10 St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Toddlers

Finding St. Patrick’s Day activities for toddlers that are fun, easy, and actually keep their attention can feel like a challenge. One moment, they’re all in, and the next, they’re on the floor because their green socks don’t match. But don’t worry—I’ve got plenty of festive, simple ideas to make the day exciting without the stress.

From hands-on crafts to energetic activities, this post is packed with ways to celebrate with little ones. Whether your toddler loves to move, create, or snack, there’s something here to keep them entertained.

• Treasure hunts with hidden gold coins make them feel like little explorers.
• Shamrock stamping lets them get creative with paint in the easiest way possible.
• Green-themed snacks add fun to mealtime with simple, toddler-friendly treats.
• Dance parties bring out the wiggles while introducing them to Irish music.
• Storytime helps wind down the excitement with fun St. Patrick’s Day books.

The best part? These activities don’t require tons of prep, fancy supplies, or a Pinterest-worthy setup (though if you need more ideas, Pinterest is always a great place to look!). Just grab some green paint, a few gold coins, and maybe a snack or two, and you’re ready for a fun-filled day.

So if you’re looking for easy, engaging ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your toddler, this list has you covered. Let’s make some festive memories—without the meltdowns!

1. St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt Activities for Toddlers

If there’s one thing toddlers love, it’s a good hunt for treasure. And what’s more exciting than a St. Patrick’s Day treasure hunt? It’s easy to set up, gets little ones moving, and adds a touch of magic to the day.

How to Set It Up:

• Hide gold coins around the house or yard. You can use chocolate coins, plastic ones, or even make your own out of yellow construction paper.
• Use simple clues or pictures. Instead of riddles (which can be tricky for toddlers), draw pictures to lead them from one clue to the next. For example, a drawing of a bed means “look under the bed.”
• Make a fun trail. Use green paper footprints leading to each clue, or sprinkle a little green confetti for a magical leprechaun effect.
• Create a “pot of gold” finale. The final prize can be a small black pot filled with gold coins, rainbow stickers, or a fun St. Patrick’s Day book.

Why Toddlers Love It:

• It makes them feel like explorers. Searching for hidden treasure brings out their curiosity and excitement.
• It gets them moving. Whether they’re crawling under tables or racing to the next clue, it’s a great way to burn off energy.
• It encourages problem-solving. Even with simple clues, toddlers love the challenge of figuring out where to look next.

This St. Patrick’s Day activity for toddlers is perfect for keeping little ones engaged while adding a bit of adventure to the holiday. Plus, you can make it as easy or challenging as you want—just adjust the clues to fit your toddler’s age and abilities!

2. Shamrock Stamping Craft Activity for Toddlers

If there’s one thing toddlers love, it’s making a mess in the name of creativity. And honestly? I’m all for it—especially when it’s an easy, no-fuss activity like Shamrock Stamping Craft. This one’s perfect for little hands, requires barely any setup, and makes the cutest St. Patrick’s Day artwork.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Green paint (washable is best because, well, toddlers)
• A bell pepper (trust me on this—it’s shaped like a shamrock when cut)
• Paper (thicker paper works best, like cardstock)
• Glitter and stickers (optional, but adds extra fun)
• Paper plates (for holding the paint)
• Apron or old shirt (because toddlers + paint = potential disaster)

How to Make It:

1. Prep the bell pepper. Slice it in half horizontally and pat it dry with a paper towel. You’ll see the natural shamrock shape in the cross-section.
2. Pour some green paint onto a paper plate. If you want different shades, mix a little yellow or white in.
3. Let your toddler dip and stamp! Press the bell pepper into the paint, then stamp it onto the paper. Watch their excitement as little shamrocks appear!
4. Time to decorate! While the paint is still wet, sprinkle a little glitter on top. Or once it dries, let them add shamrock stickers, gold sequins, or even tiny rainbow drawings.

Why Toddlers Love It:

• It’s hands-on and fun! They get to stamp, press, and watch shamrocks appear like magic.
• It introduces new textures. Feeling the bumpy bell pepper and squishy paint is a sensory experience.
• It’s a keepsake. Their shamrock-stamped paper can be used as a homemade card or even framed as holiday decor.

