17 Exciting Pirate Themed Games You Would Want For A Kid’s Party

Welcome aboard, party planners and parents! If you’re all about turning a regular kids’ gathering into an epic adventure, you’re in for a treat!

Today I’ll be sharing a treasure trove of 17 thrilling pirate-themed games that come complete with the materials you need and clear instructions on how to play each one.

Last Updated: July 3, 2025  |  11 min Read

You may recognize some of these games, as they artfully incorporate a pirate-themed twist into familiar classic party games.

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1. Pirate Pair-Up

Objective: Help kids break the ice by finding their perfect “Pirate Match” using themed word cards.

Setup: Use our ready-made Pirate Word Match Cards (available in our store) featuring fun matching pairs like: “Pirate” and “Hat,” “Ship” and “Anchor,” or “Parrot” and “Shoulder.” Each child receives one card as they arrive. Every card has one unique match.

How to Play:

As guests enter, hand each child a card. Their pirate mission: Find the guest holding their match!

Once they pair up, they introduce themselves and answer one fun piratey question, like:

• What would your pirate name be?

• If you had a ship, what would you name it?

• What treasure would you love to find?

It’s a simple and exciting way to get kids chatting and laughing as they join the pirate crew!

Bonus Game Option: Later in the party, reuse the cards as a memory matching game. Lay them face down and let kids take turns flipping two at a time to find the pirate pairs!

2. Pin the Eyepatch on Captain

Objective: Try to pin Captain’s eye patch in the right spot while blindfolded—the closest pirate wins!

Setup: Download and print the 17″ x 11″ “Pin the Eyepatch on Captain” poster and matching numbered eye patches (1–15), available for purchase in our store.

Hang the poster at eye level for the age group. Cut out the patches and write each child’s name on the back of theirs. You’ll need tape or reusable adhesive and a blindfold (a pirate bandana works great!).

How to Play: One by one, blindfold each little pirate and spin them gently 2–3 times.
Hand them their patch with tape ready. Their mission: place the patch where they think Captain’s missing eyepatch should be—no peeking!

After all have had their turn, check which patch landed closest to the correct spot. That player wins a small prize or is crowned “Captain of the Crew!”

3. Canon Ball Blast

Objective: Get kids moving and laughing as they stomp their way to victory—bursting their shipmates’ “cannonballs” while protecting their own!

Setup: You’ll need:

• One black balloon per child (these are the “cannonballs”)

• String (about 60 cm / 2 feet per child)

• Pirate-themed music (check video below)

• 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.

4. Pirate Cove Creation Station

Objective: Give kids a calm and creative break with pirate-themed coloring, puzzles, and fun!

Setup: Set up a cozy “Pirate Cove” table area with chairs. Provide printed pirate-themed coloring pages, mazes and word searches—all available for instant download from our store. Add plenty of crayons, colored pencils, markers, and fun extras like pirate stickers or gold coin stamps.

How to Play: Kids can drop anchor at the station anytime during the party to relax, color, or solve puzzles. They can create at their own pace and take home their finished treasures as party keepsakes from their pirate adventure.

5. Walk The Plank

Objective: Kids test their balance and bravery as they cross the pirate plank—they just need to avoid falling into the alligator pit below!

Setup: You’ll need:

• A long wooden board (approx. 1” x 4” x 8 feet)

• Bricks or blocks to raise each end (at least 25 cm / 10 inches high)

• Optional: a kiddie pool to place underneath

• Optional: inflatable alligators for added fun

• 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!

6. Captain Morgan Says

Objective: Follow the captain’s orders—but only if Captain Morgan says so! Stay in the game by listening like a sharp-eyed sailor.

Setup: Use our ready-made “Captain Morgan Says” command sheet—available in our store—with fun pirate-themed actions like:

• “Captain Morgan says stomp like a sea monster!”

• “Captain Morgan says swab the deck!”

Gather the crew (kids) in an open space where they can move freely and safely.

