Things College Students Can Do in Oak Lawn When Not in Class
From career-focused, hands-on training to flexible class scheduling, there are many reasons students choose Northwestern College. And with the new opening of its Oak Lawn campus, prospective students will find another motivation to consider Northwestern College – the many attractions and essential services in Oak Lawn, IL. Discover some fun things to do and see near our campus.
What to Do in Oak Lawn, IL
After a long week of studying and taking exams, students need activities to relax and socialize with friends. Luckily, Oak Lawn offers several restaurants, stores, live music venues, and other unique attractions to explore. Some highlights in and around the city include:
Centennial Park
Located next to the Community Pavilion at 93rd St. and Nashville Avenue, Centennial Park is the largest recreation area in Oak Lawn. Covering 38 acres, it features ample open space for outdoor events, an inline-skating court, and a vibrant playground. Centennial Park also hosts many adult sports leagues, including softball and volleyball.
The east side of the park showcases the Centennial Family Aquatic Center, where people of all ages come for summer fun in the water. The water park contains a 42-foot open-flume water slide, a 32-foot drop slide, a diving board, a wading pool, a splash pad, and a sand volleyball court. Guests also can rent space for pool parties.
Wolfe Wildlife Park
Nature lovers will enjoy Wolfe Wildlife Park, a natural wetlands refuge at 109th St. and Laramie Avenue. The environment is home to frogs, turtles, monarch butterflies, foxes, and raccoons. More than 100 bird species have been detected in the refuge.
Chicago Ridge Mall
Chicago Ridge Mall gives students a one-stop location for many shopping needs, from groceries and dining to retail stores featuring the latest in designer fashion. There are several entertainment opportunities for the entire family when they visit, as well.
Beverly Arts Center
Immerse yourself in the culture found at Beverly Arts Center. From musicals to live music and a visual art gallery, students can indulge in their creative passions while receiving an education at Northwestern College.
Live Entertainment
Oak Lawn, IL, is also teeming with various live entertainment venues. Grab a drink and hear local bands or visit a touring comic at one of the following locations in or around Oak Lawn:
- Reilly’s Daughter
- James Place
- The Irish Rebel Pub
- The Barrel Club
- Riddles Comedy Club
- Improv Unlimited
- The Comedy Clubhouse
Vital Services Available in Oak Lawn
While attractions are important for evening and weekend outings, students also need local services for grocery shopping, managing money, obtaining prescriptions, and similar tasks. Oak Lawn provides multiple amenities to make getting errands done conveniently with numerous services close to the campus, such as:
- Banks: Banking is easy with several major financial institutions in the area, including Fifth Third Bank, Bank of America and Chase Bank.
- Markets: For fresh groceries, head to Tony’s Fresh Market or Aldi on Cicero Avenue. You may also try Jewel-Osco or Mariano’s on 95th
- Pharmacies: Besides the pharmacies at Target and Walmart, students may also use Walgreens or CVS to pick up prescriptions.
- Fast meals: While sit-down dining is nice, it’s not always the most plausible – especially for busy college students. Options include national chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s, Subway, Portillo’s, and Los Friends Mexican Restaurant.
Enroll at Northwestern College in Oak Lawn, IL
A significant part of higher education is a well-rounded experience, and Oak Lawn is sure to deliver for students attending Northwestern College. Our healthcare and business programs give students the skills they need to pursue some of the fastest-growing jobs in the field. You will receive a career-focused education and personalized attention from highly experienced instructors. Our regional and programmatic accreditations and our student-centered approach enable us to stand out from other higher-education institutions nationwide. To learn more about our career programs and the various things to do in Oak Lawn, IL, and the greater Chicago area, request information today.