Check Out The FREE Pirate Guide!
This guide will answer all your questions about the treasure hunts - what they are, how to do them, what to expect, the history, and more!
How Do The Hunts Work?
Each month, April through December, we have a treasure hunt somewhere in Howard County on the paved pathways through nature and neighborhoods.
The hunts last for about 10 days - Saturday to the following Sunday. You can go on the hunt any time during daylight hours while it's open. There are no reservations or timeslots - go at your convenience!
The hunts are self-guided; just you and your pirates on an adventure! Print out the map, read the instructions, and have fun!
What Are The Hunts Like?
The hunts are approximately 1-mile loop trails (you finish near where you started) on the paved trails that run throughout Howard County.
With your purchase, you will get a map to print out that pirates will follow to five clue locations along the trail. The clues could be big gold rocks, colorful flags, beads on wire, or something else. At each one, they'll solve the clue using matching, reading, writing, math, spelling, codebreaking, multi-step problem solving, and/or critical thinking to figure out the Treasure Chest Password.
Once they've discovered the password, they head to the "X" on their map to find a hidden treasure chest, open it, and get some booty to take home!
Our Story
The treasure hunts started as a Daddy-Daughter bonding activity back in 2016 (when my daughter was 3).
During COVID, we decided to make them public so parents could have something safe and outdoors to do with their kids. It immediately caught on and people shared it with friends, who shared it with more friends. Within a few months, we had hundreds of families going on the treasure hunt!
We're now in our sixth year of doing the treasure hunts and don't plan to stop any time soon! We have donated thousands of dollars to local Howard County charity organizations. More than anything, we love seeing families enjoying this beautiful area we live in and being part of our community!
#PiratesGiveBack
HoCo Pirate Adventures likes to give back to the community whenever we can! Over the past several years, we have donated over $10,000 to local, Howard County organizations and charities!
The bigger our Crew gets, the more we can give back! So spread the word and help us grow!
Pirates In The News
Here are some publications we've been in! If you want to help us tell our story, we're glad to help!
"How A Father's Love Transformed Columbia Into A Pirate Adventure" - Baltimore Banner, Jess Nocera, 9/25/24
"Ahoy! Family Earns State Award For Creative Pirate Scavenger Hunts" - The Baltimore Sun, Allana Haynes, 6/28/22
"Nonprofit Teams Up With Two Businesses To Create Wigs For Children With Cancer" - The Baltimore Sun, Katie V. Jones, 9/15/21
"Hunt For Hidden Treasures With HoCo Pirate Adventures" - Patch, Kristin Danley-Greiner, 8/13/21
"Howard County Family Hosts Pirate Adventure Scavenger Hunts To Help Local Charities" - WMAR2, Lauren Cook, 8/12/21