8 Best Leprechaun Trap Ideas for Kids

St. Patrick’s Day is a magical day for everyone, all though for kids its extra special. Kids wait throughout the year for St. Patrick’s Day to have a full day filled with magic, fun, and treats. The treats and food are all green in colour. Kids also make various crafts to celebrate this day. Out of all the crafts made on this day, the leprechaun trap is the most popular and made by all kids. They make leprechaun traps in various designs to catch the mystical green creature. The St. Patrick’s day belief is if one manages to catch a leprechaun, then the leprechaun will give his gold to the person who trapped him. So, to catch this mischief-maker, kids make leprechaun traps on St. Patrick’s Day. Read on for some leprechaun trap ideas for kids.

What’s a Leprechaun Trap?

Setting up the leprechaun trap is the most awaited and exciting activity of St. Patrick’s Day. Kids are eager for days to set up their leprechaun trap on the night before St. Patrick’s Day in the hopes of catching a leprechaun. Easy leprechaun traps for kids are traps made from anything available in the house, such as boxes, colourful paper, glass bottles, etc. One can make them in any design they like, just keep in mind that all leprechaun traps have to be shiny with something gold coloured on them to attract and trap the leprechauns. The leprechauns are said to be attracted by the colour green and shiny things. Shiny things tempt them to come close and get trapped in it.

Why Are These Traps Made?

According to an ancient Irish legend, leprechauns are magical elves wearing a top hat and shiny little suit. These elves who spend hours mending shoes and being naughty have a pot filled with gold hidden at the end of the rainbow. The lore says that these leprechauns are notorious for causing mischief, especially the night before St Patrick’s Day. To stop them from making mischief, leprechaun traps are built to catch them. It is also believed that when one catches a leprechaun, then the leprechaun gives the captor their hidden gold so that they are set free. So, the traps are built to stop the leprechauns from causing trouble and to take their gold in exchange for their freedom.

Where Should You Put Your Leprechaun Trap?

When setting up a leprechaun trap for kids, the location is key to increasing your chances of catching one of these elusive creatures. Here are some fun and strategic places to put your leprechaun trap:

• Near a Rainbow: Leprechauns are said to hide their pots of gold at the end of rainbows, so placing your trap near a rainbow (even a small one created by a prism or water spray) might attract their attention.
• Under a Tree or Bush: Leprechauns love nature and are often found in wooded areas. Placing your trap under a tree or bush could make it seem like a safe hiding spot for them.
• By a Patch of Clovers: Since leprechauns are associated with shamrocks and clovers, setting your trap near a patch of clovers might lure them in, especially if you scatter a few gold coins or shiny objects nearby.
• In the Garden: Gardens are full of natural hiding spots, making them an ideal location for a leprechaun trap. Plus, the soil and plants might make the trap look like part of the environment.
• Near a Pile of Gold Coins or Shiny Objects: Leprechauns are drawn to gold and shiny things. Place your trap near a small pile of gold coins (chocolate coins work great!) or glittery decorations to tempt them.
• On a Windowsill: If you’re setting the trap indoors, a windowsill is a great spot. Leprechauns might be curious and peek inside, especially if you decorate the area with green and gold.
• By a Doorway: Leprechauns are known to be mischievous and might sneak into your home. Placing the trap near a doorway could catch them as they try to enter.
• In a Quiet Corner: Leprechauns are shy and prefer quiet, hidden spots. A cozy corner of your home or yard might be the perfect place to set your trap.
• Near a Fairy Garden: If you have a fairy garden, leprechauns might be drawn to it, thinking it’s a magical place. Set your trap nearby to catch them as they explore.
• On a Bookshelf or Table: For indoor traps, a bookshelf or table decorated with green and gold items can be a great spot. Leprechauns might be curious about the decorations and investigate.

What to Put in a Leprechaun Trap

Creating a leprechaun trap is an exciting and imaginative way for kids to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. These mischievous little creatures are famously drawn to shiny items, making gold coins a popular choice for bait.

To make your trap even more enticing, consider incorporating a vibrant rainbow design, as leprechauns are often linked to these colorful arcs. Since green is their favorite color, adding green candies or treats can help attract their attention.

Including symbols of luck, like four-leaf clovers or horseshoes, can also enhance your trap’s appeal. Additionally, leprechauns are known for their love of tiny treasures, so placing small trinkets or toys inside the trap might just do the trick!

How Does a Leprechaun Trap Work?

