Ashley must've been 6 or 7 years old when we first began taking her on trips for her birthday. We laugh about it now but back then she was obsessed with Pirates of the Caribbean and Captain Jack Sparrow. She wanted a pirate trip - but not just any pirate trip. She wanted “real pirate stuff.”.
Honestly, I figured we’d find some kitschy gift shops with plastic cutlasses, maybe a themed restaurant. I was skeptical, thinking, “Real pirates?” But then I stumbled upon the story of the Whydah and the Whydah Pirate Museum, and let me tell you, it completely flipped my script. This isn’t some made-up tale or a theme park attraction; it’s the *real deal*, an authentic, tangible connection to one of the most infamous pirate ships in history, right there in West Yarmouth on Cape Cod. It’s the world’s only authenticated pirate shipwreck and treasure that’s been recovered and is on public display, offering an unprecedented look into the true lives of pirates, far beyond the silver screen. It's so authentic that they discovered the skeletonized remains of six of the pirates who died aboard her when she sunk in 1717, still aboard the wreck.
It doesn't get more "real pirate" than the remains of six 1700's pirates and the Whydah so we had our travel destination - Cape Cod.
The Sweetwater Forest Cape Cod Family Campground is only 15 miles from the Whydah Museum and shipwreck site, in Brewster, MA so conveniently located in the center of Cape Cod. Daily rates are based on a family of four. Full hook up RV sites with fire ring and picnic table and the sites aren't crowded atop one another. Pet friendly with a dog boarding kennel. Plenty of amenities and camp activities.
We paid an off season rate of $57 per night for 50 amp electric, water and sewer.
Our itinerary didn't start off in the usual way so I'm not counting our first two nights as part of your itinerary.
Ashley had never been to my home in Wisconsin so she, her friend Annie and Jay drove the Beast to Wisconsin as we had a surprise in store for Ashley.
AHOY! Stay Overnight in a Pirate Ship
at This Wisconsin Airbnb
We booked our stay just in time as the owner put the ship up for sale shortly after we left. But the girls loved staying on the pirate ship for a couple of nights before we headed to Cape Cod and it set the mood for the entire trip.
Day 1
Arrive at your accommodations and get settled in. (For the sake of this article we'll say you're staying Yarmouth - just to make things easier)
The Yarmouth Historical Society has 5 self guided walking tours that you can print out from Pdf format, each covering a different aspect of Yarmouth. They're FREE and you can find them here.
Yarmouth stretches from Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound, creating three villages with distinct personalities. Each offers different experiences based on which coastline they touch.
Yarmouth Port Historic, quiet, antique-shop charm Coast: Cape Cod Bay
South Yarmouth Beach-centric, family cottages Coast:Nantucket Sound
West Yarmouth Action-packed, attractions galore Coast:Nantucket Sound
After you're settled in begin to explore Yarmouth.
Photo credit: fity.club
The Town of Yarmouth is a wonderful blend of all the best qualities of the Maine lifestyle. Stroll along the historic village Main Street and you will find beautiful homes dating back to the 1700’s, quaint shops, cafés and businesses. Enjoy the scenic beauty as you walk along the picturesque Royal River.
Yarmouth Port
Stroll the Captain’s Mile, a 1.5-mile stretch on Route 6A. More than 50 sea-captain homes line this scenic road, marked by black-and-gold schooner plaques. Pop into the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum – the Cape’s only fully furnished sea-captain home open to the public.
Finish your day at the 800-foot Gray’s Beach Boardwalk. This boardwalk ranks as a favorite for marsh-top photos and bird-spotting. Sunset views here beat any postcard.
South Yarmouth
Seagull Beach draws sun-seekers to the town’s widest strand. Summer water temps hover around 68°F, warmer than Cape Cod Bay waters. When afternoon breezes kick up, rent a kayak at Bass River. Paddle past quiet coves framed by cedar shingles and osprey nests.
The village mixes beach cottages with family restaurants. Bass River forms the eastern border, offering both ocean access and river activities.
West Yarmouth, Cape Cod
Kids sprint straight to Cape Cod Inflatable Park. The largest inflatable water park in the country reopens June 13-September 7, 2025. Rainy morning? Duck into the Whydah Pirate Museum for authenticated pirate treasure. New lantern-lit tours like “Echoes of the Whydah” bring history to life.
