When raising kids, life can get busy with school, sports practices, dance classes and other extracurricular activities. That’s why it’s sometimes helpful to plan ahead when searching for exciting events and attractions in Chicagoland. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with kids this month.
There are many happenings around Chicagoland in the month of March. Check out Women’s History Month events, Maple Sugaring events and St. Patrick’s Day events.
Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of kid-friendly events in Chicago and the suburbs. You can also find more family events listed in our calendar.
Best March Family Events in Chicago
This month, many Chicago Public Libraries are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and Women’s History Month. Celebrate the annual Chicago River Dying and Parade happening on March 16 this year. Find even more March events in Chicago on our calendar.
Flyover Chicago Opening at Navy Pier
Opens March 1, 2024
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Pre-sale tickets are $24/adults 14+ and $14/children 13 and under | Get tickets
Come out to Flyover, the immersive attraction that transports guests to the planet’s most epic places through exhilarating flying journeys. This multi-sensory experience, which incorporates leading drone technologies along with impressive aerial shots and first person-narratives, will showcase the city from perspectives never seen before.
Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
March 2, 9 and 16, 2024
- Address: 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $42/adult, $26/ages 18 and under | Get tickets
This 75-minute adaptation of Romeo and Juliet will be told in Shakespeare’s own words and speaks to today’s youth about their own lives. The ASL and Open Caption performance will take place on March 9.
Jurassic Quest at Navy Pier
March 8-10, 2024
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $36/unlimited admission, $22/general admission | Get tickets
Check out this dinosaur event which has more than 100 animatronic dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides and live dino shows. There will be opportunities to visit with one-of-a-kind baby dinosaurs plus interactive activities and plenty of photo ops. Pre-purchase of tickets encouraged.
Winter Wonderland at Garfield Park Conservatory
March 9, 2024
- Address: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy the Winter Wonderland at Garfield Park Conservatory with fort building, whammy doodles, fairy furniture, s’mores and more.
St. Patrick’s Day Event at Gallagher Way
March 10, 2024
- Address: 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Immerse yourselves in all things Irish with traditional live music, as well as a performance by the Trinity Irish Dancers. There will be plenty of activities for the little ones, including face painting, balloon artists, arts and crafts and more. Enjoy green beer, specialty cocktails and Irish coffee, too.
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade & River Dyeing
March 16, 2024
- Address: Downtown Chicago
- Cost: Free
The 2024 theme is “Mental Health is Essential.” This annual parade typically features more than 200 floats and marching bands. Chicago will also dye the Chicago River green in celebration.
Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure at The Chicago Theatre
March 16-17, 2024
- Address: 175 N. State St., Chicago
- Cost: $45-plus | Get tickets
Join Skye, Chase, Marshall and all the heroic pups to save the day and find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger.
2024 South Side Irish Parade
March 17, 2024
- Address: 103rd Ave. and Western St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy an alcohol-free parade on Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th on Chicago’s South Side. Expect high school bands, bagpipe bands and more. It is the largest community-based parade on St. Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland.
Global Connections: Holi Presented by Comed at Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier
March 23, 2024
- Address: 840 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
This Holi event features live music from an outdoor DJ, dancing, educational programming and the iconic powder throwing.
The Diary of Anne Frank at The Greenhouse Theater Center
Through March 24, 2024
- Address: 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $25/12-plus, $19/11 and younger | Get tickets
Ages 10-plus can see the Young People’s Theatre of Chicago’s new one-act adaptation based on Anne Frank’s diary entries. Also, view the lobby exhibit from the Anne Frank Center, free of charge.
Peter Pan at James M. Nederlander Theatre
March 26-April 7, 2024
- Address: 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: $36.50-plus | Get tickets
Enjoy this high-flying musical in which Tinker Bell visits the bedroom of the Darling children late one night to take them on a magical journey.
Mad Hatter at Berger (Albert) Park
March 30, 2024
- Address: 6205 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago
- Cost: $5/child | Register
Ages 2-10 can meet the Mad Hatter at this egg hunt event. There will also be crafts, dancing and face painting. Bring your own bag or basket. Registration recommended.
Blue Man Group Chicago at Briar Street Theatre
Through March 31, 2024
- Address: 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: $49-$69 | Get tickets
Experience new instruments, technologies and audience participation at the Blue Man Group Chicago. This family-friendly performance is great for ages 3 and up.
