This Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events in NJ update is written by Lindsay Podolak.
Every year on March 17, the Irish and Irish-at-heart around the world celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. What began as a religious holiday has become a festive day full of eating, drinking and revelry. Here in New Jersey, St. Patrick’s Day is honored with parades, festivals and tons of Irish-themed events. But the best part is that many of them a family-friendly.
While some love to kick back at their favorite Irish Pub, families with small kids might be looking for other options.
Check out these great spots hosting family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations all month long, where both kids and their parents can don their best green and have some good old Irish fun!
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find a family-friendly event near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Kids St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Shannon Rose Irish Pub
Where: 1200 New Jersey 17, Ramsey; 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton
When: March 7 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (Ramsey) & March 8 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (Clifton)
Price: Admission is free, food is an additional charge.
Details: This family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day party features plenty of Irish fun including music, face-painting, treasure for the kids and a Leprechaun costume contest. Parents can enjoy some classic Irish food and drinks while the kids celebrate. Space is limited, so be sure to make a reservation.
More info: Visit the website or click to call them in Ramsey or Clifton.
St. Patrick’s Day at METC
Where: Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, 9 Main Street, Madison
When: March 14 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Price: $5 for adults, $3 for children
Details: Come by any time during the four hours to check out a festive storytime and make St. Patrick’s Day crafts, like coffee filter shamrocks and stained glass rainbows. Storytime takes place at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. Pre-register online as supplies are limited.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Central Jersey
The Run O’ The Mill 5K
Where: 63 Halstead Street, Clinton
When: March 14 at 8:00 am
Price: $30-$35
Details: Burn off a few calories before digging into that corned beef and cabbage by running in Clinton’s Run O’ The Mill 5K road race. Founded by hometown Olympian Julie Culley, the race is a popular St. Patrick’s Day tradition and community celebration for many families. Sign up online to participate, or gather along the route to cheer on the racers!
More info: Visit the website.
Storytime and Activities Featuring Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase
Where: Barnes and Noble, 240 Route 22 West, Springfield
When: March 14 at 11:00 am
Price: Free
Details: Read all about Pete the Cat’s adventures chasing a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. Following the story, kids will participate in fun activities and crafts.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Jersey Shore
Irish Night with Live Music & Step Dancers
Where: Albert Music Hall, 131 Wells Mills Road, Waretown
When: March 24 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm)
Price: $5 for adults and $1 for children
Details: Enjoy this festive celebration at Albert Music Hall, featuring music, dancing, and fun for the whole family. The performance includes a variety of live entertainment, including Irish step dancers. Musical guests include Ballyhaunis, Hard Road Travelers, Church Street Revival, and Prograsstination.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Shamrock Festival & St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Where: Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt
When: March 7 & 8 and March 14 & 15; 11:30 am to 7:00 pm on Saturdays and 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Sundays
Price: Free Admission
Details: Whether you’re Irish or just look good in green, head to Laurita Winery to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The Winery will be hosting their Shamrock Festival on March 7 & 8 and their St. Patrick’s Day Festival on March 14 & 15. Bring your family and friends for an exciting weekend featuring toe-tapping Irish Music, great food and delicious wine. Of course, the Laurita Marketplace will serve up delicious Irish fare including corned beef & cabbage and Guinness Beef Stew.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
St. Patrick’s Day Workshop
Where: Young Chefs Academy, 712 Ginesi Drive, Morganville
When: March 8 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Price: $50 for two family members (children must be accompanied by an adult), $15 per additional family member
Details: Tired of eating the same old corned beef, cabbage, and Irish soda bread? Get some new ideas at this fun St. Patrick’s Day cooking class at the Young Chefs Academy. Along with traditional Irish soda bread, kids will make Shamrock cookies and Boxty pancakes. You must register in advance for this event.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
South Jersey
Leprechaun and Shamrock Cupcake Workshop
Where: Sugarplum Studio, 211 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill
When: March 15 from 10:00 am to 10:45 am
Price: $9.95 per person, plus tax
Details: Each registrant will decorate two St. Patrick’s Day themed cupcakes– a leprechaun and a shamrock. Kids will learn fondant and buttercream techniques as they frost and decorate their creations. This workshop is most suitable for ages 5 and older.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Mt. Holly St. Patrick 5K, Family Fun Walk & 1-Mile Kids Run
Where: Washington Street & High Street, Mt. Holly
When: March 7 at 11:00 am
Price: $35 for 5K or walk, $25 for kids run
Details: Why not do something healthy with the family to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? If you aren’t ready for a full 5K run, challenge your family to the Family Fun Walk. It’s only one mile, but it’s still a great way for all ages to get moving! Once you’re done, enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day parade, as well as prizes and refreshments. (Which includes free post-race beer for all adult entrants!)
More info: Click here to sign up.
For more family-friendly fun, click here for our list of The Best St. Patrick’s Day Parades in NJ.
Top (Hero) Photo: © The Shannon Rose / Website
Other Photos (in order):
The Shannon Rose / Website
The Run O’ The Mill 5K / Website
Laurita Winery / Website
Sugarplum Studio / Website
