Free Pirate Crossword Puzzle for Kids
Pirate crossword puzzles are such an easy win. Kids get caught up in the treasure maps and ships, and they don’t even realize they’re building vocabulary at the same time.
This printable is designed for ages 8–12 and includes fun clues, pirate-themed illustrations to color, and just enough challenge to keep things interesting.
Great for homeschool, classroom use, or quiet afternoons at home.
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What’s Included in the Pirate Crossword Puzzle PDF
This two-page activity pack blends learning with fun and is easy to use at home or in the classroom.
Crossword Puzzle – A themed puzzle with clues about ships, treasure, and pirate life. Challenging enough to keep kids thinking but still accessible and fun.
Answer Sheet – Lets kids check their work or get a little help if they’re stuck.
You’ll also find illustrations kids can color in once they’ve solved the puzzle, like a treasure map, pirate ship, overflowing chest of gold, and a pair of cheerful pirates.
These little details encourage creativity, spark storytelling, and give kids a chance to build fine motor skills while staying engaged.
Pirate Themed Crossword Clues
The clues are printed at the bottom of the puzzle page, so kids can work through the crossword without flipping between pages or losing focus.
Across
2. Sudden attack on another ship or settlement – Raid
6. Popular pirate drink made from sugarcane – Rum
7. A vessel used to sail the seas – Ship
9. Colorful bird often seen on a pirate’s shoulder – Parrot
11. Hand-held telescope used to spot ships from afar – Spyglass
12. Another word for pirate – Buccaneer
14. Ocean or large body of salt water – Sea
16. Large weapon used to fire at enemy ships – Cannon
17. Board walked by those being cast off a ship – Plank
Down
- Tool used to navigate at sea – Compass
- Heavy object used to keep a ship in place – Anchor
- Gold, jewels, or valuables sought by pirates – Treasure
- Roger the black flag with a skull and crossbones – Jolly Roger
- Land surrounded by water – Island
- Friendly term for a fellow pirate – Matey
- Another word for stolen treasure – Booty
- The leader of a pirate crew – Captain
- A blade used in pirate battles – Cutlass
More Pirate Printables
If your kids enjoyed the printable crossword puzzle, these extra activities will help keep the adventure going.
- Pirate Mad Libs – A hilarious fill-in-the-blank game where kids create silly pirate stories while practicing parts of speech.
- Pirate writing prompts – Short, creative prompts to inspire swashbuckling tales of treasure hunts, sea battles, and life aboard a pirate ship.
- If I were a pirate – A guided worksheet that lets kids imagine their pirate name, ship, crew, and biggest treasure find.
- Pirate name generator – A fun activity where kids mix words to create their own pirate identity, perfect for role-play or story writing.
Pirate Research Worksheets
Pirate alphabet worksheetsFamous pirate coloring pages
Pirate Books for Kids
Here are a few great pirate-themed books I’d recommend to go with the crossword, all ones I’ve either enjoyed with my son or seen kids get completely hooked on:
How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long – A funny, lighthearted picture book that’s perfect for younger kids. My son loved the idea of trading bedtime for buried treasure.
Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne – Great for early chapter book readers. It mixes time travel, adventure, and just enough pirate danger to keep it exciting without being scary.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson – For older kids ready for a classic. I’d start with a simplified version first; the full text can be a bit dense.
The Pirates Next Door by Jonny Duddle – A playful take on pirates moving into a normal neighborhood, kids love the mix of everyday life and pirate mischief.
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