St. Patrick's Day Can Be Fun For The Kids As Well

March 14, 2011 by Special To The ...

On Thursday, revelers will take to the streets across the region to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It has become a favorite holiday among adults, who use the occasion as an excuse to wear green shirts, Irish garb, funny hats, and, yes, partake in a few alcoholic beverages.
However, while the day might be most closely associated with green beer and corned beef and cabbage, it can also be a fun time for those not yet old enough to enjoy the party.
Here is an article, special to The Herald, that provides you with a few tips as to how to make Thursday a fun time for not just yourself, but your children as well:

"Everyone is a little Irish come St. Patrick's Day, and children are no exception. There are many things little ones can do to have a good time on St. Patrick's Day.

* Dress in green: Encourage kids to dress and accessorize in all shades of green. For even more flair, they can use face paint to draw shamrocks on their cheeks and hands.

* Crafts: From paper four-leaf clovers to homemade leprechaun hats and belt buckles, children can get in the spirit by fashioning crafts that correspond with the theme of the day.

* Treasure hunt: Send little leprechauns in search of gold at the end of the rainbow. Like an Easter egg hunt, hide gold-wrapped chocolate coins around the house and set kids off to find the treasure.

* Blarney Stone toss: Play a game of "hot potato" to Irish music using a garden rock to serve as the "Blarney Stone." When the music stops, the person holding the stone is disqualified.

* Coin toss: Set up a pot or hat and see how many coins each child can toss into the hat. The one who gets the most in the hat wins.

* Freeze dance: Play Irish music and children have to "freeze" when the music is shut off. If someone moves, he or she has to sit out.

* Baking specialties: Invite the kids to help bake some delicious treats, such as cupcakes with green frosting or Irish soda bread.

Children celebrating St. Patrick's Day can do so in a number of fun ways.