Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Wilder Park - 8:00 AM
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St. Patrick's Day 2022: Kid-Friendly Events and Parades in Chicago
St. Patrick’s Day parades in Chicago are among some of the best in the country. From the famous Chicago River dyeing to local St. Patrick's Day parades on every side of the city and suburbs, we’ve rounded up some of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades and events for kids. While many of the usual festivities took a break over the past two years, almost all the staple events are back this year, and even some new additions for the wee ones.
For more fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with kids check out our Funny Leprechaun Tricks and Trap Ideas for Kids as well as our list of the Best Things to do in March with Kids.
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St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Chicago
Don't miss this yearly St. Patrick's Day spectacle in Chicago. Photo courtesy of conciergepreferred.com
Chicago River Dyeing
10:00 – Saturday, March 12thEvery year before the annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade, the city dyes the Chicago River bright emerald green. To kick off the parade and the city’s love for the holiday, the event is televised on ABC 7, and you can also pop down to the river early in the morning to see the Plumbers Local 130 in boats dye the river before the crowds set up for the parade later that day. The river dyeing takes place West of Columbus to East of Orleans at 10:00.
Grant Park parade in Chicago. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Grant Park
12:15 – Saturday, March 12thThe Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade is back. The parade will begin at 12:15 at Balbo and Columbus. The parade will go down from Buckingham Fountain down Columbus. Take public transportation if you can and arrive early to get a good view. If you’re not up for the crowds, the parade will also be broadcast on ABC 7.
St. Charles has a St. Patrick's Day parade near Chicago. Photo courtesy of stcharlesil.gov
St. Charles St. Patrick’s Day Parade
2:00 – Saturday, March 12thThe city of St. Charles will host its parade this year along with several other fun, family-friendly events. The opening ceremony begins at 10:00 with Irish dancing and entertainment including bagpipers. The parade kicks off on Main Street at 2:00. You’ll also find fun photo ops and St. Patrick’s Day specials and themed menus throughout the business district.
Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade
10:00 – Saturday, March 12thNaperville-area families can enjoy the downtown Naperville St. Patrick’s Day parade that draws over 15,000 spectators. The parade will step off at the corner of Mill Street and 5th Avenue continuing to Jackson and ending at Water Street. The parade begins at 10:00.
Photo courtesy of Kate Gardiner, Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
South Side Irish Parade – Beverly
12:00 – Sunday, March 13thThe South Side Irish Parade is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day events in the city. The parade begins at noon at 103rd and Western and continues south to 115th and Western. The parade will run for approximately two hours.
Northwest Side Irish Parade – Norwood Park
12:00 – Sunday, March 13thThe Northwest Side Irish Parade will take place on Sunday, March 13th. The parade step-off time is 12:00 and the parade will run approximately 1.5 hours. The parade festivities begin at Neola and Raven and the parade continues down Northwest Highway to Harlem.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Events
Shamrock’n the Block – West Loop
12:00 – 6:00 - Saturday, March 12thAfter the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade head on over to Old St. Pat’s annual parade day block party. Shamrock’n the Block features live music, a pop-up bar, Irish dining, bagpipes, Irish dancing, and tons of fun kids’ activities including dance lessons, a balloon artist, a magic show, crafts, and more. Kids under five are free.
Clover Hunt at Fischer Farm – Bensenville
10:30 – 12:30 Saturday, March 12thKids ages 2-7 can test their luck in the annual clover hunt hosted by Fischer Farm. The leprechaun has left magic clovers and clues to lead kids to the pot of gold. In addition to the clover hunt, there are also crafts and special treats available.
St. Patrick’s Day at Gallagher Way
11:00 – 3:00 Sunday, March 13thEnjoy this free event in the heart of Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way. With live Irish music, mini dancing lessons, face painting, crafts, balloons, and a magician, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy. This event is FREE to the public.
Photo courtesy of shamrockshuffle.com
Shamrock Shuffle – Millennium Park
8:30 – Sunday, March 20thThe Shamrock Shuffle is one of the most well-known fun runs in the city. The 8-mile run is for adults starting at 8:30; however, big kids may enjoy the 2-mile walk that steps off at 9:30. After the race, there’s a live music post-party until 1:30. Walk with your older kids or come out to support the runners often dressed the part in bright green.
Dance fans might like to learn Irish stepping at this free St. Patrick's Day event in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Harling School of Irish Dance, Facebook
Irish Dance - Brookfield
11:00 – Monday, March 28thIf you have a budding little Irish dancer, check out this free Irish dance lesson and fun obstacle course at the Brookfield Public Library. This class is taught by the Harling School of Irish Dance and it’s completely free for kids ages 5-12.
