Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Tinley Park, IL

Located in the Chicago Southland, Tinley Park is a suburb that has nearly doubled its population from the 1980s to 2020.

This village has consistently been recognized as one of the most favorable locations in the Chicagoland area for raising families, offering an array of family-friendly attractions alongside excellent public parks, an expansive bike path system, and a variety of community events such as a weekly farmers’ market.

One of the key attractions drawing visitors to Tinley Park is the vast Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, an outdoor concert venue that has hosted a multitude of prominent artists since its inception over 30 years ago.

While only about 25 miles from Chicago, Tinley Park offers a uniquely tranquil atmosphere, where one can enjoy horseback riding in forest preserves and participate in haunted hayrides during the fall season.

1. White Water Canyon Water Park

Summers in Tinley Park would feel incomplete without this vibrant outdoor water park, managed by the local park district.

Open from June until Labor Day weekend, White Water Canyon is centrally located in Tinley Park, featuring five acres of attractions to engage children.

The Spray Ground offers a delightful experience, complete with water cannons, jets, a large refilling bucket, and a sand play area.

The spacious main pool boasts a beach entry and a three-meter drop slide, in addition to three more slides, each with varying speeds.

For a more leisurely experience, visitors can take a single or double tube and float along the 600-foot lazy river, which winds continuously throughout the park.

2. Forest View Farms

With origins dating back to the 1950s, this family-operated farm adjoins a large section of the Cook County Forest Preserve.

Forest View Farms serves as a diverse tourist attraction, providing various seasonal activities. In the summer, visitors can partake in horseback trail rides, and pony rides are also available on the farm for children.

Year-round riding lessons are offered thanks to a heated indoor arena, complemented by two outdoor arenas for horse turnout.

A petting farm featuring charming animals operates from May through November, and the Fall Festival in October offers haunted hayrides for some seasonal excitement.

3. Hailstorm Brewing Co.

The Chicago area prides itself on a thriving craft beer scene, surpassed only by Portland, Oregon in terms of breweries per capita.

Tinley Park contributes to this culinary trend with a craft brewery located in an industrial park at the south end of the village. Hailstorm Brewing Co. consistently offers 18 beers on tap, including some innovative creations.

In addition to renowned selections such as an Irish-style red lager, Mexican lager, and American IPA, adventurous flavors include those inspired by s’mores, key lime pie, and raspberry cheesecake.

The taproom hosts a variety of events, including open mics, trivia nights, and concerts, and distinguishes itself by featuring an on-site kitchen.

4. Vogt Visual Arts Center

This gallery houses the works of both local and celebrated artists in the historic 19th-century residence of Tinley Park’s first mayor, Henry Vogt.

Founded in 1996, the center hosts engaging temporary exhibits throughout the year, highlighting specific artists or broader themes and movements.

Moreover, it offers a program of classes for both youth and adults, covering various skills such as watercolor painting, stained glass, and ceramics, along with numerous events such as art fairs and concerts.

5. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Since 1990, Tinley Park has established itself as one of the premier locations for live music within the Chicagoland area.

Due to sponsorship agreements, the venue frequently changes names and is currently referred to as the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.

This outdoor venue, appropriately equipped with a large cover over the stage and the first levels of seating, accommodates nearly 29,000 attendees.

Typically, if a prominent band or artist is scheduled to perform in the Chicago area during the summer months, there is a strong likelihood they will feature at this amphitheatre, which hosts a variety of festivals throughout the summer.

The roster of past performers comprises major acts from rock, pop, and hip-hop, including legends such as David Bowie, Lana Del Rey, Nicki Minaj, Bob Dylan, The Who, and Paul McCartney.

6. Accelerate Indoor Speedway

This impressive indoor electric karting facility is situated just south of Tinley Park, near Interstate 80.

Accelerate Indoor Speedway organizes competitive leagues for skilled racers while also accommodating large groups for various occasions, such as corporate events, family gatherings, and celebrations.

However, individuals can also arrive without prior reservations to race on a walk-in basis, with only a safety briefing provided by experienced instructors before racing begins.

The karts, constructed in Italy, are high-performance vehicles capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. This speedway is part of a larger complex that also features a bar & grill, axe-throwing area, and an arcade.

7. Tinley Park Historical Society

The oldest public structure in the village is the Old Zion Landmark church, built in a Prairie Gothic style in 1884.

This historic building has been preserved as a museum by the Tinley Park Historical Society, which was established to commemorate the Bicentennial in 1974.

Visitors are welcome to explore the society’s extensive collections and examine the schoolhouse adjacent to the museum.

