St Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids: Fun, Creative and Educational Ideas

If you are looking for the best St Patrick’s Day activities for kids, you are in the right place. Whether you are celebrating at home, in school, in a nursery or at a community group, there are so many creative ways to make 17 March exciting and meaningful for children.

From leprechaun crafts and shamrock art to simple history lessons and themed games, St Patrick’s Day activities for kids can be both fun and educational. This guide shares easy ideas that encourage creativity, learning and family bonding.

What Is St Patrick’s Day?

St Patrick’s Day is celebrated on 17 March each year. It honours St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Originally a religious feast day, it has grown into a global celebration of Irish culture.

Today, people celebrate with:

• Parades
• Wearing green clothing
• Shamrock decorations
• Irish music and dancing
• Traditional foods

For children, this holiday is a fantastic opportunity to explore Irish traditions through hands-on St Patrick’s Day activities for kids.

15 St Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids

Below are engaging and creative St Patrick’s Day activities for kids suitable for a range of ages.

1. Make Shamrock Crafts

Shamrocks are one of the most recognisable symbols of St Patrick’s Day.

Simple craft ideas include:

• Cutting shamrocks from green paper
• Using sponge painting to create shamrock prints
• Making tissue paper shamrock collages
• Creating shamrock garlands for classroom displays

You can also explain that St Patrick is said to have used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

2. Create a Leprechaun Trap

One of the most popular St Patrick’s Day activities for kids is building a leprechaun trap.

Children can design and build their own trap using:

• Shoe boxes
• Craft sticks
• Glitter
• Gold paper coins
• Rainbows made from coloured paper

This activity encourages STEM skills, imagination and problem-solving. After setting the trap overnight, you can leave “leprechaun footprints” or a small note for added excitement.

3. Rainbow Science Experiment

Rainbows are often associated with leprechauns and pots of gold.

You can try simple rainbow-themed science activities such as:

• Walking water experiment
• Rainbow milk experiment
• Creating paper towel rainbows

This is a great way to combine St Patrick’s Day activities for kids with science learning.

4. Bake Irish Soda Bread

Cooking together is a meaningful family activity.

Irish soda bread is simple to make and gives children a taste of Irish tradition. Kids can help measure ingredients, mix dough and shape the loaf before baking.

You can also discuss traditional Irish foods and where Ireland is located on a map.

5. Learn About Ireland

Turn St Patrick’s Day into a mini geography lesson.

Children can:

• Locate Ireland on a map
• Learn about the Irish flag
• Explore famous landmarks
• Listen to traditional Irish music

Educational St Patrick’s Day activities for kids help broaden cultural awareness.

6. Gold Coin Treasure Hunt

You can:

• Create clues
• Use rainbow markers
• Incorporate counting challenges
• Add simple riddles

This keeps children active while reinforcing themed learning.

7. St Patrick’s Day Sensory Play

For younger children, sensory activities are ideal.

Fill a tray with:

• Green rice
• Gold coins
• Shamrock shapes
• Rainbow pom-poms

This supports fine motor development and imaginative play.

8. Make St Patrick’s Day Slime

Green slime is always a hit with kids.

Add glitter or gold sequins to create “leprechaun slime.” This sensory activity can also be used to explore textures and simple chemical reactions.

9. Create Irish-Themed Art

Children can explore Irish-inspired artwork by:

• Painting landscapes

• Drawing rainbows and castles

• Creating Celtic-style patterns

• Designing their own Irish flag

Art-based St Patrick’s Day activities for kids allow creativity to shine.

10. Read St Patrick’s Day Stories

Reading themed books is a lovely way to introduce children to the history and legends behind the day.

After reading, children can:

• Act out the story
• Draw their favourite character
• Create a comic strip

This combines literacy with celebration.

11. Host a Mini Parade at Home

Children can:

• Dress in green
• Wave homemade flags
• Play Irish music
• March around the house or garden

This encourages movement and builds excitement.

12. Create a Kindness Challenge

St Patrick’s Day can also focus on positive values.

Create a “lucky acts of kindness” challenge where children complete one kind action during the day.

Examples include:

• Helping tidy up
• Sharing toys
• Writing a thank-you note
• Complimenting a friend

13. Irish Music and Dance Session

Play traditional Irish music and encourage children to move, dance and clap along.

You could:

• Watch Irish dance performances
• Learn simple step patterns
• Create your own dance routine

This builds coordination and confidence.

14. St Patrick’s Day Maths Activities

Incorporate themed maths learning such as:

• Counting shamrocks
• Sorting gold coins
• Creating number patterns with rainbows
• Measuring ingredients for baking

Educational St Patrick’s Day activities for kids can easily link to curriculum goals.

15. Create a St Patrick’s Day Craft Station

Set up a dedicated craft table with:

• Green paper
• Gold glitter
• Stickers
• Shamrock templates
• Rainbow cut-outs

Children can freely create cards, decorations and themed art pieces.

Why St Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids Matter

Celebrating cultural festivals through hands-on activities helps children:

• Learn about history and traditions
• Develop creativity and fine motor skills
• Build cultural awareness
• Strengthen family bonds
• Create lasting memories

Whether you have Irish heritage or simply want to explore global celebrations, St Patrick’s Day activities for kids provide an exciting opportunity for learning and fun.

Final Thoughts

St Patrick’s Day activities for kids offer the perfect blend of creativity, learning and celebration. From shamrock crafts and leprechaun traps to treasure hunts and rainbow science, there are endless ways to make 17 March special.

By combining play with education, you can create meaningful experiences that children will remember long after the celebrations are over.