The elf may be safely tucked away until December, but there’s fun to be had with a leprechaun in March! In the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, a lil ol’ leprechaun comes to town to spread Irish cheer. Goal—try to catch him! Our annual visitor goes by the name Liam. He usually arrives a few days before St. Patrick’s Day. Liam is a mischievous lil ol' leprechaun. He tends to leave several signs of his visit(s) behind!
Here are some easy suggestions to signal a visit from a Leprechaun:
- Turn the toilet bowl water green (add a few drops of green food coloring to the toilet water). Or take it to another level and have green water come out of the sink faucet. Thank you Steve Spangler Science for this jaw dropping idea! Remember yellow and blue make green.
- Tip over a single kitchen chair or stool. They run fast…chances are they’ll bump into something.
- Leave a “leprechaun-y” hat on the floor by the door. Again, they run fast…so fast they can lose their hat!
- Turn the milk in the fridge green (add a few drops of green food coloring to an almost empty carton). Or save the carton of milk and try this recipe from The Cookie Rookie for Leprechaun Milk ! It’s adorably delicious!
- Add a box of Lucky Charms to the cereal selection. No better time than to enjoy a magical bowl!
- Leave printed messages to read. Keep it simple but make it fun.
Here are some examples of messages from a leprechaun:
- Irish Proverbs/Blessings
- Irish Jokes (kid friendly of course)
- Scavenger Hunt
- Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day!
- Have clues that end with a pot of gold aka Rolos.
- Example clues shared below.
Additionally, on the arrival of Liam, the kids get creative and devise plans to try and catch him. Who doesn’t want to try and catch a leprechaun? They have gold they will share! Traps in our family have been made out of buckets, boxes, Legos and even a bird cage.
How to Make a Traditional Box and Stick Trap
I don’t know who started the leprechaun fun, but it’s a thing. You’re kids only stay small for so long. You can choose to embrace him…or leave him. It’s all up to you!
We'd love to know what you do to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Leave a comment below.
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