Ahoy, mateys! Grab your crew and get ready to set sail for adventure. This fall, Kansas City families can hunt for hidden treasure, walk the plank and even encounter a larger-than-life sea monster.
Whether your little adventurers dream of becoming pirates or simply love a good treasure hunt, these three KC events are worth adding to your family calendar.
GloWild: Hidden Treasure
Sept. 11-Dec. 27 | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Set out on a nighttime treasure hunt at GloWild: Hidden Treasure, presented by Saint Luke’s. This year’s all-new theme sends families along a mile-long illuminated trail filled with ancient shipwrecks, buried treasure sites, expedition camps and jungle landscapes. Larger-than-life light sculptures, artifacts and clues make it feel like your family has stepped right into an adventure story.
Want to make the evening even more pirate-worthy? On select Friday and Saturday nights, families can purchase a Pirate’s Feast Package featuring GloWild admission, a pirate-themed buffet, live pirate show and Kenyan Cruise boat ride.
KC Parent Tip: Encourage the kids to dress like explorers or pirates and see who can spot the most treasure along the route!
Talk Like a Pirate Party
Sept. 19, 2-3:30 p.m. | Kansas City, Kansas Public Library Main Library
Arrr you ready to celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day? Head to the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library Main Library for an afternoon devoted entirely to pirate fun.
Young buccaneers can decorate pirate swords, walk the plank, embark on a treasure-hunting scavenger hunt, make their own feathered parrot and enjoy pirate-themed snacks. Pirate hats and prizes are included, too. The event is designed for children ages 6-18 and their families, and advance registration is required.
KC Parent Tip: Pirate costumes aren’t required, but this seems like the perfect excuse to break out the eye patch!
Register for the Talk Like a Pirate Party
How to Snag a Sea Monster
Oct. 9-10 | Polsky Theatre at Johnson County Community College
After hunting for treasure, head out to sea with What if Puppets’ How to Snag a Sea Monster at the Midwest Trust Center.
The story begins when a mysterious seaweed-covered creature washes ashore in the village of Barnacle Bay. The supposed “monster” turns out to be a giant baby named Stormalong, who eventually sets out to sea searching for a place where he belongs. But when a real sea monster threatens the village, Stormy may be just the hero they need.
Recommended for children in pre-K through second grade, the imaginative puppet production has public performances Friday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. Youth tickets start at $10.
Learn more about How to Snag a Sea Monster
Keep the Pirate Fun Going
The adventure doesn’t have to end when the event is over! Kansas City is home to several pirate-themed parks where kids can climb aboard ships, search for treasure and let their imaginations set sail.
- Tiffany Hills Park | 9400 N. Congress Ave., Kansas City, Mo. — A large pirate-themed playground with accessible ramps, a whale, slides and plenty of room for imaginative play.
- Listowel Park | 12037 W. 71st St., Shawnee — Climb aboard a pirate ship and take on the park’s sea dragon climbing structure.
- Frontier Park | 15501 Indian Creek Pkwy., Olathe — One of the metro’s largest pirate ship playgrounds with plenty of space to climb and explore.
- Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park | 2601 Gillham Rd., Kansas City, Mo. — An accessible pirate ship, sea dragon and climbing net make this a fun stop for little adventurers.
- John Anderson Park | 4701 E. 135th St., Grandview — During the warmer months, cool off at the pirate-themed splash pad featuring the SS John Anderson and water features.
Set Sail for Family Fun
From walking the plank to searching for buried treasure and meeting a not-so-scary sea monster, families don’t have to travel the seven seas to find an adventure this fall. Gather your crew, practice your best “Arrr!” and set sail for some pirate-inspired fun right here in Kansas City.