San Diego has plenty of family-friendly festivities to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year. From learning about Irish traditions through step dancing, bagpipes, or fiddles to getting creative while decorating four-leaf clover cookies or making leprechaun traps and finding that sought-after trail of gold. Don your brightest green apparel during a leprechaun run or nibble green cookies and scones at tea time. However you choose to celebrate, one of these events is sure to bring some luck your way.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

Irish Congress of Southern California

Watch the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi this year at Balboa Park. There are over 100 parade entries this year, so it’s bound to capture your little leprechaun’s attention after the parade, head to the festival at Balboa Park, where you’ll find Irish step dancers, Irish folk singers, Celtic music, Irish crafts, food, and a kids zone.

Timing & Route: The parade starts at 10:30 am from Fifth Ave. + Laurel St. It’ll head North up Fifth Ave. to Upas St., cross to Sixth Ave., and turn South down to Juniper.

When: Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 10:30 am

Balboa Park
Fifth Ave. + Laurel St., Balboa Park
Online: tinybeans.com/events

House of Ireland Lawn Program

House of Ireland

You’ll be welcomed into the House of Ireland and front lawn for their annual day of Irish traditions. They’ll serve up Irish treats all day from 11 am -4 pm, including their famous Irish coffee (non-alcoholic), Irish stew, and baked goods. Then, starting at 2 pm, immerse yourself in live Irish step dancing, Celtic music and other traditions.

When: Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 11 am-4 pm

House of Ireland
665 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
Online: tinybeans.com/events

St. Patrick’s Day Science

Experiment with St. Patrick’s Day Science at the Fleet Science Center’s Junior Science Club. Kids in grades 1-4 will be fascinated with color-changing cabbage juice and harnessing the power of a potato. There are two sessions to choose from: 9am-10:30am or 11am-12:30pm. Advanced registration is required. Cost: $13/members, $15/non-members.

When: Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 9 am and 11 am

Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
619-238-1233
Online: fleetscience.org

Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt

The Water Conservation Garden

Follow the gold coins to find a lost leprechaun in the garden. This self-guided scavenger hunt will take you through shamrock meadows and rainbow tunnels. Keep your eyes open for a secret clue along the way from Ms. Smarty-Plants! Cost: Free with entry, $4-$8; ages two and under are free.

When: Tues., March 15 – Sun., March 20, 2022, during open hours

Water Conservation Garden
12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W., El Cajon, CA 92019
619-660-0614
Online: tinybeans.com/events

St. Patrick’s Day Potato Party (Military only)

“Potatoes for everyone!” at this military family event at Crews Park. There’ll be traditional Irish food and fun, including a river dancing group, bagpipes, a fiddle player, shamrock cookies and an inflatable bounce house for the kids. Be sure to pre-order your Irish pizza or traditional Irish dinner ahead of time. Cost: free to attend, food cost is extra.

When: Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 3-5 pm

Note: This event is only open to those with valid Military ID and their guests (Active duty, Retiree, Dependent, DOD or Contractors)

North Island Naval Air Station
Coronado
619-545-1011
Online: runsignup.com

St. Patrick’s Day Tea

Chelsea V. via Yelp

Savor everything Irish at this “green-themed” tea service. You’ll delight in an Irish vegetable soup served with Irish soda bread, finger sandwiches and pastries like scones with jam and carrot cake. Children under 12 will get special kid-friendly service, vegetarian and gluten-free available with advanced notice. Cost: $9.95/children, $32.95/adults. Reservations are required. Available for service inside, outside (weather permitting) and even as a to-go option.

When: March 17 – 21, 2022 at 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm

Julian Tea and Cottage Arts
2124 Third St., Julian, CA 92036
760-765-0832
Online: tinybeans.com/events

 

Leprechaun Kids 1K Fun Run

San Diego Running Co.

Wearing green at this leprechaun fun run will guarantee your kids a good time; quite literally since this is a chip-timed 1K run. Kids will also get some lucky green sunglasses and gold in the form of a medal for finishing! The kids run is for ages 12 and under, parents can run with their kids (bonus claps for matching family attire). Start/finish lines are at Garnet Ave. + Bayard St. in Pacific Beach. Cost: $25/kids, $45/adults. Registration required.

When: Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 10:15 am (5K run starts at 9 am)

Leprechaun Run
912 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
Online: tinybeans.com/events

 

St. Patrick’s Day Cookie & Craft

San Diego Public Library

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with leprechaun cookie decorating and crafts at the Mission Hills Library. This event will bring your kids good luck, or at least some free cookies! Recommended for ages 5-13. Cost: free! Register in advance, the class will fill up.

