Make a Pirates Treasure Map for Children

Wish ye' can make this here pirate map? Wish ye' could create a fun advent-arrgh for ye' lads? Wish ye' could set sail n' uncover some buried treasure? Well now you can by following this how-to guide to make an authentic treasure hunt for your kids.

Steps

Sample Treasure Map

Doc:Treasure Map

Scour Ye' Lands for the "X" That Marks the Spot

  1. Find a safe spot for the treasure hunt. Try finding a local park where you have a lot of open space to keep an eye on your kids.
  2. Take notes on landmarks. Find large and obvious landmarks like a stand alone oak tree, a fountain, a bridge or a large rock that you can mark on a map. Note how far away they are away from each other, and which direction you will have to travel to find the next "landmark." It will help to describe these distances in terms of "paces" (so don't spread out the landmarks too much).

Make a Scroll for Ye' Lads

  1. Make the paper look "real." Create the authentic "treasure map" by aging the paper.
    1. Make a cup of black tea.
    2. After steeping the tea for two-three minutes, take the teabag out and squeeze out the excess water.
    3. Using the teabag, swipe over the piece of paper.
    4. Repeat until the paper is completely covered. Flip over the paper. Repeat again.
    5. Set the paper out in the sun to dry.
    6. When the paper is completely dried, begin to crumble up the paper.
    7. Un-crumble it so that it lays out flat.
    8. Repeat until the paper has softened and has a light texture to it.
    9. Taking a lighter, burn the edges of the paper gently. Never create a flame on the paper, just hold the lighter until there is a light glow and then blow it out, if needed.
  2. Draw the landmarks. Space them out so that you can easily understand the layout of the park. Try to be consistent with spacing so that your kids know roughly how far they should have to go to find the landmark.
  3. Mark the spot. Using the landmarks for reference, mark a large red X where the treasure will be hidden. Connect this X to the land marks using a dashed line to indicate the path your kids should follow. Add helpful hints by determining how many "paces" they will need to travel to hit the next landmark.
  4. Create special details. Create a border around the page and include a "compass" on the edge of the paper. Draw sea monsters, ships or a skull and crossbones. The more "detailed" the map, the more authentic it will look.
  5. Roll up the scroll. Roll the map up and tie a ribbon around it.

Bury Ye' Booty

  1. Make a treasure chest. Make a wooden treasure chest, or buy one to keep your booty in. Fill the box with fake gold coins and jewelry, or with small prizes and toys.
  2. "Bury" it or hide it where the "X" on the map indicates the treasure is. If you are in a public park, make sure to keep an eye on your treasure so that no one discovers it before you.

All Hands on Deck, and Fair Speed to Ye' Hearties!

  1. Leave the map for your children. Hide the map somewhere that they can "discover it." Then encourage them to try to find the treasure! Try having them dress up or give the a "spyglass" made from a toilet paper roll to help them spy "landmarks."

Tips

  • It's best if you work backwards from the treasure point to set up riddle clues - you will find the process less time consuming and less frustrating.
  • Spend time looking at the area you are making the map for, and use written descriptions of each landmark, as well as placing a sketch on the map in general scale and directional orientation.
  • You can ensure the trail is followed completely by tearing the map into pieces and hiding each subsequent piece at the landmark described in the section the searchers are working on. If the pieces are left for a length of time, put them in zip lock bags, or plastic bottles to protect them from the weather.
  • Always help and try to encourage your kids.
  • Never leave your children unattended.

Warnings

  • Be aware of hazards, such as poisonous snakes and poison ivy, to mention two.
  • Make sure you observe all park rules if you choose to hold the treasure hunt on public land.

Things You'll Need

  • Antique looking paper
  • Ink pen, preferably black (or marker)
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