Looking for a fun, exciting, and different fall activity? Last weekend we took our three little monkeys to Kings Dominion for their annual Howl-o-Fest. Besides the usual amusement park rides, they have a cute little pirate treasure hunt included with your regular admission. 
You pick up a treasure map and go to each marked location to pick up a piece of the “treasure.” The treasure was different at each location and included, a pirate hat, a pirate bandana, an eye patch, a beaded necklace, a spyglass, a black pirate flag, and a pumpkin. In the end, it was all the makings of a cute pirate costume.
The Loot! My kids have pretty much dressed up and played pirates every day since!
At one location you had to find your way to the end of the hay and corn maze to earn your prize. At another, it was running through the “Seven Seas Foam Pit” made of waist high foamy soap bubbles. There was also a great Charlie Brown Pirate Show, pumpkin painting, and all the staff in the children’s area dressed as pirates (some of them even walking on tall stilts).
- My 3 year old painting his pumpkin in the pumkin patch
The kids had a great time and so did we. The staff was very enthusiastic and really made it a fun environment. This was definitely something a little different, but so fun that we will be making a tradition out of it.
To see if there is a park near you, visit cedarpark.com.
You don’t have to go all the way to an amusement park to do this activity though. Host a treasure hunt in your back yard for your kids. We did this too and now my six year old is obsessed with hiding a toy somewhere in the house and giving his little brother or cousin a hand drawn map to find it. So fun and keeps the kids busy for hours!
My six year old painting his pumpkin in the pumpkin patch.
About Jamie Hinckley
I am a mom of three crazy boys! We love life, play hard, and ALWAYS get messy! Life is busy and full of fun, jumping, crashing, skinned knees, rough housing, torn jeans, scratches, but most of all LOVE. Yes, life is crazy. Actually its completely nuts, but I wouldn't change a thing! We love life and can't wait for our next adventure... and one day, possibly a little girl! Haha!