When: Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 3-4:30 pm

Mission Hills Library
215 W. Washington St., San Diego, CA 92103
619-692-4910
Online: sandiego.librarymarket.com

 

Fluffy Leprechaun Slime

San Diego Public Library

Slip your fingers into green and gold fluffy slime at the Point Loma Library. Take your creation home, along with the recipe to make more later on. Recommended for ages 7-12. Cost: free! Register in advance, the class will fill up.

When: Friday, March 11, 2022, from 4 pm-5 pm

Point Loma/Hervey Library
3701 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107
619-531-1539
Online: sandiego.librarymarket.com

 

Leprechaun Traps

Try your luck at trapping leprechauns at this fun class held at the Valencia Park Library. Kids will be challenged to design and create their own traps while learning about Ireland and leprechaun lore. All ages are welcome. Cost: free! Register in advance, the class will fill up.

When: Tues., March 15, 2022, from 5-6 pm

Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92114
619-527-3405
Online: sandiego.librarymarket.com

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Break out your green garb because St. Patrick’s Day events around the Emerald City are back. Whether you and the kids want to hunt for gold, dash to the end of a rainbow or simply want to watch a parade go by, we’ve rounded up the best St. Patrick’s Day activities for families in and around Seattle. Read on to sham-rock your weekend.

iStock

Seattle St. Patrick's Day Parade
Come out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this crowd-pleasing parade that's returning for the first time in two years. The parade festivities start at when the Irish flag is raised, trumpets are played and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals lead the annual procession up 4th Avenue, traveling north from James Street to the reviewing stand at Westlake Park. Expect floats, bagpipe players and maybe even a gaggle of leprechauns to pass you by along the route.

Cost: Free
Date & Time: Mar. 13, 1 p.m.
Event details

Pot of Gold Nugget Hunt
See if the luck of the Irish is on your side when you bring the kids to hunt for gold nuggets at the North Kirkland Community Center. Look high. Look low and everywhere in between to find a coveted prize for your little leprechauns. Kiddos who find the nugget with their name on it can keep it for good luck. If you find the nugget with the word "prize" on the bottom, snap a picture and send it in to collect a prize. Good luck!

Cost: Free, but registration is required
Date & Time: Mar. 12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Event details

 

seattle st. patrick's day events
David Conger

Irish Festival Seattle
Seattle Center Festál presents Irish Festival Seattle in partnership with the Irish Heritage Club (IHC). For the first time in two years, families can enjoy this event in person at the Armory Food & Events Hall. The festival features non-stop Irish music, singing and dancing, booths selling Irish and Celtic products, Irish workshops, lectures, displays, children's activities, Irish language and genealogy workshops, a photography exhibit and more. Kids of all ages will love the Irish Musicians and watching champion Irish step dancers from around the Pacific Northwest. You won't want to miss this two-day celebration of Irish heritage, culture and arts.

Cost: Free
Dates & Times: Mar. 12 & 13, noon-6 p.m.
Event details

Pirates Landing of St. Patrick
St. Patrick was originally brought to Ireland by Irish pirates around 400 AD. Over 1600 years later, the Seafair Pirates will deliver St. Patrick back to the Emerald City for the first time in two years, dropping him off at South Lake Union (near MOHAI). Once he's landed, head back to Pioneer Square for the Green Stripe Laying.

Cost: Free
Date & Time: Mar. 12, 5 p.m.
Event details

iStock

Green Stripe Mini Parade
Meet in Pioneer Square, across the street from the Lumen Field north parking lot, to secure a spot on the flat-bed truck that paints the green stripe along 4th Ave. in preparation for they big parade on Sunday. Stripe painting will begin at 4th Ave. & Jefferson St.

Cost: Free
Date & Time: Mar. 12, 6 p.m.
Event details

St. Patrick’s Day Dash
Join in this Seattle tradition, 38 years running. The St. Patrick’s Day Dash will once again call Seattle Center home; back with all the family fun we've missed over the past two years, including the traditional 5K race, Leprechaun Lap, Post Dash Bash, costume contests, live music and more. Register soon and come celebrate the Irish in everyone. The Leprechaun Lap (a 1K loop around the Seattle Center grounds for kids 10 and under) starts at 8:15 a.m., near the International Fountain. Race waves start at 8:45 a.m.