Route 28 buzzes with mini golf, ice cream shops, and family attractions. This village packs more entertainment per square mile than anywhere else in the town.
Afternoon: Have lunch at the Royal II Restaurant & Grill: 715 Main Street, Rt 6A, Yarmouthport.
Family-owned and operated neighborhood restaurant with Greek specialties, gourmet pizzas. sandwiches and salads, pastas and more. Patio deck for outside dining, open year-round for lunch and dinner. Full bar offering a variety of cocktails, beer & wine.
Open 7 days a week:
Monday: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Tuesday: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Wednesday: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Thursday: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Friday: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Saturday: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Sunday: Noon – 9pm
After lunch head to the Whydah Pirate Musuem: 674 MA-28, West Yarmouth.
Cape Cod’s newest interactive science museum featuring real pirates and authentic treasures. The museum contains the world's only authenticated pirate treasure - real pirate treasure and artifacts recovered from the ocean floor, including cannons, gold coins, personal belongings, and even human remains.
Visitors can touch a genuine piece of pirate treasure and see forensic reconstructions of the crew. The exhibits do a great job of balancing hands-on fun for kids with historical depth for adults. It’s a fascinating look at the reality of pirate life, far from the Hollywood version. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring — more if your crew is full of history buffs and/or wanna-be pirates.
Photos credit: Whydah Museum
The girls were mesmerized by the above display of a young pirate boy's leg (fibula) bone, stocking and shoe - probably because he was their same age or thereabouts as they were. Young John King defied his mother to run off and join the pirates, only to lose his life when the Whydah sank.
The Whydah Pirate Museum brings the fascinating story of the Whydah Galley to life.
Amazing to think a ship that size, that old and that notorious lay under feet of sand in only 30' of water until she was finally located some 600 years later! With the remains of some of her crew still aboard yet!
Then I learned from a member of the expedition team at the museum that Great White sharks abound around the wreck so it's not a place many divers go.
We all loved the museum, especially hearing what the lives of real pirates was like - versus the Hollywood silver screen version. Equally interesting was how meticulous the work is salvaging the treasure off the wreck.
GENERAL ADMISSION
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Adults Ages 16 - 64 $18
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Seniors Ages 65+ $16
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Youths Ages 5 - 15 $14
Currently open weekends 10 am - 4 pm
Money $aving Tip: 10% Off Promo Codes: New customers can enjoy a first order discount and two promo codes for 10% off.
After the museum, we took the girls miniature golfing at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf: 70 First Street
Old Orchard, ME.
Putt your way through mountain caves, across a full-scale pirate ship, over footbridges and under cascading waterfalls--all amid a fun-filled atmosphere of meticulously-kept landscaping and enchanting pirate lore. I don't normally get excited about any kind of golf...but even I enjoyed playing this course with its expertly crafted pirate decor.
The cost was $9.50 for adults and $8.50 for kids age 6 and older for 18 holes. Kids 5 and under play for FREE.
Money $aving Tips: Tripster: Offers up to 56% off on tickets, making it easy to save while enjoying the adventure.
Evening: Return to Yarmouth and have dinner at Old Yarmouth Inn: 223 MA-6A, Yarmouth Port.
Established in 1696 and located in the heart of Yarmouth Port, the Old Yarmouth Inn maintains the title of the oldest inn on Cape Cod.
Serving classic American cuisine and local seafood in a family-friendly environment, this restaurant is a must for anyone craving a modern twist on traditional seafood dishes or a slice of arguably, the best carrot cake I have ever had.
Additionally, brunch is also offered on Sundays from 10 am-1:30 pm.
Reservations are recommended.
HOURS
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 4 pm to 9 pm
After dinner return to your accommodations and relax.
Day 2
All Day: We deliberately scheduled our trip for the first weekend in June as that's when Cape Cod held its Pirate Festival!
Games, a pirate's marketplace, Buccaneer theme days, food and drink, contests, rides, demonstrations, a treasure hunt, and 4 stages of entertainment.
For $45 per girl we could buy them a Play All Day pass so they could play unlimited games all day long.
