Photo:
Irish Festival at Seattle Center. Photo: Sunny Martini
Hunt for leprechauns, dance to lively Irish ditties or gear up for a themed fun run. If you’re looking for activities the family can do together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll find what you need on our editor-curated list. Dig out your greenest attire and check out these kid-friendly events happening on and around the March 17 holiday.
Family activities:
Saturday, March 9, 10:30–11:30 a.m.: Make your own leprechaun trap at Imagine Children’s Museum’s Art Hangout and see if you can nab yourself some extra luck by catching one of these mischievous tricksters. Ages 12 and younger; $20 per adult-child member pair; $25 per adult-child non-member pair.
Saturday–Sunday, March 9–10, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.: Six Irish films will be shown on the Pacific Science Center IMAX screen over two days during the Emerald City Irish Film Festival, including the family-favorites, “Secret of Kells” and “Wolfwalkers.” $10 adults; $5 youth (ages 4–15 years).
Saturday, March 9, 1–2:30 p.m.: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a hop, skip and jump as you learn Irish dance during an open house at Carroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance. The session for ages 4–6 years starts at 1 p.m.; Ages 7–12 years starts at 1:45 p.m. Free.
Sunday, March 10, 11 a.m.–noon or Monday, March 11, 10–11 a.m.: Book your preferred time slot then head to Glazed & Amazed in Edmonds to hear a St. Patrick’s Day story and paint a ceramic gnome inspired by the book. Ages 3 and older; $24.
Tuesday, March 12, 1:30–2:30 p.m.: Laugh, sing and celebrate everything Irish at an all-ages show hosted by the High Point Community Center in Seattle. You might even win a prize in the mystery raffle. Free.
Tuesday, March 12, 6–7 p.m.: All are invited to discover St. Patrick’s Day through dance, poetry and stories. Then, learn an Irish group dance with the Rowan Fae Dance Company. The fun takes place at the Fairwood Library in Renton. Free.
March 14–17: Check the schedule and make your plan for St. Paddy’s fun at Bainbridge Island’s four-day fest hosted by Pleasant Beach Village. There are concerts (Gothard Sisters perform their Celtic tunes on March 14) and family-friendly attractions. Prices vary by activity.
Thursday, March 14, 5:30–7:30 p.m.: Bring the whole fam to a St. Patrick’s Day community meet-up at Puyallup’s Kaleidoscope Family Gym. Search for hidden pots of gold and watch a leprechaun-themed flick. $20 per family.
Through March 15: Take part in an ongoing scavenger hunt at Cross Park in Tacoma and earn a pot o’ gold prize for locating leprechauns who are on the loose! Free.
Friday, March 15, 5 p.m.: Witness the landing of St. Patrick by pirates at the annual reenactment that takes place during Irish Week at Lake Union Park. Free.
Saturday, March 16, 12:30–2:30 p.m.: Join in the spirit and fun o’ the Irish at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade which marches along Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle. Free.
Saturday, March 16, 1–2:30 p.m.: Treat the kids to delicious fun decorating St. Patrick's Day cookies at a class hosted by Ballard Pizza Company at either the Seattle or Woodinville location. $10.
Saturday, March 16, 2–3 p.m.: Bremerton continues their tradition of hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Parade through downtown. Bonus: After the parade, kids can search for coins along the parade route and redeem them for prizes. Free.
Saturday, March 16, 2–4 p.m.: Free family St. Patrick’s Day fun can be found at Pacific Place shopping center. The Seattle Irish Dance Company will perform, and guests are invited to get in the act as well. Kids can meet costumed characters and make a shamrock craft.
Saturday, March 16, 7–9 p.m.: An annual tradition at the Kirkland Performance Center, sing and clap along at an all-ages concert celebrating everything Irish by violinist Geoffrey Castle. $40 per person.
Saturday–Sunday, March 16–17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: South Sound families can also engineer their own traps to catch an elusive leprechaun at Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum. Included with admission ($18).
Saturday–Sunday, March 16–17: Join the lively Irish Festival at Seattle Center showcasing the music, food, dancing and literature of Ireland. Free.
Sunday, March 17, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.: Kids of all ages are invited to sign up to receive a map and hunt for leprechaun treasure at several Tukwila parks. Prizes will be awarded. Free.
Sunday, March 17, 1:30 –3:15 p.m.: Skate to traditional Irish tunes under green lighting at the Kraken Community Iceplex’s special St. Patrick’s Day skate. $15.
Sunday, March 17, 1–2 p.m.: St. Patrick is said to have driven the snakes out of Ireland. What better day to celebrate these slithery friends than Snake Patrick’s Day. Head to Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah for a fun look into all things snakes. Free.
Sunday, March 17, 7:30 –10:30 p.m.: Bring the family to enjoy lively Irish songs, step dancing, fiddle tunes and more at a concert by Celtic folk group, the Gothard Sisters at Edmonds Center for the Arts. $20–$35.
Sunday, March 24, 5–9 p.m.: Celebrate Irish culture through traditional music and dance and sample some tasty Irish bites as well at the PNW Fleadh, that's "festival" to you and me. Partake in an optional dinner. Advance tickets are $15 adults; $10 ages 12 and younger; or $20 at the door.
St. Patrick’s Day Fun Runs:
St. Patrick’s Day brings many opportunities to get your crew outdoors and active. Grab your running shoes and join one of these Irish-themed Fun Runs for the whole fam.
Saturday, March 16, 8–11:15 a.m.: St. Paddy’s Day Run in downtown Tacoma. 5k and 10k; Starts at $40.
Saturday, March 16, 8:30–11 a.m.: Woodinville Leprechaun Leap at Wilmot Gate Park. 5k, 10k and Sprite Sprint; $38–$48; The Sprite Sprint for kids ages 6 and younger is free.
Saturday, March 16, 8:30 a.m.: Shamrock’n the Harbor at Gig Harbor’s Cushman Trail Park. 5k and 12k; Starts at $35; ages 6 and younger are free.
Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.: Shamrock 5k Fun Run starting at Meriweather Square in Seabrook. 5k; $15–$30.
Sunday, March 17, 8:30 a.m.–noon: St. Patrick’s Day Dash at Seattle Center. 5k and kids’ Leprechaun Lap; $38–$50; $20–$25 for the Leprechaun Lap.
Sunday, March 17, 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m.: Kirkland Shamrock Run at Juanita Beach Park. 5k and Little Leprechaun Run; $50; $15 kids’ race.
