Theatre at Home: Lilly and the Pirates

 The theatre experience does not have to stop at the end of the performance! Watching a play together creates a common experience that family members can bond over. It offers a unique opportunity to enhance family connections though sharing emotions and engaging in discussions about the performance. Check out the following discussions, activities, and other outings you can do at home or in your community to connect more with the themes of this family-friendly activity of Lilly and the Pirates!

Do you not have tickets yet? GASP! Get them here!

Questions for the Ride Home

1. What was your favorite part of the story? Which character do you relate to and why?
2. What did Lilly learn by the end of her adventure? What did the story teach you about trying new things or facing your fears?
3. How important do you believe books are? What do books do? How do they help you? 
4. How do you distinguish between a trusted adult and a stranger? What makes someone trustworthy?
5. What did this show teach you about worrying? What are other ways you can manage your worries when you feel anxious?

EXPLORE MORE AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA

Pirates Cove Adventure Golf

This themed miniature golf attraction that immerses visitors in a swashbuckling pirate world. Featuring lush landscaping, cascading waterfalls, and elaborate pirate ship scenes, the courses wind through caves, over bridges, and around lagoons. Guests can choose from two 18-hole courses—one offering a more leisurely pace and the other a more challenging route—making it fun for both families and competitive players. The attention to detail, from weathered treasure chests to life-sized pirate statues, creates an immersive experience that blends playful storytelling with engaging gameplay.

Pirates Cove Adventure Park lets kids step into a pirate world just like Lilly!

Pirate Dinner Adventure

This interactive dinner theater experience is set aboard a full-sized, 18th-century-style Spanish galleon anchored in a lagoon. Guests are seated in an arena surrounding the ship, where swashbuckling pirates, acrobats, and stunt performers bring an action-packed story to life through sword fights, aerial feats, and comedic moments. The show combines live entertainment with a multi-course meal, while audiences participate. With its blend of theatrical spectacle, family-friendly humor, and adventurous atmosphere, it is a great spot to experience for all families to enjoy! 

The Treasure Seekers: Conquistadors, Pirates & Shipwrecks 

This unique exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center immerses visitors in Florida’s maritime past, exploring tales of exploration, conquest, and high-seas adventure. Featuring artifacts from real shipwrecks, historic maps, weaponry, and interactive displays, the exhibit traces the stories of Spanish conquistadors, legendary pirates, and the treasure hunters who followed. Life-size ship replicas, navigational tools, and immersive set pieces help bring the history to life, while multimedia elements let guests experience the challenges and dangers of sailing in the Age of Discovery. It’s a blend of education and adventure that reveals the rich, and often perilous, maritime heritage of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

This museum in St. Augustine, Florida, offers an immersive journey into the Golden Age of Piracy through one of the world’s largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits featuring rare treasures, original weaponry, historic documents, and even one of only a few surviving Jolly Roger flags. The museum blends historical accuracy with theatrical design, transporting guests to the decks of pirate ships, bustling port towns, and hidden treasure coves. With hands-on activities, multimedia storytelling, and a mix of legend and fact, it provides an engaging experience for families seeking an opportunity to learn about history, while having a swashbuckling adventure!

DO MORE AT HOME

Create Your Own Pirate Treasure Hunt! 

Families can bond over creating and exploring homemade treasure maps by designing their own mysterious islands or secret hideouts on paper, using markers, tea-staining, and creative drawings to make the maps look old and authentic. Once the map is ready, they can hide small treasures or surprises around the house or yard and use the clues to embark on an exciting hunt together. This collaborative adventure sparks imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving, making the search for treasure a memorable and fun family experience.

Dress like a pirate! 

Create fun pirate costumes on a budget by using everyday items like striped T-shirts, black pants or leggings, and a bandana or scarf for a head wrap. An old vest or cut-up T-shirt can become a rugged pirate top. Cardboard and aluminum foil make easy cutlass swords. Eye patches can be crafted from felt or paper with string, and costume jewelry or a toy parrot adds playful finishing touches.

Cannonball Toss

Create a simple and fun pirate-themed cannonball toss game using household items like crumpled paper balls or beanbags as “cannonballs” and stacking plastic cups or small containers as “enemy ships.” Set up the cups in pyramid shapes, and take turns tossing the cannonballs to knock them down. To add excitement, families can keep score, create pirate-themed cheers, or decorate the cups with pirate symbols. This easy DIY game encourages friendly competition, coordination, and lots of laughter while bringing the thrill of pirate battles to life!

Learn new Maritime Knots

Families can enjoy learning maritime knot skills together by turning it into a fun, hands-on challenge. Using simple materials like ropes, shoelaces, or even thick strings, everyone can practice basic knots such as the bowline, square knot, and clove hitch. Parents and kids can watch online tutorials or follow step-by-step guides, then help each other perfect their technique. This shared activity encourages teamwork, patience, and problem-solving, while also connecting to the seafaring traditions of pirates and sailors in an engaging, educational way!

Navigation 101: Learning How to Use a Compass

Families can come together to learn how to use a compass, just like pirates did long ago, by starting with the basics of direction and navigation. Using a simple compass and a few practice exercises, parents and children can explore how to find north, follow bearings, and read maps. They can then create fun treasure hunts or nature walks where everyone uses the compass to navigate to hidden spots. This hands-on learning encourages curiosity, teamwork, and an appreciation for historical exploration in a fun and interactive way.

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