Festival admission was $20.52 and kids admission (ages 3-12) $16.27.
The festival was open daily 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Their website is misleading as it appears as though it hasn't been updated since 2024...but in 2025 the Pirates Festival weekends were held later in the summer - July 29th to August 22, 2025.
Evening: Have dinner at Tugboats at Hyannis Marina: 11 Arlington St, West Yarmouth.
Photo credit: Tugboats
Though Hyannis is in the name, this family-friendly seafood joint is actually located in West Yarmouth.
Newly renovated with gorgeous views of the harbor, this restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a fish taco for lunch or a lobster dinner on the water.
Not a fan of seafood? The short-rib grilled cheese is a customer favorite. The restaurant also provides daily dinner and drink specials, as well as special menus for most holidays.
Tugboats is even rated as one of Cape Cod’s best outdoor dining restaurants, not surprising considering its incredible views and warm, attentive staff.
For the ultimate experience, try and book your reservation so you’ll get to eat during sunset!
Return to your accommodations for the evening.
Day 3
Morning: Get a traditional Irish breakfast at Keltic Kitchen: 415 MA-28, West Yarmouth.
One of my favorite breakfast spots throughout all of the Cape, Keltic Kitchen serves up an authentic Irish breakfast perfect for any occasion.
Even if the pirates don't frequent it.
The Irish-diner-style atmosphere is welcoming and offers seats inside or in their screened-in porch area. The prices at Keltic Kitchen are very reasonable and I’ve always found their portions to be quite generous.
When it comes to food, their menu features unique items such as savory bacon, apple, cheddar, and potato pancakes, as well as crème brûlée french toast.
All day: The Pirate's Festival only runs 2 days so spend the day at the Pirate Festival again.
I forgot to mention there’s a dedicated kids’ area with crafts and games, as well as a pub for adults looking to sip grog and enjoy some sea shanties. Dressing up is encouraged, and you’ll see everything from full pirate garb to subtle accessories. The festival is one of the best ways to experience the spirit of Cape Cod pirates in action.
Evening: Have dinner at Yarmouth House: 335 MA-28, West Yarmouth.
The environment is modern and upscale while still maintaining a comforting homage to its history. This includes the decorative waterwheel! The atmosphere is great for a family dinner or a date night.
Looking at the menu, The baked stuffed lobster and prime rib are highly recommended, either of which can be enjoyed inside or outside, in one of their many dining areas.
The restaurant offers weekly appetizers, main courses, and dessert specials. Yarmouth House’s children’s menu also has plenty of options, all of which come with unlimited soda and a free ice cream dessert.
This is definitely a popular spot, so I highly recommend reservations.
Day 4
Morning: Grab a quick breakfast on the go because we're on our way to Boston! (Follow the MA-3 route, about a 1.5 hour drive) We're headed to Boston Escape Rooms: 112 Blackstone St., Boston, MA
The shipwrecked Whydah is resting right outside our door, and we need your help to find Captain Black Sam Bellamy’s lost treasure chest! We have 1 hour to find the lost treasure chest!
Difficulty: 7.5/10
Unlike many other escape rooms you won't be teamed up with people you don't know. These are private escape rooms.
We managed to escape in the 60 minutes allotted time and then it was on to Pirate’s Booty II: The Lost Ship.
This is part 2 of the first pirate escape adventure.
You do not have to have played the original game to play this one! Now it’s time to find the treasure! Unfortunately, the pirates are not making it easy to search the shipwreck– we need the help of daring treasure hunters like you to assist us in finding lost treasure! This funny and exciting adventure takes you straight onto CCTH's hut that was built adjacent to the shipwreck. With the help of a disgruntled ex-employee and a friendly pirate spirit we may all become billionaires! We have 70 minutes to solve this puzzle.
Prices are based on number of players. For us, it was $44 per person for each of the 2 escape rooms we did.
You must make your reservations ahead of your visit and can do so online.
Afternoon: Have lunch at the Boston Sail Loft: 80 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA.
Photos credit: Boston Sail Loft
Both their special of the day, Lobster Ravioli and their Lobster Mac & Cheese were superb! The waiters were friendly and accommodating. And you can't beat the view as the restaurant sits right on the water.
