I was always on the hunt for fresh and exciting ideas to celebrate the holidays with my daycare kids. Let’s be honest, doing the same old crafts and activities year after year can get a little, well…boring. So, with St. Patrick’s Day rolling in on March 17th, I thought it would be the perfect time to share 17 fun and creative ways to make the day extra special for your little leprechauns.
From hands-on crafts to engaging games and even some tasty treats, I’ve rounded up some of the best activities that will keep your daycare kids entertained while sprinkling in a little St. Paddy’s magic. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Looking for New St. Patrick’s Day Fun? You’re in Luck!
Crafting Up Some Green Fun

Turn those empty toilet paper rolls into adorable little leprechauns! This DIY project is easy and fun for all ages.

Let the kids create beautiful shamrocks using coffee filters and watercolors—simple but impressive!

Rainbow Paper Chain Pot of Gold – St Patrick’s Day Craft for Preschoolers
A hands-on way to mix in some color learning with the excitement of a pot of gold at the end!

Tiny hands make the cutest shamrocks! A great keepsake for parents, too.

Shamrock Paper Wreath {St. Patricks Day Craft} - the-gingerbread-house.co.uk
A fun way to decorate your daycare and let the kids show off their creativity.

Send the kids on a hunt for gold coins, rainbows, and lucky charms.

Think “Simon Says,” but with a mischievous leprechaun twist!

A gross motor activity that lets kids crawl through a magical rainbow tunnel.

Because catching a leprechaun is serious business!

Eight free printables that will keep little hands busy.

Leprechaun Hat Coloring Page Free Printable - The Crafty Blog Stalker
Let the kids decorate their own lucky leprechaun hats.

A simple and fun recipe to whip up with the kids.

Homemade St. Patrick's Day Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft, delicious, and topped with cream cheese frosting. Need I say more?

Part craft, part snack—100% fun!

A fun decoration that doubles as a fine motor skills activity.

Easy Pot of Gold Craft for Toddlers St. Patricks Day Fun with a Free Printable Template!
Perfect for tiny hands, with a free printable template included.

Grab some paint and a fork—it’s time for a unique and textural painting activity!
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Here Are The 10 Must-Have Daycare Templates
Related Reading:
- CHILDCARE EVENTS: Creating Childcare Events to Remember
- How To Keep Parents Excited And Engaged In Your Childcare [INFOGRAPHIC]
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Keep the Fun Rolling Year-Round
Keeping your daycare environment fresh, exciting, and ever-changing not only makes the days more enjoyable for the kids but also keeps them engaged and looking forward to what’s next. And let’s be real—when the kids are happy, the parents are happy, which helps your daycare business thrive. So go ahead, pick a few (or all!) of these activities and make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember!