St. Patrick's Day Family Fun

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is as over-the-top as you can get - the Chicago River turns from murky to bright Irish green, every bar from the north side to the south side gets ready to rock in roll at roughly 7 a.m., and you can't walk a block without stumbling (literally) across a parade or people dancing in the streets. So what does all of this drinking, dyeing, and dancing mean for families with kids? Everything! Two of the top activities for St. Patrick's Day Family Fun in Chicago are the Saint Patrick's Day Parade and the Dyeing of the Chicago River.

The Dyeing of the Chicago River is a 40-year tradition that takes place every year -- the Saturday before the actual calendar date of Saint Patrick's Day. More on this later. At around 10:45 a.m. thousands of spectators gather on the upper level bridges at Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive to watch the incredible transformation. Shortly after, they all head over to the St. Patrick's Day Parade that starts at noon. The parade has always been held the Saturday before the actual calendar date of Saint Patrick's Day just for kids. This way, they won't have to miss school!

The St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at Balboa and Columbus, then it proceeds north on Columbus Drive. A viewing stand is located in front of world-famous Buckingham Fountain.

Tips: If you can, arrive at the Dyeing of the Chicago River as early as possible as space tends to fill up quickly. Also, if you are thinking about driving - don't do it. Driving anywhere in Chicago on an average weekend day is hectic enough, so you can only imagine how impossible it will be to drive around during Chicago's wild St. Patrick Day festivities. Play it safe, use public transportation.