As per the Irish fairy-lore, it is believed leprechauns are attracted to green and shiny things. So most of the traps are made using shiny colours and using embellishments such as glitter, stickers, and bits of gold. The leprechaun gets attracted by the shiny colours and comes near the trap. When he sees the gold bits in the trap, he gets tempted to collect them, so he enters the trap and gets caught in it. To further attract them, colourful wild food items like nuts, wildflowers, potatoes, and mushrooms are also kept in the trap. The meal items also lure them inside the trap along with the gold. Leprechauns like four-leaf clovers as they consider it lucky; so many people create a miniature four-leaf clover to lure them.

What Is Left After a Leprechaun Trap?

Once the leprechaun trap is set, many kids enjoy leaving a little surprise or offering nearby to entice the leprechaun inside. Plastic or chocolate gold coins are perfect for mimicking the leprechaun’s prized treasure. To add a playful twist, you could also include a miniature pair of shoes or a tiny hat, as leprechauns are famous for their craftsmanship as shoemakers. This extra detail can make the trap even more engaging and magical! These little details not only make the trap more magical but also add to the fun of learning how to make a leprechaun trap for kids.

Homemade Leprechaun Trap Ideas

It is easy to make a leprechaun trap at home with readily available materials. A few of the easy DIY cute leprechaun trap ideas to make at home with kids are simple, creative, and fun to set up. Here, we have covered the best leprechaun traps for kids to help make the experience even more exciting.

1. Under the Rainbow Leprechaun Trap

Your leprechaun won’t stand a chance against this cute and easy-to-assemble leprechaun trap, designed to lure them in with the promise of gold!

Source: Pinterest

Materials Required 

• Green hat
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Gold coins
• Gold gift bag filler
• Green paint
• Gold glitter
• Chenille stems (various colors)
• String

How to Make

1. Use hot glue to assemble wooden craft sticks into a ladder. Paint it green and sprinkle gold glitter for a magical touch.
2. Cut a hole in the top of the green hat. This is where the leprechaun will fall in and get trapped.
3. Bend chenille stems into a rainbow shape and secure them over the hole by sliding the ends into small slits cut into the hat.
4. Glue a string between two gold coins and attach it to the rainbow, letting the coins dangle to tempt the leprechaun.
5. Glue the ladder to the side of the hat and scatter a few gold coins around it for extra allure.
6. Attach a sign with an arrow pointing up the ladder to guide the leprechaun toward the trap.

2. Cereal Box Leprechaun Trap

This super cute leprechaun trap is one of the easiest and most creative leprechaun trap ideas and is perfect for catching the fast-running leprechauns.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Required 

• Old cereal box
• Construction paper- Red, blue, green, yellow, purple, white, orange
• Gold Glitter
• Cotton balls
• Scissors
• Tape
• Stick or 12-inch dowel
• Glue stick
• White craft glue
• Yarn or string

How to Make

1. Seal the open side of a cereal box with tape, cut off one side, and cover the box with green construction paper.
2. Cover part of the cut-off piece with glue, sprinkle gold glitter, and let it dry to create a sparkling effect.
3. Cut gold paper into small round shapes to make gold coins and set them aside.
4. Make a rainbow path by layering 2-inch-wide strips of colored paper in sequence, overlapping each by 1 inch.
5. Create fluffy clouds by covering white construction paper with glue and sticking cotton balls onto them. Attach the rainbow path to the clouds.
6. Scatter gold coins along the path and clouds, prop the cereal box with a dowel tied to a string, and place it over the clouds to set the trap.

3. Leprechaun Hat Trap

This simple leprechaun trap is one of the DIY leprechaun trap ideas for kindergarteners, which they can make with the help of their parents. It is super easy to make and sure to catch a few of those trouble-making leprechauns.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Required 

• Green construction paper
• Different coloured pipe cleaners
• Black construction paper
• White construction paper
• Cotton balls
• Lucky charms
• Embellishments or stickers
• Scissors
• Paper scissors
• Glue
• Thick cardboard paper or sheet
• Decorative paper
• Gold paper-covered chocolate coins
• Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
• Gold glitter

How to Make

1. Roll green construction paper into a cylinder and glue it onto another green sheet to form the hat’s base. Let it dry completely so it stays firm.
2. Cut a circle around the base, leaving 3-4 inches of space, and attach a slightly larger top piece with a small trap opening. Once dry, trim the excess paper neatly.
3. Cover a sturdy cardboard base with decorative paper using glue, ensuring it sticks well, then attach the hat securely on top.
4. Decorate the hat with black and white paper strips, stickers, or embellishments to give it a festive look. Attach a rainbow made from pipe cleaners, gluing cotton ball clouds at both ends for a magical effect.
5. Build a wooden ladder using skewers or popsicle sticks by cutting and gluing smaller pieces as steps, then attach it to the side of the hat for the leprechaun to climb.
6. Scatter gold-colored coins, lucky charms, and a sprinkle of gold glitter over the hat and base to make the trap look irresistible to leprechauns.

