Everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. However, you don’t have to travel to the city or step foot in an Irish bar this March to have some St. Patrick’s Day fun with your little leprechauns. Lake County is full of storytimes, festivals, parades, and more for the whole family to enjoy, and we have rounded them up in a list just for you.
St. Patrick’s Day for Families
Events are listed chronologically. Events that require pre-registration had open spots available at the time of publication. Little Lake County is not responsible for full events, cancellations or changes. Please be sure to click the links for the full information on each event.
St. Patrick’s Day Showcase
March 8, 4:30 p.m
Lake Forest Academy
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the O’Hare Irish Dancers! Dancers of all ages and levels will showcase their talents. Tickets are $15 each (cash only) at the door and children 12 & younger are free! Before the performance, there will be light snacks, refreshments, raffles, photo-ops, and more!
Leprechaun Traps
March 12, 4:00 p.m.
Round Lake Area Public Library
Try your luck at catching a leprechaun! Create a trap using a box and other materials/ Dress for mess. Space is limited, first-come, first-served. For children ages 5-9.
11th Annual Barrington Celtic Fest
March 13 – March 17
McGonigal’s Pub & The Loft, Barrington
This annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration stretches over several days in the heart of downtown Barrington! This year’s festival will be smaller and contained entirely in the Pub. See website for the entertainment schedule.
Shamrock the Block
March 13-15
Wauconda
Events all weekend long including a Leprechaun plunge and Community Shaving event to support St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Live music all weekend at Middleton’s on Main. See the website for a full schedule of events.
St. Patrick’s Day Cookie Decorating *registration required*
March 14, 10:00 a.m.
Pinstripes, Northbrook
Cost: $15/child
Kick-off your Saturday morning with Cookie Decorating for St. Patrick’s Day. Tickets required and include a complimentary kids meal.
St. Paddy’s Rainbow Cupcakes * registration required*
March 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Taste Buds Kitchen, Bannockburn
$29 per child with one caregiver included.
Come cook with TBK and learn how to make an oh-so-delicious cupcake with rainbow colors in the cake. For children ages 2-8 with a caregiver.
Storytime featuring Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase
March 14, 11:00 a.m.
Barnes & Noble – Mellody Farms, Deer Park, Deerfield
Will it be Pete the Cat’s lucky day or will he learn that luck takes work in this charming book? Find out at Storytime, and stay for delightful activities afterward
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Steps off from Palombi School, 133 McKinley Ave., Lake Villa
The parade begins at noon, followed by the annual corned beef and cabbage luncheon at the VFW.
St. Patrick’s Day Fun
March 14, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dunbar Recreation Center, Mundelein
Cost: $12 residents, $15 non-residents
Calling all lads and lassies! Wear green and be a part of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration! If you enjoy games, activities, crafts, and food, you are in luck! Join the fun and show your Irish spirit! For children ages 3 – 11.
St. Patrick’s Day Fun Nite *registration required*
March 14, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Lake Zurich Family Martial Arts
Cost: $35 each, $25 each additional child
Fun nite will include pizza, group pictures, games, crafts, and a movie. For children age 4-12 registered by March 11.
St. Patrick’s Day Party
March 16, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Bella’s Bouncies Skate on Grand, 720 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake
Cost is $11 per person/$18 per couple includes admission, skate rental, Dress as a leprechaun and your admission is FREE. Enjoy games, a bounce house, a “selfie” photo booth, festive drinks and more.
Kids Cooking Class – St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charm Rice Krispie Treats
*tickets required*
March 15, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Maggiano’s Little Italy, Vernon Hills
Admission is $25 kids and $15 adults
Join the chefs of Maggiano’s and learn how to make a delicious treat! Following the Chef guided activity; a wonderful brunch will be served for the kids and parents. One adult required per group.
How to Build a Leprechaun Trap *registration required*
March 15, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Takiff Center, Glencoe
Cost: $8 residents/ $10 non-residents
Build a leprechaun trap for you to bring home and catch that elusive leprechaun! Light refreshments will be served. Recommended for ages 2-6 accompanied by a parent or guardian.
St. Patrick’s Day Crafts *registration required*
March 16, 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Waukegan Public Library
Children in Kindergarten through second grade are invited to come and make a variety fo wacky St. Patrick’s Day crafts.
St. Patrick’s Day Party
March 17, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Bella’s Bouncies, Lake Villa
Cost is $10 wear green and
Dress as a leprechaun and your admission is FREE.
Rockin’ St. Patrick’s Day
March 17, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Rockin’ Jump, Buffalo Grove
Parent and first child, $10.
There will be arts and crafts for the kids and sweets and coffee for the adults. Kids can play on hundreds of trampolines and jump with our leaping leprechaun.
St. Patrick’s Day Party
March 17, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Bella’s Bouncies, Volo
Cost is $10 per jumper. Wear green and
Dress as a leprechaun and your admission is FREE.
St. Patrick’s Family Swim Night
March 21, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Waukegan Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatic Center
Join the Waukegan Park District for crafts, yummy snacks, swimming, and fun games. Admission to the indoor aquatics center will be $4 per resident family and $6 per non-resident family.
How will you be showing off your Irish on St. Patrick’s Day?
Find more ideas for family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day activities, recipes and more at St. Patrick’s Day in Lake County.
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