Chesapeake Pirate Adventure

The advantages of living near water easily includes having a few extra summer activities for you and your kids than those who may be land-locked. For a few years now I’ve wanted to take my oldest son on a pirate cruise. A little brother later, it was a necessity this summer. Oftentimes locals don’t take full advantage of all that their city has to offer. Being involved in mommy groups and writing about family travel afford me the motivation to do a little extra exploration.

The Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake was an adventure into a child’s imagination, creating ideas of what it would be like as a pirate on the waters of Annapolis. The ripe ages of 4-8 are ideal for this type of activity but appropriate for children of all ages. All parents need to do is get their kids to the ship, purchase their tickets, sit back and enjoy the cruise. Granted, a nice cold margarita or light wine would complete the parent’s experience, nonetheless, a dry cruise is just as enjoyable.

My active 2 year old was surprisingly docile as he watched his big brother and the other little boys run around the deck of the pirate ship engaging in role play. The captain and lead pirate did a great job reenacting what it’d be like on the seas searching for treasure, and “avoiding mermaids”. Here are some of the things the boys got to do for an hour and fifteen minutes:

• Learned pirate-speak
• Dressed up in pirate gear (complete with face paint, eye patches and tattoos)
• Hoisted sails
• Shot water cannons at a rogue pirate in a nearby fishing boat
• Yelled at Naval Academy midshipmen rowing for crew practice
• Followed a treasure map
• Spotted and rescued a treasure chest bobbing in the water
• Partook in “Grog” (a.k.a. soda) at the end of the adventure

All in all, my oldest was able to flex his imagination muscles while my youngest flexed his legs running across the deck. Passing through the downtown Marina, eyeing the various yachts and leisure boats, mommy was able to use her own imagination.

More than just a boat ride for kids, the Chesapeake Pirate Adventure is a time for relaxation, exploration and fun along the historic waters of Annapolis.