How to Make a Leprechaun Trap—Yes, Seriously
Sir Charms—a.k.a the leprechaun after your Lucky Charms—might be the most iconic leprechaun of the bunch, but word on the street is that plenty of these mischievous little characters pop up around St. Patrick's Day. They're tricky little fellas that can only be caught with a leprechaun trap that lures them to their fate with the most tempting bait: gold coins and sweet treats, like candy and green desserts.
Ok, ok—no matter how much candy and gold you have at your disposal, you aren't actually going to catch any leprechauns. But, building a leprechaun trap is still a great St. Patrick's Day activity—and one that's commonly done in schools for good reason. It's not only a fun way to celebrate the day of the Irish, but it also teaches kids important STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills. Here's how to make an easy DIY leprechaun trap that actually works.
But hang on... what exactly is a leprechaun trap?
Think of a leprechaun trap as a more elaborate version of leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Claus.
In the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day, you help your kids build the leprechaun trap, fill it with "bait"—gold coins, candy, rainbows... anything that might strike a leprechaun's fancy—then leave it out before bed on March 16, St. Patrick's Day Eve. While the kids sleep, the leprechaun will visit the trap and take the "bait."
So what's in it for the preschoolers? Some parents get creative by leaving little footprints or a note from the leprechaun; others give some kind of treat or reward for tykes to find in the morning.
Sold? First, build the trap.
You can make a leprechaun trap out of virtually anything—a shoe box, an empty oatmeal canister or cereal box, bowls, LEGOs, a long-abandoned Mouse Trap game... you name it.
Of course you'll also need plenty of craft supplies to make the trap enticing. Markers, paint, glitter, craft sticks, wrapping paper, tissue paper, pipe cleaners—it's all fair game.
Then add the bait
Gold is, of course, the ideal bait for greedy leprechauns. If you have chocolate coins on hand, those work well. Otherwise, you can paint cardboard circles gold or yellow. Bonus points for adding glitter—lots of glitter.
Other ideas include:
Tons of green (a leprechaun's favorite color!)
Four-leaf clovers
Rainbows
Lucky Charms cereal
Skittles
Green M&Ms
Rolos
Ring pops
Green desserts (think: cookies or mini cupcakes)
And don't forget: No peeking
Leprechauns are smart little buggers, and there's no chance you'll catch one with prying eyes around.
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