St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, is a time to honor Irish heritage, don festive green attire, and enjoy lively traditions. Whether you have Irish roots or just love a good celebration, there are countless ways to make the day special. From family-friendly games and cultural experiences to festive food and drinks, this guide covers a variety of fun Irish-themed activities to help you embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
1. Host a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to engage kids and adults in the holiday spirit. You can hide themed items like gold coins, shamrocks, leprechaun hats, and mini pots of gold around your home, backyard, or even in a park. Create fun rhyming clues that lead players from one treasure to the next.
Scavenger Hunt Prize Ideas:
- Chocolate gold coins
- St. Patrick’s Day stickers or temporary tattoos
- Irish-themed books or small gifts
- A pot filled with green jelly beans or candies
For a virtual twist, consider an online scavenger hunt where participants find Irish-themed objects in their own homes and share their discoveries via video chat.
2. Cook and Enjoy Traditional Irish Food
Food plays a significant role in any holiday, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. Take this opportunity to explore classic Irish cuisine and prepare a hearty meal.
Traditional Irish Dishes to Try:
- Irish Soda Bread – A simple, no-yeast bread that pairs perfectly with butter or jam.
- Shepherd’s Pie – A comforting dish made with ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and a mashed potato topping.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage – A staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S., this dish is flavorful and filling.
- Colcannon – A creamy mashed potato dish with cabbage or kale mixed in.
- Irish Stew – A rich, slow-cooked stew featuring lamb or beef, potatoes, and carrots.
If you’re looking for a hands-on activity, get the whole family involved in making soda bread or decorating shamrock-shaped cookies.
3. Enjoy Irish Music and Dance
One of the best ways to celebrate Irish culture is through music and dance. Traditional Irish music, known as céilí (pronounced “kay-lee”), is lively and full of energy. Create a playlist featuring Irish bands such as:
- The Dubliners
- The Chieftains
- The Pogues
- The Cranberries (for a modern Irish rock vibe)
- U2 (for an Irish rock classic)
If you’re feeling adventurous, try learning some Irish dance steps. There are many online tutorials for basic Irish jigs and reels. Hosting a mini dance competition with friends or family can add an extra element of fun.
4. Get Crafty with St. Patrick’s Day DIY Projects
Arts and crafts are a great way to get creative while celebrating the holiday. Whether you’re crafting with kids or making decorations for a party, here are a few fun ideas:
Fun St. Patrick’s Day Crafts:
- Leprechaun Traps – Kids can use shoeboxes, glitter, and pipe cleaners to build their own traps and see if they can “catch” a leprechaun.
- Shamrock Garland – Cut out shamrocks from green construction paper and string them together to decorate your home.
- Rainbow Jars – Layer colored sand or candies in a glass jar to create a beautiful rainbow effect.
- Painted Rocks – Find smooth rocks and paint them with Irish symbols like four-leaf clovers, pots of gold, or Celtic knots.
These crafts can also double as festive decorations to brighten up your space.
5. Test Your Knowledge with St. Patrick’s Day Trivia
Trivia is a great way to learn more about St. Patrick’s Day while having fun with friends and family. You can create your own quiz or use online trivia games.
Example Trivia Questions:
- What is St. Patrick known for? (Bringing Christianity to Ireland)
- What color was originally associated with St. Patrick? (Blue! Green became popular later.)
- What is the capital of Ireland? (Dublin)
- What is the significance of the shamrock? (It symbolizes the Holy Trinity.)
- What famous U.S. landmark is dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day? (The Chicago River!)
You can divide players into teams and award small prizes for the most correct answers.
6. Go on a “Green” Nature Walk
St. Patrick’s Day is a perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. Take a walk in a park, garden, or hiking trail and challenge yourself to find as many shades of green as possible.
To make it even more fun, create a checklist of green things to spot:
✅ Four-leaf clovers
✅ Green flowers or leaves
✅ Moss-covered rocks
✅ Green birds or insects
This is a great way to celebrate the holiday while appreciating the natural world.
7. Watch Irish-Themed Movies
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing celebration, enjoy a movie night featuring Irish films. Here are some great options:
- The Secret of Kells (2009) – A beautiful animated film inspired by Irish mythology.
- The Luck of the Irish (2001) – A fun Disney movie about a boy who discovers his leprechaun heritage.
- Brooklyn (2015) – A touching story about an Irish immigrant in America.
- P.S. I Love You (2007) – A romantic drama set in Ireland.
- Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959) – A classic Disney film with leprechauns.
Pair your movie night with some Irish-themed snacks like popcorn with green sprinkles or a shamrock-shaped charcuterie board.
8. Make St. Patrick’s Day-Themed Drinks & Desserts
No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without festive treats! Here are some fun ideas:
Drinks:
- Shamrock Shakes – A minty, green milkshake.
- Green Beer – Add a few drops of food coloring to a light beer.
- Irish Mule – A cocktail made with whiskey, ginger beer, and lime.
Desserts:
- Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes – Rich chocolate cupcakes with a hint of Guinness.
- Lucky Charm Marshmallow Treats – A fun, kid-friendly dessert.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream Brownies – A delicious adult-friendly treat.
These themed treats will add a delicious touch to your celebration.
9. Attend a St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Many cities host St. Patrick’s Day parades featuring bagpipes, Irish dancers, and festive floats. If you have a local parade, grab your green gear and join the fun.
If you can’t attend in person, many major parades (like the one in New York City) stream online, so you can watch from home while celebrating.
Click here for our guide to St Patricks Day Parades and Events in South Florida.
10. Play Irish-Inspired Games
End the celebration with some fun games:
- Pin the Hat on the Leprechaun – A St. Paddy’s twist on Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
- Gold Coin Toss – Toss chocolate coins into a pot to score points.
- Irish Charades – Act out famous Irish landmarks, traditions, or celebrities.
These games are great for parties or family gatherings.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Style!
No matter how you choose to celebrate, St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to embrace Irish culture, enjoy good food, and have a bit of fun. Whether you host a party, cook a traditional meal, or simply wear green and enjoy a festive drink, these activities will help make your St. Patrick’s Day memorable.
Sláinte! (Cheers!) 🍀