Pirate Treasure Map: Find Pirate Gold in Your Own Backyard
A storybook and pirate treasure map is such a fun and magical way to get kids reading and playing outside. Below are 5 pirate-themed books perfect for inspiring your little adventurers to hunt for treasure right in their own backyard.
Each book includes a brief summary and a suggested treasure hunt idea to go with it!
1. How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long
Ages: 4–8
About this Book: Jeremy Jacob joins a rowdy band of pirates and learns their silly ways—no manners, no bedtime, and no broccoli! But he also learns pirates don’t read bedtime stories or tuck you in at night.
Treasure Hunt Idea: Bury a toy compass, gold coins (plastic), or a telescope in the yard. Draw a simple treasure map with an X, just like in the book!
2. Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate by Kim Kennedy
Ages: 4–8
About this Book: Pirate Pete is on a quest to find the perfect crew. He meets a bunch of characters, but none of them pass the pirate test—until he finds just the right mates!
Pirate Treasure Map Idea: Leave "pirate phrases" as clues (like “Ahoy matey!” or “Walk the plank!”) that lead to gold-wrapped chocolate coins or a pirate flag.
3. The Pirates Next Door by Jonny Duddle
Ages: 5–9
About this Book: When a pirate family moves in next door, the town is horrified—but young Matilda is thrilled! A fun story about not judging others and making friends.
Pirate Treasure Map Idea: Hide treasures in different “neighbor” zones of the yard (under a flowerpot, behind a tree). Write neighborly rhymes or riddles as clues!
4. There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish by Jennifer Ward
Ages: 3–7
About this Book: A hilarious twist on the classic rhyme about “an old lady swallowing a fly” only this time it’s a “pirate who keeps swallowing sea creatures and pirate gear!”
Treasure Hunt Idea: Set up a silly trail with plush fish, toy anchors, and pretend parrots leading to a treasure chest full of snacks or trinkets.
5. Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs by Giles Andreae
Ages: 4–8
About this Book: Flinn and his friends step through a cupboard and into a pirate ship adventure—with dinosaur pirates!
Treasure Hunt Idea: Hide dinosaur figures along the way to the treasure. Let the final clue say, “You’ve found the T-Rex's Treasure!”
Bonus Tip for Parents Assisting the Child Through Pirate Treasure Map Ideas:
Create a scroll-style treasure map for each story. You can even stain paper with tea for an old look, roll it up with string, and give it to your kids after reading. Instant magic! You can download the Storybook Treasure Map game here.
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