What about a treasure hunt with treasure maps? You could make a map on your computer (or hand-draw it if you're creative) and print it off on parchment-type paper (scrapbooking paper from Spotlight?), then roll it up and put it in an empty bottle with a cork. Divide the kids into teams and hand them each a bottle with a treasure map and let them go for it.

Decorating - what about making a pirate banner? Cut up black triangles of construction paper and staple them to a long string, then hang it around the yard or the house. A skull-and-crossbones flag would be easy to make -- use an old sheet or pillowcase and simply draw it on with black markers.

You could have Pirates of the Caribbean or another kid-type pirate movie (isn't there a Muppet pirate movie? I can't remember) playing on the TV in the background.

For drinks -- ocean water (blue juice) and sharks' blood (red juice).

I admit that I stole some of these ideas from this website: http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/pirate_party.html  It has some really cool pirate party ideas! We'd love to see photos after the party is over, and hear how it went!

:) Katherine