They do have a kids menu.
After lunch we set sail on The Formidable, a pirate ship for a cruise around Sandy BaySadly, it's since ceased operation but you can take a sail on City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise, which is similar in that it's a tall mast ship. However, you won't get the pirate lore, be able to help raise the sails, etc. like we did on The Formidable.
This cruise is more historical in nature but you will pass landmarks like the Boston Tea Party ships, USS Constitution, and Boston Light—the oldest continuously manned lighthouse in the United States.
Evening: Have dinner at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA.
One of the locals turned us on to this little gem right on the wharf, with fantastic harbor views.
Rowes Wharf Sea Grille serves inventive, seafood-driven menus crafted by Chef David Daniels, featuring fresh catches from local waters and seasonal ingredients. Known for light, flavorful dishes, the menu changes with the seasons. Weekdays offer power breakfasts and lively lunches, while evenings feature vibrant cocktails and dinner.
One is met with a warm, welcoming ambiance the minute they set foot in the doors. Our servers went above and beyond in making sure we had a fantastic dining experience. The menu featured a wide array of options, ranging from fresh seafood to mouthwatering steak. Each dish was meticulously prepared and the flavor was out of this world good. Prices were in line with what you'd expect to pay in Boston.
After dinner, return to your accommodations and Yarmouth.
Day 5
Morning: Have breakfast at Ann & Fran's Kitchen: 471 RT. 28, West Yarmouth for a homey feel and handcrafted food.
While this restaurant may be small in size, it makes up for it in the breakfasts it serves - including freshly squeezed orange juice!
Try the Northeastern Benny!
Prices are reasonable. $$
Since it was our last day, we took a 2 hour road trip to Martha's Vineyard and Pirate Adventures: Oak Bluffs Harbor 12 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA Martha's Vineyard Island. We'd plan to head for home from Martha's Vineyard later in the day.
On this custom built pirate ship, your kids will dress and talk like pirates, assemble a treasure map, battle rival pirates with water cannons, and hoist sunken treasure from the ocean floor! We all had a blast on this tour even though it's designed primarily for kids. It was the girls' favorite activity of the entire trip.
We celebrated Ashley's birthday on the pirate ship, which she was thrilled with.
PRICING
$43 Kids and Adults, $25 Infant-In-Arms (Under 12 Months)
You can add on a Kids Pirate Pack for $15. They consist of a branded Pirate Adventures bandana, a foam sword and an eye patch. (Each child is given a pirate vest and sash to wear that's included in the price of your tour.)
Reservations are required! This includes for "infants in arms'" - Coast Guard rules.
During the summer the ship sails on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, up to 3 times per day:
9:15am - 11:45pm - 2:00pm
Afternoon: Before departing for home, have lunch at Coop de Ville: 12 Circuit Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, MA
Right on the dock in Oak Bluffs, Coop de Ville is the no-frills, high-flavor spot you never knew you needed. Known for its spicy wings and signature seafood bites, it offers dockside dining with a serious side of personality. With picnic tables, cold beers, and harbor views, it’s as Vineyard as it gets.
Sunset from the dockside tables? Pure magic. Price: $-$$
Of all the parties I threw over the years, a pirate party was my favorite to throw. They're so easy and you can either go budget or more expensive in staging the party.
Mom's Niche staged this food table and did a fantastic job on it. The 'sail' behind the table is a white plastic tablecloth, she hung some fish net next to that. I LOVE the pirate ship, available here. The ship's wheel is available here. Use old weathered pallets, burlap bags, candle holders painted to look old, books with pages brushed with brown shoe polish. You can also dye cheese cloth grey, and brown then tear and drape all over the table.
I had to laugh at myself when planning my first pirate party. I was sitting in my living room wracking my brain as to how to make my house look like a pirate ship. I was staring out my living room windows when the light came on...my deck railing looked like a pirate ship railing! My deck would make a perfect pirate ship deck on which the kids could eat! My deck is very large so would easily accommodate the kids and it overlooked the lake I live on! The wood planking on the deck made the perfect wood plank deck of a pirate ship!
Half of my deck
View from my deck
How many days and years had I walked on that deck or looked at it...and never realized it would make a great pirate ship stage?!! Nothing like hunting for what's right under your nose the entire time!
