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Taking the Kids to Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a joy. Not only does the city dye the entire river green, but you’ll also see marching bands and amazing floats.
If you plan on bringing your children to this event, you must plan to prevent any potential roadblocks.
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How to Prepare when Taking the Kids to Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Taking your children to Chicago’s St Patrick’s Day parade isn’t as hard as it looks; you must follow the right advice.
Here’s how to enjoy the festivities with you and your family.
Bring a Care Package
Parades involve spending much time in the sun, and you must prepare for that.
Bring sunscreen, wear comfortable clothing, and grab a poncho or umbrella in case of rain.
Pack anything to help your children relax amidst the noise and busy streets.
Staying hydrated is important even in the colder seasons, so be sure to bring your water bottle.
You can refill at the water stations located throughout the parade route.
Pack some granola bars, trail mix, and nuts to keep the energy up, but avoid sugar.
Avoid Driving on the Roads
Navigating Chicago regularly is hard enough, but getting around during St. Patrick’s Day is next to impossible.
Leave the car parked at the hotel and take the train or the bus to get around town.
The traffic will be detoured, and the bus may have to take a different route.
Arrive Early (If Possible)
Try to get a good spot early so you can see all the sights and sounds of the parade.
This will also help you avoid large crowds and traffic.
If you must leave the hotel by a certain time, ensure your entire family knows.
Ask them to prepare for the parade the night before.
Research All the Events
Taking the Kids to Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade typically includes the same events yearly, so it won’t be difficult to find a schedule and plan your day.
There are three parades: the main parade on Columbus Drive, the South Side Irish Parade, and the Northwest Side Irish Parade.
The main parade occurs on Saturday, while the other two start on Sunday.
Most other events, such as the river cruise and the two neighborhood events, happen on Saturdays.
You can get delicious street food on both days, so you won’t miss out either way!
Locate the Washrooms
Before going to the parade, find a map that shows where every public restroom is located.
You can hover around these locations if your children frequently ask to use the restroom.
You can also use that chance to rest and find the next event or admire the city of Chicago.
Bring Cameras and Chargers
If you plan on taking many pictures, pack a camera, your smartphone, and a portable charger.
Your phone can be a GPS if you ever get lost.
That said, don’t spend too much time capturing the perfect picture.
Instead, be present and enjoy the parade.
Plan for an Emergency
Leaving the event is as important as getting to it, especially if you’re a parent.
If your children start feeling ill, you’ll need to know where you can find a doctor or a hospital.
Even if everything goes right, you should still book a taxi or Uber in advance to leave quickly.