Cost: $33-$50/5K race; $20-$25/Kids, 1K Leprechaun Leap
Date & Time: Mar. 13, 8 a.m.
Event details

Woodinville Leprechaun Leap
Come share in the mischief at the Woodinville Leprechaun Leap. The 5K race starts on the Sammamish River Trail at Wilmot Park, and the fast, flat 5K is a quick out-and-back course, ideal for all abilities; walkers, strollers, and friendly dogs on a fixed leash are welcome. The 10K course is flat, with two gentle hills. Don’t forget the 1K Sprite Sprint that’s free for kids 6 & under. Costumes encouraged for everyone!

Cost: $35-$45/person; Free, Sprite Sprint for kids 6 & under
Date & Time: Mar. 12, 9:15 a.m.
Event details

Shamrock Stroll
It's your lucky day because a walk in the park with the kids has never been more fun. Bring the fam to enjoy the Shamrock Stroll at Lake Sammamish State Park. Chase the kids as they follow shamrock signs to learn about Irish legends, leprechauns, including what they eat and where they live (and maybe how to catch one, too!) and find Irish words and blessings. We'll hope for a rainbow as you stroll from Sunset Beach to Tibbetts Beach. Remember your Discover Pass for this one!

Cost: Free
Dates & Times: Mar. 16-28, dawn to dusk
Event details

—Allison Sutcliffe & Kristina Moy

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Leapin’ leprechauns! St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and we know that means parents will be on the lookout for kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events around Boston. Consider this your lucky day, because we’ve rounded up nine local activities for families to make the day special. Here’s where to celebrate the Irish with your wee ones this month.

st patricks days events boston
Sfo B. via yelp

Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade

The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back for 2022! Bring the kids to enjoy floats, bands, bagpipes and more that celebrate the area’s Irish roots. Sun., Mar. 20, 2022. Event details.

Patriot Place Irish Festival

Patriot Place will once again celebrate the joys of Irish culture with the 11th annual Irish Festival. The daylong celebration will feature live performances by Irish musicians and step dancers, as well as a full slate of free Irish-themed activities including airbrush tattoos, caricature artists, a balloon artist and a petting zoo for families to enjoy. Sat., Mar. 12, 2022. Event details.

David Conger

St. Patrick's Day Irish Step Show

Join the students from BoSoma School of Dance for a St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Under the direction of award-winning Irish Step instructor, Pattie Hunter, this incredible Irish dance show will feature talented kid dancers, performing traditional reels and jigs. Sun. Mar. 20, 2022. Event details.

Anna Shevets via pexels

St. Patrick's Day Family Dance

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day season and the joy of moving together to live music, renowned Irish dancer, Jackie O’Riley, will lead dancers of any age in easy-to-follow, fun, approachable céilí dances (group Irish dances) to live Irish music by two of Boston’s best traditional Irish musicians. Sat., Mar. 19, 2022. Event details.

SDCDM

St. Patty's Day Goat Hike

Join Goats to Go for a stroll in the woods, with goats on leads and some roaming free through the farm's woods. Goat treats to each participant will be provided, and staff will teach you more about goats and life on the farm. The walk will be an hour and a little over a mile round-trip on gravel and hilly terrain. Thu., Mar. 17, 2022. Event details.

iStock

Family St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Join the Irish Cultural Centre for this family-friendly celebration that includes: arts and crafts, storytime with Princess Belle, face painting, Irish dance and music by Dave Try. A breakfast buffet will also be served until 11:30 a.m. Sat., Mar. 19, 2022. Event details.

iStock

Walk Boston's Irish Heritage Trail

Learn about Irish history in Boston when you and the kids walk the Irish Heritage Trail. It’s a guide to landmarks of Irish-American artists and heroes from the 1700s to the present. Around the city, you’ll find 20 sites in downtown Boston and Back Bay, covering over three miles, and over 20 other landmarks in Boston neighborhoods and beyond. Daily in March. Event details.

 

iStock

2022 St. Patrick's Day Race

If you’re looking for a way to get outside and get some exercise to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, check out this race that benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. The race is a fun, healthy and a meaningful community event, full of spirit, good cheer and positive energy, featuring performances by South Boston kids and teens. Sun., Mar. 20, 2202. Event details.

—Allison Sutcliffe

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The Brooklyn Museum’s new exhibit, “The Rise of Sneaker Culture” chronicles the evolution of the now commonplace footwear from a nearly unrecognizable version of the shoe to mid century signifier of youth and athleticism to highly-coveted collectors item, status symbol and cultural icon subject to haute couture designer and cutting-edge artist creative collaboration. It also covers the development of industrial and architectural design in relation to the shoe and the effects of social and cultural developments on who wore sneakers, and when and where they wore them. It’s also just a really cool, fun, good-looking exhibit the kids will dig, whether they absorb any of that or not.

photo: Brooklyn Museum/Jonathan Dorado

Sneak on in!
Originating at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto — where they know from shoes — “The Rise of Sneaker Culture” includes works (read: mostly sneakers) from Bata’s collection, the Kosow Sneaker Museum and the Northampton Museums and Art Gallery. You’ll also find pieces from the archives of all the big name manufactures such as Adidas, Converse, Nike, Puma and Reebok (and some little and forgotten ones), as well as kicks from private collections from the likes of Darryl “DMC” Daniels, sneaker guru Bobbito Garcia and Dee Wells of Obsessive Sneaker Disorder.