Circusville: Play Under the Big Top at Chicago Children’s Museum
Through Sept. 7, 2024
- Address: 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $21/person, free/under 1 | Get tickets
Children can join the circus where littles can express themselves, unleash their imaginations, explore their skills, embrace new challenges and shine. Registration recommended.
Best March Family Events in the North/Northwest Suburbs
This month, there are some really great family-friendly performances and Maple Sugaring events. Find even more March events in the north/northwest suburbs on our calendar.
Monster Jam at Allstate Arena
March 1-3, 2024
- Address: 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont
- Cost: $20-plus | Get tickets
Fans will witness a fierce battle for the event championship with each skilled athlete tearing up the dirt with gravity-defying feats in 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks.
Maple Syrup Hike at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
March 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, 2024
- Address: 21950 Riverwoods Road, Deerfield
- Cost: $7/ages 4-plus resident, $9/ages 4-plus non-resident, free/under 3 | Register
Learn how trees produce the sweet sap of sugar maples. Everyone gets a taste of the syrup. Dress for the weather. Adult supervision required. Registration required.
BRAND-NEW LEGO NINJAGO Dragon’s Rising Event at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
Through March 10, 2024
- Address: 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg
- Cost: $21.99-plus | Get tickets
Families can become Spinjitzu masters during the all-new LEGO NINJAGO Dragon’s Rising Event. The event includes collecting limited edition dragon power pop badges and stickers; building the baby dragon, Riyu; having an epic dance party; and more.
Disney Princess – The Concert at Rosemont Theatre
March 10, 2024
- Address: 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont
- Cost: $37.50-plus | Get tickets
See your favorite Disney songs performed by Broadway stars. This production features Broadway performers appearing as themselves. Costumed Disney characters do not appear at this event.
St. Patty’s Day Skate at IceLand Ice Arena
March 16, 2024
- Address: 8435 Ballard Road, Niles
- Cost: $13/person, $5/skate rental
Families are invited to IceLand to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with ice skating to the music of the Irish. The first 50 kids will receive swag. No registration required.
In The Heights at Marriott Theatre
Through March 17, 2024
- Address: 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
- Cost: $58-plus | Get tickets
In The Heights is a 2008 Tony Award Winning musical about a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. It was created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was also the creator of Hamilton.
Community Egg Hunt Extravaganza at Arlington Heights Historical Museum
March 23, 2024
- Address: 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights
- Cost: $10/non-member child, $4/member child | Register
Ages 10 and under can take part in the annual egg hunt on the museum grounds to find treat-filled eggs. Families can then explore the museum afterwards. Registration required.
Outdoor Egg Hunt at Oakton Park
March 30, 2024
- Address: 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy this egg hunt that will be divided into three sections based on age. Bring your own basket.
Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach at Marriott Theatre
Through March 30, 2024
- Address: 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
- Cost: $15.75-plus | Get tickets
See the adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl adventure, James and the Giant Peach, at Marriott Theatre. It’s about a boy that finds himself in a gigantic peach.
Titanic: The Exhibition at Westfield Old Orchard
Through April 21, 2024
- Address: 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
- Cost: $29.50-plus, free/under 4 | Get tickets
This immersive touring exhibition is a narrative journey that brings to light the fates of the passengers and crew aboard the sinking ship, Titanic.
Best March Family Events in the South Suburbs
This month, the south suburbs have some great Easter egg hunt events for different ages. Find even more March events in the south suburbs on our calendar.
Oak Forest Fleadh
March 2, 2024
- Address: Downtown Oak Forest
- Cost: Free/parade; $35/5K | Register
Families can enjoy the 15th year of the Oak Forest Fleadh. There will be a 5K and a family parade on Central Avenue. Hunt for the $1,000 golden ticket along the parade route. Registration required.
Mar10 Party at Homewood Public Library
March 10, 2024
- Address: 17917 Dixie Hwy., Homewood
- Cost: Free | Register
Ages 6 and up can come out to Homewood Public Library to celebrate Mario Day with activities, costumes, crafts, a photo booth and a movie. The movie begins at 3 p.m. Registration required.
