Things To Do
in Orland Park
Orland Park is a family-friendly suburb of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, known for its well-planned neighborhoods, parks, and shopping centers. The village blends residential tranquility with convenient dining and entertainment options around Orland Square Mall and the surrounding commercial corridors. It’s easy to reach Chicago or other suburbs by road or the Metra rail, making day trips and city visits convenient.
Outdoor spaces such as Centennial Park and Lake Saganashkee provide options for relaxed recreation year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin at Centennial Park just after sunrise, winding along shaded oak savanna trails. Enjoy birdwatching and capture the gentle song of meadowlarks. The fresh morning air invigorates your senses for the day ahead.
Transition to Lake Sedgewick Park for a canoe or kayak outing across the glassy water. Pause at a picnic shelter beneath towering pines for a packed lunch. Glide past lily pads as sunlight dances on the lake.
Head to Twin Wells Tap & Grill for locally brewed beers and hearty pub fare. Enjoy live acoustic music on the patio as dusk settles in. Conclude with a starlit stroll along the park’s shoreline.
Grab a latte and pastry at a downtown café before embarking on a walking tour of Orland Park’s historic district. Explore century-old landmarks and learn about early settlers at interpretive markers. The morning light highlights brick facades and vintage street lamps.
Savor a wood-fired pizza at a family-run pizzeria near the old train depot. Afterwards, browse antiques and collectibles in charming storefronts along Main Street. Each shop reveals a new piece of local lore.
Dine at a cozy steakhouse housed in a restored turn-of-the-century building. Relax by the fireplace while sampling Illinois wine flights. Finish with a ghost tour beneath gas-lit lanterns.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or latte | $3-6 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🚕Rideshare / taxi (short trip) | $6-15 |
| 🎬Movie ticket | $12-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Family-friendly and safe environment
- Good access to Chicago via road and rail
- Abundant parks and outdoor spaces
- Solid shopping and dining options along major corridors
- Limited nightlife and high-end entertainment
- Traffic congestion on major routes during peak hours
- Suburban layout can be car-dependent
- Weather can be extreme in winter and summer
Places to Visit in Orland Park
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic views of the lake and forested shoreline, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
Calm waters, open lawns, and a gazebo ideal for landscape and portrait shots.
Waterways, gardens, and woodland scenes offering diverse nature photography opportunities.
Public spaces and downtown-inspired architecture around the municipal buildings and plazas.
Dappled light and wooded scenes along Tinley Creek and adjacent preserves perfect for hiking and photography.
Food in Orland Park
Orland Park Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chicago-style pie with a thick buttery crust, generous cheese, and chunky tomato sauce; a must-try at area pizzerias.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced seasoned beef on a crusty Italian roll, served hot with jus; a Chicago staple found at casual eateries.
Savory filled dumplings often served with sautéed onions and sour cream, reflecting the region’s Polish influences.
Grilled sausage served with sauerkraut or mustard, common in local delis and bars.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, jams, and local prepared foods.
Street-food stalls and casual vendors offering snacks, coffee, and quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hello or smile is appreciated; hold doors for others and practice general politeness in public spaces.
Suburban norms favor a calm environment; keep noise levels reasonable in libraries and quiet zones.
Respect parking rules and orderly lines at shops; patrolling metered lots and curbside spaces is common.
Safety
Tipping in Orland Park
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tip 15-20% of the pre-tax bill; small tips for bar staff; rounding up at casual spots is common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is always useful; contactless payments are common in many venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temps with showers; parks and gardens begin to bloom, great for flora photography and outdoor strolls.
Warm to hot, occasionally humid; long days ideal for outdoor activities, concerts, and farmers markets.
Cooler temps with colorful foliage; excellent for hiking, photography, and outdoor dining al fresco.
Cold with possible snow; indoor attractions shine, and layers are essential for outdoor visits.
Orland Park at Night
Hiking in Orland Park
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic loop trails around ponds and botanical gardens, suitable for easy hikes and photography.
Extensive forest preserves nearby with well-marked trails through woodland and along creeks.
Multi-use trail connecting several preserves, ideal for longer hikes and cycling.
Airports
How to reach Orland Park by plane.
Approximately 20-25 miles northeast; domestic and some international flights with frequent regional connections.
Approximately 30-35 miles northwest; major international hub with extensive flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of residents are families seeking suburban amenities, good schools, and safe neighborhoods.
A significant portion of the population, with growing diversity including Hispanic/Latino and other groups.
Increasing presence of a range of ethnic backgrounds contributing to a richer local culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular recreational activity and school sport across the region; many community leagues.
High school and local leagues are common; weekends can feature games in nearby stadiums.
Little League and travel teams are active; summer ball parks are family-friendly.
Growing participation at youth and adult levels with local clubs and pickup games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Orland Park.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most local restaurants offer vegetarian options such as pastas, salads, veggie burgers, and pizzas. When in doubt, ask for meat-free versions or grilled vegetables.