family hangouts, and even outings with office buddies.

Psych Escape Room is a clean place with friendly and helpful staff.

Bring Your Family to Haunted Trails Family Amusement Center

Haunted Trails Family Amusement Center offers so many things that you will find it hard to keep up!

This arcade in Burbank, Illinois, offers two game rooms with a wide selection of video games.

Another indoor activity is laser frenzy, where you must escape the laser maze!

The outdoor activities include go-karting for kids and adults, a miniature golf course, a junior roller coaster, batting cages, and Crazy Cabs.

However, the outdoor attractions are only available from April to October due to the weather conditions.

Haunted Trails Family Amusement Center also has an on-site restaurant, Charmin’ Charley’s Restaurant.

It serves homemade pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, and desserts.

You can pair those with soft drinks, coffee, lemonade, and beer.

This amusement center is 21 minutes from Tinley Park, but the drive is worth it!

Feel the Thrill at Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events

Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events is Chicago’s space of fun and excitement, located in Mokena, Illinois, eight minutes from Tinley Park.

The facility offers high-speed karting, axe throwing, an arcade, and a virtual reality arena.

For karting, there are two professional indoor tracks, which can hold up to 10 karts at the same time.

You can have an exciting time with your company or enter the karting league they host.

Other activities are axe throwing, with the assistance of axe coaches, gaming at the arcade, and choosing any of the two fascinating VR adventures.

Complete your outing by enjoying the delicious food at Victory Lap BBQ Social, the on-site bar & grill.

Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events always accepts walk-ins.

Just walk in if you forget to book in advance!

Final Thoughts

Tinley Park is a family-friendly place, a romantic getaway, and a destination for a trip with friends, all in one!

This offbeat village offers things to do that are unique to the area.

Discover the best things to do in Tinley Park, Illinois!

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