How to Play: Choose an adult or older child to act as Captain Morgan and call out the commands. If the command starts with “Captain Morgan says,” the crew must do the action.
If it doesn’t start with those words, and someone still does the action—they’re out!

Examples:

• “Captain Morgan says raise the sails!” → everyone raises their arms.

• “Walk the plank!” → anyone who does it is out!

Keep playing until one clever pirate remains—or start a new round for more giggles and gold!

7. Pass On Captain Flint

Objective: Play a lively pirate twist on “Hot Potato” by passing Captain Flint the parrot—just don’t be the one holding him when the music stops!

Setup: You’ll need:

• A soft plush parrot toy (Captain Flint)

• Pirate-themed music

• 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! It’s a simple, silly, and gently competitive game that works perfectly for calming the group before cake, presents, or wind-down activities.

8. Pirate Charades

Objective: Act out pirate-themed actions, items, or characters without speaking, while your crew tries to guess what you’re portraying!

Setup: Use our ready-made Pirate Charades Cards (available in our store), filled with silly actions like “Swab the deck,” “Spot a shark,” or “Hide treasure.”
You’ll also need a timer (a phone works great!) and a space where little pirates can move freely.

How to Play: Split the crew into two teams, or take turns in a smaller group. One player draws a card and acts out the phrase in silence—no talking or pirate sounds allowed!

Their team has 1–2 minutes to guess what it is.

• If they guess correctly, they earn a gold coin (point)!

• Take turns until all cards are used.

The team with the most coins at the end wins a treasure prize or becomes “Pirate Crew of the Day!”

9. Captain Flint Pinata

Objective: Let kids take turns swinging to break open the parrot pinata and unleash a treasure trove of goodies!

Setup: You’ll need:

• A parrot-themed pinata (or any pirate-style design)

• A bat or stick

• A blindfold (two pirate eye patches tied together work perfectly!)

• Goodies and favors to fill the pinata (candy, coins, stickers, tattoos, etc.)

• A safe, open area—preferably outdoors

Hang the pinata securely at a height appropriate for your group’s age.

How to Play: Line up the kids and let them take turns trying to break open the parrot pinata. One by one, blindfold each child, hand them the bat, and give them a gentle spin or two before letting them swing. Make sure all other children are standing at a safe distance during each turn. Once the pinata bursts, the real fun begins—kids rush in to collect the goodies! It’s a classic party favorite that never fails to excite, especially when treasure is involved.

10. Decorate Yer Pirate Gear!

Objective: Let kids enjoy a calm, creative activity by decorating their own pirate hat, treasure chest, or Jolly Roger flag.

Setup:

Provide printable pirate hat, skull and bones, and treasure chest cutouts (included in our printable party pack), along with craft supplies like:

• Crayons & markers

• Glue & glitter

• Pom-poms, sequins, and buttons

• Pirate stickers (skulls, swords, parrots, treasure, anchors)

Set up a craft table where young pirates can sit and decorate comfortably.

How to Play: Each child chooses a cutout and decorates it however they like using the materials provided.
This relaxing activity is perfect before food or cake, and the kids can take home their finished creations as keepsakes from their pirate adventure!

11. Pirate Make-Over Relay

Objective: Race to collect pirate gear and transform your teammate into the most decked-out pirate captain on the high seas!

Setup: You’ll need:

• A large cardboard box filled with pirate accessories

• Old dark shorts or cut-off trousers

• White shirts or striped T-shirts

• Black waistcoats (DIY tip: cut sleeves and a center slit from old black T-shirts)

• Red or black cloth for bandanas and sash belts

• Fun extras like eye patches, hooks, toy swords, pirate hats

Set the box at one end of the room or yard, and gather kids into teams of 3–4 at the opposite end.

How to Play: In each team, kids choose one member to be their “Captain.” When the game begins, one teammate at a time runs to the costume box, grabs a single pirate item, and races back to dress their captain. While one is running, the others help put the item on the captain.