I put 2 of my banquet tables together to make one long table and covered them with red tablecloths from Christmas. The mast and sail was just 2 wood dowels forming a T, from which I hung a white shower curtain liner lashed to the mast with leather boot laces. The skull and crossbones is just black construction paper I glued to the shower curtain liner. I had the white chair covers but bought red and black fabric to make the chair sashes. The vintage pirate masks I found at a flea market, 12 for $5.
The skeleton was part of my Halloween decorations. The barrel I'd made for a medieval party and line it with a heavy plastic bag to hold drinks on ice.
The favor boxes on the table are cigar boxes I covered with red and black construction paper.
The pirate with the Macaw? That was a young man who used to come to the neighborhood parties I threw, who was in the area so just dropped in to say hi. When he saw all the pirate stuff all over my living room, he knew I was throwing a party and wanted to come. He rented a costume and said he'd bring his parrot, Loudmouth. He and Loudmouth were the hit of the party!
I decorated one interior living room wall as my focal wall.
The only thing I bought were the 2 photos backdrops of the pirate ship and the sand I used to stage a beach. Everything else came from what I had on hand in my house. The 2 skeletons were from my Halloween decorations, the treasure chest is my grandmother's steamer trunk, the faux rock was made from foam from another party I threw as were the corrugated barrels and crates. The gold were boxes and coins cut from corrugated and spray painted gold. I printed the photo of Johnny Depp out on my computer printer, mounted it to cardboard with spray adhesive and attached it to the faux rock with 2 sided poster tape, to make it look like her was peeking out from behind the rock. So that entire wall cost me $30 to stage.
Decorating for a pirate party doesn't have to be expensive. Red bandanas can be used to make a pendant banner, foam balls can be spray painted black to be used as cannonballs, trunks can be used as treasure chests or you can make one from corrugated.
Treasure maps can be drawn or painted on kraft paper or even paper lunch bags.
Tightly roll a piece of paper, put it in an empty corked wine bottle and you have a message in a bottle.
Amazon carries bulk pirate party supplies.
Oriental Trading Co. pirate party supplies.
Food/Menu
Treasure Map Pizza
Recipe below
Seaweed Wraps
Recipe below
Pirate Sloops
Recipe below
Seaweed Salad
Recipe below
Neverland Popcorn
Recipe below
Parrot Veggie Tray
Fruit Boats
Assorted snacks
with pirate themed names
Pirate Cake
TREASURE MAP PIZZA
What you need
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Half-baked ready bought (or homemade)
rectangular pizza base -
Tomato sauce
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Oregano
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Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
(or a mix of both) -
Black olives (halved lengthwise)
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2 red pepper sticks
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2 pre-steamed sausages
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Rucola leaves
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Parma ham slices (or thinly sliced ham)
How to prepare Treasure Map
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Spread tomato sauce on pizza base and sprinkle oregano on top.
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Cover with shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), making sure you leave some of the red tomato paste underneath visible.
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Bake for the remaining time, until the base is cooked through and the cheese melted.
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Using a paring knife, shave the outer layer of two pre-steamed sausages so that you are left with the pink inner part. Place them at the top, left side of your pizza base. Then decorate the top parts with rucola leaves. These represent palm trees on your treasure map.
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Make a trail using the halved black olives, from one side of the pizza to the other, in a wave-like shape. Place the two red pepper sticks in the shape of a cross at the end of the olive trail.
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Using your parma ham slices, form two hills in the empty spaces on your pizza.
SEAWEED WRAPS
What you need
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Large green spinach tortillas (or wraps),
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Mayo
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Mango chutney
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Lettuce leaves
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Ham slices
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Shredded cheese
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Boiled egg (optional)
How to prepare Seaweed Wraps
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Open the green spinach tortillas flat.
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Spread mayo over half the spinach wrap and mango chutney on the other half.
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Cover with a layer of lettuce leaves.
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Place ham slices on one half of the wrap and spread the cheese over thme.
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(Optional) Place boiled egg slices on top.
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Fold the wrap into a roll and cut in half.
Make sure you roll the seaweed wrap in a way that has both the mango chutney and mayo in each half.
