Blame it on my Irish roots, but I’ve always had a certain thing for St. Patrick’s Day. There is just something about a holiday that doesn’t involve gifts and is all about celebration – and leprechauns…can’t forget the leprechauns. As a mom, there are SO many fun and easy ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your kids that take very little time and/or money. I have compiled a few ideas that you can use to get your little ones into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit this year!
:: Rainbow Sensory Bucket ::
Awesome for younger and older toddlers – fill a bucket with different colored toys and trinkets of varying sizes, shapes, and textures…and let them go to town! You might also hide the items in dry rice or pasta to increase the sensory experience.
This is also a great activity for language development – as your child pulls out different items, engage in conversation about the item and it’s characteristics. “You found a red ball!”…”The giraffe has a long neck”…”That is a BIG block!”
:: Rainbow Fruit Kebabs ::
I love any opportunity to create – especially when it’s something that can be completed quickly. A while back I had pinned some fruit kebabs on Pinterest, but to really make them St. Patrick’s Day friendly, I decided they needed a marshmallow cloud at the end of the rainbow and some gold – gold ribbon that is!
These were incredibly easy to make — fruit, meet skewer — and I got all of the fruit {except for the kiwi} from the fresh cut fruit bar at HEB…no cutting! Obviously, the points of the skewers are fairly sharp, so you will definitely need to supervise preparation {if you let your toddler/small child help} and consumption, but I love that these make healthy eating a little bit more fun.
…and to help you out, I’ve already created a printable tag for you to use if you decide to share these {or another St. Patty’s Day treat} with your little one’s friends – all you need to do is print and cut! Download your FREE printable St. Patrick’s Day gift tag here!
:: Soda Bread ::
What St. Patrick’s Day is complete without some traditional Irish food? I’m not the biggest corned beef and cabbage fan, but this carb-a-holic loves Soda Bread. Did I mention it’s fairly easy to make {the recipe I used was low-fat, too!} and tastes great toasted for sandwiches?! {…or when spread with your favorite jelly, or as a simple cinnamon raisin loaf if you sub some of the salt for sugar and sprinkle in some cinnamon and raisins!}
Pre-measure your ingredients, get yourself a cute little sous-chef, and this is a fun activity for mama and child!
:: Chocolate Mini St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes ::
If you’re not into consuming Irish food, why not try decorating cupcakes with your little baker? A boxed chocolate cake mix will do, but if you’ve got a chocolate cake recipe you’d like to use instead, have at it! For the frosting, I love the Magnolia Bakery Buttercream recipe, and I sub one of the teaspoons of vanilla for peppermint extract and add a bit of green gel coloring. To adorn the tops of the cupcakes, I like to use the Wilton Sparkle Gel, but any gel icing will do! What’s luckier than a four-leaf clover cupcake?!
How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Do you have any activities that you like to do with your kids on or around St. Patrick’s day?
Awesome post Amy! Of course, being a carboholic like you, I’m drawn to the bread and cupcakes rather than the fruit. These are great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
I love those kabobs! And thanks for the printable! Will probably use Friday for a play date