Stuck inside with the kids all day? Take a look at these 15 easy ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the kids without ever having to hear ‘I’m bored.’
Poor St. Patrick’s Day.
After all the hype of Christmas, then New Year’s Eve, then Valentine’s Day….plus the anticipation of Easter quickly approaching, this holiday can quickly get lost in the shuffle.
Add kids into the mix, and it’s just a recipe for disaster.
It’s all too easy to remember at 6pm on March 16th that you should be doing something with the kids to celebrate (even if only to appease the Irish relatives who will definitely be asking).
But with dance class, homework, and dinner still waiting, who has time to plan anything over the top at that point?
Thankfully there’s no need to worry. You can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without going into a tizzy.
Here are some pinch-proof ways to make St. Patrick’s Day fun all day long…even if you’re stuck inside all day.
More St. Patrick’s Day Ideas for the Whole Family:
- St. Patrick’s Day Treats | 15 Fun Recipes to Make this Year
- 7 St. Patrick’s Day Mocktails Your Kids Will Love
- The Best Free St. Patrick’s Day printables from around the web
- DIY Pot of Gold Rainbow Centerpiece
15+ Last-Minute St. Patrick's Day Ideas with the Kids
Whether you're stuck inside, or just looking for a few simple ideas to amp up the excitement, these 15+ Saint Patrick's Day ideas for kids are sure to be a hit.
Tasty Treats Little Leprechauns will Love:
Rainbow Cupcake and Pancake Toppers
You know what's awesome? Even my 3 year old was able to make these rainbow pancake and cupcake toppers.
Have your kids make a few on the 16th and then add them to a quick stack of pancakes for a super easy St. Patrick's Day breakfast.
Lucky Charms Treats
Get ready for a deliciously fun treat – Lucky Charms Rice Krispie Treats! Quick, easy and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, classroom gifts, or just enjoying with the family.
Make a Stack of Rainbow Pancakes
Want to go above and beyond? Instead of topping your pancakes with a rainbow...turn the pancakes into a rainbow. (You know your kids would flip!)
St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Sandwiches
Talk about the perfect Saint Patrick's Day lunch. The kids will be feeling lucky to get such an awesome sandwich, and you'll feel lucky that there won't be any complaints.
Lucky Charms Muddy Buddies
If your kids don't scarf down the entire box of Lucky Charms before you get the chance to make this fun snack, they'll be pleasantly surprised. (Tip: Did you know that you can actually buy a bag of just charms marshmallows? Check them out here!)
Activities to Keep the Kids Entertained:
Saint Patrick's Day Printable Coloring Page
When you need a quick 5 or 10 minutes of quiet time, pull out a coloring sheet! This free St. Patrick's Day version is simple enough for the little ones, but has enough detail that your older kids will enjoy it too.
Free Printable St. Patrick's Day Charades
Looking for fun St. Patrick's Day games for kids and the whole family? You're going to love these printable St. Patrick's Day charades cards. It's the perfect activity to get everyone moving around and laughing.
Free Printable St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt
Capture a bit of Irish magic this year with this free printable lucky Leprechaun St Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt. It's so easy to set up and is fun for everyone - from little kids to adults.
Make a Leprechaun Trap Together
Little kids especially love Leprechaun traps on Saint Patrick's Day. And since Mom of the Year provides the printables, all you need to do is assemble it with the kids.
St Patrick’s Day wreath craft
This wreath is so simple, but so bright and happy too! Let your kids each make one for their bedroom doors to celebrate the day.
Easy Rainbow Cereal Necklace
You'd better buy a big box of Froot Loops, because they're just perfect for rainbow crafts. The addition of marshmallows on this necklace make it the perfect afternoon snack that the kids can make right before they eat.
St Patrick's Day Shamrock Craft For Kids
You can't have a Saint Patrick's Day without a four leaf clover. Remind your kids how they're bringing you good luck with this cute craft.
Make Some Shamrock Slime
If you dare make slime with the kids, then this green glittery version is perfect for Saint Patrick's Day. (You might want to check out this clear slime recipe and all the FAQs that go with it too!)
23 Fun St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Families
Feeling especially frustrated with being stuck inside? Play Party Plan has a list of 23 family friendly games and activities you can all enjoy.
Add In a Little Learning:
15 St. Patrick's Day Picture & Chapter Books
Let's be honest, learning is a lot easier when it's through a good book. With picture books for the littles, and chapter books for the more independent kids, this is a great resource for the whole family.
St. Patrick's Day Gross Motor Math Activity
Being stuck inside with antsy kids can be maddening. Combine a little learning with some movement, and everyone will be happier.
FREE Printable St. Patrick's Day Activity Book
Okay, so this may get some groans from the kids, but it's worth having on hand if the kids will do it.
Now It’s Your Turn
See? Even if you didn’t have a thing planned until the very last minute, you can still have a blast this Saint Patrick’s Day with the kids.
How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done for the holiday?
Tamara says
We have never really gone big. My mom used to give us fun trinkets and socks and served us Lucky Charms for breakfast that day. As a mom, I was surprised at how much Scarlet loves the holiday. We’re not at all Irish but she still does, so we go with it. Corned beef hash, please!
The Lucky Charms pudding would be a huge hit. And pretty much anything with Froot Loops!
Leslie says
That pudding does sound fun, doesn’t it? I would probably let the kids sort out the marshmallows just to help bide time, too.
Janine Huldie says
I absolutely love St. Patrick’s Day and my mother-in-law goes all out, being 100% Irish. She makes homemade Irish Soda Bread (the recipe was passed down from generations) and a whole corn beef feast, too. So, I truly am so lucky as I wouldn’t even know where to start, but still thank god for her, because we always get to celebrate in style. but love your ideas above and going to see if I can actually try one or two myself now 🙂
Leslie says
My MIL is the same way too! She’s full-blooded Irish as well and always makes Irish Soda Bread. If I ever get her recipes, they’ll definitely be shared here. I wonder how different her recipe is from your MIL’s recipe.
Jennifer says
Such fun ideas to celebrate! I never thought of using marshmallows as stamps but it looks like a fun project to share with kids!
Leslie says
Isn’t that a fun idea! I really would worry about my 3-year-old eating the marshmallows instead, though. She never met a treat she didn’t want to eat!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Love all the ideas & especially the sign.
Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight Party @DearCreatives Pinned & shared.
Tracy says
This ideas are so fun for the kids, well minus the Guiness! 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Carol says
All cute ideas which should make everyone happy
Coffee Mounds & Lipstick Clouds says
Cute! Thanks for sharing these ideas!
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