PIRATE SLOOPS
What you need
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Shortcrust pastry boats
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Cream cheese
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Sweet corn kernels
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Cheese cubes cut in 0.4in (1cm) cubes (you need one for each pastry boat)
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Diced cucumber
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Diced red pepper (or tomato)
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Diced cheese cubes in 0.2in (0.5cm)
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Round ham slices in 2in (5cm) diameter
How to prepare Pirate Sloops
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Place a 0.4 (1cm) cheese cube in the middle of the shortcrust pastry boat.
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Cover the cheese and fill the boat with cream cheese.
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Gently place some sweet corn kernels, cucumber, red pepper, cheese on top of the cream cheese.
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Weave a slice of round ham in a pirate-themed cocktail toothpick to represent the sails on the Pirate Sloops.
SEAWEED SALAD
What you need
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Green spinach tagliatelle (to represent seaweed)
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Finely diced onion
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Red pepper cut in slices
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Diced cucumber
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Black olives
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Small salami rounds
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Sweet corn kernels
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Mozzarella balls (or cheese cubes)
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Basil leaves (optional)
How to prepare Seaweed Salad
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Boil the green spinach tagliatelle as per instructions and drain.
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Drizzle some olive oil in a pan on a hob and cook the diced onion until soft.
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Once cooked, add the red pepper, cucumber, black olives, salami and sweet corn kernels. Toss the vegetables in the pan and turn off the hob.
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Add the drained pasta and leave to cool.
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Once cooled, add the mozzarella balls or cheese cubes.
NEVERLAND POPCORN
Ingredients
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6-7 ounces white chocolate chips or white
candy melts melted -
8-9 cups popped popcorn lightly salted
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1-2 cups of black M&Ms
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1 small bag of Swedish Fish
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1 small bag of Crocodile Gummy Candy
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1 small bag of Gold Foiled Chocolate Coins
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Wilton Gum Paste and black food coloring
Instructions
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On a large baking sheet or bowl, gently mix in the melted white candy/chocolate into the popped popcorn.
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Once chocolate is dry, gently break it apart into pieces.
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Add candy.
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Make sure to store well to keep it from going stale.
Games/Activities
SWAB THE DECK
Divide guests into 2 teams. Give each team a push broom and black balloon or ball painted black.
Mark off a START line and a FINISH line. Team members must race from the START to the FINISH line, pushing the balloon or ball with the push broom. When they reach the FINISH line, they must run back to their team at the START line and hand the broom and balloon/ball to the next player in line.
The team who finishes first wins the game.
ACTIVITY SHEET PRINTABLES
I'll often grab some printables and use them as placemats at the kids table!
CANNONBALL BLAST
Setup: You’ll need:
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One black balloon per child (these are the “cannonballs”)
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String (about 60 cm / 2 feet per child)
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Pirate-themed music (check video below)
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Open space for safe movement
Inflate the black balloons and tie each one to a piece of string. Before the game starts, tie one balloon around each child’s ankle, so it trails behind like a floating cannonball.
(Optional: tie balloons to both ankles for extra fun!)
How to Play: Once each child has a black balloon tied to their ankle, start playing upbeat pirate music and let the kids dance around the space, being careful not to burst anyone’s balloon—including their own!
When the music stops, the game begins: pirates must try to stomp on each other’s balloons while protecting their own. If a child’s balloon is popped, they’re out.
The last pirate with their balloon still intact wins the game! For added challenge, you can tie balloons to both ankles, or divide kids into teams using different balloon colors and have them target only rival crews.
WALK THE PLANK
The "Plank"
Because I live on a lake kids usually want to swim when they come here, so I always write on their party invitation to bring their bathing suits and a towel.
I have the perfect pirates "plank" to walk - my dock! I'll usually play the song above as they "walk the plank".
But you don't need a dock to play this game. All you need is a board that's roughly 1” x 4” x 8 feet.
You can lay it flat on the ground, raise it up a bit using concrete block or add a kiddie pool full of water beneath the raised plank.
