Hickory Hills IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hickory Hills, Illinois.
1. Hidden Pond Woods
SCENIC NATURAL PRESERVE
Hidden Pond Woods is one of the top attractions in Hickory Hills, offering visitors beautiful natural scenery and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment with its pond, diverse wildlife, and lush greenery throughout the changing seasons. The preserve provides an excellent escape from urban life with well-maintained paths suitable for both casual strollers and hiking enthusiasts.
2. PGN Jump N' Fun Entertainment
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
PGN Jump N' Fun Entertainment stands as a premier family destination in Hickory Hills where children and adults can enjoy various recreational activities. The center features bounce houses, arcade games, and other entertainment options designed to provide hours of fun for visitors of all ages. With its indoor facilities, it offers year-round entertainment regardless of weather conditions, making it a reliable option for family outings.
3. Hickory Hills Park District
COMMUNITY RECREATION HUB
The Hickory Hills Park District serves as the central recreational facility for the community, offering various programs and amenities for residents and visitors. The district manages multiple parks, sports fields, and facilities where people can engage in activities ranging from organized sports to casual play. Their year-round programming includes seasonal events, classes, and activities catering to different age groups and interests.
4. Martin Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACE
Martin Park offers a welcoming green space for families and individuals looking to enjoy outdoor recreation in Hickory Hills. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open spaces ideal for various activities from frisbee to relaxation. Its convenient location within the community makes it a popular spot for local gatherings and everyday enjoyment of the outdoors.
5. Streets Of Europe Fashion Boutique
UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Streets Of Europe Fashion Boutique brings European style and fashion to Hickory Hills, offering unique clothing and accessories not commonly found in standard retail stores. The boutique provides a curated selection of items that reflect European fashion sensibilities while catering to local tastes. Shoppers can enjoy personalized service in an atmosphere that evokes the charm of European shopping districts.
6. Bowlero
MODERN BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Bowlero offers a contemporary bowling experience in the Hickory Hills area, combining traditional bowling with modern amenities and atmosphere. The facility features state-of-the-art lanes, arcade games, and a full-service bar and restaurant where visitors can enjoy food and drinks while bowling. With special event packages and regular promotions, Bowlero provides entertainment options for casual outings, family gatherings, and organized celebrations.
7. Palos Yellow Single Track Trail
ADVENTUROUS HIKING PATH
The Palos Yellow Single Track Trail offers hikers an intermediate-level adventure through the scenic Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve near Hickory Hills. Stretching approximately 9 miles, the trail winds through diverse terrain featuring woodlands, small hills, and natural features that showcase the region's ecology. Hikers can enjoy the well-maintained path that provides both a physical challenge and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna throughout the seasons.
8. Dan McMahon Woods to Spear Woods Loop
SCENIC WOODLAND TRAIL
The Dan McMahon Woods to Spear Woods loop trail connects two beautiful forest preserves near Hickory Hills, offering approximately 6.2 miles of intermediate hiking terrain. This popular route takes hikers through varied landscapes including dense woodlands, open meadows, and gently rolling hills typical of the region. The well-established path provides excellent opportunities for bird watching, nature photography, and peaceful immersion in the natural environment of Cook County.
9. Flying High Sports & Rec Center
ACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Flying High Sports & Rec Center offers a comprehensive recreational facility near Hickory Hills where visitors can participate in various physical activities and sports. The center features gymnastics equipment, trampolines, climbing walls, and other apparatus designed for both structured classes and open play sessions. With programs for different age groups and skill levels, Flying High provides opportunities for fitness, skill development, and active entertainment in a safe, supervised environment.
10. Bella's
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Bella's stands as a beloved local dining establishment in Hickory Hills, serving patrons with quality food and warm hospitality. The restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a meal in a setting that reflects the community's character. Their menu features familiar favorites prepared with care, making it a reliable choice for casual dining experiences in Hickory Hills.
11. Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve
PROTECTED WILDLIFE HABITAT
Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve encompasses a significant protected area near Hickory Hills where conservation efforts preserve natural habitats and biodiversity. The preserve features walking trails that allow visitors to observe native plants, trees, and wildlife in their natural environment without excessive human intervention. Educational signage throughout the preserve helps visitors understand the ecological importance of the area and the various species that call it home.
12. Kasey Meadow Park
VERSATILE COMMUNITY RECREATION
Kasey Meadow Park provides extensive recreational facilities for the Hickory Hills community, featuring sports fields, playgrounds, and open spaces. The park hosts various seasonal activities and community events throughout the year, serving as a gathering place for local residents. Its well-maintained grounds offer something for everyone, from athletic competitions to casual family picnics in a pleasant outdoor setting.
13. Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
HISTORICAL EDUCATIONAL SITE
The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center combines historical preservation with environmental education in a location near Hickory Hills in Willow Springs. The center features a restored schoolhouse building alongside exhibits about local ecology, wildlife displays, and interactive learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Surrounding the center are nature trails that wind through woodland and wetland habitats, allowing visitors to observe native plants and animals while learning about conservation efforts in the region.
14. Willowbrook Wildlife Center
ANIMAL REHABILITATION FACILITY
Willowbrook Wildlife Center operates as a rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned wildlife, while also serving as an educational destination for visitors from the greater Chicago area including Hickory Hills. The center provides care for thousands of animals annually, with many permanent residents that cannot be released back to the wild becoming ambassadors for their species in educational programs. Visitors can explore indoor exhibits and outdoor enclosures where they can observe native Illinois wildlife while learning about conservation and human impacts on natural habitats.
15. Brookfield Zoo
PREMIER WILDLIFE DESTINATION
Brookfield Zoo stands as one of the Chicago area's most significant wildlife attractions, located a short drive from Hickory Hills in the village of Brookfield. Spanning over 200 acres, the zoo houses approximately 2,000 animals representing more than 500 species in naturalistic habitats designed to promote both animal welfare and visitor education. The facility offers year-round programming including special exhibits, behind-the-scenes tours, and seasonal events that make each visit a unique experience for families and nature enthusiasts.