St. Patrick’s Day brings magic and mischief to children. And there’s nothing more fun than trying to catch a leprechaun! That’s where leprechaun trap ideas come in handy.
Kids love the challenge of outsmarting those tricky little leprechauns.
Building these traps has become a beloved March tradition. Children use everyday materials to create clever contraptions. The goal is simple: catch a leprechaun and claim his pot of gold.
These projects spark creativity and problem-solving skills. Kids brainstorm how to lure their target with shiny coins or rainbow paths. They engineer trap doors, ramps, and boxes that might actually work.
The best part? There’s no wrong way to build a trap. Some kids go all-in with elaborate setups with multiple rooms and complex mechanisms. Others keep it simple with a basic box propped up by a stick.
Whether your leprechaun escapes or leaves behind golden chocolate coins, the real treasure is the fun of trying. Let’s explore some trap ideas that will get those creative gears turning.
What is a Leprechaun Trap?
A leprechaun trap is a homemade contraption designed to catch those sneaky little Irish fairies on St. Patrick’s Day. Kids build these traps using everyday materials like boxes, craft sticks, and glitter. The goal is to lure a leprechaun with shiny objects and gold coins.
These traps come in all shapes and sizes. Some use trap doors while others rely on cages or tipping mechanisms. The bait is usually chocolate coins or anything that sparkles.
Of course, leprechauns are mythical creatures. But that doesn’t stop kids from getting excited about the challenge. Building a trap combines creativity, engineering, and pure imagination into one fun St. Patrick’s Day tradition that families love doing together.
How Are Leprechaun Traps Fun for Kids?
Leprechaun traps turn kids into inventors and problem solvers. They get to design their own contraption from scratch using whatever materials they find around the house. The building process lets them experiment with different mechanisms and ideas.
Kids love the excitement of setting their trap and wondering if it will actually work. They add personal touches with paint, glitter, and decorations. The anticipation of checking the trap the next morning creates genuine suspense.
Even when the leprechaun escapes, there’s usually a surprise left behind. Maybe some chocolate coins or tiny green footprints leading away from the trap. The whole experience blends crafting, storytelling, and holiday magic into one memorable activity.
How Do You Explain How the Leprechauns Escape?
Leprechauns are famous for being clever and tricky. You can tell kids that these magical creatures have been outsmarting people for hundreds of years. They know every trick in the book.
Leave clues that show the leprechaun was there but managed to escape. Sprinkle green glitter leading away from the trap. Knock over some gold coins or leave tiny footprints in flour.
You might say the leprechaun used his magic to disappear at the last second. Or maybe he was just small enough to squeeze through a gap you didn’t notice. Some families even leave a thank-you note from the leprechaun complimenting the trap design but explaining he was too quick this time.
Leprechaun Trap Recommended Supplies
Just click on any of those links to see the current price on Amazon.
- Gold coins
- Green construction Paper
- Colored construction paper
- Green craft foam
- Popsicle sticks
- Gold glitter
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- Elmer’s glue sticks
Don’t have time to get everything one at a time? You can order one of these leprechaun trap kits directly from Amazon.
17 Simple Leprechaun Trap Ideas
1. LEPRECHAUN HAT FLIP TRAP
This leprechaun trap uses a top hat propped up with craft sticks as bait. Place chocolate coins underneath to lure that sneaky leprechaun inside. When he grabs the gold treasure, the hat flips down and traps him.
Decorate the trap with green paper and glitter glue to make it festive. Kids love this simple DIY project because it uses recycled materials from around the house. The flip mechanism is easy to set up and reset for multiple attempts. This fun activity brings the magic of St Patricks Day right to your kitchen table.
2. RAINBOW LADDER BOX TRAP
Build a leprechaun ladder using popsicle sticks leading up to a cardboard box. Paint the rungs in rainbow colors to catch his attention. Place shiny gold coins at the top as the ultimate prize.
A paper shamrock on top covers a hole in the top.
The little leprechaun climbs up the ladder, thinking he’s found easy treasure. But when he reaches the top, he falls through a trap door into the box below. This creative project combines simple materials with clever engineering. Kids love testing the ladder to make sure it can hold their toy figures before St Patricks Day arrives.