4. LEGO Leprechaun Trap

If you love building with LEGO, why not create a leprechaun trap out of your favorite bricks? This trap is customizable, creative, and perfect for little builders. Use your imagination to design a trap that’s both fun and functional!

Source: Pinterest

Materials Required

• LEGO bricks (green, gold, and other colors)
• Gold coins (LEGO or fake)
• Small container or box (optional)
• String or yarn (optional)
• Scissors (if using string)

How to Make

1. Start by creating a sturdy base for your trap using LEGO bricks. Make it large enough to hold the leprechaun and any bait you plan to use.
2. Build walls around the base to form a enclosure. Leave one side open for the entrance, or create a door that can be triggered to close.
3. Use LEGO Technic pieces or simple bricks to create a trap door or lever system. For example, you can build a door that falls shut when the leprechaun steps on a pressure plate.
4. Use gold and green LEGO bricks to make the trap look festive. Add shamrocks, rainbows, or pots of gold to attract the leprechaun.
5. Add LEGO gold coins, gems, or shiny objects inside the trap to lure the leprechaun. You can also use real gold coins or glitter for extra sparkle.
6. Prop the door open or set the trigger mechanism, and hide nearby to watch for the leprechaun. If you’re using a string, tie it to the door and gently pull it closed when the leprechaun enters.

5. Flowerpot Leprechaun Trap

This simple and creative leprechaun trap uses a flowerpot and Lucky Charms to lure in those mischievous leprechauns. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, this craft is easy to make and doesn’t require a trap door!

Source: Pinterest

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Materials Needed

• Popsicle sticks
• Paint
• Gold washi tape
• Mini-corked glass bottles
• Gold beads or nuggets
• Small plant or flowers
• Lucky Charms cereal
• Glue gun
• Rainbow lollipops

How to Make

1. Snap popsicle sticks in half, trim the edges, and paint them if desired. Glue the sticks together to create a small ladder.
2. Place a small plant or flowers in the flowerpot. You can also plant a bulb if you want it to bloom later.
3. Fill mini glass bottles with gold beads or nuggets to mimic leprechaun treasure. Place rainbow lollipops nearby for extra appeal.
4. Use gold washi tape to create a shiny pathway leading to the flowerpot. Scatter Lucky Charms cereal along the path to attract leprechauns.
5. Place the ladder against the flowerpot and arrange the gold bottles, lollipops, and Lucky Charms around it. Add flowers for a finishing touch.

6. Shoebox Rainbow Trap

This classic trap uses a shoebox and a colorful rainbow to lure the leprechaun. The rainbow acts as a bridge, and the shoebox hides the trap underneath.

Source: Pinterest

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Materials Required

• Shoebox
• Construction paper (rainbow colors)
• Glue or tape
• Gold coins or shiny objects
• Scissors
• String or yarn

How to Make

1. Cut a rainbow shape out of construction paper and glue it together.
2. Attach the rainbow to the top of the shoebox so it looks like a bridge.
3. Place gold coins or shiny objects inside the shoebox as bait.
4. Prop the shoebox open with a stick or pencil.
5. Tie a string to the stick and hide it nearby to pull and trap the leprechaun.
6. Decorate the outside of the box with green and gold to make it more enticing.

7. Mason Jar Trap

A clear mason jar trap allows you to see if you’ve caught the leprechaun. The shiny gold bait inside is irresistible!

Source: Pinterest

Materials Required

• Mason jar
• Gold coins or glitter
• Green ribbon or fabric
• Small stick or pencil
• String

How to Make

1. Place gold coins or glitter inside the mason jar as bait.
2. Tie a green ribbon around the rim of the jar for decoration.
3. Prop the jar lid open with a small stick or pencil.
4. Tie a string to the stick and hide it nearby.
5. When the leprechaun enters the jar, pull the string to close the lid.
6. Add a note saying “Leprechauns Only” to make it more inviting.

