St. Patrick’s Day fun for kids

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On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish for a little while and ready to enjoy themselves. It’s important to include the children when celebrating this popular holiday. However, not all of the customary St. Patrick’s Day revelry is appropriate for the younger set. With some tweaks and kid-inspired fun, you can host a St. Pat’s party perfect for youngsters.

Invitations

The first thing that will set the tone for your party is the invitation. Make it fun. A clover will be expected, so why not cut out the face of a leprechaun and write your party specifics on the flip side? Instruct kids to wear green to the event.

Face Painting

When children arrive at the party, have a dedicated face painter who can transform them with Irish splendor. Green clovers, glitter, and mischievous leprechaun faces will stand out in the crowd.

Entertainment

Keep the crowd entertained with Irish and Gaelic tunes on the radio. Transform traditional party games into something St. Patrick’s Day specific. For example, “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” can be turned into “Pin the Pipe on the Leprechaun.” “Musical Chairs,” can be changed into “Pot of Gold Scramble.”

Food

Some of the traditional Irish foods enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day may be a little too rich for the palates of younger children. Therefore, opt for more kid-friendly fare. Potato skins or twice-baked potatoes will meet the need for this popular tuber. Serve green foods, such as veggie sticks, spinach tortillas, or puddings and dips tinted with a little food coloring. Use a shamrock cookie cutter to turn grilled cheeses or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into fun treats.

Goodie Bags

When the kids are ready to head home after some fun, fill their goodie bags with bubble pipes, chocolate gold coins, rainbow-colored sidewalk chalk, and shamrock stickers.