Location: Blue Island
Top Things to do in Blue Island
Top 10 Things to do in Blue Island, United States
Blue Island is a city in Cook County, Illinois, located approximately 16 miles (26 km) south of Chicago's Loop. Blue Island is adjacent to the city of Chicago and shares its northern boundary with that city's Morgan Park neighborhood. The population was 23,706 at the 2010 United States Census.
Restaurants in Blue Island
1. Rock Island Public House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Jane H - Blue Island, IL (Chicago)
One of the best bars in Chicago if you are a beer lover! Terrific selection of unique beers such as Saisons, IPAs, Wits, and Ales. The owners work hard to bring a unique selection of small breweries' special kegs as well as seasonal favorites. Due to heavy support from beer aficionados, the menu turns over every 2-3 weeks with some choice selections tapping out in just a few days. Check the FB page for updates on fresh taps.
Ambience is hipster chic--but not annoyingly so. There is a funky collection of historic artifacts on Blue Island and the Rock Island train line scattered around, some epic pinball machines, assorted mounted dead things, some fun board games for free play, and a rotating "gallery" space along one wall. The tvs are generally not a highlight, but you can always watch the Hawks games. Priorities, ya know.
Nice beer garden which gets heavy use in summer, but is also used from March-November (they have propane heaters).
No food, per se, but there are numerous great options on the same block, and they don't mind you bringing in takeout. Occassionally, they host special events, including concerts and food trucks.
All-in-all, a great joint to shoot the breeze, discuss things, pontificate and drink great beer.
2. Lake Katherine Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By EJJourney
Lake Katherine is a botanical garden in Palos Heights, right off Rt 83 near 76th that includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, and formal gardens. There is a nature center that is fun to check out, a mile loop walking trail around a ten acres lake. I rented kayaks for 2, single but they also have canoes, and double kayaks for rent. There are workers who give you life jacket, brief kayaking tips, and help you get in/out of the water. No escorted. Calm waters. We saw heron, geese, ducks, turtles, and fish. Very pleasant. I reserved ahead (very easy with phone call) and was glad.. Some people came in as we were there and asked about renting a kayak... No luck, they were all booked up. The nature center closes @4, so that is the latest you can kayak. Free parking. You can bring a picnic lunch if you want. Beautiful grounds. They also rent out for events.
Tomorrow is the Butterfly Festival. Lots of things to do check out the web site. Kid friendly. Bathrooms on site.
3. Village of Robbins-Open Air Market
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
Year-Around-Open Air Market. Become a Vendor or Shop til you Drop! Buy or Sell new/used merchandise & collector's items. Food Vendors welcome with prior certifications/authorization. Cartoonist, Mimes, Face Painters, Magicians, Comedians, Hypnotist, Puppeteers, Impersonators, Jugglers, Choirs, etc., are also welcome. Must be at least 21 years old to perform your talent/pay a fee. Make our space your place!
Reviewed By Joseph I - Crestwood, Illinois
My Dad & I come here at least 2 or3 times a year, they do have a lot of items for sale , lawn mowers to fruits & vegetables to whatever,, open air market that need's a more updated look, cleaner..walking area thru-out the market.
4. Standard Bank Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By lynne p - Hobart, Indiana
This is an OK stadium, nothing to write home about. It's affordable fun if you want to get out and see a game. I don't think it's worth driving 45 minutes for as we did. It's one of the most plain/simple ball fields I've ever seen. Stadium not very large. You have to walk around behind stadium to use bathroom facilities. Concessions OK, nothing special - cheap hot dogs. Small souvenir store. No cup holders in or around seats. Lots of activities/entertainment for kids. Not enough music or rallying of fans. Again if you live in the area go try it out and bring the kids.
5. Horseshoe Hammond
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By barbaragW6306SG - Chicago
{Presently, horseshoe has not paid out much but its still a fun place to spend some down time. Food is exceptional at the buffet and the steak house is awesome with a great view of the lake.
6. Hollywood Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Hollywood Park features year round fun for all ages! Go-Karts, Mini Golf, Indoor Bumper cars and more! Our game room has nearly 90 video, prize and ticket games for all ages. Try our homemade pizza, chicken wings and other delicious made to order items. Hollywood Park specializes in the BEST birthday parties, group outings, field trips, overnight lock-ins, company parties, graduations and more!
Reviewed By bizzee1 - Chicago, Illinois
Took 8 and 5 year old grand daughters for a day out. We went on the bumper cars, miniature golf and go karts. So much fun! There were a lot of arcade games and nice prizes that could be won. Unfortunately, there were a LOT of children there from various summer camp programs in the city so it was pretty crowded. We got there about 11:00 (they open at 10:00) and we were able to do the things we did before the crowds begin to arrive.
Sandy is the lady that sold us our tickets and gave us directions. Her customer service skills were top notch. She made us feel valued by taking time to give us useful advise and even walked us through the park.
I will definitely go again and take my 15 year old grand daughter. I will also recommend to my friends, with children and those without. There is something to do for every age range. The fees were reasonable $7 for go carts, $3 for the rock climbing wall and $3 for bumper cars.
While there was food sold, we didn't get any so I can't comment on that.
7. Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn's mission is to positively impact a child's potential in life through play-based education. Every program and every exhibit at the Children's Museum is created with the Common Core standards (formerly the Illinois Learning Standards) at their core. These are the same standards that the Illinois Board of Education requires local school districts to use.
Reviewed By judyn44 - illinois
There is plenty for the kids to do here..very creative and imaginative play areas. Something for everybody.We loved it but felt it was a bit pricey. Also, you can avoid a parking fee by going to the top of the parking garage. There should be a sign to tell you that as there are few parking places available in front of the Museum.
8. Bremen Grove Dog Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By TwinBritts - Oak Lawn, Illinois
After participating in the online contest to try and win Oak Forest a new dog park - what a surprise to find we came in 2nd place (still a great prize was awarded for 2nd!) I've since joined with my two brittany spaniels and they absolutely love the ungroomed areas and very large space they can explore. I like that it IS groomed in many areas so I can walk out an keep an eye on them while getting exercise for myself. I love this dog park.
9. At the Office
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By gms58 - Crestwood, Illinois
ATO is under new ownership and has made some improvements but you sometimes have to dig a little deep to find them. They run decent drink specials but in my opinion, the food specials need to be more attractive in terms of value. The menu is fairly diversified and some of the entrees are pretty good while others are pretty awful. Nice beer garden and events occasionally. Service is usually pretty good but it seems like at times they are understaffed, like when they get an unexpected crowd during traditionally off times. All things considered, I'd rate ATO as average.
10. Linger Martini Bar After-Work -Wednesdays
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Mhvmk - Glen ellyn
I Went to once a month jazz brunch, good music, the food ran out quickly but was tasty. Jerk chicken, yams, greens, dressing, Mac n cheese, fried chicken, pecan pie and cake. Nice place to host a small birthday party. Great drinks menu, and quite tasty at a reasonable price.
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