3. RECYCLED MATERIALS TIPPING TRAP
This eco-friendly homemade trap turns everyday items into a clever catching device. Use a small box balanced on the edge of a table with candy gold as bait. Add pipe cleaners and construction paper to decorate the trap.
When the leprechaun steps inside to grab the chocolate coins, the box tips and closes behind him. This easy DIY teaches kids about balance and weight distribution. It’s a family activity that shows how recycled materials can create something special. The tipping action makes it one of the most satisfying trap ideas to watch work.
4. PAPER RAINBOW HANGING TRAP
Create a paper rainbow arch using construction paper strips in rainbow colors. Hang it over a shoe box with gold coins dangling from paper straws. The leprechaun reaches for the shiny gold and triggers the trap.
This diy leprechaun trap uses craft supplies you already have at home. Kids can practice their cutting and gluing skills while building. The hanging elements add visual interest and movement to your St Patricks craft. This playful project proves that simple materials can create impressive results when you catch a leprechaun.
5. GLITTER GLUE TREASURE PIT
This sticky situation uses glitter glue as the trapping mechanism. Cover the bottom of a cardboard box with layers of glue and glitter. Place chocolate coins on top as bait for the sneaky leprechaun.
When he steps in to collect the gold treasure, his feet get stuck in the sparkly mess. Kids love adding rainbow colors of glitter to make it extra festive. This fun tradition creates a trap that’s as pretty as it is functional. The glitter glue dries clear, making the trap look innocent until it’s too late.
6. COLORFUL MARSHMALLOW PATH TRAP
Use Lucky Charms cereal and colorful marshmallows to create an irresistible path. Lead the trail to a small box with a trap door covered in more marshmallows. The leprechaun follows the sweet path right into your trap.
This kids craft combines candy with clever design. Decorate the box with green paper and craft foam shamrocks. The marshmallow camouflage makes the trap door nearly invisible. This easy diy proves that sometimes the simplest leprechaun trap ideas work best when you use materials kids love to eat.
7. POPSICLE STICK CAGE TRAP
Build a cage using popsicle sticks and glue to create this classic leprechaun trap. Prop up one side with a craft stick trigger mechanism. Place gold coins inside as bait to lure the little leprechaun.
When he grabs the chocolate coins, the trigger releases and the cage drops. Kids love this creative project because it feels like real engineering. Paint the sticks in rainbow colors or leave them natural. This fun activity teaches patience and precision as they glue each stick in place for St Patricks Day.
8. LUCKY CHARMS BAIT BOX
Fill a shoe box with Lucky Charms cereal and candy gold for the ultimate leprechaun bait. Create a paper rainbow leading into the box. Add a trap door mechanism that closes when weight is detected inside.
The colorful marshmallows make this homemade trap extra tempting. Decorate the outside with construction paper and pipe cleaners. This family fun project lets kids get creative with how they arrange the cereal. The combination of cereal and chocolate coins makes it nearly impossible for any sneaky leprechaun to resist.
9. PAPER STRAW DROP TRAP
This leprechaun trap uses paper straws to create a false floor over a deep box. Cover the straws with green paper and sprinkle shiny gold coins on top. The lightweight straws can’t support the leprechaun’s weight.
When he steps onto the straws to collect the gold treasure, he falls through into the trap below. Kids love this craft idea because it looks so convincing from above. Use glitter glue to make the fake floor extra sparkly. This easy diy teaches the concept of load-bearing structures in a fun way.
10. LEPRECHAUN LADDER TREASURE BOX
Build a leprechaun ladder from craft sticks that leads up to a decorated treasure box. Paint each rung a different color to create rainbow colors. Fill the box with chocolate coins and prop it at an angle.
The ladder makes the little leprechaun think he’s found an easy climb to riches. But the box tips when he enters, trapping him inside. This creative project uses simple materials to create an elaborate-looking trap. Kids love painting the ladder and testing it before St Patricks Day arrives for this fun tradition.
11. SHOELACE TRAP DOOR BOX
Cut a hole on the top of a closed box. Poke holes on either side of the hole and thread shoelaces through the holes to create a pull-string trap door mechanism. Decorate the trap with green paper and craft foam shamrocks. Place candy gold on the trap door to attract the leprechaun.
When he steps on the trap door, pull the shoelace from your hiding spot to drop him in.
