I gave them each an eye patch and a pirate hat to start a treasure hunt. I totally love how they look like Jake (spiky brown hair and a sword) and Cubby (blonde with a map) from Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

And what kind of treasure hunt would it be without a map?

I just drew a rough sketch of our backyard on cream colored cardstock, crumpled it up and burned the edges. I tied it closed with some net from a bag of oranges. There is a little path with X’s for different pirate tasks.

Their first task was to sail their ship.

-aka- inside out cardboard box taped to a point at one side.

They sailed to their next two tasks: walking the plank and the peg leg race.

Last, they searched for the big red X, strategically placed in a tree, where they found two little treasure chests full of “gold.” Made by covering plastic baby food containers in brown card stock and filling with Reese’s Pieces.

They also each got a gold piece (penny) to add to their treasure chest (tissue box covered in brown cardstock) for each task they completed along the way.

At the end we counted up their gold and they got to trade it for paint stick swords (pictured above) and spy glasses made from yellow and gray card stock.

I’m fairly certain my son thought it was the best day ever as he played with it all day, long after his cousin had to go home.

Purchased:
Reese’s Pieces $1
Rice Krispies and Marshmallows $3
Everything else on hand
Total cost: $4

I am posting the linky party separately this week so the post won’t be miles long, but be sure to link up your $5 or less project!