8. Plastic Bottle Trap

A plastic bottle trap is easy to make and uses a funnel-shaped entrance to guide the leprechaun inside.

Source: Pinterest

Materials Required

• Plastic bottle (2-liter or smaller)
• Scissors
• Gold paint or glitter
• Green tape or ribbon
• Small stick or pencil

How to Make

1. Cut the top off the plastic bottle to create a funnel shape.
2. Invert the funnel and place it back into the bottle to create a one-way entrance.
3. Decorate the bottle with green tape or ribbon and gold glitter.
4. Place gold coins or shiny objects inside the bottle as bait.
5. Add a sign that says “Leprechaun Gold Inside” to lure him in.
6. Hide the trap and wait for the leprechaun to fall into the bottle.

Interesting Leprechaun Facts for Kids

Leprechauns are fascinating creatures from Irish folklore, often associated with St. Patrick’s Day and tales of hidden treasure. Here are some fun and interesting facts about leprechauns that kids will enjoy:

1. They’re Shoemakers

Leprechauns are said to be skilled cobblers who spend their time making and repairing shoes. Their craftsmanship is so good that they’re always in demand among fairies and other magical creatures.

2. They Love Gold

Leprechauns are famous for hiding their pots of gold, often at the end of rainbows. They guard their treasure closely and will go to great lengths to keep it safe from humans.

3. They’re Tiny

These magical beings are usually described as being no taller than a small child, often only a few inches high. Their small size helps them stay hidden and sneak around unnoticed.

4. They Wear Green

Leprechauns are typically depicted wearing green suits, hats, and buckled shoes, which is why green is a big part of St. Patrick’s Day. Their outfits are said to help them blend into the Irish countryside.

5. They’re Tricky

Leprechauns are known for their cleverness and love playing tricks on people who try to catch them. They might lead you on a wild goose chase or disappear just when you think you’ve caught them.

6. They’re Solitary Creatures

Unlike fairies or elves, leprechauns prefer to live alone and are rarely seen in groups. They enjoy their independence and are often found in quiet, hidden places.

7. They Have a Hidden Pot of Gold

According to legend, if you catch a leprechaun, he might lead you to his hidden pot of gold—but be careful, as he’ll try to trick you! Many stories tell of people who almost found the treasure but were outsmarted at the last moment.

8. They’re Fast

Leprechauns are incredibly quick and can disappear in the blink of an eye, making them hard to catch. Their speed and agility help them escape from anyone trying to steal their gold.

9. They’re Associated with Shamrocks

Leprechauns are often linked to shamrocks, which are a symbol of Ireland and good luck. It’s said that carrying a shamrock can bring you closer to finding a leprechaun’s treasure.

10. They’re Hundreds of Years Old

Stories about leprechauns have been around for centuries, with some tales dating back to the 8th century. These legends have been passed down through generations, keeping the magic alive.

11. They’re Guardians of Treasure

Leprechauns are said to guard their gold fiercely, using their wits to protect it from humans. They’ll do whatever it takes to keep their treasure hidden, even if it means playing a few tricks.

12. They’re Part of Irish Folklore

Leprechauns are deeply rooted in Irish culture and are one of the most well-known figures in Irish mythology. They represent the magic and mystery of Ireland, captivating the imaginations of people around the world.

FAQs

1. What happens if you actually catch a leprechaun?

According to legend, if you catch a leprechaun, he might grant you three wishes or lead you to his pot of gold in exchange for his freedom. However, be warned—leprechauns are clever and will try to trick you, so keep a close eye on him!

2. Do leprechauns leave evidence behind?

Even if you don’t catch a leprechaun, they often leave behind signs that they were there. Look for tiny green footprints, glitter, overturned furniture, or even a trail of gold coins (chocolate ones, of course!) as proof of their visit.

3. Can you use sound to attract a leprechaun?

Some believe leprechauns are drawn to sounds like jingling bells or soft music. Adding a small bell or playing Irish tunes near your trap might just lure one in. After all, leprechauns are curious creatures who love a bit of mischief and fun!

This was all about how to build a leprechaun trap for kids. Leprechauns are fairy-lore creatures, however, they hold a special place for the kids. Kids wait for St. Patricks Day for these mischief-makers and to catch them they create leprechaun traps. Help your kids make these DIY leprechaun traps to make their St. Patrick’s Day more exciting.

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Easy Paper Craft Ideas for Kids

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