1. Make leprechaun traps
This is a chance to let the kids (or adults) explore their creative side. Under the guise of “catching a leprechaun,” participants in this activity make the perfect trap to catch one of those little tricksters. Use shoe boxes, duct tape, gold coins and other materials found around the house to design the traps. The kids will especially enjoy this activity because it uses the same kind of magic as the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus.
2. Introduce some leprechaun trickery
If you really want to convince the youngins’ that they almost came face to face with a real leprechaun, leave little green paint footprints on washable surfaces–or get stickers that look the same. The mystery of where they came from and how they disappeared will make things exciting. Depending on your kids, it can also be fun to move some items around the house and rough them up to make it look like the leprechauns have been up to no good!
3. Have magical cereal for breakfast
Lucky Charms cereal now has a special seasonal edition that turns the milk green. However, if Lucky Charms are not an option in your household, you can get food dye and add it to the milk of the kids' cereal to make it look like the leprechauns left some magic behind in the house. The young ones will love it and it will kick the day off entertainingly.
4. Cook a traditional meal
Include the whole family to cook a traditional Irish meal for dinner. Roast some corned beef and potatoes and throw together a cabbage dish on the stove. Better yet, bake some soda bread together as a family for an Irish afternoon treat. Delegating the cooking and baking for the meal will make everyone feel accomplished when you sit down to enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day dinner.
5. Create some shamrock artwork
Print out some fill-in-the-blank shamrocks and whip out the paint, crayons and glitter. Kids will love this one, allowing older family members to join in or check out and enjoy some downtime. For a bonus activity–have the kids search for four-leaf clovers in the backyard. Whoever finds one will get instant luck! And you’ll get a break with them distracted.
