The pirate theme for kids birthday parties works well for an all boys party, but it also works for a girl and boy party where the girl side of things can be princesses or mermaids… or RED the Pirate from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disney World. This is good news for parents of opposite sex siblings who have birthdays that are close in dates. (Or twins!)
The Party Starts with the Invitation
Good thing I have a printable pirate invitation that is free to use.
Use Pirate Party Theme Balloons for Decorations
3. Used Pirate Cakes and Treats to Decorate Tables
While pirate ships and gold coins make fun center pieces for your party table, the best is when you use themed treats – for the look AND the yumminess factor. Here are some table ideas you can use during your child’s Pirate Party.
4. Make Pirate Themed Snacks
Successful party snacks for kids tend to either be salty or sweet, and mostly things they eat normally. Don’t go all out trying new food things when throwing a pirate party, especially for young kids who tend to be picky eaters. But, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t theme the snacks you have – by all means do so!
The snack below is perfect! Young ones love fish crackers and many eat these snacks as a staple in their diets – so you should have any h-anry kids at the party. The sign is adorable and shows how to theme the food.
Make Some Healthy Pirate Theme Foods
Party food often equals fun food – but it doesn’t have to be all sugar and chips! Kids love fruit, especially when you make it into something fun. Here are a few ideas.
Play Pirate Party Themed Games
Party Games are a must at a pirate party. Here are a few that we recommend:
Cannon Ball Toss: You will need to pair up the children. Give each pair a water balloon – preferably black ones as they are the cannon balls that are being tossed. (If you are unable to get the kids wet, use small dodge balls to toss.) The pairs of children start out facing each other and they toss the cannon. After a successful toss, where they don’t pop the balloon(or drop the ball), they both take a small step backward(away from each other) and toss again. When they pop the balloon or drop the ball they are out. The last pair wins.
Lost My Peg Leg Relay Race: This is set up like most relay races, split kids off into teams of 4 or 5. Each child must hop to a point on one leg, after one gets to the point the next child goes until all children have gone. The first team to finish wins.
Pin the Eye Patch on the Pirate is played the same way as pin the tail on the donkey. This set from Amazon is themed with a really cute swashbucklin’ parrot.
Make Pirate Party Crafts
Pirate party crafts keep the kids busy and take up time – use the workstation approach and everything will go smoothly. Be sure to feed they the sugary snacks after the crafts and before the games.
Set Up a Pirate Back Drop or Photo Booth
You can paint the sea and build a make shift pirate ship to take photos on or purchase a pirate backdrop as shown here and give the kids some props. They love playing on the high seas and posing for some pictures.
Have the Party Away From Home – A Pirate Movie or Show the Movie in Your Backyard
If you ask your local movie theater in advance, they can often order in a movie for your party when you book them for a birthday party. The Pirates of the Caribbean is generally a fun one for the 9 and over age group. Hook is another oldie but goodie.
Say Thanks with Pirate Party Themed Favors
