Saint Patrick’s Day is almost here! Though kids can’t partake in most of the festivities going on that crazy weekend, there are some family-friendly ideas here in Columbus. The City of Dublin has the whole family covered for a day of fun and I have rounded up some activities you can do at home to bring on the Irish spirit.
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in Dublin 2016
Saturday, March 12
- Pancake Breakfast, Sells Middle School, 7-11 am. The greenest weekend of the year kicks off with a pancake breakfast followed by the Inflation Celebration where the parade balloons come to life.
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Historic Dublin, 11 am. Marching bands, bagpipers, Irish dancers, giant balloons and even St. Patrick himself march through the streets of Dublin.
- Irish Fairy Doors of Dublin, Historic Dublin, all day. Follow the Trail Map and hunt for Irish Fairy Doors throughout Historic Dublin. Find all six doors and get a “Irish Fairy Doors of Dublin” t-shirt and be entered to win the grand prize on St. Patrick’s Day.
- Blarney Bash, 555 Metro Place N., 12-11 pm. Immediately following the parade, the biggest SPD party in the city kicks off featuring live Irish music and dancing throughout the day. There will also be kid activities and food and beverage trucks. $10 per person, 12 and under is free. ($7 advance tickets)
(thank you Dublin CVB for the photos from last year’s celebration)
And for some activities at home…
- Try this cute art project from The Resourceful Mama, which involves a glue stick and crumbling crepe or tissue paper. What little one doesn’t enjoy that? Use the activity to discuss the color green and the sound/action of crumbling.
- I also love this rainbow art from the same craft magician, The Resourceful Mama. I love anything that teaches children basic concepts, and I know both of my children (toddler and preschooler) would love to make this. If you don’t have tissue paper, use any colored paper or even bingo dotters for each color.
And what’s a holiday without festive snacks? Here are some colorful ideas for your green feast:
- Rainbow fruit kabobs: We made these for my kids’ birthday party last year and they were a hit. We used coffee stirrers, which were the perfect length and not sharp.
- Make a fruit and veggies tray of only green foods to try (don’t forget the ranch and vanilla yogurt for dipping!) You can try broccoli, green peppers, celery, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, kiwi, granny smith apples, and green grapes.
- Make a simple trail mix using Lucky Charms cereal, green MMs, pretzel sticks, and marshmallows. This is a good way to get the kids involved with measuring and mixing the ingredients.
Above all, have fun with your family on this fun little holiday. Enjoy!
