Pirate Party Ideas: How to Make a Treasure Map #PlayfulPurple #BICMerryMarking

This post brought to you by BIC®. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Mom Always Finds Out.

I don’t like to go on treasure hunts. — said no kid ever.

Treasure hunts are a fun party idea, especially appropriate for pirate theme parties. We have successfully pulled off two pirate birthday parties, and all the kids got really excited about the treasure hunt activity. The actual hunt wasn’t even anything extravagant – we just had to plan out the treasure hunt route ahead of time so we could hide the clues and of course, the treasure! Then all I had to do was hand the kids a homemade treasure map and turn them loose.

Treasure hunts can also be an entertaining game for kids who are stuck indoors on a rainy or cold weather day.

It’s easy to make a treasure map that looks like a real old-fashioned pirate map. All you need is a brown paper lunch bag, scissors and a BIC Mark-It®.

How to make a treasure map:

Step One: Cut the bottom part of the lunch bag completely off. Then, cut the bag so it opens out like one big sheet of paper.

Step Two: Wad up the brown paper into a ball and wet it completely with water. Carefully unfold the paper and lay it out to dry. This step helps to make the page look old and crinkly.

Step Three: Once the paper is dry, use scissors around the edges to cut away bits and pieces so the paper isn’t perfect.

Step Four (Optional): Use a lighter to singe the edges of the paper all the way around. You can skip this step if you don’t want to deal with using fire.

Step Five: Draw your map. I used a BIC Mark-It® permanent marker to draw pirate-y symbols like a pirate ship, a compass, a big X, skull and cross bones, triangle mountains, etc.

ARG, Mateys! Your map is ready for the treasure hunt!

BIC Mark-It® permanent markers come in a lot of vibrant color options. Look for the 36 pack for fine and ultra fine tip sizes. There’s also 8 packs of cool Metallic colors – I can think of lots of holiday uses for them, thanks to BIC’s Month of Merry Marking inspirational booklet.

I love any excuse to use my marker collection (yes, I collect markers). BIC Mark-it® permanent markers are a family-friendly option because they are low odor and acid free.

Your Challenge, should you choose to accept it:

Join the fun with BIC’s Month of Merry Marking! You’ll love the free downloadable PDF booklet of inspirational ideas you can create at home. Be sure to share it with your friends, too. Save $1.00 right now with a BIC coupon.

Click to get the booklet of merry marking and a coupon to start marking.

I’m officially calling out a few of my favorite crafty people to participate in BIC’s Month of Merry Marking. Lyndsay, Amy and Natalie — I want to see what cuteness you come up with using BIC Mark-it® markers. 

What is your favorite BIC Merry Marking project ideas? Do you have any favorite colors of BIC Mark-it® permanent markers?

Check out our other BIC Merry Marking craft ideas: Teacher Gift Idea: Umbrella with Appreciate Poem and Snowman Bagel with Countdown to Christmas Lunchbox Notes.

#BICMerryMarking

#PlayfulPurple