Los Angeles offers a treasure trove of pirate activities for kids that will transport them from the city to the high seas. From interactive museums to thrilling theme parks, there's something for every young buccaneer in LA. Get ready to hoist the sails and embark on a pirate-themed adventure in the City of Angels!
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Frontierland in Disneyland
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island is a charming and adventurous attraction located at Disneyland Park. This enchanting island, accessible by raft across the Rivers of America, offers a unique opportunity to explore a pirate-themed environment away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the park.
Find hills and rocks to climb, topsy-turvy bridges to cross, and paths to follow in this pirate-themed nook. The island features sets from the Pirates of the Caribbean films, including Will Turner's blacksmith shop and Elizabeth Swann's love letters. Kids will love exploring the spooky caverns at Dead Man's Grotto as they encounter ghostly apparitions and maybe even find hidden treasure!
Aside from the pirate fun, kids with a taste for the macabre will love the bone cage and treasure chest holding Davy Jones' beating heart. Look out for the pirate raft carrying the Bootstrappers pirate band who lead sing-alongs to fun sea shanties.
Pirates: Wanted! at Quest Room
5235 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, 90016
A pirate-themed escape room at Quest Room in Culver City is perfect for family days out, birthday parties, or a holiday treat. The much-loved Pirates: Wanted! Challenge is a swashbuckling adventure for buccaneers of all ages and one of the best options if you’re looking for family-friendly escape rooms (please note that the lead pirate must be over 18).
In this kid-friendly escape room challenge, you must convince a ship's captain that your group of seasoned sea dogs is worthy to join the crew and share the captain’s bounty. Show the captain your guile as you overcome different challenges to prove your strength, ruthlessness, and undying pirate spirit.
Board the pirate ship and take on the greatest challenge your pirate crew has faced until now. Consider making it extra fun by dressing up as pirates. Grab an eye patch and pirate hat to channel your inner Jack Sparrow or risk walking the plank!
Pirates Dinner Adventure
7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Looking for an evening pirate activity? Look no further than the Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park. Pirates Dinner Adventure is a unique and immersive dinner theater experience. This unique experience takes place on a fully-rigged 18th-century Spanish galleon set in a 250,000-gallon lagoon. While enjoying a delicious pirate-themed feast, guests are entertained by an action-packed show featuring sword fights, acrobatics, and comedy.
Come ready to get involved in this interactive show that encourages audience participation. Kids will love the mix of adventure, pirate shenanigans, and—of course—delicious food! This fun and exciting experience for the whole family is perfect for rainy evenings or simply for an unforgettable family night out.
Local Libraries and Community Centers
If you’re an LA resident, local libraries and community centers are an invaluable source of themed activities for your little ones. Clifton M. Brakensiek Library, for example, held a “Princess & the Pirates” event in May 2024, and Live Oak Library held a “Talk Like a Pirate Day” in September. The LA County Library Events page has information about upcoming family events.
You can also find books about pirates in your local library. The Los Angeles Public Library has an online catalog of fiction and nonfiction books about shipwrecks and pirates. Learning about real pirates could be an intriguing and educational angle to take when searching for pirate activities.
Pirate Parties
Pirate-themed birthday parties offer a host of opportunities to play, dress up, and have swashbuckling fun in your Los Angeles residence. With just a little imagination, you can offer a memorable party for even the most hardened shiphands. Provide some pirate-themed food (and, of course, a cake) or risk a mutiny!
Make a Pirate Flag
Younger children will love to create their own version of the Jolly Roger. Websites like Pinterest have many free printable templates to customize. Provide pens, pencils (and glitter if you dare!) for a fun and creative but relaxed pirate activity.
Talk Like a Pirate
Get kids involved in imitating their favorite famous pirates or even teach them a sea shanty or two. But be careful; once they start, they won’t want to stop!
Hold a Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt in your home, neighborhood, or a local LA park is a fun, active, and challenging activity for kids. Send them on a quest to find buried treasure following a treasure map or clues to take them to the next destination. Finding a treasure chest of gold coins (chocolate, of course) is a wonderful way to finish the adventure.
Pirate-Themed School Activities
The pirate theme lends itself perfectly to a host of different activities. Look no further if your kids’ school is holding a pirate-themed week and needs activities to captivate their imaginations. Consider the following pirate-themed activities for your Los Angeles school:
- Treasure hunt: Hide treasure (candy or small toys) around the school. Kids must complete short puzzles, sums, riddles, or other challenges to get the next clue and secure the pirate booty.
- Pirate costume contest: Encourage kids to dress up as pirates and have a costume contest.
- Face painting: Transform kids into pirates with face painting.
- Pirate obstacle course: Set up an obstacle course with pirate-themed challenges, like walking the plank or climbing a rope ladder. This could be adapted to integrate physical or mental challenges to suit your kids’ abilities.
- Pin the eyepatch on the pirate: This timeless game can be adapted in so many ways. Pin the peg leg on the pirate, anyone?
Set Sail for an Unforgettable Pirate Day
Los Angeles offers the perfect backdrop for pirate lovers of all ages. From outdoor pirate adventures to immersive pirate-themed escape room games, there’s a pirate experience out there for your family.
You can even turn your Los Angeles residence or classroom into a makeshift pirate ship for the day if you’re on a tight budget. Whichever pirate activity you choose is bound to be a lot of fun!