Building a leprechaun trap was one of my kids’ favorite activities in elementary school and is such a fun and creative way for kids to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Here are some unique and magical ideas to make your trap extra special. Be sure to plan early so you’re not burning the midnight oil trying to complete this fun assignment!
Also, don’t miss our family-friendly guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Denver.
1. The Classic “Pot of Gold” Trap 🌈💰
🛠 How it Works:
- Place a small pot of “gold” (chocolate coins, yellow pom-poms, or gold-wrapped candy) under a box propped up with a stick.
- When the leprechaun tries to take the gold, the stick falls, trapping him inside!
🎨 Creative Touch: - Decorate the box with green glitter, shamrocks, and a rainbow path leading to the gold.
2. The Rainbow Slide Trap 🌈🎢
🛠 How it Works:
- Make a steep rainbow slide using paper or felt.
- At the bottom, place a trapdoor (a hole in a shoebox covered with thin paper or tissue).
- When the leprechaun slides down for the gold, he falls right in!
🎨 Creative Touch: - Add “magic” signs like “Free Gold! Leprechauns Welcome!”
3. The Shamrock Pitfall 🍀🚧
🛠 How it Works:
- Cut out a small hole in a shoebox lid and cover it with green paper or fake grass so the leprechaun won’t notice.
- Place gold coins in the center to lure him in!
🎨 Creative Touch: - Add mini shamrocks and a tiny welcome mat to make it look inviting.
4. The Upside-Down Hat Trap 🎩✨
🛠 How it Works:
- Use a green top hat (or craft one from construction paper).
- Prop it up with a stick attached to a string.
- When the leprechaun walks inside for the gold, pull the string to trap him!
🎨 Creative Touch: - Write “Leprechauns Only!” on the front for extra fun!
5. The Pulley Net Trap 🕸️🔗
🛠 How it Works:
- Attach a small net (or cheesecloth) to a string and pulley system.
- Place gold coins underneath, and when the leprechaun steps on the trigger (a small lever), the net drops down!
🎨 Creative Touch: - Decorate the trap with twinkling fairy lights to make it extra magical.
6. The Gold Coin Maze 🔄💰
🛠 How it Works:
- Create a mini cardboard maze leading to a trapdoor at the end.
- The leprechaun follows the gold trail but falls into the hidden trap!
🎨 Creative Touch: - Use popsicle sticks or LEGO bricks to build the maze walls!
Bonus: Leave a Note! ✍️📝
Even if the leprechaun escapes, leave tiny green footprints and a mini note:
“Nice try! Maybe next year!”
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Author: Mile High Mamas
