Parade aside, try these fun affordable things to do as a family this Paddy’s Day

It is not just about the parade - there is plenty of activities to do with the family for St Patrick's day.

We have smallies at home so while we won't be traipsing to the parade this year, our little ones are super excited about the day. We've put together some fun activities you can do with your family that won't break the bank. 1. Green Popcorn Ingredients: Popped corn 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking soda green food colouring (1 drop) Instructions: Melt the butter, salt and sugar in a pot, turn the temperature up and stir constantly. Then add the food colouring. Then remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda. Then pour the mixture over some already popped corn and stick in the oven for an hour on 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't forget to stir every 15 minutes. We found this awesome Paddy's day candied popcorn on super-blogger SkipToMyLou's page - this is a must follow! 2. Four leaf shamrocks handprint style How cute are these handprints! What fun for the kids while also being a really lovely memory to cherish. They also look great on the wall (framed of course) We got this idea from Pinterest and it is super easy. Just put some water-based green paint on a disposable paper plate. Let your children dip in their hands and place on the page shamrock-style. Then paint on the stem and their names and let dry. Perfect Irish art! 3. Rainbow treasure hunt This is the highlight of our day. It also gets them out and about in the fresh air and allows the children some well-needed nature time. Just draw up a sheet of paper called 'Rainbow Treasure Hunt' for each of the children. Then have a list with colours and they have to find something of that colour. If it is rainy you can take it indoors and they can find -  a red dolls dress or a green piece of lego. Outdoors they will have so much fun trying to find a purple leaf or a yellow flower. I know my pair look forward to this scavenger hunt each year. If you are feeling seriously ambitious you can also paint some pebbles gold ahead of the game and drop them around the garden or park where they will be searching - their little faces when they find them will be unforgettable. Happy hunting! Get €150 back when you switch your gas and electricity to Bord Gáis Energy. Switching to Bord Gáis Energy will also get you 12% off your electricity and 10% off your gas. With some great offers and flexible options for you to choose from Bord Gáis Energy will provide you with the best value every day. PLUS you’ll have access to Ireland’s biggest and best energy Rewards Club.