Ahoy me hearties! If your days and nights are filled with pirate jargon and dress up, its probably time to head to one of these spots that are sure to entertain your parrot loving, patch wearing, treasure hunting little devils. Our crew has gathered together the best spots in town for your family to play like pirates. Anchors away!

Photo Courtesy of San Diego Maritime Museum

San Diego Maritime Museum
An adventure brews at the Maritime Museum on the Embarcadero that will be full of swash-buckling fun. The annual Pirate Days is back May 16 – 17, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Round up ye mateys and dress in full pirate gear to meet up with other pirate lads and lasses to treasure hunt, hear the cannons fire, watch reenactments and sword fights. There’s a costume contest aboard the Star of India and carnival games for all.

Insider’s Tip: Parking is metered at the waterfront and limited to three hours, including weekends. The County parking garage across the street costs $10-$20, or there are several pay and display lots within walking distance.

Cost: $16/adult, $8/kids ages 3-12

1492 N. Harbor Dr.
San Diego CA 92101
(619) 234-9153
Online: sdmaritime.org

Photo credit: Kara P. via Yelp 

Kid Ventures
For a lively pirate playdate, meet up at Kid Ventures in 4S Ranch or Eastlake. In both locations, you’ll find a large pirate ship ready for pretend play. On the lower level, kiddos can dress like pirates and try out the binoculars. Then they can climb to the upper deck where they can slide down and start the adventure all over again. This venue is especially popular with the preschool set who love imagination games. KidVentures also offers a Mermaid and Pirate Camp this July where campers will be entertained with pirate shows, songs, and crafts throughout their adventure. The camp offers half and full-day options, as well as a one-day camp.

Admission: $12-15/day pass; $8 each additional sibling (camp cost is seperate)

4S Ranch location
10760 Thornmint Rd.
San Diego CA 92127
(858) 207-6088

Eastlake location
851 Showroom Pl.
Chula Vista, CA 91941
(619) 651-8622

Online: indoorplaysandiego.com

Photo Credit: Moji B. TripAdvisor

LEGOLAND
Stockpile yer dubloons for a most awesome pirate adventure at Legoland. Visit the theme park with your family of sea dogs and get ready for a fun frolic at Pirate Shores where you can ride on a rotating ship with Captain Cranky, squirt water from cannons, get an airbrushed tattoo, and shop for pirate treasures at Buccaneer’s Booty Shop.

Photo Credit: Amber Gildahaus

You’ll have your gang shouting, “Shiver me timbers” if you book a pirate-themed room at the Legoland Hotel. Though not cheap, this might be just the right fit for a special birthday or stay-cation. Big perks of your visit include fully decorated rooms with separate sleeping quarters for kids and adults with kids’ own bunk beds, an in-room treasure hunt, the lobby with a huge Lego pirate ship, nightly storytelling show, and free buffet breakfast in the morning.

One Legoland Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 918-5346
Online:california.legoland.com

Photo Credit: Tami D. Yelp

Seaport Village
If yer little scalawags have been extra good this week, make a trip to Captain’s Cove in Seaport Village and treasure ye will find. Take a lively photo with the pirate outside the store, then venture inside where you’ll can shop for everything from t-shirts, costumes, eye patches, play sets, Jolly Roger flags, and even pirate pacifiers! While you’re there, take a walk along the waterfront and practice yer best rendition of, “Arrrrr!”

851 Harbor Ln. #C
San Diego CA 92101
(619) 234-5050
Online: captainscove.net

Photo Credit: Ocean Institute Facebook page

Ocean Institute
Heave-ho up north to Dana Point for an exciting weekend at the Ocean Institute. Located right on the harbor, this setting offers dockside guided tours aboard the tall ship Pilgrim each Sunday. Tour guides dressed in period costumes enlighten awestruck little ones as they tell stories and sing nautical songs set in sailing’s golden age. Familes can also try their hand at moving cargo, raising the sail, and knot tying. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and take place at 10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 1:45 p.m.

Monthly pirate sails on Saturdays offer more extensive pirate fun where the whole family can take a 2 1/2 hour sail aboard a tall ship, help hoist the mast and fire the cannon. Kids must be 4 or older to participate.

Tour reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. You can book online. Arrive early to grab a highly sought-after parking spot.

Tour Cost: $6.50/adult, $4.50/kids 3-12
Sail Cost: $40/adult; $26/kids ages 4-12

24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-2274
Online:ocean-institute.org

Photo credit: Leah Singer

Camp Like a Pirate
If you’re ready to shout,”Walk the plank!” to your little scalawags, it may be time to ship them off to a pirate-themed day camp this summer. Lucky for you we’ve found some lively options that will fill their days with pirate thrills. Camp CaHITo will offer a pirate-themed day camp July 13-17. They encourage campers to dress in their pirate gear as they play pirate for the day. Campers will partake in CaHiTo traditional activities too such as swimming, archery, and hiking. Half-day camps are available for ages 3-5. Before and after care is also available.

The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is serving up some pirate fun at its pirate camp July 13-17. This half-day camp offered in the afternoon is for kids entering 1st and 2nd grade in the fall. Like all the camps here, you’ll find science-based activities offered by well-trained educators. This camp activities include using a compass, maps, and exploring buoyancy.

Which of these pirate adventures are you most excited to try? Tell us in the Comments below!

— Cherie Gough

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