Draw a pirate map
Draw an imaginary island, add a pirate character and three story landmarks, then tell a friend how to find its treasure.
Activity steps
- Set the pirate scene,Hang the treasure-map backdrop using its eyelets and included string. Arrange the two fishing nets around the display, securing loose edges out of children’s reach and away from the walking route. Keep this same room display for the hunt. Cover a work area per group of six.
- Draw an island and its crew,Give each guest one sheet of colored cardstock and one pirate sticker sheet. Share pencils between two and markers among six. Draw an island outline and a starting point, then use stickers to build a pirate character on the map.
- Add three curious landmarks,Invent three places, such as a singing cave, a parrot perch or a pretend treasure cove. Draw or stick a symbol at each and join them with a dotted route. Put a big X at the imaginary treasure spot.
- Share the maps,Swap maps with a partner and explain the symbols. Add an arrow or label if needed, then return each map to its maker. Collect sticker backing scraps and keep the imaginary maps at the table; the host’s picture clues guide the real hunt.
Offer a few simple symbol ideas without asking everyone to draw the same island. Let non-readers use pictures, and keep the paper at the table during the real hunt.
Shopping list for 6 people
- Colored cardstock — 6 sheets
- Pencils — 3 pencils
- Washable marker assortment — 1 set
- Wipeable table cover — 1 cover
- Pirate treasure-map backdrop — 1 backdrop
- Decorative fishing nets — 2 nets
- Pirate character sticker sheets — 6 sheets
Use supplies you already have. Enable JavaScript to adjust guests and mark what you need.