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Chicago’s St Patrick’s Day parade is a joy to see. Not only does the city dye the entire river green, but you’ll also get to see marching bands and amazing floats.
If you plan on bringing your children to this event, you’ll need to 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 just need to follow the right advice.
Here’s how to enjoy the festivities with you and your family.
Bring a Care Package
Parades involve spending a lot of time in the sun, and you need to prepare for that.
Bring sunscreen, wear comfortable clothing, and grab a poncho or umbrella in case of rain.
Pack anything that will help your children feel more relaxed amidst the noise and busy streets.
Staying hydrated is important even in the colder seasons, so be sure to bring your water bottle with you.
You can refill at the water stations located throughout the parade route.
Be sure to pack some granola bars, trail mix, and nuts to keep the energy up, but try to avoid sugar.
Avoid Driving on the Roads
Navigating Chicago on a regular day 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.
Know that the traffic will be detoured and the bus may be on a different route.
This may increase the chances of a bus collision, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
However, if you were unfortunately injured in a bus crash, a Chicago bus accident attorney will be able to help you out.
If you act quickly, you’ll be able to get the compensation your family deserves.
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 need to get out of the hotel by a certain time, make sure your entire family knows it.
Ask them to prepare for the parade the night before.
Research All the Events
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade typically includes the same events every single year, 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 takes place on Saturday, while the other two start on Sunday.
Most of the other events, such as the river cruise and the two neighborhood events, happen on Saturday.
You can get delicious street food on both days, so you won’t be missing out either way!
Locate the Washrooms
Before going to the parade, find a map that shows where every public restroom is located.
That way, 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 lots of pictures, make sure you pack a camera, your smartphone, and a portable charger.
Your phone can be a GPS if you ever get lost.
With that said, don’t spend too much time trying to capture the perfect picture.
Instead, be present and enjoy the parade.
Plan for an Emergency
Leaving the event is just 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, so you can leave quickly.
