16 Leprechaun Trap Ideas (Easy and Fun For Kids)

Ah, St. Patrick’s Day! A time of magic, mischief, and… leprechauns? That’s right! It’s that special day when Lucky the Leprechaun comes out to play, leaving a trail of green, gold, and giggles. But have you ever dreamed of catching one of these little fellas? Imagine the bragging rights (and the gold)!

If you’re looking for a St. Patrick’s Day activity that you can do with the kids, check out these 16 leprechaun trap ideas that are easy and fun! Plus, learn how to create magic by making a leprechaun trail.

Leprechauns, those pint-sized, shoe-fixing tricksters of Irish folklore, are not only masters of hide-and-seek but also hoarders of those dazzling gold coins. And here’s the kicker: snag yourself a leprechaun, and he’s got to hand over his treasure. It’s the rules!

So, ready to embark on the ultimate leprechaun-catching adventure? Here are 16 wildly imaginative and incredibly fun leprechaun trap ideas that’ll turn this St. Patrick’s Day into an unforgettable quest for gold and glory. Who knows? You might just be the one to outsmart Lucky and claim his pot of gold. Let the shenanigans begin!

Why should you create a leprechaun trap?

Creating a leprechaun trap is more than just a fun St. Patrick’s Day activity. It’s an opportunity for kids to get creative and learn a little bit about Irish folklore. It’s a chance to combine storytelling with a hands-on project, challenging yourself to imagine what might attract a leprechaun and how to catch one.

This activity also sneaks in some critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you try to outwit a creature known for its cleverness. So, why not give it a try? Who knows, maybe this year you’ll be the one to catch a leprechaun.

How does a leprechaun trap work?

Catching a leprechaun is a challenging task. These tiny, magical creatures are famous for their tricks and hiding their gold. To catch one, you have to build a trap. This isn’t just any trap, but one that attracts the leprechaun with something shiny, like gold coins or anything that sparkles, to grab their attention.

The trick is to design the trap so cleverly that the leprechaun gets caught off guard and can’t escape once it steps in. But be careful—leprechauns are clever and will avoid obvious traps. If you do catch a leprechaun, folklore says he might offer you three wishes or reveal the location of his gold to get his freedom back.

What is the best bait to catch a leprechaun?

The best bait to catch a leprechaun is anything that sparkles or shines, playing into their notorious love for all things glittery. They love stuff like shiny coins, faux gold, sparkling jewels, or even a small mirror. Leprechauns, drawn to these gleaming objects out of curiosity or greed, are more likely to venture into your trap if they believe there’s treasure to be found.

What happens when you catch a leprechaun?

According to Irish legends, you’re in for quite the adventure when you catch a leprechaun. These tiny, magical beings are known for their love of playing tricks.

If you catch one, you might be able to strike a deal. Leprechauns are believed to have pots of gold and might offer some of their treasure to gain their freedom.

They also have the power to grant you three wishes. But be careful—leprechauns are notorious tricksters. Even when caught, they’ll try to outsmart you, offering wishes that might not turn out how you expect or trying to trick you out of getting their gold.

Dealing with a leprechaun means you have to be as clever as they are, making sure they don’t use the situation to their advantage.

So, if you ever find yourself face-to-face with a leprechaun, remember to think twice about your wishes and closely watch that tricky trickster.

How to make fake leprechaun footprints

Creating fake leprechaun footprints is a great way to spark some magic in your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Here’s a simple and fun method to make those tiny leprechaun footprint tracks:

Materials needed

• Green washable paint
• A sponge or small brush
• Cardboard
• Scissors

Directions

1. Cut the sponge/shape the cardboard: First, cut a sponge or a piece of cardboard into the shape of a small footprint. You’re aiming for something that looks like a very small human footprint, about the size you’d imagine a leprechaun’s foot to be. If you’re using cardboard, you might want to make a simple stamp by attaching the cardboard cutout to a block or something easy to hold.
2. Apply green paint: Dip your sponge or cardboard footprint stamp into green washable paint. Make sure it’s evenly coated but not dripping.
3. Stamp the footprints: Press the painted footprint onto a surface where you want the leprechaun tracks to appear. This could be on your floor (if it’s safe for the surface), on a table, or leading toward a trap you’ve set. If you’re worried about stains, test the paint on a small area first, or use washable paint that’s easy to clean up.
4. Create a trail: Continue stamping footprints in a path, making it look as if a leprechaun walked through. You can make the tracks lead to a leprechaun trap or have them meander around the house for a fun treasure hunt. Leave some space between each print to mimic walking steps.
5. Add some sparkle: For an extra touch of magic, sprinkle some green glitter along the path of the footprints.
6. Cleanup: If you used washable paint, it should be easy to clean the footprints with a little soap and water once the day is over.

Creating fake leprechaun footprints is the perfect way to bring the magic of St. Patrick’s Day to life for the kids.

