Mmmm, me hearties! Want to throw a fun pirate-themed birthday party? Take a look at some of the best pirate party ideas for kids. Enjoy pirate party games, activities, party favors, pirate food, decorations, invitations and much more! Roll up your striped sleeves and talk like a pirate and give us your best growl. Let’s get started!
Ahoy, Matey! Are you searching for tips on throwing the best pirate birthday party ever? You’re in luck. We’ve found cute cakes and creative desserts that’ll satisfy any little pirate’s sweet tooth. We’ve also rounded up some simple ideas for décor and fun pirate-themed activities for the kids (and adults) to try. From printable pirate hats to pirate ship hot dogs any scurvy seafarer would love, you will find loads of inspiration to make your little buccaneer beam with pride on their big day.
How to Throw a Pirate Party
In this huge list of pirate party ideas, we focus on keeping it low cost and DIY. I am not talking about the DIY that creates the Pinterest Mom. I am talking about the busy mom that doesn’t want to break the bank when it comes to your child’s birthday party (unless you have a rather large pot of gold.)
When it comes to throwing low-cost pirate party, focus on these main ideas.
- The Food
- The Cake/Cupcakes
- The Décor
- The Pirate Games & Activities
If you can check off each of these areas, you probably have pulled your party together. Full bellies create happy people. It can be simple from goldfish crackers, to hot dogs, to pretzels.
Pirate party decorations can easily be collected online, from items you have at home (raid your Halloween décor), or by visiting The Dollar Tree.
Lastly, a memorable party includes activities. Otherwise you have a bunch of crewmates twiddling thumbs (if they have any left form the crocodile bites.) Make sure you download and print this incredibly helpful list of Pirate Party Activities and Ideas.
This includes a supply list and game instructions – trust me, you will thank me later. You might even send me a chocolate gold coin as a token of thanks.
Don’t walk the plank – let the pirate party remain on deck. Put the play in the party plan and have fun!
Pirate Cakes and Desserts
If you’d like to tackle making a homemade birthday cake, try this modern pirate party cake tutorial. The printable toppers and simple candy decorations (jelly beans, rock candy, Red Vines, and Hershey’s nuggets) are what make this design doable for just about anyone. Even if you’re not a cake decorating pro, you can pull off a similar cake. | Hostess with the Mostess
Speaking of easy cakes, these pirate cupcake toppers are super easy to recreate, too. Gold chocolate coins, sugar wafers, Hershey’s nuggets, and a few other confections are used to recreate pirates or pirate treasure. Frankly, these ideas are pretty genius! | It’s Always Autumn
Rice Krispies Treats are always welcome at parties, and these pirate treasure chests are outstanding! The rock candy (or broken jolly ranchers) looks like sparkling gems, and the edible pearls are a nice touch, too. These pirate treats will look incredible on your dessert table paired with an adorable pirate napkin. | Crayons and Cravings
Add these pirate flag cookies to the dessert spread or a delicious snack. You can even put them in cellophane bags with a black or red ribbon to send home with the guests as party favors. This is your basic sugar cookie decorated in a simple and fun way. For an added touch, decorate this area and your pirate food tablescape with accessories like bead necklaces and chocolate gold coins. | In the Kids Kitchen
More Pirate Party Food
No pirate theme party is complete without goldfish crackers. That is a quick and easy buy at the grocery store. However, if your child or attendees have gluten or dairy allergies, these homemade goldfish are a wonderful alternative. | Strength & Sunshine
Speaking of easy pirate party food, this beach snack recipe is perfect for your celebration. It is so quick and easy. Our seasoned oyster crackers and goldfish are phenomenal at pool and would be perfect for a pirate birthday gathering, too. | Frugal Coupon Living
Party food should be easy. After all, you’ll be busy entertaining! It could get any easier than these yummy pirate ship hot dogs with cute flags on top. | Pizzazzerie
Wet your whistle with pretty, blue pirate party punch. It’s made with Hawaiian punch, Sprite, and grape juice. | Hostess with the Mostess
This post has lots of creative ideas for pirate party foods, like the pirate peg legs, which are really just large pretzel rods. | Mother’s Niche
Pirate Party Décor
Make your own free pirate party invitation with this skull crossbones pirate map and your favorite photo editor. It’s really easy to do! | Fleece Fun
Message in a bottle…. (I hope you are singing The Police song.) Don’t worry, no SOS to the world in this message. Try these party invitations in a bottle. They have that sea-faring pirate feel and will likely be the most memorable party invite your child’s friends ever get! You can grab a set of miniature glass bottles here or check out the Dollar Store for low-cost pirate party accessories and pirate party decoratoins. | Becks & Avi
Drag out your Halloween costumes and decorations for the pirate party. A Halloween pirate party can be fun, but you can do this year around. Dress up a skeleton in an eyepatch, a pirate hat, and some swanky jewelry for a lively addition to the party. | Biscuits N’ Crazy
Grab epic photos with this pirate party photo booth made with recycled cardboard, paint, and a few other simple materials. | Red Ted Art
Pirate Party Games and Activities
Ready for some fun?! We have the best Pirate Party games! Download and print these 12 Pirate Themed Party Games with a Pirate Scavenger Hunt Treasure Map.
