You may not even be a wee bit Irish, but you can certainly join in the fun at St. Patrick’s Day events for families!

Originating as a traditional holiday honoring the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day was imported to the US, thanks to generations of Irish-Americans. In this country, the holiday is a looser interpretation of the Irish tradition, symbolized with shamrocks, leprechauns, rainbows, and pots of gold. And of course, wearing lots of green.

Saint Paddy’s Day Celebrations for Main Line Families

Throughout March, you’ll find parades, crafty activities, music fun, and more in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Take a look through this list of family-friendly ways to celebrate.

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at Elmwood Park Zoo

1661 Harding Blvd. Norristown, PA 
March 14–15, 2026, 10 am–4 pm

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a day at the zoo! Animal greets are 10–10:30 am at the Welcome Center, followed by Keeper Chats are at 11 am at Habitat HQ. Enjoy live music, search for hidden gold treasure and receive $1 off carousel rides if you’re decked in green! Ages 21+ can also sip on festive speciality drinks at the Zoo Brew Beer Garden. Purchase timed entry tickets in advance.

Springfield Township St. Patricks Day Parade

W Springfield Rd & S Britton Rd, Springfield, PA 
March 14, 2026 at 12 pm

Register to march or cheer from the side at this fun-filled Delco tradition. The parade starts at West Springfield Road and South Britton Road and ends at Saxer Avenue and Powell Road. This year’s Grant Marshal is Mr. Thomas O’Leary, Jr., Owner/Supervisor of the O’Leary Funeral Home.

Conshohocken Saint Patrick’s Parade

Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA
March 14, 2026 at 2 pm

For the 20th year, Conshohocken Borough will put on it’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade for the community. By all means, bring friends and family and be sure to grab a parade shirt. This annual Montco celebration is loads of fun for all.

McKaig Pot-of-Gold Treasure, S’mores and Bonfire

McKaig Nature Education Center, 889 Croton Road, Wayne, PA
March 14, 2026, 6 pm–8 pm

Families will search through the woods for the mischievous Leprechaun’s hidden “pot o’ gold.” Afterwards, participants can cozy up around a bonfire and make classic s’mores. Advanced registration is required, and don’t forget a flashlight!

St. Patrick’s Day Music & Play

Harmony Kids Playhouse, 7 West Baltimore Ave. Media, PA
March 17, 2026 at 11 am

Bring your little ones to HKP for an immersive Irish-themed celebration with music, crafts, lucky treasures, and open play! Availability is limited so prior registration is required. And by all means, dress in your Saint Patrick’s Day best!

Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Starts at 16th & JFK, proceeding to Market Street
March 15, 2026 at 11 am

Bagpipers, marching bands, and dancers, as well as floats will parade through Philadelphia for this longstanding tradition. To be sure, the event draws big crowds and a sea of green. This free parade is filled with spirit and entertainment for the whole family!

The Great Narberth Leprechaun Hunt

Downtown Narbeth (begins at the “Blarney” Booth,” at the corner of Haverford and Forrest Avenues)
March 14, 2026, 1–4 pm

Kids begin this adventure by firstgrabbing a game card at the “Blarney” Booth with clues and an empty plastic pot o’ gold. Then they search through Narberth to find hidden leprechauns in various shops and restaurants. Each find earns kids a “gold” coin for their pot. This is a free family event hosted by the Narberth Business Association.

Storytime with Miss Rebecca: Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Downingtown Library, 122 Wallace Avenue, Downingtown, PA
March 13, 2026, 11:30 am–12 pm

While geared towards ages 0–6, the whole family is invited to attend this drop-in family storytime. They’ll be reading, dancing and singing in honor of St. Patrick’s Day! No registration is required. Just show up!

Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at Sesame Place

100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA
March 14–15, 2026, 10 am–5 pm

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all weekend at Sesame Place. Meet favorite characters and enjoy festive rides, shows, parades, and dance parties. Then join a holiday scavenger hunt and watch Irish dancing by the Rince Ri Irish School of Dance. Finally, reserve your spot for the St. Patrick’s Day-themed Dine with Elmo & Friends experience!

Lure the Leprechauns: A St. Patrick’s Day Craft

Want to catch a leprechaun this St. Patrick’s Day? Leprechaun traps are an especially popular craft you can build with your kids. You’ll find lots of craft tutorials online, as well leprechaun trap kits that are ready to assemble.

The basic design comprises a cardboard box painted green. Then you decorate it with shamrocks, glitter, rainbows, and gold coins as a lure. In the morning, let your kids find signs that these mischievous little elves were there. Maybe the leprechaun left tiny green footprints, turned your milk green, or performed some other little practical jokes.

Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Fun

From library story time to amusements, to a large city-wide parade, there is something for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day. However you choose to celebrate, may your day be filled with lots of luck and laughter.

Find More St. Patrick’s Day Activities on Our Events Calendar

Lead photo courtesy of The Great Narberth Leprechaun Hunt.