This St. Patrick’s Day activity for toddlers is a total win—easy setup, lots of creativity, and minimal cleanup (as long as you’re prepared for a little mess!).

3. Green-Themed Toddler Snacks

Let’s be honest—toddlers can be picky. Some days they’ll eat anything, and other days, even their favorite snack is suddenly “yucky.” But when food is fun and festive, they’re way more likely to give it a try. That’s why green-themed snacks are a perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Simple, colorful, and toddler-approved!

Fun & Easy Green Snacks for Toddlers:

• Green fruit salad – Dice up kiwi, green grapes, green apples, and honeydew melon. For extra fun, let them mix the fruit themselves!
• Shamrock toast – Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to cut bread, spread it with mashed avocado, and top with shredded cheese.
• Green pancakes – Blend a little spinach into your pancake batter for natural color, or just add a few drops of green food coloring.
• Cucumber shamrock snacks – Slice cucumbers and arrange them into a shamrock shape with a pretzel stick as the stem.
• Leprechaun smoothies – Blend banana, spinach, yogurt, and a splash of apple juice for a sweet green drink. Serve in a fun cup with a festive straw!
• Green popcorn – Toss air-popped popcorn with a little melted white chocolate and green food coloring for a sweet treat.

Why This Works for Toddlers:

• They love colorful food. Green makes it feel extra special and exciting!
• It sneaks in healthy ingredients. Spinach in pancakes? Avocado on toast? They won’t even notice.
• It makes them feel included. Having their own special St. Patrick’s Day snacks means they’re part of the fun.

This St. Patrick’s Day activity for toddlers is perfect for little ones who love to snack (which is basically all toddlers). It’s festive, easy to put together, and best of all—delicious!

4. St. Patrick’s Day Story Time

There’s something so special about snuggling up with a good book—especially on a festive day like St. Patrick’s Day. Toddlers love stories, and this is such an easy way to bring a little magic to the holiday without the mess of crafts or snacks. Just grab a few books, a cozy spot, and maybe even a green blanket to set the scene!

How to Make Story Time Extra Fun:

• Create a reading nook. Pile up green pillows, grab a soft blanket, and maybe even add some twinkle lights for a cozy atmosphere.
• Dress up for the occasion. A simple green hat or shamrock headband can make toddlers feel extra festive.
• Use silly voices. If a book has a leprechaun, make your best mischievous leprechaun voice. If there’s a rainbow, describe it with excitement!
• Act it out. If the story involves catching a leprechaun, pretend to sneak around and “look” for one.
• Add a small activity. After reading, let your toddler draw their favorite part of the story or find a toy that matches the theme.

Toddler-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Books:

• How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace – A fun, silly book about setting traps for a sneaky leprechaun.
• There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover by Lucille Colandro – A festive twist on the classic “Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” story.
• Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Curious George by H.A. Rey – A simple, sweet book featuring everyone’s favorite curious monkey.

Why This is One of the Best St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Toddlers:

• It winds down the excitement. Perfect for relaxing after a busy day of treasure hunts and crafts.
• It introduces new words and traditions. Even simple books can teach toddlers about shamrocks, rainbows, and leprechauns.
• It creates a tradition. Reading a St. Patrick’s Day book each year makes for a sweet family memory.

This St. Patrick’s Day activity for toddlers is an easy, no-stress way to add a little holiday magic to your day. Plus, who doesn’t love a good excuse to snuggle up with a book?

5. Rainbow Sensory Bin

A sensory bin is a simple way to keep toddlers entertained while also helping with fine motor skills and creativity.

How to Make It:

• Dye rice in different colors using food coloring.
• Layer the rice to make a rainbow effect.
• Add little pots, gold coins, or plastic spoons for scooping and pouring.

Why Toddlers Love It:

• It’s colorful and engaging.
• It encourages hands-on play.
• It keeps them busy while you sip your coffee.

