So many eggs, so little time. Your little detectives can hone their skills as they hop, run and walk to find Easter eggs all over Chicago and the ‘burbs. These hunts will have you zipping around parks and zoos and even sneaking around in the dark. Expect candy, toys, prizes and more. Try to contain your egg-citement and let the hunt begin.
Egg Hunt at Senior Citizens Memorial
Join Friends of Holstein Park for a morning egg hunt and decorate a flower pot as a welcome to spring. Egg hunt for ages 0-4 at 10 a.m., followed by a hunt for ages 5 & up at 10:30 a.m. Please be sure to bring along a basket.
Apr. 2, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.; 2228 N. Oakley Ave., Bucktown; More info.
Flashlight Egg Hunt at Iron Oaks
Load the flashlight with batteries and head out for this twist on the traditional egg hunt. First up is craft time and then kids hit the trails to find treat-filled eggs hidden in the woods.
Apr. 8, 7:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.; 20000 Western Ave., Olympia Fields; More info.
Eggventures in Wonderland at NEWCITY
Join Alice & Friends for family fun with a holiday Easter Egg Hunt featuring over 30,000 eggs pre-stuffed with toys and candy. Find the magical, coveted “Golden Eggs” to win prizes from behind the looking glass. Meet Alice in Wonderland characters while enjoying music, face painting, balloon artists and treats & beverages for kids and adults.
Apr. 9, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.; 1457 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park; More info.
Egg Hunt at Commercial Club
Celebrate Easter with music, games, free arts and crafts and 3 egg hunts split by age: 2 & under, ages 3-5 and 10 & under.
Apr. 9, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; 1845 W. Rice St., Ukrainian Village; More info.
Egg Hunt at West Lawn
Kids ages 3-12 are invited for a fun-filled egg hunt.
Apr. 9, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 4233 W. 65th, West Lawn; More info.
Little Beans Cafe Easter Party
Little Beans Cafe invites families for an Easter celebration. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance so parents can take photos and kids will be treated to an egg hunt, pizza, snacks, crafts and playtime.
Apr. 10, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; 430 Asbury, Evanston; More info.
Eggs-trordinary Egg Hunt & Flashlight Egg Hunt
Glen Ellyn is offering two chances to fill your baskets. Search with the lights out for the Flashlight Hunt on the 14th, or go the next morning for well-lit fun at the Eggs-trordinary Egg Hunt. Bring baskets and join in for these crazy egg-filled events with a chance to meet and snap a pic with Glen Ellyn's Hopper Cottontail.
Apr. 14; Churchill Park, 240 Geneva Rd., Glen Ellyn; More info.
Apr. 15, Mary Knoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn; More info.
Easter Egg-Stravaganza at LPZ
Start your morning rubbing elbows with the Easter bunny at Lincoln Park Zoo's Easter Egg-Stravaganza. The day will include an egg hunt, photos with the bunny and other characters, rides on the carousel and train, music and outdoor activities and games.
Apr. 16, 8 a.m.-noon; 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park. More info.
Bunny Rock 5K and Egg Hunt
Hop, skip and run for a great cause. Support the Red Door Animal Shelter while your gang runs or walks through this bunny-filled 5K. After the race, candy lovers won’t want to miss the massive Egg Dash, for kids ages 2-10.
Apr. 16, 9 a.m. (egg hunt at 10:15 a.m.); Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Dr., Uptown; More info.
Hop 'N' Stop in Northcenter
Go on an egg-hunting mission around your beloved Northcenter businesses, and see who can collect the most eggs. After all the eggs are gone, everyone can party in the Town Square with scrumptious nibbles and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.
Apr. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 4017 N. Damen Ave. Northcenter; More info.
Eggstravaganza at Kennicott Park
This free family-friendly event for ages 3-12 features an egg hunt, games, food, face painting and arts & crafts.
Apr. 16, noon-2 p.m.; 4434 S. Lake Park Ave., Kenwood; More info.
Spring Egg Scramble in Wheeling
Hit the turf at Wheeling High School's football field for fun, games and a free Easter egg hunt. There will be a giveaway bag for the first 500 kids.