This facility is an accurate replica of Tinley Park’s second one-room schoolhouse, which operated from 1892 to 1954 and also served as the village hall.

8. Crack the Code

Regarded as one of the most engaging escape room attractions in the Chicago area, Crack the Code offers a selection of three rooms designed for participants.

These rooms are meticulously crafted, ensuring at least one is suitable for younger members of the family.

As of the current date, the three rooms include Garden of Chaos (2-8 players), a mystical garden cursed with challenges, Runaway Freight (2-6 players), where participants must escape from a booby-trapped elevator, and Behind the Bookcase (2-5 players), set in a haunted mansion.

Each room is infused with engaging narratives and features intuitive puzzles that emphasize teamwork as well as critical thinking.

9. Tinley Park Convention Center

Recognized as one of the leading venues for conventions, trade shows, festivals, concerts, seminars, private events, and various functions in the Midwest, the Tinley Park Convention Center is a prime destination.

Recently expanded, this complex features approximately 70,000 square feet of event space with ceiling heights reaching 35 feet.

Containing 21 distinct meeting rooms, the center can accommodate over 6,000 individuals while also being capable of hosting more intimate gatherings.

The versatility of the center is illustrated by its recent hosting of motorcycle swap meets, reptile conventions, graduation ceremonies, and the 350 Fest punk festival.

10. Orland Square

The largest shopping mall in the Chicago Southland is located nearby in Orland Park. Orland Square has been operational since 1976 and has undergone significant renovations in the last decade.

The primary anchors include Von Maur, Macy’s, and JCPenney, accompanied by over 150 additional stores.

Popular brands such as Gap, H&M, Eddie Bauer, Apple, Forever 21, LEGO, Sephora, Guess, Kay Jewelers, Lush, and Pottery Barn can be found here.

A newly updated food court offers a selection of familiar options, including Panda Express, Taco Bell, and Mrs. Fields Cookies, while a Cheesecake Factory is situated nearby.

11. Gizmos Fun Factory

Spanning over 47,000 square feet, this family entertainment center located in Orland Park is a guaranteed delight on inclement days.

Key attractions at Gizmos Fun Factory encompass bumper cars, a ropes course and zip line, go-karts, laser tag, a laser maze, climbing walls, and a multi-story soft play area designed for younger visitors.

Additionally, the facility features an arcade equipped with over 70 machines, ranging from contemporary games to classic redemption games, along with a restaurant serving popular fast-food items such as pizza, burgers, and wings.

12. Fannie May Outlet

Deeply rooted in the Chicago area, this cherished chocolatier was established in the city in 1920.

Fannie May products are rarely found beyond the state of Illinois and have sponsored various local sports teams, such as the Cubs and Blackhawks.

In Tinley Park, a Fannie May outlet is located at Park Center Plaza, at the intersection of routes 6 and 43.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, indulging in a box of Pixies is a must. This delightful treat, introduced in 1946, features crunchy pecans coated in silky caramel and enveloped in milk or dark chocolate.

Other notable offerings include Mint Meltaways (mint chocolate), Carmarshes (caramel marshmallows), and Trinidads (chocolate truffles with a hint of coconut).

13. Odyssey Fun World

Operating for more than 25 years, this family entertainment center is situated in Tinley Park.

Odyssey Fun World features an expansive arcade and a separate redemption area filled with exciting games that reward players with prizes like plush toys and candy.

Moreover, it boasts a variety of attractions, including mini golf, a zip line, batting cages, bumper boats, laser tag, an adventure park with bounce houses, a comprehensive indoor playground, go-karts, and even small carnival rides.

Visitors can refresh themselves at Chipper’s Cafe, which offers a menu of pizza, Italian beef, Chicago hot dogs, and various comfort foods.

14. Tinley Park Roller Rink

While many such venues have diminished in popularity, the roller rink in Tinley Park continues to thrive. It caters to birthday parties and private events, while also offering an active schedule of public skating sessions.

Teen skate sessions take place on Friday evenings, with family-friendly skating opportunities on Wednesdays and Sundays.

If you don’t possess your own roller skates, rentals are available for as low as $3. The rink also features a small arcade, hosting a mix of classic and contemporary games.

15. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm & Fall Fest

Located a short distance west of Tinley Park in Homer Glen, this family-owned farm has been a staple of the community for over 40 years.

The farm offers a variety of attractions particularly during the fall season, running from September through November.

While there are numerous activities at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, highlights include hayrides, pony rides, a corn maze, a petting zoo featuring playful animals, a haunted house, and pig races, just to name a few.

Of course, visiting the pumpkin patch is a must, along with sampling delicious autumn treats like apple cider donuts and kettle corn.