Event Experience
The Walk for Lurie Children's is more than just a walk—it's a celebration of community, compassion, and impact. From the excitement of the Kids Dash to the scenic 3-mile walk, every step is filled with purpose.
You can expect to see patients, family members, corporate teams, Lurie Children's caregivers and staff, and other passionate community members walking side-by-side along the route. Many participants share their “why” on t-shirts, signs, stickers and buttons, helping to motivate and inspire other walkers. After the walk, participants share food and drinks with team members, and new friends and kids enjoy bounce houses, face painting, and other fun activities.
Whether you're walking in honor of a loved one, to celebrate your child, to raise funds for a program you care about, or to make a meaningful impact with friends or colleagues, you are an essential part of a day filled with heart, hope, and meaningful impact.
Here's What You Can Expect: Two Locations, One Shared Mission
Montrose Harbor
- Walk along Chicago's picturesque lakefront with views of the skyline and Lake Michigan.
- Enjoy a vibrant, urban atmosphere with larger crowds and electric energy.
- Highlights include a bustling post-walk party with entertainment, local food vendors, and interactive activities.
Busse Woods
- North Suburban site with a slightly more relaxed setting, perfect for families who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
- Experience a beautiful, nature-inspired route in the suburbs.
- The post-event celebration includes all the fun, with music, kid-friendly activities, and delicious local food vendors.
No matter which location you choose, you'll be surrounded by a caring community dedicated to making a difference for Lurie Children's.
Event Activities and Experience
Opening Ceremony: Kick off the day with an inspiring opening ceremony, where we'll honor the strength of children, families, and staff. Hear from those whose lives have been touched by Lurie Children's and join in the collective excitement as we set the stage for a day of impact.
Kids Dash: A fun, high-energy sprint for our youngest participants to kick off the day with big smiles and even bigger cheers!
3-Mile Walk: Stroll through a scenic route alongside other supporters, families, and friends as you champion the health and well-being of children everywhere. You'll be inspired by the doctors, nurses, patients, families and supporters walking alongside you.
Post-Event Party: After crossing the finish line, join us for an unforgettable celebration featuring:
- Family-Friendly Music to keep the energy high
- Delicious Food and Drinks for all tastes
- Kid-Focused Activities including face painting, games, and activities
Moments of Impact
The Walk is your chance to see firsthand the difference you're making and to share your story. Whether you're walking in honor of a loved one, raising awareness for a specific cause, or celebrating the work of Lurie Children's, there are many opportunities to express why you walk and spread your passion.
- Share Why You Walk: Dedicate your walk to someone special or a cause close to your heart. Tell your story and inspire others.
- Celebrate Your Impact: See how your support fuels life-saving treatments, groundbreaking research, and accessible care for every child.
- Swag & Motivation Stations: Visit swag stations to pick up bracelets and other special items that reflect your personal reason for walking.
- Photo Opportunities: Capture your walk with memorable photos! From the start line to the finish line, there will be photo opportunities to help commemorate the day and share your participation on social media.
Event Fundraising
Every step you take brings us closer to providing the best care for kids, regardless of their ability to pay. When you register for The Walk, you'll be prompted to set up your online fundraising page. After you register, our event lead will share fundraising tips, goals and incentives and provide support along the way. You can register and fundraise individually or join or start a team.
- Fundraising Support: You'll get access to a personalized fundraising page to share with friends and family, tools to help you fundraising and information about your impact.
- Celebrating Fundraisers & Top Walkers: We will recognize top fundraisers and those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to help us reach our goals. You can expect fundraising incentives like t-shirts, team tents and other unique moments of recognition.
