20 Fun Pirate Crafts for Kids

Calling all buccaneers and scallywags! Is your little one yearning for swashbuckling adventures on the high seas? Look no further than these 20 pirate crafts that will transform your home into a creative cove, ready for hours of imaginative play.

These crafts cater to a range of ages and abilities, from the tiniest tots to the craftiest older kids. Gather your supplies, raise the Jolly Roger, and prepare to set sail on a voyage of artistic discovery!

Setting the Scene: The Essentials

Before we dive into the crafts, let’s create the perfect atmosphere. Dim the lights, put on some pirate tunes (think sea shanties and adventurous scores!), and encourage your little ones to dress the part. Bandanas, eye patches, and even rolled-up socks for swords will spark their imaginations and make the crafting experience even more immersive.

Paper Plate Pirate Ship:

This classic is perfect for preschoolers. Paint a paper plate blue for the ocean and glue on a construction paper sail. Add a mast made from a straw or lollipop stick, and decorate with a pirate flag (use red construction paper and a skull and crossbones drawn in black marker). Let your little one add details like a crew of paper doll pirates or some sparkly jewels for “treasure.”

Popsicle Stick Pirate Ship:

This one is a step up for slightly older kids. Use popsicle sticks glued together to form the hull and mast of the ship. Construction paper sails and a colorful flag complete the look. You can even add a lookout post from another popsicle stick and a paper cup for a crow’s nest.

Cardboard Box Galleon:

For a grander ship, a cardboard box is your friend! Transform a box into a mighty galleon by cutting out portholes and a door (gangplank!). Paint it brown or black for a weathered look, and add masts and sails from fabric scraps or craft paper. Let your kids decorate the inside as the captain’s cabin or a treasure hold.

Egg Carton Pirate Raft:

This craft is a fun way to upcycle old egg cartons. Cut an egg carton in half and decorate it with paint or markers. Attach popsicle stick masts and paper sails. Popsicle stick figures with pirate hats can be the crew, and googly eyes add a whimsical touch.

Paper Bag Parrot:

Every good pirate needs a loyal parrot! Decorate a brown paper bag with construction paper feathers in vibrant colors. Glue on googly eyes, a beak cut from orange construction paper, and a paper hat for a swashbuckling look.

Handprint Pirate Flags:

Here’s a personalized touch. Trace your child’s hand on a piece of red construction paper. Cut it out and decorate it with a skull and crossbones or a funny pirate face. Attach it to a straw or stick for a one-of-a-kind pirate flag.

Toilet Paper Roll Spyglass:

This is a simple yet effective craft. Decorate a toilet paper roll with black paint or construction paper. Cut out circles from yellow construction paper for the lenses and glue them to either end of the roll. Your little pirate can now search for hidden treasures (or keep an eye out for pesky Navy ships!).

Pirate Patch Eye:

For a touch of pirate flair, create a cute eye patch. Cut out a heart or oval shape from black felt. Decorate it with a skull and crossbones or a Jolly Roger symbol. Attach an elastic band for a comfortable fit.

Treasure Map Craft:

Let your little ones become cartographers! Stain a piece of white paper with tea or coffee for an aged look. Crinkle it up to add texture, then iron it flat. Draw a map with landmasses, an island with an “X” marking the spot, and a route for their pirate ship to follow.

Pirate Coin Stamping:

This one is perfect for party favors or pretend play. Cut out circles from cardboard and decorate them with gold paint. Let your child use a potato cut into a skull and crossbones shape to stamp “coins” onto brown paper bags.

Beaded Parrot Keychains:

Craft a vibrant parrot keychain! String colorful pony beads onto a key ring following a pattern to create the parrot’s body and wings. Add a black bead for the eye and a felt beak. This is a great activity for older kids who enjoy working with small beads.

Fabric Treasure Bags:

Ahoy, mateys! These fabric treasure bags are perfect for storing pretend gold coins, jewels, or other pirate booty. Cut out squares from fabric scraps (felt works great!). Decorate them with fabric markers, paint, or glued-on jewels. Sew the sides together, leaving a small opening at the top. You can add a drawstring made from ribbon or yarn for easy closure.

Salt Dough Pirate Pendants:

Get creative with this easy dough recipe. Mix equal parts flour and salt with a little bit of water to create a moldable dough. Let your child sculpt pirate-themed shapes like skulls, anchors, or ships. Poke a hole at the top with a straw before baking. Once baked and cooled, paint the pendants and string them on yarn or ribbon for a unique pirate necklace.

Popsicle Stick Parrot Puppets:

These playful puppets are perfect for putting on a pirate show! Paint popsicle sticks yellow or orange for the parrot’s body. Cut out wings and a beak from construction paper and glue them onto the stick. Add googly eyes and felt feathers for extra flair. Let your child manipulate the puppet and create their own pirate stories.

Paper Cup Parrot Puppets:

Another fun puppet option! Decorate a paper cup with markers or paint to create the parrot’s head. Add paper feathers for the tail and wings. Glue on googly eyes and a felt beak. Stick your fingers inside the cup to operate the puppet and bring your pirate adventure to life.

Pirate Hat Craft:

This no-sew hat is a great way to complete your child’s pirate costume. Cut out a large circle from black felt. Cut a smaller circle from the center to create the hole for the head. Decorate the hat with a skull and crossbones or a Jolly Roger symbol. You can also add a red felt band around the base for a classic pirate look.

Pirate Boot Covers:

Transform regular shoes into pirate boots! Cut out boot shapes from black felt or construction paper. Decorate them with skull and crossbones or other pirate motifs. Attach them to your child’s shoes with rubber bands or tape for easy wear.

DIY Pirate Sword:

This cardboard sword is perfect for safe pretend play. Cut out a long, triangular blade shape from cardboard. Wrap it in aluminum foil for a shiny, metallic look. Decorate the handle with black paint or marker and add a paper guard at the base of the blade for a more finished look.

Pirate Face Painting:

Get creative and transform your little one into a fearsome pirate! Use kid-friendly face paint to create an eye patch, a mustache, or a skull and crossbones design. You can even add a splash of glitter for extra sparkle.

Printable Pirate Masks:

For a quick and easy craft, create printable pirate masks! There are many free templates available online featuring classic eye patches, bandanas, and even fierce pirate expressions. Simply download and print the template on cardstock. Cut out the mask shapes and decorate them with crayons, markers, or stickers. Punch holes on the sides and tie string or yarn for a comfortable fit. Now your little buccaneers are ready to set sail on their pretend adventures!

Bonus: Treasure Hunt!

Hide “treasures” (small toys, candies, or trinkets) around the house and create a treasure map (see #9) to guide your little pirate on an exciting adventure.

These crafts are just a springboard for your child’s creativity. Let them personalize each project and encourage them to come up with their own pirate-themed ideas. With a little bit of imagination and these fun crafts, your home can be transformed into a swashbuckling haven for hours of imaginative play!