Fun St. Patrick's Day Activities for Families
St. Patrick's Day isn't all about busy pubs and green beer! Find some family-friendly games, activities, and ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the ones you love — Irish or not.
Eat Irish Foods and Green Treats
Popular Celtic cuisine includes soda bread, potatoes and meaty stews and dinner pies. Corned beef and cabbage with boiled red potatoes is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner. There's plenty to choose from for your St. Patrick's Day party menu. Or simply dye some of your favorite treats like cupcakes, rice krispie treats and milkshakes, with green food coloring. Two of my favorite St. Patrick's Day recipes are Oreo Cookie Mint Dessert and Coconut Pistachio Delight. You can find a variety of green and St. Patrick's Day treats and recipes on Katie's Pinterest St. Patrick's Day board.
Go to a Parade
Check event listings in your area for a St. Patrick's Day parade, fun for the whole family. Dress all in green and get ready to see some cool bagpipers, Irish step dancers, and fire engines decorated for the holiday.
Play St. Paddy's Day Games
Try some of these games in honor of St. Patrick's Day: Play a game of hot potato or create a “potato hunt” (think: Easter egg hunt but with potatoes) or a “Pot o' Gold” treasure hunt (search for chocolate gold coins). Several free St. Patrick's Day word games and printables are available on this Pinterest Printable Board.
Learn About St. Patrick's Day History
Research the meaning of St. Patrick's Day and its history, then test your family on Irish trivia. Do you know why the shamrock is a symbol of St. Paddy's Day? Why do we celebrate this holiday? When did we start celebrating this holiday in America? Check out this St. Patrick's Day History post to save you time.
Research Your Own Family History
As the saying goes, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. But how many Americans are actually of Irish ancestry? According to the U.S. Census, about 34.5 million Americans, or about 11 percent of the country’s population, claim to have Irish heritage. Whether or not your family can trace its roots back to the Emerald Isle, St. Patrick's Day is a great time to learn about your family’s origin and work on your family tree.
Enjoy Irish Movies and Music
Ireland has a rich cultural history of its own. Get your Irish eyes smiling by listening to music from Irish artists, such as U2, Van Morrison, or Enya. Or enjoy great movies set in Ireland — some family-friendly ones include Waking Ned Devine and The Secret of Roan Inish.
Make St. Patrick's Day Crafts
Stock up on green construction paper and craft supplies, and get creative with your little leprechauns. Make St. Patrick’s Day party decorations or Irish gifts for friends and family. Search Pinterest for some Irish inspiration. Check out the many St. Patrick's Day crafts on Pinterest.
However you decide to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, make it a fun family affair full of laughter and memories.
Feel free to share pictures of your celebrations on the Paradise Praises Facebook page. We would love to see the fun your family is having.