Is it just me, or does it feel like there are constantly new trends and traditions for each holiday? I can barely keep up! My preschooler has been begging me to help make him a leprechaun trap for the last two weeks. Truthfully, I had no idea what he was talking about. But with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, I figured it would be worth researching to discover what these little leprechaun catchers were all about! No worries, I found us some playful Leprechaun trap ideas for kids to spark creativity.
RELATED: Since we have spring on our mind, pin this spring activity list to return to after St. Patrick’s Day.
Turns out, making a leprechaun trap is such an easy and fun STEM project for kids! If you’re feeling totally clueless about how to catch a leprechaun and wondering what to do with your kids this St. Patty’s Day, I got you! Keep reading to learn all about what a leprechaun trap is, why you should make one, and our 7 favorite leprechaun traps to help give you some St. Patty’s Day luck and inspiration.
RELATED: Need a SIMPLE spring craft list of ideas? This list includes a handful of an easy toddler and preschool craft ideas.
What is a leprechaun trap?
A leprechaun trap is simply a trap that kids can design, create and set up the night before St. Patrick’s Day to catch a leprechaun. And if you get lucky enough to trap one, they may just leave behind a little magic. Leprechaun traps are whimsical, adorable and always one of a kind!
There are so many creative and innovative ways to design leprechaun traps. Which is why, making a leprechaun trap is the perfect STEM activity. STEM activities help our kids develop critical thinking skills for growing minds. Making leprechaun traps is a fun and easy way for kids of all ages to get into the St. Patty’s Day spirit and use their creative minds.
RELATED: Looking for more open-ended STEM play? Check out our list of favorite STEM Toys for Kids.
What do you put in a leprechaun trap?
Leprechaun traps are the ideal spring craft idea to kick off the spring season! If you’re new to the leprechaun trap tradition like I was, you’ll want to know what goes into creating one!
The basics of a leprechaun trap include:
- BAIT – something to lure the little leprechaun towards the trap (think Lucky Charms, Skittles, etc.)
- LADDER – a way for the leprechaun to climb into the trap (popsicle sticks, Magnetic Tiles Legos, pipe cleaners, etc.)
- TRAP – a way to actually catch the leprechaun (a cup, shoebox, etc.)
Supplies:
Below is a list of some simple and festive supplies you can use to create simple and one-of-a-kind leprechaun traps. And the good news is that you probably already have everything you need right at home.
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How to Catch a Leprechaun
We get a kick out of this book every year! It will get everyone thinking about how to catch the Leprechaun in your home.
Use this list of art supplies and decorations, set them out and let your kids create!
- Construction paper
- Cotton balls
- Empty box or container
- Glitter (green, gold)
- Glue
- Lucky Charms cereal
- Markers
- Paint
- Pipe cleaners
- Popsicle sticks
- Rainbow everything!
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Shamrocks
- Skittles
Why is making a leprechaun trap fun for kids?
Rumor has it that whoever catches the leprechaun is gifted with 3 wishes! This is part of the fun and wonder for kids. Who wouldn’t want to be granted 3 wishes?! Now that I understand the myths and the wonder behind these whimsical and festive leprechaun traps, I totally get why my youngest had been begging me to make one.
RELATED: Wanting to (finally) get your kids outside this St. Patrick’s Day after a long winter? Try this St. Patty’s Day Outdoor Activity!
7 simple and playful leprechaun trap ideas
Making a leprechaun trap to catch the little green man this St. Patty’s Day does not have to be complicated. There are so many different ways to create these cute little traps. Check out our favorite easy and whimsical leprechaun traps below!
- Cereal Box Leprechaun Trap (Crafts by Amanda)
Set out some fun glitter (with caution!!!) and rainbow markers, and let your kids decorate an empty cereal box to create a simple leprechaun trap.
- Easy LEGO Leprechaun Trap (Little Bins Little Hands)
If your child is obsessed with Legos, like all of mine are, they will absolutely love this idea of building a green-themed leprechaun trap with all of their extra lego pieces.
- Gold Coin Leprechaun Trap (Coffee Cups and Crayons)
Almost as simple as it gets! Find an old boxtop or piece of cardboard for your kids to color, and decorate, and then simply lay on top of a stack of gold coins to trap the little green man.
- Oatmeal Container Leprechaun Trap (Little Bins Little Hands)
A creative way to repurpose an empty oatmeal container with all sorts of fun art supplies to create a classically beautiful leprechaun trap.
Looking for a leprechaun trap learning activity? This fine motor strengthening and sorting activity will keep your young child entertained and thinking about all things rainbow!
- Shoebox Leprechaun Trap (Buggy and Buddy)
We know that shoeboxes make great canvases for all kinds of art projects. But did you know they make excellent leprechaun traps?! Grab an old shoebox and create a fun and colorful leprechaun trap.
- Traditional Box and Stick Trap (DIY Inspired)
Combine the outdoors with the indoors with this cute leprechaun trap idea that incorporates indoor crafting with an outdoor scavenger hunt to find the perfect stick to help trap the leprechaun.
Fingers crossed for some leprechaun luck!
Catching a leprechaun is both exciting and fun for kids of all ages. Using their creative minds and craftiness, making a leprechaun trap is one of the best STEM art activities for kids to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Your kids will love leaving their finished traps out on display the night before St. Patty’s Day to hopefully catch a leprechaun and see what goodies he leaves behind (wink, wink: coins, shamrocks, Lucky Charms, or a personalized message)!
And as the weather warms up, this outdoor activity list will become a go-to resource for you and your family.
Who has time to search for ideas?
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FAQ
A leprechaun trap is a simple trap that kids can make to lure a leprechaun in the night before St. Patrick’s Day. There are so many easy and creative ways to make leprechaun traps using all sorts of household items and art supplies you already have at home.
Kids will have fun making a holiday-themed project whenever creativity, thinking, and building are involved. As myths and legends say, the leprechaun may leave some fun surprises in thdon’tp if your kids get lucky enough.
If a leprechaun gets trapped, they usually don’t stay in the trap but will leave behind some signs that they were there. They may leave coins, Skittles, Lucky Charms, shamrocks, glitter, a note, footprints, and a leprechaun hat; the options are endless!