Apr. 16, 10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m.; Wheeling High School, 900 S. Elmhurst Rd., Wheeling; More info.
Egg Hunt at Brainerd Park
Kids ages 3-13 are invited for a festive egg hunt, arts & crafts, games and more.
Apr. 16, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; Brainerd Park, 1246 W. 92nd St., Washington Heights; More info.
Egg Hunt at Sheridan Park
Enjoy a free Easter egg hunt for kids ages 3-12.
Apr. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 910 S. Aberdeen St., University Village; More info.
Going green has never been more fun than when you’ve got your own little leprechauns on the loose. From parades to “greening of the fountains,” Atlanta is one lucky place to be. Here are our favorite spots around town to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade: Saturday, March 12
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The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, which dates back to 1848, is one of the oldest parades of its kind in the U.S. and longest running event in Atlanta’s history. It returns to the streets of Midtown. The family-friendly event will feature highlights such as the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and the world’s largest walking flag, which is carried by dozens of marchers. Previous year’s parades were attended by more than 80,000 spectators, so plan to get there early via MARTA.
Where: Peachtree St. and 16th St. in Midtown from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Online:atlantastpats.com
Smyrna St. Patrick's Day Fest: Thursday, March 17 and Saturday, March 19
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Paddy like no one's watching at the 18th Annual St. Paddy's Day Festival at the Smyrna Market Village, and little clovers are welcome to join Thursday afternoon and all day Saturday. 13 years and younger get in free. The weekend will have brew-tiful weather accompanied by live music, the dyeing of the fountain green by Smyrna's mayor (Thursday 6 p.m.), Cornhole ATL, drink specials, and games for the little clovers all day long!
Where: Smyrna Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Rd. Smyrna Online:facebook.com
ShamRock The Station: Thursday, March 17
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Central Park will be turning green with free activities and music all day, including musicians, stilt walkers, airbrush tattoo artists, balloon artists, Irish dancers, and bagpipes.
Experience a purely gold St. Patrick's Day celebration during Luck of Avalon! Calling all lads, lassies, and little leprechauns! Join us on Friday, March 11th as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Avalon style at Luck of Avalon. Get ready to sham-ROCK the night away in the Plaza with special performances from King O'Sullivan School of Irish Dance + North Georgia Pipes and Drums, live music, Irish flair + of course, green beer.
Worth the Drive: Shamrock City (Rock City Gardens) March 12, 13, 19 & 20
Up for a day trip? Then visit Rock City's annual St. Patrick's Day festival. It's less than a two-hour drive north of Atlanta—and you'll enjoy traditional Irish food (and some non-traditional like green fudge!) plus learn an Irish jig. Take a fun family picture with a St. Patty's-themed costume character. Before you leave, make sure you stop by the Blarney Stone Climbing Wall, where kids can win a "lucky surprise" for reaching the top.
Where: Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Online:www.seerockcity.com
Now that you have kids, you may think celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a distant (and perhaps foggy) memory. Well, think again. From the northern ‘burbs to the far south side, there’s something for everyone looking to go green this month. Check out these family-friendly festivities and Erin Go Bragh (aka Ireland til the end of time)!
Seek Out a Sweet St. Patrick's Day Themed Treat
Charm'd
Charm'd Pop-Up. This magical pop-up is an enchanting, over-the-top, multi-room, multi-level Irish experience. Featuring wall-to-wall Irish decor, lucky charms, multiple bars, photo-ops and a whole lot of leprechaun mischief. Best news for parents? Kids are welcome during the day.
Open as of Feb. 10; 3505 N. Clark St., Lakeview. More info.
Jo Jo's Shake Bar's Candy Land. Life doesn't get any sweeter than at Jo Jo's Candy Land. In this immersive dining experience, you'll experience over-the-top shakes, biggie hot chocolates, signature cocktails and delicious diner fare.
Open through Apr. 24; 23 W. Hubbard, River North. More info.
