19 St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids

The Irish are known for more than “Irish twins.” For centuries, St. Patrick’s Day has existed as a religious Irish holiday occurring annually on March 17. It wasn’t until the mid-nineteenth century when the number of Irish immigrants in the United States exploded that Americans far and wide began celebrating St. Paddy’s Day in a less traditional way.

Since then we have embraced the folklore and many symbols of St. Patrick’s Day: leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, shamrocks, the color green. As parents, St. Patrick’s Day probably looks a bit different than it used to (i.e., drinking green beers at an Irish pub!), but it can still be super fun with your “wee” littles.

I’ve compiled some activities, crafts, and games that will help you create new St. Patrick’s Day traditions and lasting memories for your family.

1. Prepare this rainbow cardboard tube craft from Sugar Aunts in no time – all it calls for are recycled paper rolls, paints, and cotton balls

2. Enjoy a messy but fun coin digging activity from Simple Play Ideas – take it a step further by hiding other St. Patrick’s Day inspired items

3. Your kids will love making these leprechaun handprint crafts by The Best Ideas for Kids

4. Make some music with these rainbow tambourines from Kids Craft Room – you can even play some Irish music in the background!

5. Quickly throw together a scavenger hunt for green items (e.g., legos, plants, socks, shirts, etc.) throughout your property inspired.

6. Even adults would enjoy this Lucky Charms catapult activity by Mom Brite

7. St. Patrick’s Day calls for some homemade décor like this shamrock suncatcher by Director Jewels

8. I love how much detail went into The Fickle Pickle’s leprechaun trap – you may not be able to surprise your kids with an actual trapped leprechaun, but you can leave evidence throughout the house of his presence like green water in the toilet bowl (leprechaun pee!) or half-eaten skittles on the kitchen counter.

9. Use some Lucky Charms for these Rice Krispies treats by Show me the Money

10. Try not to eat Staying Close to Home’s rainbow Fruit Loops rainbow necklace

11. Get educational with this pennies sink or float activity from Little Bins for Little Hands

12. Spray paint some rocks gold and hide them throughout the house and yard, along with some chocolate coins, and do a family gold hunt.

13. This simple paper plate pot of gold craft by The Simple Parent will foster creativity and occupy your kid’s time. It calls for yellow buttons for the gold, but use anything gold or yellow – pom-poms, pipe cleaners, fold foil, stickers, etc.

14. This craft will take some prep work, but B-Inspired Mama’s rainbow noodle mobile will make your kid feel like they created a masterpiece that marks not only St. Patrick’s Day but the beginning of Spring, as well!

15. Make these creative lucky penny holders by Quirky Inspired – you can do green for a leprechaun hat or black for a pot of gold

16. Leading up to St. Paddy’s Day, spread some luck and cheer by painting rocks with four-leaf clovers like Happy Go Lucky and hide them in places for other people to find (if hiding rocks outside, use waterproof paint)

17. St. Patrick’s Day calls for some green slime, courtesy of Steamsational

18. Create these lucky St. Patrick’s Day confetti poppers by Studio DIY

19. Create some St. Patrick’s Day themed potato stamps via Momtastic (better yet, use a potato that’s past its shelf life!)

For me, holidays are always a way to check in on the activities I’m providing for my children and press the reset button. In other words, these types of occasions inspire new ideas when I’m feeling like I’m in a creative rut. Use St. Patrick’s Day as an opportunity to incorporate fresh, imaginative activities into your children’s daily routine, get outside a bit more as Spring rolls around, and get crafty using many items you probably have laying around the house already.

Sincerely,