St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Play Activities for Toddlers

If there’s one thing toddlers love, it’s getting their hands into everything. That’s why sensory play is such a hit! It keeps them engaged, helps with development, and makes St. Patrick’s Day extra fun.

Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Play:

• Green Oobleck: Mix cornstarch, water, and green food coloring to create a gooey, non-Newtonian fluid that acts like both a liquid and a solid. Toddlers will love squeezing and squishing it!
• Gold Coin Dig: Fill a large container with dry rice, dyed green with food coloring, and hide plastic gold coins inside. Give your toddler a scoop or small shovel and let them dig for treasure.
• Leprechaun Cloud Dough: Combine flour and baby oil with green food coloring to make a soft, moldable dough that toddlers can shape into shamrocks or gold coins.

Why Sensory Play is Perfect:

• It keeps toddlers busy while also strengthening fine motor skills.
• They get to explore new textures, colors, and materials.
• It’s an easy activity to set up with things you probably already have at home.

If you’re looking for an easy, low-mess option, fill a plastic bin with dried split peas (they’re green!) and toss in some St. Patrick’s Day-themed toys. They’ll scoop, pour, and play for ages! Sensory play is one of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day activities for toddlers because it’s hands-on, engaging, and super easy to put together.

6. Leprechaun Dance Party

If there’s one thing toddlers have a lot of, it’s energy. And what better way to channel all that excitement than with a Leprechaun Dance Party? It’s fun, simple, and guaranteed to bring out giggles. Just press play on some festive tunes, clear a little space, and let them dance their hearts out!

How to Set Up a Fun Leprechaun Dance Party:

• Pick the right music. Upbeat Irish tunes are perfect for getting little feet moving. Songs with clapping or stomping make it even more fun!
• Add some fun props. Hand out green scarves, jingle bells, or even tiny paper top hats to wave around while dancing.
• Create a “Leprechaun Freeze Dance” game. Play music, let them dance, then pause it randomly. When the music stops, everyone has to freeze like a leprechaun hiding from being caught!
• Try an easy Irish jig. Hold hands and hop in a circle or stomp to the beat—no need to be an expert, just have fun!
• Dim the lights and use glow sticks. If you really want to make it feel magical, let them dance around with green glow sticks or twinkle lights.

Fun Songs to Try:

• Irish Jig Medley – A fast-paced, instrumental tune that’s perfect for hopping and spinning.
• If You’re Irish and You Know It – A St. Patrick’s Day spin on the classic toddler favorite.
• The Unicorn Song by The Irish Rovers – Fun, silly, and easy for toddlers to sing along with.

Why This is One of the Best St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Toddlers:

• Gets their energy out. A perfect way to burn off some excitement before nap time or bedtime.
• Introduces them to Irish music. It’s a fun way to explore new sounds and rhythms.
• Creates a festive memory. Dancing, laughing, and acting silly together makes for a St. Patrick’s Day tradition you’ll both love.

This St. Patrick’s Day activity for toddlers is easy to set up, requires zero cleanup, and guarantees a whole lot of fun. So turn up the music and let those little leprechauns dance!

7. DIY Leprechaun Hat St. Patrick’s Day Activity for Toddlers

Materials Needed:

• Green construction paper
• Scissors (for adults to use)
• Glue
• Decorations like stickers, glitter, and markers

Steps:

• Cut a large circle for the brim and a strip of paper long enough to form a cylinder for the top of the hat.
• Let your toddler decorate the strip with markers, stickers, or glitter.
• Once decorated, form the strip into a cylinder and glue it to the brim.

Why It’s Great:

• Helps develop fine motor skills.
• Encourages creativity.
• They get to wear their festive creation!

8. Shamrock Shakers St. Patrick’s Day Activity for Toddlers

Music and dance are great for toddlers, and what better way to celebrate than with homemade musical instruments?

Materials Needed:

• Small plastic containers (like water bottles)
• Green paint or paper
• Rice, beans, or beads for filling
• Tape or glue

How to Make Them:

• Let your toddler paint the containers green or wrap them with construction paper.
• Fill with rice, beans, or beads for sound.
• Secure the lids tightly with tape or glue.