Stans Donuts & Coffee. Satisfy sweet tooths with Chocolate Emerald Dipped, Chocolate Green Mint Dipped, Green River Glazed, Chocolate Milk Emerald and Irish Cream Bismark. Wash it all down with Green Mint Hot Chocolate.
Chicago River Dyeing. The first Mayor Daley kicked off this tradition in 1962 and every year since the Chicago River has turned bright green to kick off the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Boats speed through dropping 40 pounds of eco-safe dye that starts orange and miraculously turns green for a spectacle that lasts for a few magical hours.
Mar. 12, 9 a.m.; Best viewed along the Riverwalk between Columbus & State, Loop. More Info.
Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Elmhurst's parade features over 80 floats, Irish Dancers, the Shannon Rovers, Benny the Bull, Southpaw, Tommy Hawk, Irish musical performers and the world's largest drum. But, the parade is only the beginning. Stay for a festive day of food, music and family activities.
Mar. 5, noon; Wilson St. & Spring Rd. & continues north on Spring Rd., Elmhurst. More info.
Downtown Parade. Rain, shine, snow or sleet, since 1956 our fair city has been hosting the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus and heads north in a procession chock-full of colorful floats, bagpipes, Irish dancers, marching bands and more.
Mar. 12, noon; Columbus Dr. between Balbo & Monroe, Grant Park. More info.
West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade & 5K. A 5K chip-timed Race, Run or Walk will kick things off at a perky 8 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m through historic downtown Naperville.
Mar. 12; 8 a.m. (5K) & 10 a.m. (Parade); Downtown Naperville. More info.
South Side Irish Parade. The South Side Irish Parade began in 1979 as a small neighborhood affair that eventually grew into one of the largest celebrations outside of Dublin. The two-hour shindig features more than 90 acts meandering up Western Ave. for a day of festive flair.
Mar. 13, noon; Western Ave. between 103rd & 115th Streets. More info.
Northwest Irish Parade. The Northwest Irish Organization (NWSI) kicks off its 19th annual parade to celebrate all things Irish. With a large group of parade participants, this is always a fun-filled hour and a half for the whole family.
Mar. 13, noon; 6633 W. Raven, Norwood Park. More info.
Cruise the River
Chicago Fireboat Cruise
Chicago Fireboat Tours. The fully restored 1937 Chicago Fireboat is kicking off its season on St. Patrick's Day. Book the 8 a.m. tour to watch the annual Chicago River dyeing or book a tour in the afternoon to see it in its green glory.
Mar. 12, 9 a.m., noon & 4 p.m.; DuSable Harbor, 111 N. Lake Shore Dr., Loop. More Info.
Intro Your Kids to St. Patrick's Day-Style Fun
Gallagher Way
Shamrock'n The Block. This family-friendly pop-up pub will include beverages, tasty pub fare, live music, Irish dancers and activities for kids.
Mar. 12, noon-6:30 p.m.; Adams & Desplaines St., West Loop. More info.
St. Patrick’s Festival. Immediately following the downtown parade, head over to the Irish American Heritage Center on the northwest side for the after-party. This family-oriented annual event will include traditional and contemporary Irish music, Irish dancers, food and drink, children’s activities and an arts-and-crafts fair with an Irish flair.
Mar. 12, immediately following the parade; 4626 N. Knox Ave., Irving Park. More info.
Gallagher Way. Immerse yourself in the celebratory spirit of St. Patrick's Day with Irish dancing, music by Old Town School of Folk Music, face painting, a wandering magician, balloon artists, crafts and games. The first 500 guests receive a free cake ball from West Town Bakery.
Mar. 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; 3635 N. Clark St., Lakeview. More info.
Chicago Gaelic Park. While Chicago Gaelic Park celebrates Irish culture all year round on its 62-acre Oak Forest campus, things really ramp up for South Side Irish Sunday. With live music, an Irish feast and kids activities you'll find something that’ll excite the Irish lover in you.
Mar. 13, 1 p.m.; 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. More info.
Cantigny Park. If you’re in the mood for just a bit of shenanigans this year, gather your wee ones for a day of stories, crafts and Irish treats at Little Leprechauns.
