Free (and Almost Free) Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With Kids in D.C., MD & VA

Photo Credit: S Pakhrin from DC, USA (St. Patrick's Day Parade 2015 DC) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

As the saying goes, everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Join in this global celebration of Irish culture and paint the town GREEN with your little leprechauns this March with these fun and festive free (or almost free) family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Washington, D.C.

The Washington, D.C. 48^th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade | Sunday, March 11^th at 12 p.m. | Constitution Avenue from 7^th to 17^th Streets, N.W. Celebrate Irish culture in America in grand style in our nation’s capital! This annual affair has grown from what was little more than a leisurely stroll by a few hundred participants on Massachusetts Avenue to a mile long, two-hour celebration of Irish culture along Constitution Avenue. Parade route is easily accessed from Federal Triangle, Archives-Navy Memorial and Smithsonian Metro stations. For comfortable, elevated seating in the grandstands (and, more importantly, near the restrooms!), purchase tickets here.

Photo Credit: S Pakhrin from DC, USA (St. Patrick's Day Parade 2015 DC) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Tudor Tots: Shamrocks | Tuesday, March 13th 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Tudor Place Songs, stories, crafts and movement centered around the theme of shamrocks. Registration is required. $5/child.

Maryland

61^st Annual Baltimore St. Patrick Parade | Sunday, March 11^th | Parade steps off at 2 p.m. at the Washington Monument Baltimore’s St. Patrick Parade is truly the jewel in Maryland’s emerald crown. For more than 60 years, thousands of spectators from the region have crowded the streets and sidewalks of downtown Baltimore and the famous Inner Harbor to watch thousands more march and celebrate Irish culture, music, song, and dance.

Port Discovery Children’s Museum St. Patrick’s Day Celebration | Saturday, March 17^th 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Featuring interactive Circle Time with stories and songs, learn early literacy skills with your littlest lucky charms during Mother Goose on the Loose® program, and visit their science and art stations where you can have fun as you create!  

Shamrock Shindig at Baltimore Waterfront| Sunday, March 13^th 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Pierce’s Park on Pier V Live Celtic music, food trucks, adult beverages, Shamrock Kids Zone, Irish dance performances, games and more! Free admission. $5 Kids Shamrock Pass includes parade gear and two crafts.

The City of Gaithersburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Saturday, March 10^th 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Rio Washingtonian Center Featuring Irish dancers, Irish music, performances by local community groups, and more.

Shamrock Skate at Cabin John Ice Rink & Wheaton Ice Arena | Friday, March 16^th | 4:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Wear something green or Irish and skate for just $7 (includes admission and skates).

Annapolis St. Patrick’s Parade | Sunday, March 11^th at 1 p.m. | Amos Garrett Blvd. The Annapolis St. Patrick’s Parade is in its sixth year and is now the largest parade in the city of Annapolis in terms of entrants and spectators. The parade features Irish bands, dancers, and family fun.

Saint Patrick’s Snakes at Lake Roland in Baltimore | Saturday, March 17^th 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Legend has it that Ireland has Saint Patrick to thank for its lack of snakes, but we’re thankful for the many snakes that call Lake Roland home! Come meet several friendly serpents and create a slithery craft. Admission is $5 for kids ages 5 and up ($3 members).

Virginia

Shamrock & Roll St. Patrick’s Day Block Party | Saturday, March 17^th starting at 9 a.m. | Loudoun Station Loudoun County’s largest outdoor St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Festivities include local live music, daytime DJ, Irish bagpipers, Irish dancers, games, giveaways and more. Kid-friendly entertainment and gaming until 1 p.m. Tickets are required for all guests 12 and up. Kids 12 and under are free.

37^th Annual Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade | March 3^rd at 12:15 p.m. | King St. & Alfred St. in Old Town Alexandria Presented by the Ballyshaners, a nonprofit that aims to promote and preserve Irish heritage. More than 3,500 participants will march in the parade, including dog rescue groups, pipe and drum bands, historical re-enactors, Shriners and Kena cars, and Irish dancers. Parade-goers come early for the Classic Car Show featuring more than a dozen cars on Pitt Street and the Fun Dog Show on Market Square. This year’s fun dog show is  hosted by WUSA9 News’ Peggy Fox and benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. More than 20 costumed dogs will compete in a range of categories, including Best Human/Canine Look-Alike, Most Talented and Most St. Paddy’s Spirit. Parade starts at 12:15 p.m. Classic Car Show is from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Fun Dog Show is from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Photo Credit: S Pakhrin from DC, USA (St. Patrick's Day Parade 2015 DC) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

19^th Annual Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Saturday, March 10^th 11 a.m. | Old Town Manassas, Quarry Rd. & Prescott Ave. Parade will include the Northern Virginia Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe and Drum, Washington Scottish Pipe and Drum, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Coalition Pipe and Drum, the Marine Corps Color Guard and more.

Wear Green Campfire at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park | Saturday, March 17^th 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Meet at Cabell’s Mill wearing your best green this Saint Patrick’s Day and help all things wearing green in the meadow at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Return to a campfire to toast marshmallows. Registration is required and cost is $6 per person.

CertifiKID was founded by a mom with a passion for helping parents provide the best experiences for their children on a budget. From outings to adventures, classes to camps, theater to sporting events, amusement parks to getaways, CertifiKID provides the best family-friendly experiences at unbeatable prices. 

Tags: St. Patrick's Day family-friendly fun kids Washington, DC Baltimore Maryland Virginia