Is it just me, or does it feel like there are constantly new trends and traditions for each holiday? I can barely keep up! For the last two weeks, my preschooler has been begging me to help make him his own leprechaun trap. 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. (And maybe we will even end up with a pot of gold.) This is also a fun way to use up some of your favorite craft supplies.
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 sneaky little leprechaun trap is such an easy and fun STEM project for kids! If you’re clueless about catching a leprechaun and wondering what to do with your kids this St. Patty’s Day, I got you! Now you have a new fun tradition in March.
RELATED: Need a SIMPLE spring craft list of ideas? This list includes a handful of an easy toddler and preschool craft ideas.
Who has time to search for ideas?
Save with the PDF bundle to have everything you need on your digital device without ad interruptions.
What is a leprechaun trap?
A leprechaun trap is 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 leave behind a bit of magic like chocolate or plastic gold coins.
Leprechaun traps are whimsical, adorable, and always one of a kind. They remind me a little of the magic of the tooth fairy. Leprechauns are constantly looking for free gold.
There are so many creative and innovative ways to design leprechaun traps, which is why making one 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?
Homemade 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: This is something to lure the little leprechaun towards the trap (think trail of Lucky Charms, bread crumbs, or Skittles).
- LADDER: This is a way for the leprechaun to climb into the trap. Create a colorful little ladder from popsicle sticks, magnetic tiles, Legos, and pipe cleaners.
- TRAP: This is a trapping mechanism to catch mischievous creatures (e.g., a cup, shoebox, etc.). It may also include a secret trap door into which the little guys fall.
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.
Days with Grey participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
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. There are also many supplies at the Dollar Store to help your trap come alive.
- Chocolate coins
- Cotton balls
- Empty box or container
- Glitter glue (green, gold)
- Glue
- Gold craft paint
- Green construction paper
- Hot glue
- Lucky Charms cereal
- Markers
- Paint
- Piece of cardboard
- Pipe cleaners
- Popsicle sticks
- Rainbow path
- Ribbon
- Scrapbook paper
- Scissors
- Shamrocks
- Skittles
- Toilet paper rolls
- White craft glue
- White paper
Why is making a leprechaun trap fun for kids?
Rumor has it that whoever catches the leprechaun is gifted with three wishes! This is part of the fun and wonder for kids. Who wouldn’t want to be granted three wishes?! Now that I understand the myths and 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 easy diy 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 Trap
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. Add a pile of gold to the end of the rainbow path.
Easy Lego Trap
If your child is obsessed with Legos, like all of mine are, they will love this cute craft of building a green-themed leprechaun trap with all of their extra Lego pieces. Use green paper to add a little extra good luck.
Gold Coin Leprechaun Trap
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 Trap
This top hat trap is a creative way to repurpose an empty oatmeal container with fun art supplies to create a classically beautiful leprechaun trap. Tie yarn from the top to catch the crafty little gnome.
Rainbow 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 Trap
We know that shoeboxes make great canvases for all kinds of art projects. But did you know they make excellent leprechaun traps?! Add right arrows or a gold trail to lead the way.
DIY Leprechaun Trap
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.
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?
Save with the PDF bundle to have everything you need on your digital device without ad interruptions.
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!
