7 FREE Ways to Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with Your Kids

Blog | March 13th, 2024

St. Patrick’s Day is a festive occasion celebrated by people of all ages. There’s no need to be from Ireland to join in but what better way to enjoy the luck of the Irish than by spending quality time with your own little leprechauns? Plus, you don’t need a pot of gold to have a memorable St. Paddy’s Day celebration with your kids. Here are five free ways to think green and enjoy this favorite fun-filled holiday without traveling to the end of a rainbow to pay for it!

Host a Shamrock Scavenger Hunt

Turn your home into a leprechaun’s playground with a shamrock scavenger hunt. Cut out shamrock shapes from green construction paper and hide them throughout the house or yard. Give your kids clues to find each one while leading them on a merry chase filled with St. Paddy’s Day fun. To add an extra twist, include small pots of treats or treasures at each hiding spot for a lucky discovery!

Create DIY Leprechaun Traps

Tap into your family’s creativity by building DIY leprechaun traps together. Use everyday household items like shoeboxes, cardboard tubes, and craft supplies to construct clever contraptions designed to catch those mischievous leprechauns. Encourage your kids to come up with imaginative trap designs and decorate them with green and gold accents. When no one is looking, trigger the trap as if the little fellow barely got away for a wide-eyed “wow!” and lots of laughter!

Whip Up a Meal of Green

Get in the St. Paddy’s Day spirit by preparing a special green-themed meal with your kids. From green pancakes for breakfast to shamrock-shaped sandwiches for lunch, the possibilities are endless. Let your little ones lend a hand in the kitchen by helping to mix, stir, and decorate their culinary creations. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal together, but you’ll also make cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Go on a Leprechaun Hunt

Take your celebration outdoors with a leprechaun hunt in your neighborhood or local park. Arm your kids with binoculars, magnifying glasses, or homemade telescopes, and set out on a quest to spot sneaky leprechauns hiding among the greenery. Encourage the use of imagination as they search for signs of leprechaun activity, such as tiny footprints or glittering trails left behind by these jumpy little creatures. Your job is to discreetly sprinkle green or gold glitter, Lucky Charms marshmallows, shamrock confetti, and other believable markers without getting caught! Note: The glitters aren’t free but can be used for multiple other occasions to stretch the value!

Host a St. Paddy’s Day Storytime

Gather your little ones for a cozy St. Paddy’s Day storytime at home. Visit your library in advance for free rental tales of leprechauns, pots of gold and Irish folklore. Snuggle up together by a fire or the glow of a green candle with blankets and pillows as you all immerse in the magic of Irish storytelling. For an extra special touch, brew a pot of green tea or blend up a green smoothie with fresh spinach for a healthy addition. Spinach is as mischievous as leprechauns, you can’t see it or taste it and recipients will never know it’s there!

Craft a Shamrock Wreath

Get crafty with your kids beginning with an outdoor hike. Gather small bendable sticks and twigs to create a wreath that is magically and totally free. Use green construction paper, scissors, and glue to create holiday touches and attach them to the wreath for a long-lasting festive feel and a perfect addition that will match the green of summer!

Watch a St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Many cities host holiday parades featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and festive performances. Check online to see if there’s a parade happening in your area and take your kids to experience the excitement firsthand. Pack a picnic lunch and stake out a prime spot along the parade route to enjoy the festivities up close. With many parades, often candy is tossed to the bystanders