Paint the Town Green with These Kid-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events

Paint the town green with these kid-friendly activities.

Wondering what to do for St. Patrick’s Day with kids? As much as we love the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade and seeing the green Chicago River, there is even more shamrockin’ fun you can have with the entire family.

Read our picks below of special events celebrating Irish culture and check out our calendar for more St. Patrick’s Day events for kids. 

St. Patrick’s Day Events in the City

Leprechaun’s Pot of Gold – Grab and Go at Vodak-East Side Branch

March 1, 2024

Ages 5-13 can stop at Vodak-East Side Branch to pick up a kit to see what happens when you mix certain items in a Leprechaun’s Pot of Gold. 

St. Patrick’s Day Event at Gallagher Way

March 10, 2024

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. There will be green beer, specialty cocktails and Irish coffee, too. 

Arts and Crafts for Kids: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at South Chicago Branch

March 11, 2024

Ages 6-13 can enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day arts and crafts activity at South Chicago Branch. 

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Gage Park Branch

March 13, 2024

All ages can enjoy games and a delicious green treat to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Make sure to wear green. Registration required. 

St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt at Edgebrook Branch

March 13, 2024

Ages 4 and up can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by finding the shamrocks hidden in the library. Win a prize while supplies last. Registration required. 

St. Patrick’s Day Bingo at Mount Greenwood Branch

March 14, 2024 

Ages 3 and up can come out to the library for St. Patrick’s Day themed stories and Bingo. Registration required.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Little Italy Branch

March 14, 2024 

Ages 3-13 can enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with an arts and crafts activity at Little Italy Branch.

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.

2024 South Side Irish Parade

March 17, 2024

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. 

St. Paddy’s Day Scavenger Hunt for Teens at Back of the Yards Branch

March 18, 2024 

Ages 13 and up can join the library for a scavenger hunt in celebration of St. Paddy’s Day. Find the clues to win prizes.

The Luck of the Irish (2001) at Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch

March 21, 2024 

Ages 3 and up can watch the classic Disney channel movie, The Luck of the Irish at Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch. It’s about a teenager that learns he’s part leprechaun after he loses his lucky charm.

St. Patrick’s Day Events in the North/Northwest Suburbs

Find the Leprechaun

March 5-10 and 12-17, 2024

  • Address: Various Winnetka Park District locations
  • Cost: Free

For two weeks in March, park visitors can search for Lucky the Leprechaun, a stuffed animal. Check Facebook for clues and make sure to bring your camera to snap a picture of the little guy. The first five people that share the picture of Lucky will receive a $10 gift card to a local Winnetka business.

St. Patty’s Day Skate at IceLand Ice Arena

March 16, 2024

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 pre-registration required.

St. Patrick’s Day Events in the South Suburbs 

Oak Forest Fleadh

March 2, 2024

  • Address: Downtown Oak Forest
  • Cost: Free/parade, $35/5K

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. 

St. Patrick’s Day Events in the Western Suburbs

Elmhurst Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 9, 2024

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

March 9, 2024

  • Address: Downtown Naperville
  • Cost: Free

Residents will be able to celebrate their Irish heritage by joining the West Suburban Irish for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade kicks off on the corner of Mill Street and 5th Avenue, heads south on Mill to Jackson, crosses over to Main St. and ends at Water Street.

This post is updated annually.


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