A Pirate Party: Swashbuckling fun for everyone!
Part I: Pirate ship construction
Part II: Cannon ball wars
Part III: Treasure hunt
Wood pirate ship kits (set of 8 purchased at Target) were set out for each of the boys to start as they arrived to the party. It is always a good idea to have a warm-up activity for eager party goers. Otherwise, the boys invent their own fun which usually involves running and throwing things at one another. Don't worry, that comes later!
Next we played cannon ball wars. I divided the boys into two teams and gave them each some "cannon balls" or folded socks to play a dodge ball sort of game. Each team had a barricade of sectional pieces to hide behind as a ship. They LOVED this activity. Just goes to show, that sometimes the simplest ideas work best. I intended to paint pirate ships out of cardboard boxes, but I am glad I didn't go to the effort.
Oh and be sure to notice their cool pirate gear. I tied a skull and cross bandanna on their heads (found these at Michael's for $2 each), put patches over their eyes, and rubbed a temporary tattoo on each of their arms.
And finally, a pirate party wouldn't be complete without a treasure hunt. Mike told the boys a great tall tale about Indians burying treasure in our backyard. He had them running all over the place searching for clues! The hunt ended in the woods behind our house. The boys actually had to use a shovel to unearth the buried treasure box.
Yo ho ho. Shiver me timbers! Be off ye, birthday mates. Or ye'll walk the planks. Ye've robbed and plundered me house enough for one day!