The kids get an even bigger kick out of this if you throw a couple of inflatable fierce looking alligators in the kiddie pool! Get alligators here
Setup: You’ll need:
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A long wooden board (approx. 1” x 4” x 8 feet)
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Bricks or blocks to raise each end (at least 25 cm / 10 inches high)
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Optional: a kiddie pool to place underneath
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Optional: inflatable alligators for added fun
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Optional: blindfolds for older kids
Place the wooden board securely on top of bricks or blocks to create a raised “plank.” For extra excitement, set up a kiddie pool under the plank and fill it with water and inflatable alligators—especially if you’re outdoors.
How to Play: Each pirate takes turns walking across the plank from one end to the other, trying not to fall into the “alligator pit” below. Encourage kids to stretch out their arms for balance and take slow, careful steps.
For younger children, keep the game simple and supportive. For older or more daring pirates, add a blindfold to increase the challenge. The goal is to make it across safely without stepping off the plank—anyone who does falls to the gators and must try again!
PASS CAPTAIN FLINT
This is just the Hot Potato game with a pirate twist to it
by passing Captain Flint the parrot—just don’t be the one holding him when the music stops!
Setup: You’ll need:
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A soft plush parrot toy (Captain Flint) Get it here
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Pirate-themed music (Video below)
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An open space where kids can sit in a circle
Have all the children sit in a circle, and give the parrot toy to the birthday child to start.
How to Play: As the music plays, children quickly pass Captain Flint around the circle from one pirate to the next. When the music suddenly stops, the child holding the parrot is out and steps aside.
The game continues with the remaining players until only one pirate remains—who is crowned the winner.
SAVE THE SHIP!
Objective: Race to “rescue” as much water as possible to save your sinking pirate ship—teamwork and speed are key!
Setup: You’ll need (per team):
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One bucket filled with water
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One sponge
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One funnel
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One or more empty water bottles
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Upbeat pirate music
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Outdoor space (grass or backyard is ideal)
Split kids into teams of 3–4 and have them form a line, standing a few feet apart in a straight row. Place the full water bucket at one end and the empty bottle (with a funnel if needed) at the other.
How to Play: Start the pirate music to launch the relay! The first player dips the sponge in the water bucket, then throws or passes it to the next teammate down the line.
The sponge continues being passed along until it reaches the final player, who squeezes the remaining water into the team’s empty bottle. That player then runs to the water bucket to refill the sponge and becomes the new first player, while all others shift forward one spot.
The game continues until the original bucket is empty. The team that collects the most water in their bottle wins the challenge and saves their ship!
Here's some music for the game:
DAVY JONES LOCKER CREW
Objective: Join the crew—or be the last pirate standing! This high-energy pirate version of tag gets kids moving and laughing with no setup needed.
Setup: You’ll need (optional but fun):
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Pirate accessories like hats, sashes, eye patches, or bandanas for kids to wear once they’re tagged
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A safe, open space to run around
How to Play: Choose one child to be Davy Jones (start with the birthday child if you’d like) and give them a pirate accessory to wear. On “Go!”, Davy Jones chases the other children and tags one. Instead of being “out,” that child joins Davy Jones’ crew, puts on a pirate item, and helps tag others.
Each time a child is tagged, they join the growing pirate crew and help catch the remaining players. The last child to be tagged is the winner of the round! Play several rounds, letting a new child start as Davy Jones each time to keep everyone involved.
CAPTURE THE JOLLY ROGER FLAG
Objective: Dash, dodge, and defend your ship’s honor in this pirate twist on the classic flag-stealing game—may the sharpest sailor win!
Setup: You’ll need:
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A Jolly Roger flag or pirate bandana
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An open space for running
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Even-numbered players (or close) to form two teams
Split the children into two equal teams. Have them sit in two straight lines on opposite sides of the play area,
facing each other. Assign each player a number starting from 1 on each team (so both teams have a 1, 2, 3, etc.). Place the flag in the center of the play zone.
How to Play: Call out a random number from the ones assigned. The two pirates with that number—one from each team—must leap up and race to the center to grab the Jolly Roger flag. The goal: get the flag and return safely to your team’s side without being tagged.
If the flag carrier makes it back untouched, their team earns a point. But if the opposing player tags them before they cross their line, the point goes to the tagger’s team instead!
Keep playing until everyone has had a few turns. The team with the most points sails away with victory!