10 Best Things To Do Around Oak Lawn, Illinois - Updated 2024

things to do in oak lawn illinois
Navraaz
Navraaz 
Updated
| 3 min read

Just a half an hour drive from downtown Chicago and next to Midway Airport, Oak Lawn, IL is a great location to enjoy some of the attractions within the south suburbs of Chicago. This well-established town has been home to Chicago families for generations. From family-friendly activities to world-class venues for concerts and sports games, Oak Lawn is just the right distance from all the excitement. You could spend a day inside with the kids at the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn or spend the day outside at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge exploring the parks and trail. A short drive will take you to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater for a big name concert or to the Toyota Park for a Chicago Fire Soccer Game. You could also get some family fun at Gizmo’s Fun Factory and spend some time on rides at Odyssey Fun World.

If the weather is nice then head on over to the White Water Canyon Water Park. For some quiet time, you could also walk through beautiful prairie lands at the Gensburg Markham Prairie. When you’re ready to spend a night out in the city you could go catch the famous Blue Man Group or be transported back to the 1920s era of prohibition in Chicago at the Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner and Show. Oak Lawn, IL will let you experience life Chicago style with the easy access to the city and the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities. Find out about the top 10 things to do in Oak Lawn, Illinois!

1. You're guaranteed to be amazed by The Blue Man Group (from USD 56.0)

Chicago is home to one of the longest running shows of The Blue Man Group, so don’t miss the opportunity to grab your tickets and head over to the Briar Street Theater to catch one of the most innovative shows on earth.

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Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theater in Chicago

Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

151 reviews

2. Take a trip back in time while enjoying your dinner at Tommy Gun's Garage Dinner & Show (from USD 68.0)

Take a short car ride from Oak Lawn into the big city to catch this wonderful theatrical production that will entertain you while you enjoy your dinner. The Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner & Show takes you back to the prohibition era with dance numbers and opportunities to participate in the show. This is a great way to enjoy Chicago and its history!

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Skip the Line: Tommy Gun's Garage Dinner and Show Ticket

Duration: 3 hours

10 reviews

3. Spend the day playing at the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

With lots of interactive displays, the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is a great local institution suited for your little ones to play, but also loaded with knowledge for people of all ages. Spend the day exploring the exhibits and enjoying all that you can learn!

Children's Museum in Oak Lawn

Address: 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Website: Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn

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4. Walk peacefully through the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge

Park
Source: Pixnio

The trails and observation deck at the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge in Oak Lawn will give you the opportunity to spot several native species, many of which are also on the endangered list, up close and personal. This refuge is a part of the local park district and is a great way to experience nature around the big city.

Wolfe Wildlife Refuge

Address: W 109th St & Laramie Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Website: Wolfe Wildlife Refuge

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5. Catch a thrilling Chicago Fire game

IMG_0030
Source: Photo by Flickr user goatling used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Chicago’s very own soccer team, the Chicago Fire, plays in Toyota Park, a state of the art venue that is only a short fifteen minute drive from the heart of Oak Lawn. Check out the schedule on their site and make plans for an exciting evening with the Chicago Fire.

Toyota Park

Address: 7000 Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455

Website: Toyota Park

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6. The most exciting entertainers right at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

Depeche Mode @ First Midwest Bank Amp, Tinley Park
Source: Photo by user swimfinfan used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Feel like dancing the night away with some of today’s hottest stars? Get your tickets for a concert at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in nearby Tinley Park and make your trip to the Chicagoland area a memorable one.

Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

Address: 19100 Ridgeland Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Website: Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

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7. Play your heart out at Gizmo's Fun Factory

Arcade
Source: Photo by user Cicada Strange used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Gizmo’s Fun Factory is a great attraction whether you’re looking for rides, games or delicious food. You can easily spend the day here as your time will fly by while everyone is having a great time.

Gizmo's Fun Factory

Address: 66 Orland Square Dr, Orland Park, IL 60462

Website: Gizmo’s Fun Factory

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8. Take the excitement indoors or outdoors at Odyssey Fun World

Batting Cage
Source: Photo by user Gunther Hagleitner used under CC BY 2.0

With the option of playing indoors at the Redemption Center or playing in the batting cages, bumper boats or zip lines outside, Odyssey Fun World has something to offer everyone wanting to spend the day having fun. Located in nearby Tinley Park, this amusement park is a favorite for people of all ages.

Odyssey Fun World

Address: 19111 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Website: Odyssey Fun World

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9. Splash around at White Water Canyon Water Park

Water park
Source: Pixabay

With a splash pad for the kids to run around in and a lazy river for the adults to relax on, White Water Canyon Park is a great place to spend a hot day. Enjoy the water filled fun just minutes from your stay in Oak Lawn.

White Water Canyon Park

Address: 8221 W 171st St, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Website: White Water Canyon Park

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10. Take in the sights and sounds of an ancient marshland at the Gensburg-Markham Prairie

Markham prairie 4
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alanscottwalker used under CC0

For those who would like to spend their time observing a unique natural surrounding at the heart of a conservation effort, take a trip to the Gensburg-Markham Prairie, where you can witness the resurgence of native flora and fauna.

Gensburg-Markham Prairie

Address: 15525 Mozart Ave, Markham, IL 60428

Website: Gensburg-Markham Prairie

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Oak Lawn is just minutes away from all the excitement around the Chicagoland area

If you’re in Oak Lawn, IL then don’t waste a minute being bored because with all of these opportunities for fun and exploration nearby, you can guarantee a worthwhile trip!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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