St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural celebration held on March 17th each year, honoring St. Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. While modern celebrations in the U.S. often feature adult-focused activities like pub crawls and sharing pints of green-dyed beer, Fresno offers plenty of family-friendly festivities that allow everyone to get into the spirit! Here are five fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your children in Fresno this year:
1. Join the St. Patrick’s Day Run
Kicking off our list is the 8th Annual Fresno St. Patrick’s Day Run. This event invites participants of all ages to either run or walk the Shamrock 4 Miler or the Green Leprechaun 2 Miler. With special pricing for children 9 and under and strollers welcome (but please, no dogs for safety), it’s a great way for the entire family to enjoy the outdoors, dress in green, and maybe even compete in a costume contest. The event promises green medallions, shirts, goodies, and for the adults, green beer! The run benefits the Art of Life Cancer Foundation as well, so not only do you get to have a great time, you also get to support a great cause when you participate. For full details and registration click here.
2. Enjoy a Free Family Cooking Activity
The Fresno PARCS (Parks & Recreation) Department will be hosting a super fun cooking class on Friday the 15th from 2-4pm at Lafayette Park. Participants will get to make rainbow cupcakes! All the supplies will be provided for you, but you do need to pre-register to reserve a spot. Click here for additional details and click here to register.
3. Attend a Celtic Dance Performance
Want an opportunity to enjoy traditional Irish step dancing, music, and theater with your loved ones? You’re in luck! The Celtic Motion Dance Company will be performing a free public show on Saturday, March 16th at the Gillis Branch Library at 10am. The show is appropriate for all ages and features both children and adults. Visit their Facebook page for additional information on this performance and others you may be able to catch live in town this weekend.
4. Get Creative at St. Patrick’s Craft Day at Storyland
Storyland will be hosting a special children’s craft this Sunday at 1pm. Attendees are encouraged to dress in green, and once they arrive, they’ll be given a leprechaun hat to wear, and get the chance to bead a beautiful shamrock of their own. Additionally, Storyland will be open to enjoy wandering through, so you can get lost in your favorite children’s stories while wearing your new Irish accessories. Click here for additional details.
5. Get Rolling at United Skates Clovis for their St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
United Skates in Clovis will be hosting a special St. Patty’s skate session including a free cotton candy for all guests dressed in green, photos with the Grinch (because he’s green, too, obviously) and lots of great music to skate to. Admission will be $13, and skate rentals $5. This all-skate session will run from 12:30 to 3:00pm on Sunday the 17th. For additional information click here.
Remember, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just pub crawls and green beer; it’s a great excuse to celebrate and learn about culture while creating awesome memories with your family, too! Whether you’re running together in the morning or crafting in the afternoon, there’s no shortage of ways to make St. Patrick’s Day 2024 a memorable for the whole family in Fresno. (And, if all else fails. And you’re finding yourself extra tired this year – you can always partake in one of my own favorite childhood traditions – heading over to McDonald’s for some nuggets and a Shamrock Shake! It’s sure to be a kid-approved choice. ????)
- Fresno Datebook: Local Ideas for Fun Nights Out - June 13, 2025
- Where to Swim & Splash in Fresno, 2025 Edition - June 5, 2025
- Need a Teacher Gift? Here Are Thoughtful, Specific Picks That Won’t Go to Waste - May 29, 2025
Leave a Reply