Spring is almost here, and there are plenty of events in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Lombard to enjoy. Local attractions such as Cantigny and Morton Arboretum offer unique educational opportunities for families.  Also, don't miss some of the St. Patrick's Day festivities all around Chicagoland.  Remember, everyone's Irish on St. Paddy's day ☘️ !

Glen Ellyn March 2018 Events

Free Family Moon Hike

WHEN: Thursday, March 1, 2018 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM

WHERE: Churchill Park | 271 St. Charles Rd.

All ages are welcome to walk on a moonlit hike. Participants will be guided to look for nocturnal creatures and enjoy a refreshing hike in nature. Afterward, hot cocoa will be served to warm up. Register here. 

Healthy Eating Makes a Big Difference

WHEN: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM

WHERE: B.R. Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County | 19 Dieke Dr.

Learn how to lose weight and create a wholesome diet with a nutrition specialist. Attendees will learn about food groups, what to eat, what foods to avoid, and how to decrease insulin in the body in order to fight insulin resistance. There will be time at the end of the seminar to ask questions. Register here. 

Flashlight Egg Hunt

WHEN: Thursday, March 29, 2018 | 8:30 - 9:00 PM

WHERE: Churchill Park | 271 St. Charles Rd.

With no school in the district on Friday, it’s the perfect night to stay up a little late and hunt for eggs! The Easter Bunny dropped treats for little ones to find with the help of a flashlight. Eggs are filled with candy and toys. Check in for this event begins at 8:15 PM. Participants must bring their own basket and flashlight. Ages 7-10. Register here. 

Wheaton March 2018 Events

Princess Breakfast

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 2018 | 8:30 - 11:00 AM

WHERE: Cantigny Golf, Red Oak Room | 27w270 Mack Rd.

Bring your little one to eat a breakfast buffet and meet with classic princesses! There will be storytelling, sing alongs and a photo-op. Reserve your seats here. 

Casino Royale

WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2018 | 7:00 - 10:00 PM

WHERE: DuPage County Historical Museum | 102 E. Wesley St

This one's for adults only! Join this event that benefits the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. It’s a James Bond-themed night with Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Texas Hold’em. Tickets start at $100 per person. To see more ticket prices and to register, click here. 

Little Leprechauns: A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

WHEN: Friday, March 16, 2018 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM

WHERE: Cantigny Park Education Center | 1s151 Winfield Rd

Bring children ages three to five to Cantigny for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Read stories, do crafts and eat a special treat! No parking fee, but registration is required. Call 630.260.8162 or register here.

2018 Wheaton Passion Art Walk

WHEN: Monday, March 26 -  Saturday, March 31, 2018

WHERE: Downtown Wheaton | 134 W Front St.

Families are welcome to explore 12 stores in downtown Wheaton, IL for a Passion Art Walk. Twelve artists have completed artworks depicting the biblical Passion story. Participating stores can be found here. 

Celebrate Easter/Celebrate Spring

WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 2018 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

WHERE: Memorial Park | 208 W Union Ave.

Come collect some of the thousands of eggs hidden all around Memorial Park and visit with the Easter Bunny! The hunt begins promptly at 10:00 AM. All ages are welcome to the event. The park will be divided into age groups of 0 to 3, 4 to 6 and 7 to 12. After the hunt, an Easter Bonnet Contest will take place. It’s open to ages 0-12. No registration necessary. 

Lombard March 2018 Events

Celtic Harp Music

WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 2018 | 2:00 PM

WHERE: Helen Plum Library | 110 W. Maple St

Lillian Reasor, acclaimed Irish harpist will be playing traditional and modern Irish melodies at the Helen Plum Library. This is a perfect way to celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick’s holiday. Register here. 

Lunch with Mr. Bunny

WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2018 | 11:30 AM

WHERE: Lombard Community Building | 433 E. St. Charles Rd.

After the Egg Hunt in Lombard Common (outside the Community Building) at 10:40 AM, join Mr. Bunny for a yummy lunch! Mr. Bunny will pose with each child as a complimentary gift. Pre-registration is required.

Bonus: Morton Arboretum Events

Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL has a full roster of events. To view them all, visit their calendar. Below are some activities taking place during March.

Gnome Hunt

WHEN: All of March | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

WHERE: The Children’s Garden

Walk around the children’s garden to discover where all the Gnomes are hiding! Even though some animals are hibernating, the Gnomes are not. The Gnome Hunt is free with admission.

Sensory Edible Gardening Workshop Series: Grow Epic Tomatoes

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2018 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

WHERE: Sycamore Room, Visitor Center

“Grow epic tomatoes this summer with guidance from acclaimed author, educator, and self-proclaimed tomato nut Craig LeHoullier.” In this educational talk from one of the nation’s most popular gardeners, you’ll learn some tomato history, stories behind Craig’s favorite tomato varieties, see colorful photos, and learn tips to help you grow amazing tomatoes of your own. Gardening questions are welcome. Register here.

Best St. Patrick's Day Parades

South Side Irish Parade

WHEN:  Sunday, March 11 | 12:00 PM

WHERE:  Western Avenue (between 103rd St. & 115th St.) 

My personal favorite, as I was raised in Beverly.  This Chicago staple remains a focus on family and Irish heritage. The Beverly neighborhood parade steps off at noon from 103rd Street and proceeds down Western Avenue to 115th Street. Line the route with 150,000 fellow revelers to watch the bands, dance troupes and parade queen, or stop inside the neighborhood bars to raise a pint with the locals. And just before the parade, the Emerald Isle Mile, a one-mile race, kicks things off at 11:30 am. Special Olympics Chicago will be the event's Grand Marshal, with Amyloidosis Support Groups and the Martin McGarry Family as special honorees.

Northwest Irish Parade

WHEN:  Sunday, March 11 | 12:00 PM

WHERE: Onahan School (6634 W. Raven St.) 

Enjoy this fun community event that celebrates faith, family and Irish heritage. The parade winds through the Norwood Park neighborhood, beginning at William J. Onahan School running south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway, then heading north on Northwest Highway up to Harlem Avenue. Stay for an after-party from 1:00-5:00 pm that includes a Danny Boy Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner, beer, wine, soda, and live entertainment.

Chicago Downtown Parade

WHEN:  Saturday, March 17 | 1:00 PM

WHERE: Columbus Drive (between Balbo Dr. & Monroe Dr.) 

What's a holiday without a parade? How about one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the country? Join in the Chicago tradition that celebrates its 63rd anniversary this year. Rain or shine, it begins on Columbus Drive and moves north through Grant Park for roughly three hours, beginning at Balbo Drive and ending at Monroe Drive.