St. Patrick’s Day is a festive holiday that’s celebrated on March 17th. It’s a time for people of all ages to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland and the rich culture and traditions that come with it. If you’re a parent, you might be wondering how to make the most of this holiday with your kids. Luckily, there are plenty of awesome, fun, and creative St. Patrick’s Day ideas to do with your family.
Plan a St. Patrick’s Day Feast
Food is a central part of many holiday celebrations, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. Traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods include corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, Shepherd’s pie, and Guinness stew. But there’s no reason you can’t put your own spin on these classic dishes or try out new recipes.
Make sure to include plenty of green in your menu. Consider serving green desserts, like mint chocolate chip ice cream or green velvet cupcakes. If your kids are old enough, make sure to let them help you in the kitchen. Cooking together can be a fun way to bond and make memories.
Watch a St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day parades are a beloved tradition in many cities around the world. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area that has one, take your family to watch the parade. You’ll get to see colorful floats, dancers, and musicians, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Even if there’s no parade in your area, you can still enjoy the spirit of the day by watching virtual parades or recordings of past parades. Many cities stream their parades online, so you can watch from the comfort of your own home.
Make St. Patrick’s Day Crafts with Your Kids
Crafts are a great way to keep kids entertained and get them in the holiday spirit. There are plenty of St. Patrick’s Day craft ideas that you can make with your kids, no matter their age. Here are a few ideas:
- Paper Shamrocks: Cut out shamrocks from green construction paper and decorate with glitter or stickers. You can also string them together to make a garland.
- Leprechaun Hats: Use paper plates to create leprechaun hats. Cut out a hole in the center of the plate and decorate it with green construction paper, glitter, and a gold buckle.
- Rainbow Mobile: Cut out paper strips in different colors and tape them to a paper plate. Add cotton balls for clouds and hang them with a string to create a rainbow mobile.
Play St. Patrick’s Day Games
Also, games are a great way to keep kids engaged and active during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Here are a few ideas:
- Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt with clues that lead to a “pot of gold” filled with candy or small prizes.
- St. Patrick’s Day Bingo: Create bingo cards with St. Patrick’s Day themes like shamrocks, leprechauns, and rainbows.
- Irish Dancing: Put on some traditional Irish music and teach your kids some simple Irish dances.
Learn about St. Patrick’s Day History and Traditions
Finally, St. Patrick’s Day is about more than just wearing green and eating corned beef. It’s a holiday with a rich history and cultural significance. Take some time to learn about the origins of the holiday and the traditions that go along with it.
You can read books about St. Patrick, watch documentaries about Ireland, or attend a virtual cultural event. Teach your kids about the meaning behind the holiday and the importance of celebrating Irish heritage.
St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that’s full of fun and creative ways to celebrate with your family. Remember, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make St. Patrick’s Day memorable. Many of the ideas listed above can be done with materials you already have at home. What’s most important is spending time with your family and creating cherished memories.
So, in the end, get creative and have fun celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with your kids this year!