Irish Parades and Beach Bashes: Grab & Go Kids Planner

Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week. Look for the kids’ planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box.

OAK FOREST 2ND ANNUAL FLEADH

Where/When: Festival takes place on Cicero Avenue from 151st to 159th streets starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 12.

Why Go: Everyone is Irish this time of year. This Irish Festival includes customer appreciation parties by businesses along Cicero from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., a 5K race at 8:30 a.m., an open bike ride from 10-11 a.m., a family parade at 11 a.m. Cicero will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pricing: Food and drink are on your dime, but parking and viewing of all the events are free.

Where/When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave. in Frankfort. A pancake breakfast will go from 9-10 a.m. and the fair will continue after that.

Why go: It will feature various activities and crafts, live entertainment featuring a Magic Storyteller and a martial arts demonstration, inflatables and groups from the four Lincoln‐Way high schools including the high schools’ mascots.

Pricing: Can't beat free!

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Marquette Bank, 2570 E Lincoln Hwy

If you're looking for a more low-key St. Patrick's Day event for the kdis this weekend, there will be games, prizes and refreshments.

Pricing: Can't beat free!

Where/When: Mokena Community Public Library District, 11327 W. 195th St. in Mokena, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Why go: Limbo, hula hoops, Jimmy Buffett tunes and complimentary hot dogs and snow cones. 

Pricing: Free.

TINLEY PARK 12TH ANNUAL IRISH PARADE 

Where/When: Parade steps off at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 13, from Central Middle School at 181st Street and Oak Park Avenue and marches north down Oak Park to 172ndStreet.

Why Go: Who doesn’t love a parade? Entrants include the Blackbird School of Irish Dance, the Stockyard Kilty Band, marching bands, fire trucks and another 75 or so units. The parade lasts about 90 minutes. Best viewing area is 173rd Street and Oak Park Avenue. Public parking is available at the Metra station and on side streets along the parade route.

Pricing: Can’t beat free, but food and drink are up to you.