The exhibit also includes video clips featuring cultural watershed moments for sneakers, ranging from RUN-DMC talking about and performing “My Adidas” on Yo! MTV Raps, to Missy Eliott’s 2005 video for “Lose Control”, to the debut of designer Rick Owen’s “Vicious” Collection as modeled by step dancers performing in Adidas By Rick Owen’s running sneakers. Longer-form video pieces include excerpts from the forthcoming documentaries Jordan Heads  (dedicated to devotees of Nike’s Air Jordans) and Just For Kicks, which examines sneaker culture from the 1970s to 2004.

photo: Brooklyn Museum/Jonathan Dorado

History, Hip-hop, High Fashion
Organized into six sections, the exhibit highlights some of the earliest examples of the form from the early to mid-1800s (when a slip-on rubber shoe was more expensive than those made from leather) to the debut of the Converse All Star/Non Skid sneaker in 1917 and a 1920s Keds rubber-soled, canvas top shoe, when an increasingly industrialized society provided people with more leisure time and playing sports recreationally became a more common pursuit.

Additional areas of the show address the democratization of the sneaker, the evolution of consumer culture and celebrity endorsements, the synergies between hip-hop culture and basketball, and more. Everyone from Chuck Taylor, tennis player Jack Purcell and Knick Walt Frazier to RUN-DMC, Kanye West and legendary sneaker designer designer Tinker Hatfield get their deserved moments in the spotlight.

photo: Brooklyn Museum/Jonathan Dorado

Major Eye Candy (and Flashbacks) Ahead
Forget the history and contextulizing, this show has tons of cool stuff small museum patrons will love. (Admittedly, it’s for older kids, as toddlers are still getting up to speed on the whole “sneaker” and “contemporary culture” thing.) A few dozen sneakers, representing all kinds of developments and trends in sneaker design are encased in Plexiglass to behold, with explanatory text if you want or need it (i.e., the ultra-rare Nike Air Max LeBron 7 All Black sneaker is inspired by a lyric from Jay-Z’s “Run This Town,” and is a tribute to the rapper mogul and Lebron James, listing the achievements of the two men on the insoles. )

Highlights (and there are many) include: a shiny gold sneaker worn when Olympian Michael Johnson won his  20 gold medals at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta; artistic/trippy/fun works by Damien Hirst, Jeff Staple and Kanye West, and one of the original pairs of “My Adidas” from Run-DMC. Additionally, “Shoefitti” — AKA sneakers hanging from faux telephone wires — looms overhead, and you can read about the origins and interpretations of this tradition from both academic and personal perspectives.

photo: Brooklyn Museum/Jonathan Dorado

From Jordan, with Love
Yes, there is an entire section devoted to Air Jordans, its fans and the shoe’s impact. (For the uninitiated: the introduction of the Nike shoe in 1985, named after then-rookie Michael Jordan was a huge deal.) “Jordanheads” will be pleased to learn that the display of every Air Jordan resembles a shrine of religious relics.

Share Your Sneaker Story
One of the overarching themes of “The Rise of Sneaker Culture” is that the shoes are deeply personal items. Throughout the show, quotes from various notable people in the sneaker culture community relay the importance of the shoe to them, and visitors are encourage to share their “Sneaker story” as well on social media.  As people exit the exhibit, they are encouraged to share their own sneaker story — with words, an illustration, or both — on slips of paper at a large bulletin board. (Or, they can tweet it with the hashtag #sneakerculture.)

The Rise of Sneaker Culture
Through October 4, 2015
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy.
Crown Heights
718-638-5000
Online: brooklynmuseum.org

Have you and the kids seen “The Rise of Sneaker Culture”? What did you think? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

Put on those dancing shoes (look out River Dance) and grab your lucky green tee—it’s that time of year when everyone is a little bit Irish. From Boston to San Diego, we’ve gathered up the most family-friendly parades to help you get the party started with your little leprechauns. Scroll down to check out our picks for celebrations perfect for the pint-sized set–you’ll spot everything from elaborate floats to traditional step dancers (didn’t we say to grab those dancing shoes?)

