Looking for something family friendly to do with the kids this summer? You do not need to look far as Orland Park has so much to offer right here in town.

5-Take a break from the kitchen and visit area restaurants! 

We have so many choices in town when it comes to dining out.  There are even a few restaurants that offer “kids eat free” specials as well as many that offer outdoor seating for dining al fresco such as Ottimo and Houlihan’s.

4-Village of Orland Park Bike Trails

We are lucky to have some of the nicest and most scenic bicycle paths around.  Such a lovely as well as affordable way to spend some quality time with the family while getting in some exercise too!  For a map of the Orland Park bike paths, click here.

3-Taste of Orland Park

Village Center is the stage for this event which features a large selection of restaurants and family friendly events.

My family’s favorite day is the Kid’s Day (Aug 6th 1-5pm) which features face painting, moonjumps, a giant slide, and the ever popular Touch-A-Truck activity amongst many other activities.  My youngest son loves to climb aboard the fire truck and looks forward to it every year.

There is also the Family Water Balloon Toss at 2:30pm and the ever popular Family Egg Drop where familes are required to create a recepticle in which to catch an egg dropped from increasing heights.  This is fun to watch, so go even if you are not participating.

2-Farmer’s Market

Every Friday from 7:30am to 1:00pm you can find vendors selling fruits, veggies, crafts, baked goods, fashion items and more.  The Orland Park Library is there with Story Time and the Lions Club offers barbeque lunches.  A great way to spend a morning or afternoon while picking up some great farmer’s market finds.

1-Cool off at Centennial Pool

No doubt we will have some scortchers this summer, so head on over to Centennial Aquatic Center , my favorite Orland Park summer escape, for a day of fun in the sun. 

 The zero depth pool offers perfect activities for the little ones with close proximity to a deeper section for the older kids so that you can keep an eye on everyone.  For the brave, there are water slides of all kinds and a high dive that seems to be very popular with the kids. 

There is also a lazy river that gently carries you atop the water.  Warning, vere to the right at the fork if you want to remain dry atop your float!  My family buys the membership to the pool every summer and we use it often.  As a matter of fact, we are headed there today!

So, for those of you in Orland Park that chose a staycation as opposed to a vacation this summer, your options are not only plentiful but right here in town.

Have a great summer!