Flashlight Egg Hunt at Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center
March 22, 2024
- Address: 20000 Western Ave., Olympia Fields
- Cost: $12/residents, $15/non-residents | Register
Kids ages 3-10 will grab a basket and flashlight and then head for the woods to collect eggs. Attendees can also create a spring craft. A non-paying adult must accompany the child. Registration required.
Easter Egg Hunt at Oak View Center & Museum
March 23, 2024
- Address: 4625 W. 110th St., Oak Lawn
- Cost: $6/resident, $12/non-resident | Register
The Easter Bunny drops off some fun-filled eggs so kids ages 0-8 can participate in this annual Easter Egg Hunt. The egg hunts will be age-segmented and space is limited. Registration required.
Lucky Egg Hunt at Centennial Park
March 23, 2024
- Address: 15600 West Ave., Orland Park
- Cost: Free
Ages 1-9 can come out to Centennial Park to collect Easter eggs. Find the lucky egg for a special surprise inside. The event is broken up by age categories: 1-2, 3-4, 5-7 and 8-9. Bring your own basket.
Best March Family Events in the Western Suburbs
This month, the western suburbs have some really great egg hunts, including flashlight egg hunts. Be sure to check out the annual St. Patrick’s Day parades in Elmhurst and Naperville. Find even more March events in the western suburbs on our calendar.
Forest Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Forest Park
March 2, 2024
- Address: Downtown Forest Park
- Cost: Free
Come out to see Forest Park’s 28th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade featuring 65-plus bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, local business entries, Medinah Shriner parade units, local police and fire departments and more.
Maple Sugaring at Kline Creek Farm
March 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31, 2024
- Address: 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago
- Cost: $5/suggested donation
Using tools from the 1890s, experts will demonstrate how to tap a tree, check collection buckets and thicken sap over the fire. No registration required.
Elmhurst Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9, 2024
- Address: Spring Road and Wilson Street, Elmhurst
- Cost: Free
Includes more than 80 floats, Irish Dancers, the Shannon Rovers, local team mascots – Benny the Bull, Southpaw & Tommy Hawk – Chicago Highlanders, Medinah Clowns, Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra featuring the world’s largest drum, and the York High School Marching Band.
Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Naperville
March 9, 2024
- Address: Downtown Naperville
- Cost: Free
The parade kicks off on the corner of Mill Street and 5th Avenue, heads south on Mill to Jackson, crosses over to Main Steet and ends at Water Street.
Maple Fest at Red Oak Nature Center
March 16-17, 2024
- Address: 2343 S. River St., Batavia
- Cost: $5 | Register
Enjoy a short presentation on maple trees before heading out into the woods for a short hike to learn how people through the years have tapped maple trees and collected the delicious treat. Additional refreshments will be available for purchase. Registration recommended.
Tween Flashlight Egg Hunt at Prairie Path Park
March 22, 2024
- Address: 813 Mark Twain Trail, Batavia
- Cost: $15 | Register
Tweens will receive a glow stick and if they find the golden egg, they will receive a special prize. Bring your own flashlight and bag to collect eggs. This event is for ages 9-12. Registration is required.
Aqua Egg Hunt at Oak Brook Park District Family Aquatics Center
March 28-29, 2024
- Address: 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
- Cost: $10/resident, $14/non-resident, free/parents | Register
Kids ages 0-12 can scoop up eggs filled with prizes in the pool. Participants are divided into age groups and assigned to appropriate swimming areas/depths. Families are welcome to stay and enjoy the remainder of the 90-minute event as an open swim. Registration is only for those participating in the hunt.
Flashlight Egg Hunt & Hike at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
March 29, 2024
- Address: 3795 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles
- Cost: $12/person | Register
All ages are welcome to this egg hunt and hike. Make sure to bring your flashlight in search of treat-filled eggs along the trail. Also, you will learn about different animals that lay eggs. Registration is required.
Egg Hunts at Berens Park
March 30, 2024
- Address: 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free
Doggie Eggstravaganza: Bring your four-legged friend to Berens Park for their own egg hunt. Dogs must be accompanied by at least one person over age 16. Registration is not required.
Egg Hunt: Ages 2-10 can bring their own basket to fill it at Berens Park annual egg hunt. They’ll collect eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny. Registration required..
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