The relay continues with each team member taking turns until the box is empty. The team whose captain is the most completely—and creatively—dressed wins the round! Repeat the game by choosing a new captain for each team to keep the fun going.

12. Pirate Quest Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Go on a pirate hunt to find all the hidden treasures around the party area!

Setup: Use our printable Pirate Scavenger Hunt cards (available in our store). Hide the picture items—like a pirate hat, treasure chest, anchor, parrot, or spyglass—around the party area (indoors or outdoors).
Make sure hiding spots are simple and age-appropriate for younger pirates to find and enjoy.

How to Play: Give each child a scavenger hunt page and something to mark off the items, like a crayon, pirate stamp, or sticker.
Kids explore the party space, searching for the objects pictured on their card.

Once they’ve found everything, they return to a grown-up pirate to earn a small prize or a “Junior Pirate Badge!”

13. Canon Ball Assault

Objective: Cool down with a wild pirate balloon battle—launch cannonballs at the rival crew and dodge their splashy attacks!

Setup: You’ll need:

• Small black water balloons (the “cannonballs”)

• Two buckets (one for each team)

• Towels (optional, but handy!)

• An open outdoor space—ideal for warm weather

Divide kids into two teams and place them on opposite sides of a play area. Mark an imaginary middle line they must not cross.

How to Play: Each team starts with a bucket of water-filled “cannonballs” and tries to soak the opposing crew by tossing them across the play zone—without crossing the center line!

Pirates can earn extra ammo by bravely catching enemy balloons without letting them burst. The game continues until all cannonballs have exploded. It’s splashy, silly, and perfect for a summer party adventure—just don’t forget to warn parents: kids will get wet!

To make the game more challenging, fill the balloons with less water and more air. Like this you’ll be prolonging the duration of the game as well.

14. Buccaneer Ship Rescue

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):

• One bucket filled with water

• One sponge

• One funnel

• One or more empty water bottles

• Upbeat pirate music

• 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!

15. Big Jones’ 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):

• Pirate accessories like hats, sashes, eye patches, or bandanas for kids to wear once they’re tagged

• A safe, open space to run around

How to Play: Choose one child to be Big Jones (start with the birthday child if you’d like) and give them a pirate accessory to wear. On “Go!”, Big Jones chases the other children and tags one. Instead of being “out,” that child joins Big 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 Big Jones each time to keep everyone involved.

16. Sailors And Lookouts

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:

• A Jolly Roger flag or pirate bandana

• An open space for running

• 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!

17. Captain, Captain, Flint

Objective: Chase, tag, and escape in this pirate-themed twist on “Duck, Duck, Goose”—who will avoid the dreaded “Black Spot”?

Setup: No equipment needed!

• Choose one child to be Long John Silver.

• Have the other kids sit in a large circle on the floor.

Tip: To help form the circle, ask kids to hold hands in a circle, stretch out, then release hands and sit down.

How to Play: Long John Silver walks quietly around the circle, lightly tapping each seated pirate while saying “Captain.” Secretly, he picks one player to tap and calls out “Flint” instead.

When “Flint” is called, that player jumps up and chases Long John Silver around the circle, trying to tag him before he takes the vacant seat.

If Long John Silver is tagged, he goes to the “Black Spot” in the center of the circle. If he makes it back safely, the chased player becomes the new Long John Silver. Keep playing until everyone has had a turn or two escaping the Black Spot!

Final Thoughts About 17 Exciting Pirate Themed Games

In conclusion, if you’re looking to craft an extraordinary pirate-themed birthday celebration that your child and their friends will cherish, you now have the treasure map to do just that.

FAQs About Pirate Themed Party Games

1. How many games should I plan for my pirate themed party?

The number of games you should plan depends on the length of your party and the age range of your guests. A good rule of thumb is to plan around 5-7 games for a 2-hour party.

2. Can adults play these games too?

Yes! While some games may be geared more toward children, many of the games listed can be enjoyed by all ages.