This diy leprechaun trap adds an interactive element that kids love. The shoelace mechanism is easy to set up and reset. This playful project turns a simple box into an exciting catching device.
12. TOP HAT GOLD TRAP
Create a mini top hat from green construction paper. Cut a small hole in the top of the hat but cover it with gold coins. A popsicle stick ladder goes up the side leading to a treasure chest filled with chocolate gold coins.
The sneaky leprechaun climbs the ladder to get the gold not knowing about the hole. As he walks on the top of the hat, he tumbles into the pit below.
Kids love this craft idea because it uses a leprechaun’s own fashion against him. This homemade trap proves that sometimes the best leprechaun trap ideas use misdirection and style.
13. LEPRECHAUN EDITION MOUSE TRAP GAME
You might not know it, but Hasbro and Lucky Charms teamed up in 2024 to create a leprechaun trap-themed version of their classic game Mouse Trap.
I don’t see it on Amazon, so you may have to order it directly from the company (here – not an affiliate link). But if you already have Mouse Trap, you could also just decorate it with St. Patrick’s Day decorations!
14. LEPRECHAUN HAT TINSEL TRAP
This easy DIY leprechaun trap uses a cheap green St. Patrick’s Day hat, where you cut a hole in the top. Then cover the hole with gold tinsel to hide it.
Use popsicle sticks to make a ladder so the leprechaun can climb up to the top of the hat. A sign on the side of the hat says “Gold This Way” with an arrow pointing up.
This fun tradition proves you don’t need fancy craft supplies to catch a leprechaun.
15. GOLD RAMP CATCH TRAP
Build a ladder using popsicle sticks that leads up to the top of a shoe box. Line the ramp with shiny gold coins and chocolate coins. The little leprechaun climbs up first and then down into the box, collecting treasure as he goes.
But once at the bottom, he has no way to climb back up.
Kids love this creative project because it combines a ladder with a trap. Paint the ladder in rainbow colors or add glitter glue for sparkle. This playful project turns gravity into your trapping partner.
16. DECORATE BOX SURPRISE TRAP
Transform a plain cardboard box into a festive St Patricks craft masterpiece. Use construction paper, popsicle sticks (or other sticks), and craft foam to make it irresistible. Hide a trap door under layers of decoration and candy gold.
The sneaky leprechaun sees a beautiful display and doesn’t suspect the trap underneath. When he steps into the box to grab the chocolate coins, the lid closes. This diy leprechaun trap teaches that sometimes the prettiest packages hide the best surprises.
Kids love spending time making their decorate trap as elaborate as possible.
17. ULTIMATE DIY LEPRECHAUN TRAP
This comprehensive leprechaun trap combines every trick in the book. Start with a large cardboard box and add multiple levels using craft sticks and small boxes. Create a paper rainbow entrance, a leprechaun ladder, and several trap doors along the path.
Fill different sections with Lucky Charms, chocolate coins, and shiny gold treasure. Use glitter glue, pipe cleaners, and construction paper to decorate every surface.
This creative project becomes the ultimate family fun activity. Kids love planning each section and testing the mechanisms. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the fun tradition of trying to catch a leprechaun on St Patricks Day.
Final Thoughts
Your leprechaun trap is ready to go. Now comes the waiting game.
Set it up the night before St. Patrick’s Day. Add some final touches like glitter or extra coins. Then step back and see what happens.
Will you catch a leprechaun? Probably not. But you’ll create memories that last way longer than any pot of gold.
The magic isn’t in the catch. It’s in the building, the hoping, and the laughter when you find tiny green footprints leading away from your trap.
Leprechaun Trap Recommended Supplies
Just click on any of those links to see the current price on Amazon.
- Gold coins
- Green construction Paper
- Colored construction paper
- Green craft foam
- Popsicle sticks
- Gold glitter
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- Elmer’s glue sticks
Don’t have time to get everything one at a time? You can order one of these leprechaun trap kits directly from Amazon.
Middle Class Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click to Amazon from my site and choose to make a purchase. This is no way increases the cost to you.
- 17 Simple Leprechaun Trap Ideas Your Kids Will Love! - January 19, 2026
- 15 Refreshing Spring Simmer Pot Recipes to Celebrate the Season - January 9, 2026
- Why Do People Host Using Vrbo Instead of Airbnb? - October 19, 2025