16 leprechaun trap ideas

Lucky Charm Leprechaun Trap

This Easy Lucky Charms trap is perfect for a little leprechaun mischief and doesn’t require a lot of craft supplies. Lure and capture Lucky with the ultimate leprechaun bait – Lucky Charms!

Golden Resort Leprechaun Trap

If you want a unique leprechaun trap, check out this impressive Golden Resort! It’s no secret that leprechauns are clever, but this incredible resort will certainly trick Lucky! Try your hand at this fun St. Patrick’s Day craft project for kids!

Bucket Leprechaun Trap Idea

You’ll be well prepared for all the leprechaun tricks as you lure them to the gold treasure with this easy Bucket Leprechaun Trap. Inspired by a mousetrap, this clever idea includes a ladder that leads to some shiny gold coins – the perfect leprechaun bait!

DIY Leprechaun House Trap

Luring a leprechaun with this fun DIY Leprechaun House Trap will be super easy! This crafty idea includes a ladder to the top of the box, where you’ll find a secret trap door. The idea is to lure the leprechaun with gold coins. We think this one will definitely do the trick!

‘Free Gold’ Leprechaun Trap Idea

This cute and easy ‘Free Gold’ Leprechaun Trap is the perfect inspiration for your trap! Made from a shoebox and some other craft supplies, your little ones will love tricking that pesky little leprechaun with free gold!

Box of Gold Leprechaun Trap

This clever Box of Gold Leprechaun Trap features an open lid with gold inside! Capture Lucky with this decorated box that will trick that little trickster!

DIY Garbage Can Leprechaun Trap

If you’re searching to capture those mischievous and magical Irish fairies, this creative DIY Garbage Can Leprechaun Trap is perfect for you! The swing-top mini trash can with golden coins and a golden ladder is the ideal way to trap your leprechaun! What a clever idea for the perfect trap!

DIY Leprechaun House Trap

Capture those pesky leprechauns with this fun DIY Leprechaun Trap House! This colorful DIY-painted house includes glitter, gold coins, moss, and a penny walkway. So creative! This project will certainly get the kids excited for St. Patrick’s Day!

Construction Paper Leprechaun Hat Trap

This simple Construction Paper Leprechaun Hat Trap is the perfect crafty project for your little ones! So get your hot glue gun fired up and gather some construction paper, pipe cleaners, and paper straws for this hat trap that’s sure to capture that sneaky little creature!

End of the Rainbow Motel Leprechaun Trap

How fun is this End of the Rainbow Motel Leprechaun Trap? This creative trap made with a shoebox, green construction paper, “Welcome Leprechaun” sign, and a pipe cleaner rainbow is simple and fun to make. Don’t forget to add your gold coins to fool the leprechaun!

Lego Leprechaun House

Did you know you can make the coolest leprechaun trap with LEGOS?!?! Yep, this green Lego Leprechaun Trap is a great way for the kids to problem-solve and build an incredible trap with green Legos!

Rainbow Popsicle Stick Leprechaun Trap

This colored popsicle stick craft brings back many childhood memories! Try your hand at this kid-approved Homemade Rainbow Popsicle Stick and Pretzel Trap! Fill it with goodies to lure your leprechaun for a successful capture!

‘Free Slide’ Leprechaun Trap

This Free Leprechaun Slide Trap features multiple layers, sneaky deception, and several design features – the perfect ingredients for a successful leprechaun trap!

Easy DIY Leprechaun Trap

A few craft supplies are all you need to create this DIY How To Catch A Leprechaun Trap to capture that notorious leprechaun. This DIY idea is just one of the easy St. Patrick’s Day crafts you and your children can do just in time for the holiday.

Cereal Box Leprechaun Trap

Before those sneaky leprechauns cause any mischief around your house, finish your Lucky Charms and make this Cereal Box Leprechaun Trap, complete with a rainbow popsicle stick ladder and pathway. This trap idea is definitely kid-approved and will keep everyone busy creating the perfect contraption.

This Way To More Gold Leprechaun Trap

This Way To More Gold Trap is a budget-friendly and clever craft project for St. Patrick’s Day that features gold coins, shamrock details, green “grass” filler, construction paper, cotton balls, and a green glittery leprechaun hat.

Add these fun printables and treats to your leprechaun traps:

• Printable Leprechaun Trap Kit
• Target-Inspired Printable Leprechaun Printables
• Lucky the Leprechaun Printable Letter
• You’ve Been Pinched Printable Leprechaun Note
• Leprechaun Footprint Floor Stickers
• How to Trap A Leprechaun Book
• Chocolate Gold Coins
• St. Patrick’s Day Confetti

Get ready for an explosion of giggles and glitter as you and your little ones create your very own DIY leprechaun traps! We’re excited to see the magical, creative twists you’ll add to your designs. Who knows? With a pinch of luck and a lot of creativity, you might outsmart that sneaky little leprechaun and snag a pot of gold. Let the leprechaun-hunting adventures begin!