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20 Fun and FREE Things to Do in Chicago March 2024 with Kids

Easter Eggstravaganza Event. Photo by Lisa Miller Photography, courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
Easter Eggstravaganza Event. Photo by Lisa Miller Photography, courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
2/25/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for things to do in March in Chicago? Here's a list of our favorite kid-friendly activities in Chicago this March.

Chicago in March means spring has (almost) sprung, and both kids and parents are looking forward to sunnier days ahead. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Chicago in March. It's maple syrup season, and families can learn how it's made at events all over town. 

St. Patrick's Day events are in full force—check out the dyeing of the Chicago River and St. Patrick's Day Parades downtown, on the South Side, or in Forest Park. If you're not Irish (and/or don't want to be "Chi-rish" for the day), you could also check out Holi at Navy Pier, or Persian Norwuz in Hyde Park. Easter is March 31 this year, so egg hunts and bunny events occur in March. Check out some of our favorites in Lincoln Park, Naperville, and Tinley Park.

 

Best Things To Do in Chicago in March

Maple Sugaring at Kline Creek Farm

West Chicago - FREE
Saturdays and Sundays through March 31
Kids can learn where the syrup on their pancakes comes from at this event at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Using tools from the 1890s, experts will demonstrate how to tap a tree, check collection buckets, and thicken sap over the fire. READ MORE

Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show: Sweet Gnome Chicago

Lincoln Park - FREE
Daily through May
From the end of February to Mother's Day, see this flower show that combines flowers and fun to celebrate all that is Spring! Nearly 300 gnomes of many sizes and materials will hang out in all the display houses, with a particular focus on the Show House. There, vignettes of the whimsical creatures are set amongst vibrant and gorgeous spring flowering shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs. READ MORE

Dino Day at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Oak Brook
March 2, 2024
Drop by the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art to learn all about dinosaurs through hands-on activities. Learn about Mary Anning, the first female fossilist, touch real fossils, complete puzzles, and make your own fossil imprint to take home. READ MORE

DuPage Comic Con

Wheaton
March 4, 2024
Might Con presents the very best new local comic artists along with special guests and deals from comic book and toy vendors at DuPage County Fairgrounds. Free comics, free parking and free admission for kids make this a great day for comic lovers. READ MORE

Persian Nowruz Celebration

Hyde Park
March 9, 2024
The ISAC Museum hosts a Persian Nowruz Celebration—a celebration of the Persian New Year. Guests can enjoy coloring eggs, visiting a Haft-Seen table, hunting for artifacts in the galleries, and watching performances of Persian music and dance! READ MORE

90-Second Newbery Film Festival - Chicago Screening

Downtown - FREE
March 9, 2024
The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual video contest in which kid filmmakers create short movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery award-winning books in just a few minutes. Creative takes are encouraged: think Charlotte's Web as a horror movie, or The Tale of Desperaux as a musical! READ MORE

Fairly Grimm Tales at the Mudlark Theatre

Evanston
March 14-17, 2024
Once upon a time…You’ve heard the story of Hansel & Gretel, Jack & the Beanstalk, and Goldilocks. But you’ve never heard it quite like this. Join Mudlark for a zany, sometimes dark, but always funny journey through these beloved fairy tales. READ MORE

Maple Syrup Festival at River Trail Nature Center

Northbrook - FREE
March 17, 2024
This festival includes tree tapping, maple syrup samples, games, and crafts. You will even get to learn a bit about the history of maple syrup. READ MORE

Holi at Navy Pier

Downtown - FREE
March 23, 2024
Navy Pier hosts Holi, the Hindu festival of colors! Live music, educational programming and food from Bombay Wraps will be available in the AON Grand Ballroom.Colored powder will be available while supplies last from 1pm-4pm in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. READ MORE

Beauty and the Beast

Beverly
Wednesdays through Fridays throughout March 2024
Chicago Kids Company - Theater for Children (CKC) presents Beauty and the Beast.  Don’t miss Chicago Kids Company’s newest show! Full of comedy, romance, and plenty of audience participation! This one-hour musical adaptation will be geared for children ages 2-10.  READ MORE
Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day. photo courtesy of Lawnstarter
Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day. photo courtesy of Lawnstarter

St. Patrick's Day Events

Oak Forest Fleadh

Oak Forest - FREE
March 2, 2024
Visit South Suburban Oak Forest for a variety of St. Patrick's Day festivities. This year's event will include a 5k, a parade, and crafts for kids. Families can hunt for a $1,000 golden ticket along the parade route. READ MORE

Forest Park St. Patrick's Day Parade

Forest Park - FREE
March 2, 2024
Forest Park's St. Patrick's Day Parade along Madison Street includes more than 70 entries featuring Irish dancers, bagpipers, marching bands, local businesses, and Medinah Shriners parade units. Visitors can continue the celebration at local dining establishments along Madison Street. READ MORE

Naperville St. Patrick's Day Parade

Naperville - FREE
March 9, 2024
Families can watch more than 100 parade entries including floats, cars, bands, dancers, and singers make their way through downtown Naperville at this event sponsored by West Suburban Irish. The parade starts at Naperville North High School and proceeds south on Mill Street to Jefferson, east on Jefferson to Main, and south on Main, ending at Water Street. READ MORE

The Dyeing of the Chicago River & St. Patrick's Day Parade

Downtown - FREE
March 16, 2024
The Irish and Irish at heart can join the City of Chicago in the annual dyeing of the Chicago River in honor of St. Patrick's Day. The best place to see the dyeing is the intersection of Michigan Avenue, Wacker Drive, and the river. READ MORE

South Side Irish Parade

Beverly - FREE
March 17, 2024
The South Side Irish Parade will step off at noon from 103rd & Western and proceed south down Western Avenue to 115th Street. The Parade is one of the largest community-based St. Patrick's Day Parades outside of Ireland. READ MORE

Easter Egg Hunts and Bunny Photos in Chicago

Hoppy Easter Festival

Naperville
March 23, 2024
Take a walk down the Bunny Trail in Naperville's Safety Town. Kids can enjoy an egg hunt, treat stations, a photo op with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, live bunnies, and an instrument petting zoo. READ MORE

Eggstravaganza Swim

Tinley Park
March 24, 2024
Search for eggs in the pool at Tinley Fitness at this first annual event. Kids can play Easter-themed pool games and win special prizes. READ MORE

PJ's & Pizza at Enchanted Castle

Lombard
March 22, 2024
Bring your family and friends and join Enchanted Castle for its first-ever “PJ’s & Pizza” Easter special! Enjoy pajama party fun with the special PJ’s & Pizza Package, which includes a mini 7” cheese pizza, 12 oz. soft drink, $10 in gameplay plus 1 premium attraction* for only $20 per guest. The Easter Bunny will also be stopping by from 6-8pm to visit guests and for photo opportunities! READ MORE

Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Easter Egg Hunt

Oak Brook
March 24, 2024
Join Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook for a fun-filled Easter egg hunt! Get ready to hop around and search for eggs hidden throughout our beautiful grounds (weather permitting). Bring your family and friends for a day of excitement and laughter. READ MORE
Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins
Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins

More Things To Do in Chicago this Season

Secrets To Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago With Kids

An app for kids makes it more fun, plus where to find the masterpieces! READ MORE

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Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families

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100 FREE Things to Do In Chicago with Kids

Want to have fun in Chicago with the kids without busting your wallet? Here are 100 great, family-friendly things to do that are FREE. READ MORE

Best Coffee Shops in Chicago to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine

The best kid-friendly places for grownups to get caffeinated. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Harold Washington Library Center
Naperville North High School
Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center