Pirate Treasure Quest

Ages 4–8 · 8 picture clues + treasure card · free printable

A free printable pirate treasure hunt for ages 4–8: follow eight picture clues across the 'sea' and the 'jungle' to find the hidden treasure chest.

The story — read it out loud

Ahoy, matey! Old Captain Saltybeard hid a treasure chest somewhere in this house before he sailed away. He left a trail of picture clues for a brave new pirate. Follow every clue to find the treasure!

Make it fit your home

Tap a hiding place to switch it on or off (4–12 places). New places are added at the end; the last place is where the treasure waits.

Include rhymesInclude fun missions

A4 or US Letter · setup checklist, 9 cards, blank draw-your-own clues and a certificate

The clue cards

START · Clue 1
Look by the front door!
Every pirate starts the trip
at the door, to board the ship!
Clue 2 of 8hidden by the front door
Look in the bathtub!
Splash! The sea is deep and blue —
look in the tub (it's dry!) for a clue!
Mission: Walk the plank (a line on the floor) to the next spot!
Clue 3 of 8hidden in the bathtub
Look in a shoe!
Pirate boots go stomp on deck —
look inside and have a check!
Clue 4 of 8hidden in a shoe
Look under a sofa cushion!
Our sofa ship is ready to sail —
check the cushions, follow the trail!
Clue 5 of 8hidden under a sofa cushion
Look next to a plant!
Through the jungle, green and tall —
look by the plant, beside the wall!
Mission: Shout "Ahoy!" three times, then go look!
Clue 6 of 8hidden next to a plant
Look in the laundry basket!
Sails and flags all in a heap —
dig in the basket, take a peep!
Clue 7 of 8hidden in the laundry basket
Look under the table!
Under the deck where pirates dine —
look beneath for the next sign!
Clue 8 of 8hidden under the table
Look in the toy box!
A wooden chest for pirate loot —
look in the toy box, toot-toot-toot!
Mission: Close one eye like a pirate and spin around once!
Treasure · Card 9hidden in the toy box
Yo-ho-ho, treasure!
You found Captain Saltybeard's treasure! You're a true pirate treasure hunter!

Where to hide each card

Give card 1 (the START card) to your child.
Hide card 2 by the front door.
Hide card 3 in the bathtub (dry, no water!).
Hide card 4 in a shoe.
Hide card 5 under a sofa cushion.
Hide card 6 next to a plant.
Hide card 7 in the laundry basket.
Hide card 8 under the table.
Hide the treasure card (card 9) and your treat or gift in the toy box.

How to play

1. Pick a quest and print. Choose a story, swap any hiding places that don't fit your home, then print the cards on A4 or US Letter paper and cut them out.
2. Hide the cards. Follow the parent checklist: hide card 2 at the first place, card 3 at the next, and the treasure card next to a small treat or gift at the last stop.
3. Read the story and go!. Read the story out loud and hand over card 1. Each card shows a picture of where the next clue is hiding — no reading needed.

Tips

Hide the cards in reverse order: start with the treasure, finish with card 2.
Keep every clue at kid height and in safe spots — never near the stove, stairs or an open window.
For non-readers, point at the picture and ask: "Where is this in our house?"
Big kids can read the rhymes out loud or help hide the clues for a younger sibling.
Want a talking clue? Record a message with a free voice card and hide it at the last stop.

More home quests

Keep the memories from your quest

Save your kid's treasure maps and drawings — with their voice — in Jerry's Artbox.