Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Start a family tradition this year to celebrate this lucky, green-filled holiday with your kiddos.
QUICK & EASY
Wear Green
It’s so simple, but still a fun routine to uphold for the whole family. Extra points for adding themed socks, which is a long-standing tradition in our family.
Head to a Parade
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the United States was held in 1762 in New York City. Check your city for kid-friendly parades and festivals to attend on St. Patrick’s Day or the week leading up to it.
CRAFTS
Shamrocks
Pinterest is full of shamrock craft ideas, from macaroni noodle and pipe cleaner necklaces, to paper mobiles. Find something fun for everyone and get creative.
Rainbows
We particular like the food and treat crafts in the rainbow genre, but a STEM science experiment in a jar may be the way to go too!
A HUNDRED SHADES OF GREEN
Green Carnations
Speaking of STEM science experiments: Get some white carnations, give the stems a fresh, diagonal cut and stick them in a vase or jar with a few drops of green food coloring. The carnations will gradually turn green. Fascinating and entertaining for all ages. Make a list of neighbors, friends and family to deliver the green carnations too on St. Patrick’s Day.
Green Food Taste Test
There are so many green foods out there. Whether you choose new foods each year to taste, make something each year that shouldn’t be green, or have a favorite you remake each year—we guarantee the whole family will love this ritual.
CELEBRATE IRELAND & IRISH CULTURE
Children’s Books
Storytelling is strong in Irish culture; here’s a few of our favorite children’s books about Irish history and folklore.
Trad & Craic: Irish Storytelling, Singing and Dancing
The Irish have a saying: Having the craic (pronounced “crack) – it’s a term for news, gossip, fun and entertainment which usually coincides with traditional Irish music. Find a local cultural event – Irish fair, traditional (trad) Irish concert or an Irish step-dancing performance. Create your own, family-sharing and talent show.
GO ON AN EXPEDITION
Leprechaun Treasure Hunt
Plant paper shamrocks, shiny pennies or gold wrapped chocolate around your house or backyard. Whoever finds the most, collects the leprechaun’s pot o’ gold. You can also give clues to lead your tiny tots to the pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow.
Patrick’s Day Photo Scavenger Hunt
Get outside and find some stuff to take pictures of as a family. Fun with teams, but also fun as one big group if you take family selfies in front of each item on your list.
VISIT SNIP-ITS
Green Hair Streaks or Tinsel
Stop by your local Snip-its for green hair streaks of tinsel. We’ll even put them in mom and dad’s hair!
Green Polish Manicures
We also do manicures and pedicures. Who wouldn’t want to make green manis & pedis a yearly tradition?
Make some kid-friendly, family-fun memories, start some traditions and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with smiling eyes and laughing hearts.
