St. Patrick’s Day is a perfect excuse to come together as a family and do something fun, meaningful, and memorable. Starting family traditions on March 17th can help kids look forward to this day each year, and give parents easy ways to celebrate heritage, kindness, and creativity.
Here are a variety of family traditions you can start this St. Patrick’s Day, like playful activities and mindful moments of gratitude.
1. Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day with a leprechaun hunt around the house or yard. Use paper shamrocks or little gold coin stickers as clues to guide kids from place to place. At the end, hide a small treasure like chocolate gold coins or a little treat bag.
This tradition keeps everyone active, curious, and laughing together.
2. Green Breakfast Feast
Start the day with a festive family breakfast that celebrates all things green. Ideas include:
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Green pancakes or waffles
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Kiwi and grape fruit platter
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Green smoothies
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Green eggs and ham
The goal isn’t about perfection, it’s making the morning feel different and special.
3. Create a Wish Tree
Have each family member write a little wish or intention on a paper shamrock and hang it on a “wish tree.” A bare branch in a vase works great for this, and it’s lovely to look at throughout the day.
Encourage kids to think about hopes for the year, kindness goals, or something they appreciate about someone else.
4. St. Patrick’s Day Storytime
Gather around for a cozy storytime featuring books about Ireland, luck, or kindness. Rotate who reads each year so kids get involved. You can pair storytime with cocoa or a themed snack.
This helps create focus on family and learning, not just candy or color.
5. Midday Rainbow Picnic
Pack a simple picnic with colorful foods, ideally focusing on a rainbow theme with fruits and veggies:
- Strawberries
- Orange slices
- Banana slices
- Broccoli
- Blueberries
Enjoy it wherever the weather lets you.
6. Thank‑a‑Friend or Neighbor Card Exchange
Celebrate kindness by making small cards for friends, neighbors, or teachers. Use fun sayings like:
• “You make life lucky!”
• “Glad we’re friends!”
Include stickers or hand‑drawn pictures. Kids get joy out of giving as much as receiving.
7. Bake a Sweet Treat Together
Bake cookies or cupcakes together and decorate them with rainbow sprinkles or green icing. Kids can take turns mixing, decorating, and — of course — taste‑testing.
This tradition becomes not just a recipe but a memory.
St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be a simple holiday of green outfits and candy. With intentional family traditions, you can turn March 17th into a full day of connection, creativity, gratitude, and fun. Whether you start a scavenger hunt, create a wish tree, or share a green breakfast, the goal is to make memories that your kids will talk about year after year.