Provide these free pirate printable headbands for everyone to don when they arrive at the party or let the kids make their own as a fun party activity. Even the adults can get in on the fun (I mean unless they are booorrring and don’t want to – arrgghhh), so they have something pirate-y to wear. Talk about a budget-friendly quick and easy pirate costume.| Simple Everyday Mom
You don’t have to spend a small fortune and use all your gold coins for the birthday boy or girl to dress like a pirate on the big day. Instead, use some endlessly useful duct tape to make an eye patch, shirt stripes, and a pretty impressive swashbuckling sword. | Crafts by Amanda
Beg friends or save these for weeks in advance. Make some DIY pirate telescopes using toilet paper or paper towel roll . This create a cheap party craft and activity or have them ready beforehand for the kids to play with once they arrive. Use cardboard tubes decorated with black and gold paint (or duct tape) to make these in a cinch. | The Imagination Tree
Set up a plank over a shallow kiddie pool and have kids “walk the plank” to win prizes. This game will be a tremendous hit, but have towels ready just in case anyone falls off the plank! | DIY Inspired
Have a treasure hunt! This one was in a big sand pit, but you can use the same concept to hide treasure in a small sandbox or anywhere around your house or venue. X marks the spot! | Toddler Approved
Build your own Captain Hook ring toss following the instructions here. If you’re not really strong in the DIY department, it doesn’t have to be quite as fancy. Use painted foam board, plastic cups, hooks, and lightweight rings for tossing. Peter Pans and kids at heart will have fun with this pirate birthday party game. | Fleece Fun
Finally, make these adorable handprint pirates for the kids to save as keepsakes from the party. You’ll need paper, googly eyes, pencils, markers, and scissors. Set up a crafting area for the kids to trace their handprints and decorate them like pirates using the colors and materials they prefer. | Simple Everyday Mom
Get your crew to the deck and get ready to have an amazing celebration! Pin this list of pirate party ideas so you’ll have it handy before the big day arrives.
We loved a good themed party. Take a look look a more fun birthday party ideas for boys and girls.
- Minnie Mouse Birthday Party Ideas
- Winter One-derland Party Ideas
- Cat Party Ideas
- Tea Party Ideas
- Blippi Birthday Party Ideas
- Baby Shark Party Ideas
- Fortnite Birthday Party Ideas
- Spy Party Ideas
- Disney Princess Party Ideas
- Thomas the Train Party Ideas
- Troll Party Ideas
- Blue Clues Birthday Ideas
- LEGO Birthday Party Ideas
- Camping Party Games
- Mad Scientist Party Ideas
- Star Wars Party Ideas
- Camouflage Camo Birthday Ideas
- Toy Story Party Ideas
- Space Party Ideas
- Glow-in-the-Dark Party Ideas
- Pokemon Birthday Ideas
- Harry Potter Birthday Ideas
- Paw Patrol Party Ideas
- Rockin Geology Rock Party Ideas
- Sleepover Party Ideas
- Art Birthday Party Ideas
You can keep parties small or even celebrate small celebrations every six months. Take a look at these…
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.