Atlanta, GA
Celebrations in the South focus on family, and Atlanta’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is no exception. In addition to the world’s largest walking Irish flag (always a crowd pleaser), this year the mini cars from Tiny Towne are joining in on the fun. Be sure to arrive early for a front row spot on Peachtree St. Get more info here.

photo: courtesy Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, Inc.

Boston, MA
Boston is known for its rich Irish roots, so it comes as no surprise that Beantown puts together a spectacular parade. Stake out a viewing spot in one of the three alcohol-free “Family Zones” and enjoy snacks, arts and crafts, and plenty of other fun activities for the wee ones. Get more info here.

photo: Madeleine Ball via Flickr creative commons

Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s Capital doesn’t disappoint with an Irish spectacle right on the National Mall. Arrive early to secure a spot near the grandstands, and you’ll be in prime location as each group is introduced. Plus, there’s a public restroom close by (key for tiny bladders!) But if the D.C. hoopla is too overwhelming for your crew, the parade in nearby Gaithersburg, MD is the place to be. Get more info here.

photo: Elvert Barnesvia Flickr creative commons

New York City
Manhattan boasts both the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the country. Now in its 253rd year, the event attracts more than a million onlookers. Avoid (some of) the crowds by heading north of 66th Street and Fifth Avenue. Get more info here.

photo: D. Myles Cullen/Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s via Flickr creative commons

Brooklyn, NY
New Yorkers looking for a more low key celebration can head across the bridge to Park Slope. The parade loop begins at Prospect Park West and 15th St. with a rededication ceremony to the heroes and victims of 9/11. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Brooklyn Children’s Museum to learn about Irish traditions and create a rainbow mobile. Get more info here.

photo: Diane Greene Lent via Flickr creative commons

San Francisco, CA
The whole family will get into the Irish spirit at San Francisco’s 164th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival. The parade is only the beginning of a full day of live performances, arts and crafts, pony rides, and more taking place at the Civic Center Plaza. Get more info here.

photo: Steven Damron via Flickr creative commons

San Diego, CA
Organized by the Irish Congress of Southern California, San Diego’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is the largest on the west coast. The dazzling parade kicks off early so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the Irish Festival in Balboa Park. Treat the family to traditional Irish fare, live entertainment, and Kid Zones with rides, crafts, and more.

Photo: Henrique Dela Cruz via Irish Congress of Southern California 

Hermosa Beach, CA
Proving that bigger isn’t always better, this sweet beachside town hosts a St. Patrick’s Parade with a true family feel. Expect school marching bands, bagpipers, floats, vintage autos, adorable Irish setters, and of course…fantastic weather. Get more info here.

photo: Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce via Flickr creative commons

Chicago, IL
This is one city that really gets into the Irish spirit. The green-themed shenanigans kick off on Sunday with the annual South Side Irish Parade. You won’t find any green pints at this family-friendly event. Then on Tuesday, take part in a city tradition and watch the Chicago River turn Kermit-green before checking out the downtown parade. Get more info here.

photo: Max Talbot-Minkin via Flickr creative commons

Seattle, WA
Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in the Emerald City with a host of great events on tap. Rain or shine, you’ll enjoy marching bands, bagpipers, drill teams, and lots of Irish dancers.  Get more info here.

 photo: Jal Schrof via Irish Heritage Club of Seattle 

Dallas, TX
Everything is bigger in Texas. And with the Dallas Mavericks as its primary sponsor, the Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is quickly becoming one of the biggest in the country. Splurge for bleacher seats in the Meadows Building Family Zone, an alcohol-free area featuring food trucks and entertainment for all ages. You’ll also find plenty for your lads and lassies to do over at Mavs Corner. Get more info here.

photo:  Melissa Macatee via Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival 

Kansas City, MO
The Snake Saturday Parade and Family FunFest is a highlight in North Kansas City. In addition to the annual parade, you’ll find a free children’s area filled with family-friendly activities. Get more info here.

photo: via Snake Saturday Parade and Festival

Dublin City, OH
With a name like Dublin City, this is one place that definitely knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Be sure to catch the “Inflation Celebration,” where families gather to watch parade floats come to life. Get more info here.

photo: Dublin, Ohio, USA via Flickr creative commons

Dublin, Ireland
Looking to check a trip to Ireland off your family’s bucket list? Then there’s no more exciting a St. Patrick’s festival than the one in Dublin, Ireland each year. The traditional four-day celebration is topped off by the city’s signature parade. Get more info here.

photo: via St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin, Ireland

What other parades should be included on the list? Share with us in the Comments!

— Lauren Hill