Why Toddlers Love It:

• Fun sensory activity.
• Introduces rhythm and music.
• Great for movement and dancing.

10. St. Patrick’s Day Nature Walk

Head outside and see if you can find signs of spring while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Nature Hunt Ideas:

• Look for clovers in the grass.
• Spot anything green in nature—leaves, grass, moss.
• Collect small sticks or rocks and paint them green at home.

Why This Works:

• It gets toddlers moving.
• It connects them with nature.
• It’s a simple, no-prep activity.

Bonus Activity!! DIY Playdough

Homemade playdough is a toddler favorite, and it’s surprisingly easy to make! Add some fun St. Patrick’s Day twists, and you’ve got an activity that will keep little hands busy for hours.

How to Make Easy St. Patrick’s Day Playdough:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 tbsp cream of tartar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1.5 cups boiling water
• Green food coloring
• Optional: gold glitter for a little sparkle

Directions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl.
2. Add the oil and boiling water, stirring well.
3. Drop in green food coloring and mix until it’s the shade you want.
4. If you want, mix in some gold glitter for a “pot of gold” effect!

Fun Playdough Activities:

• Shamrock Stamps: Use a shamrock cookie cutter to make fun shapes.
• Gold Coin Imprints: Press plastic gold coins into the dough to make impressions.
• Leprechaun “Bakery”: Let your toddler roll and shape playdough into pretend treats like rainbow cookies or gold coins.

Why is this one of the best St. Patrick’s Day activities for toddlers? Because it’s creative, helps with fine motor skills, and gives them something to play with long after the activity is over. Plus, homemade playdough lasts for weeks if stored in an airtight container!

Bonus Activity #2: St. Patrick’s Day Bubble Wrap Painting

Want an easy art activity that’s fun, unique, and keeps toddlers entertained? Try bubble wrap painting! It’s a creative way to introduce texture, and it makes for some adorable St. Patrick’s Day artwork.

What You’ll Need:

• Bubble wrap (the small bubble kind works best!)
• Green, gold, and rainbow-colored paints
• White paper or cardstock
• Paintbrushes or sponges
• Tape

How to Set It Up:

1. Tape a sheet of bubble wrap to the table, bubble side up.
2. Let your toddler dip a paintbrush or sponge into green and gold paint and dab it onto the bubble wrap.
3. Once the bubble wrap is covered in paint, press a piece of white paper on top and lift it off to reveal a fun textured print.
4. For extra fun, try different colors to create a rainbow effect!

Why Toddlers Love It:

• It’s a new, exciting way to paint that’s different from regular brushes.
• Popping a few bubbles after painting is a built-in bonus!
• The finished prints make cute St. Patrick’s Day decorations or cards.

Painting with bubble wrap is one of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day activities for toddlers because it’s easy to clean up, keeps them engaged, and gives them something to be proud of when they’re done.

Final Thoughts

Making St. Patrick’s Day special for toddlers doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple, hands-on activities can turn an ordinary day into one filled with fun, laughter, and a little leprechaun magic.

We covered so many easy St. Patrick’s Day activities for toddlers that are fun, festive, and stress-free.

• Treasure hunts keep little ones moving while making them feel like tiny explorers searching for gold.
• Crafts like shamrock stamping let them get messy while creating something cute to show off.
• Green-themed snacks make mealtime more exciting and sneak in some healthy ingredients.
• Storytime brings a little holiday magic while winding down the excitement of the day.
• A leprechaun dance party is the perfect way to burn off energy and introduce toddlers to Irish music.
• Sensory bins, playdough, and hands-on fun keep tiny hands busy and engaged with textures and colors.

Every activity is simple to set up, requires little prep, and creates special moments you and your toddler will love. Whether you’re dancing to Irish tunes, stamping shamrocks, or reading about mischievous leprechauns, the most important thing is spending time together.

And if you’re looking for even more ideas, Pinterest is full of creative ways to celebrate with toddlers. So grab something green, pick an activity (or two!), and enjoy a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day with your little one!