St. Patrick’s Day this year brings lots of ways for families to get festive from toddler art and Irish dance demos to trolley scavenger hunts and community lunches. Whether you’re in Salem, Peabody, Danvers, Marblehead, or Lynn, here are great local events happening around March 14–17 that are perfect for kids and families.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from Saturday to Tuesday, March 17, with a mix of crafts, music, outdoor fun, and tasty treats for the whole family. Whether you want to be out and about all weekend or just pick one or two low-key activities, this itinerary spreads the fun out so families can celebrate without rushing or overwhelm.
🌈 SATURDAY | March 14, 2026
Music, Movement & Creative Fun
🎶 St. Patrick’s Day Music & Craft Pop-Up
📍 A Mom’s Village
🕘 9:15 AM & 10:15 AM
Start the weekend with festive music, movement, and crafts designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Kids can dance, sing, and create a St. Patrick’s Day craft to take home.
👉 Best for ages: toddler–early elementary
☘️ Outdoor Fun (Optional)
After class, take a short festive walk at a local park or playground. Even a 20–30 minute stroll keeps kids active and continues the holiday fun.
☘️ SUNDAY | March 15, 2026
Irish Culture + Outdoor Adventure
💃 Irish Dance Demo for Kids
📍 Danvers Library
🕙 10:00 AM
Watch the O’Shea Chaplin Academy of Dance perform traditional Irish step dances. Energetic, educational, and short enough for younger audiences.
👉 Best for ages: 4+
🛺 St. Patrick’s Day Trolley Adventure
📍 Salem
🕥 10:30 AM–4:00 PM
Hop on a magical trolley ride where children help a leprechaun recover his rainbow. Includes riddles, stories, and a scavenger-style adventure around Salem.
👉 Best for ages: preschool–elementary
👉 Dress warmly — it’s part outdoor, part trolley ride
☘️ Outdoor Fun (Wear Green!)
- Walk around Salem Common, letting kids run and enjoy early spring.
- Take a seaside stroll at Nahant with green hats and scarves.
- Explore local trails in Saugus and turn it into a leprechaun hunt, spotting moss, rainbows, or lucky rocks.
🌊 Optional Late-Day Adventure
A calm walk along Marblehead or Nahant beaches — perfect for photos and fresh air after the trolley or dance demo.
🍀 MONDAY | March 16, 2026
Low-Key & Flexible
🏛️ North Shore Children’s Museum
📍 North Shore Children’s Museum
Explore hands-on exhibits, perfect for curious kids who want to play and learn without a big schedule.
📚 Evening Idea
Read Irish folktales, or do a simple rainbow or shamrock craft at home in preparation for tomorrow.
💚 TUESDAY | March 17, 2026 (St. Patrick’s Day!)
Celebrate Close to Home
🎨 Toddler Art: Torn Paper Shamrocks
📍 Peabody Institute Library – West Branch
🕚 11:00 AM
Little ones (18 months–3 years) and caregivers make shamrock art together — a sweet, quiet activity for the big day.
🍽️ 28th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon
📍 Lynn
🕛 12:00 PM (tickets required)
Enjoy Irish-inspired food and community spirit. Best for families with older kids who enjoy social gatherings.
☘️ Outdoor Fun (Wear Green!)
- Take a festive walk around Salem Common.
- Stroll along the Nahant beach for some holiday fresh air.
- Turn a Saugus trail walk into a leprechaun hunt, spotting moss, rainbows, or lucky rocks.
🥖 Family-Friendly Irish Eats
End the day (or celebrate at lunch) with Irish-inspired foods for all ages:
- Corned beef sliders
- Shepherd’s pie
- Irish soda bread
- Green-themed desserts like pancakes
Many local restaurants offer St. Patrick’s Day menus, and takeout is perfect if you want to celebrate at home.
Parts of this post were edited by AI tools.
