Let’s face it, 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 story times, festivals, parades, and more that your whole family can enjoy, and we have rounded up a list just for you.

St. Patrick’s Day for Families

5 March, 7:00 p.m. - McNulty Irish Dancers
Fremont Public Library, Mundelein
Registration required
Kick off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with an Irish step dancing performance by the McNulty Irish Dancers.

6 March, 6:30 p.m. - Shamrock Painting Story & Craft
Antioch Public Library District, Antioch
Registration required
After reading some books about St. Patrick’s Day, children will paint shamrocks using marshmallows.

7 March, 6:30 p.m. - St. Patrick’s Day Story and Craft
Antioch Public Library District, Antioch
Registration required
After reading some books about St. Patrick’s Day, children can create a rainbow chain.

8 March, 11:00 a.m. - Precious Prints: St. Patrick’s Day
Round Lake Area Public Library, Round Lake
Registration required; ages 2-5
Create a seasonal work of art with paint and your handprint! This keepsake is sure to be cherished. Child must be accompanied by a caregiver. Dress for mess.

9 March, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 am - Friday Fun: Leapin’ LeprechaunsChildren’s Neighborhood Museum, 814 Hart Rd., Round Lake
Cost, $12 for residents and $13 for nonresidents.
One Friday a month we will combine neighborhood playtime with theme-related activities.

10 March, 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - 11th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Potluck
Byron Colby Barn, 1561 Jones Point Rd., Grayslake
Bring a food, dessert, or drink to share as you are entertained by Prairie Fogg. This is a FREE family event.

11 March 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. KIds St. Patrick’s Day Workshop
Foundations Farm, Wauconda
This is for ages 3 to 8 with an adult. The cost is $25. 10% off for siblings. We will have a story time, learn some Sign Language and Spanish, learn about horses and St.Patrick’s Day. The kids will have an opportunity to learn an Irish Jig and we will make a Leprachaun Trap. Before we end the celebration we will enjoy a green treat and even make a St. Patrick’s Day treat to give the horses on the way out.

Photo Source McNulty School of Irish Dance Facebook Page15 March, 4:30 p.m. - Leprechaun Traps
Round Lake Area Public Library, Round Lake
Registration required; ages 6-9
Try your luck at catching a leprechaun! Create a trap using boxes and other materials. Dress for mess.

16-17 March - 8th Annual Barrington Celtic Fest
McGonigal’s Pub & The Loft, Barrington
It’s our annual big St. Patrick’s Day celebration which stretches over two days! Food, drinks, fun and lots of entertainment inside the pub and in the huge heated festival tent located right outside the front doors.

16 March, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Kids St.Paddys Workshop at Pepper Park Coffee
Pepper Park Coffee, Lake Barrington
ages 3 to 6. Children must have a parent with them at all times. We will have a storytime, make new friends, learn some Sign Language and Spanish. Then we will learn about St. Patrick’s Day and create a Leprechaun trap to take home. After creating our art we will enjoy a donut and juice. The cost of the workshop is $20. Message me your email to get registered by March 14th.\

16 March, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Leprechaun Hunt
Chick -Fil-A Vernon Hills
Come and spy with your little eyes all the Leprechaun’s hidden around the store Friday March 16th 4:00-5:00 PM. Your name could be drawn from a hat to win a Leprechaun basket. Must be present to win.

16 March 5:00 p.m. - St.Patrick’s Day Feast
Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling
Adults: $14.95 Kids: $7.95
Featuring an irish dance performance, a cash bar, and a full meal this is a very Irish way to celebrate the holidays.

17 March 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - St. Paddy’s Rainbow Cupcakes
Taste Buds Kitchen, Bannockburn
Registration required; $30 per child with one caregiver included.
Somewhere over the rainbow…. wait, scratch that. We’re making rainbows, rainbow cupcakes that is. Plain old vanilla? Boring! Bring on the the pizzazz, the color, the fireworks! Come cook with us and learn how to make an oh-so-delicious cupcake with rainbow colors in the cake. Dying to know how we do it? Become a budding chef in our kitchen as you discover all our delicious secrets!

17 March, 9:00 a.m. - St. Patrick’s Day Party at Rockin’ Jump 950 Busch Pkwy., Buffalo Grove
Parent and first child, $10.
Come help us celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your little ones! 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.

17 March, 12:00 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
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.

17 March, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. - St. Patrick’s Corned Beef Luncheon
VFW, 130 E. Grand Ave, Lake Villa
Join us immediately following the parade for the village’s annual corned beef and cabbage luncheon at the VFW for a nominal fee. Guests will be served until about 2:00 p.m.

17 March, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - St Patrick’s Day Party
Dunbar Recreation Center, Mundelein
Registration required by March 3; children’s admission is $5.00.
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!

17 March, 7:30 p.m. - St. Patrick’s Day Party
Bella’s Bouncies Skate on Grand, 720 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake
Cost is $10 per person/$15 per couple includes admission, skate rental, one slice of pizza, a large soda, a popcorn, a snow cone and one glow stick. Dress as a leprechaun and your admission is FREE. Enjoy games, a bounce house, a “selfie” photo booth, festive drinks and more.

How will you be showing off your Irish on St. Patrick’s Day?