Mar. 17, 10 a.m.; 1s151 N. Winfield Rd., Wheaton. More info.
Yorktown Center. Hit up the Yappy Hour event in the Dog Lounge that includes a St. Patrick's Day-themed selfie photo-opp, decorations and costumes along with a dog "beer" tasting and shamrock-shaped dog treats.
Mar. 17, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Yorktown Center, 203 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard. More info.
If you’re going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’ve got to do it right. Wear green, learn the lyrics to The Unicorn and take your taste buds on a tour of Ireland. Chicago has no shortage of spots to sample the best of what Ireland has to offer. Here are our favorites:
Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant. Chief O’Neill’s could not feel more authentic if it were in the heart of county Cork itself. Home to the Irish Music School of Chicago, Chief O’Neill’s serves up traditional dishes such as lamb stew, shepherd’s pie, and Guinness-infused meatloaf. With live traditional Irish music and a “little leprechauns” menu featuring more American than Irish fare, you can’t go wrong!
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro. The Chicago Tribune called Mrs. Murphy’s “one of Chicago’s most authentic Irish restaurants," and for good reason. The menu is vast, with everything from a traditional Irish breakfast to Guinness mac n’ cheese to award-winning barbecue—not to mention its intriguing collection of craft beers and vast whiskey selection.
Quigley’s Irish Pub. Talk about authentic… Quigley’s was designed and built in Ireland and then shipped to its current location in downtown Naperville. The interior includes an authentic antique fireplace and bookcases from Dublin and custom glass and Irish prints fill the walls. Of course, the menu is filled with traditional Irish favorites, such as corned beef, lamb stew and beef braised with Guinness.
Irish Times Pub. The Irish Times is a unique combination of old-school tradition and new-school thinking. Inside this “cozy cottage” you’ll find genuine Irish whiskeys, ales and beers (and faces) behind the bar. If you could see the back office, you’d find a progressive recycling program, a commitment to efficient gas and electric usage and a dedication to sourcing as much local produce as possible, including beers from local craft breweries. These ingredients are used in classic, homemade favorites such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and fish & chips, all from family recipes.
Ballydoyle Pub. Enjoy a special St. Pat’s Family Day at Ballydoyle! Take the kids to the pub, Mar. 12, 10 a.m (Aurora). & Mar. 13, 11 a.m. (Downers Grove) for Irish brunch featuring family activities, crafts, live music and dancing. The traditional pub menu is filled with Irish classics including boxty (a potato pancake folded over and filled with different meats and vegetables) and Irish bread pudding.
28 W. New York St., Aurora & 5157 Main St., Downers Grove; ballydoylepub.com
Bring Home the Grub
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Throwing a St. Paddy’s bash at your place? Get all the goods for your guests at these Irish import shops and markets:
Gaelic Imports. Since 1957, Gaelic Imports has carried the largest selection of Irish groceries in the Midwest, including freshly made sausage rolls, bridies, steak & kidney pies and soda bread to name a few. Oh, and if you’re looking for something to wear to a party or a vessel to serve the punch, they sell clothes and Galway crystal too.
Jack & Pat’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop. This is the epitome of a family-run business. Started by brothers Jack Powers and Kenneth Patrick Powers in 1972, the quaint and aptly named old-fashioned butcher shop is now run by three of Jack’s children. If you’re in the southwest suburbs, be sure to stop at Jack & Pat’s for every kind of meat you can imagine, or have them cater your corned beef and cabbage dinner.
Mariano's. Stock up on Irish from the international aisle to the bakery. Look for Green River Soda (local to Chicago), Guinness Chips (thick-cut, crisped and seasoned with barley and hops), Barry's Tea (an Irish household staple), Mariano's Soda Bread (baked fresh daily), Bailey's Irish Cream (needs no introduction), Reuben Sausages (handmade with corned beef and sauerkraut, Kerrygold Butter (use milk sourced from grass-fed cows) and Jameson Ginger Ale & Lime (ready-to-drink canned cocktail with ginger ale, lime and Jameson Irish Whiskey).
