Did you know September 19th is International Talk like a Pirate Day?
Aarrghhh!
The perfect day to have some fun searching for hidden ‘treasure’, playing dress-up, reading a few good books and even enjoying a family movie together.
And we have everything you’ll need for this fun day in our Kids Activities Pirate Blog Hop including some great crafts, fun activities and not-so-scary books & movies the whole family will enjoy!
Not so Scary Pirate Books & Movies for Kids
Before we even get to the book list, let’s be sure to create a ‘mood’ 🙂
Get into Character
What’s a pirate day without some cool dress-up!
Kids love to dress-up so grab a banadana or eye patch and get into the pirate mood! Eye liner is great for creating a fake scar on their face too.
And since most pirates don’t like to keep clean, you can just skip bathtime altogther today 😉
Enjoy a Pirate Book or two
Kids will really enjoy some of these pirate-themed books. Most area very tame for younger readers and some even have a fun learning component (because even pirates need to know their ABC’s). We’ve included affilite links so you can check the reviews and details for each of our selections.
Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC – is perfect for the young pirate just learning their letters!
Pirate Girl – is by one of our favorite authors (Cornelia Funke) and a great choice for any young girl who dreams of sailing the seas!
Pirate Princess is for all strong-willed girls who enjoy adventure. Bea is a girl who would rather set sail than have a tea party — but when the pirates make her swab the deck and cook dinner, she must pull out her grit and show she has the strength to help the crew.
Do Pirates Take Baths? is a funny look at the habits of pirates. Readers will learn what pirates eat, how they spend their days and some of their favorite activities in this colorful and humorous look at pirates.
In Pirate Boy , Danny wonders what it would be like to sail away as a pirate after reading his favorite book. Go along on this fun adventure where kids will always know that no matter how far away they travel, parents will always be close to them.
And both parents & kids alike withh enjoy Pirate Pete and his many adventures (this book is part of a series) as he hunts for treasure, steals maps, meets the queen and fights giants!
Great Pirate Read-Alouds (or books for ‘older’ pirates)
If you have kids reading on their own or enjoy family read aloud sessions, these books have just the right amount of adventure without the worry of any nightmares.
Pirates Past Noon (Magic Tree House, No. 4) & Pirates (Magic Tree House Research Guide) are part of the oh-so-popular Jack & Annie series! Pirates Past Noon is the story of Jack & Annie’s adventure as they are captured by pirates. The non-fiction companion, Pirates, shares all types of factual details about famous pirates, buried treasures and pirate terminology.
Shipwreck on the Pirate Islands (Geronimo Stilton, No. 18) follows Geronimo and his siter Thea as they head to an island in search of haunted pirate treasure! Kids really love these books as the pictures and words are all in full color.
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt – if you’re a fan of either Judy Moody or her brother Stink, you’ll enjoy this cross-over full-color chapter book where brother & sister team up to find buried treasure on a family vacation turned scavenger hunt!
The Mystery of Blackbeard the Pirate (Real Kids, Real Places) – my daughter adores this series as it combines both a fiction and non-fiction element — the books introduce kids to real life places and historic events. In this mystery, the kids are introduced to the famous pirate, Blackbeard, and a play in the town of Bath.
Treasure Island – and who doesn’t love a classic! Treasure Island is a great read aloud option for older kids who enjoy adventure books.
Take in a Movie, Matee!
For some kids, pirates can be a little scary. If you have a really young one at home, try Jake or Peter Pan as a first intro to pirates.
Both Peter Pan and Jake & The Never Land Pirates are safe bets for the younger set. These pirates are all friendly with a sense of humor.
For more adventurous souls, here are some classic pirate films!
Muppet Treasure Island is one we all enjoyed! Based on the story Treasure Island, the Muppets take pirating to a whole new level is this funny film.
Hook is a family favorite with a grown-up version of Peter Pan (played by Robin Williams) who has to find his way back to Neverland & fight the pirates to save his own kids!
Treasure Island – the Disney classic! I would highly recommend reading the book in conjuction with seeing the movie — and this film is probably best for kids ages 7 and up.
Pirate Activities for the Day
Let kids use their imagination (and maybe a blanket and pillows) to create their own pirate fort or ship. Or, head outside with a old sheet and see if they can set up a sail in the yard!
Then see what’s up at Peakle Pie with our Pirate Blog Hop & TONS of other AWESOME ideas for the day!
Backyard Pirate Treasure Hunt (Map) – Umbrella Tree Cafe
Make Your Own Pirate Treasure – The Gingerbread House
DIY Pirate Vest & Patch – Play Dough & Popsicles
Toilet paper roll pirates – Just Another Mom
Set Sail with this DIY Pirate Boat – The Resourceful Mama
It’s a Pirate’s Life for Me – Study at Home Mama
Pirates Love Underpants Sensory Bin – Adventures of Adam
Free Pirate Play Dough Mats Numbers 1-10 – Life Over C’s
Pirate Science: Fool’s Gold, Parrots and Shipwrecks! – Share it! Science News
Pirate Colouring Pages – In The Playroom
Pirate Books for Kids of All Ages – Superheroes and Teacups
Treasure Chest Craft – Messy Little Monster
How Did Pirates Navigate? How to Read a Map – Schooling a Monkey
Pirate Sensory Bin – Life with Moore Babies
Pirate Preschool Printable – Living Life and Learning
How to Make Some Great Pirate Flags – Witty Hoots
Perfect Parrot Masks for Pirate Day Fun – Peakle Pie
Pirate Perler Bead Patterns – Brain Power Boy
Going on a Pirate Treasure Hunt – Play & Learn Everyday
DIY Pirate Ship and Pirate Movie Night -CraftCreateCalm
Pirate Treasure Math Printables – Kidz Activities
Treasure Alphabet Match – The Kindergarten Connection
Make Your Own Pirate Map – My Little Poppies
Treasure Map Grid Activity – My Little Poppies
Make Your Own Map and Treasure Hunt – My Little Poppies
Pirate Puppet Craft -Sugar Aunts
Hidden Treasure Cupcakes – Emmy’s Mummy
Non Scary Pirate Books and Movies – Edventures with Kids
Gold Nuggets – Kelly’s Classroom
Fizzing Pirate Treasure Adventure – Preschool Powol Packets
Create a FLOATING Pirate Ship! – Milk and Cuddles
MORE FAMILY FUN
Looking for more fun ideas for family time? Try these!
Plan the Perfect Indoor Camp-out
Family Movie Night: 25 Best Kids Books Made into Movies