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Urban Pirates tourist attraction in Baltimore, MD
Photo: Urban Pirates
View of Urban Pirates in Baltimore, MD
Photo: Robert B Butler
View of Urban Pirates in Baltimore, MD
Photo: Isabelle Kanefsky

Urban Pirates

4.6(525 reviews)$Adventure
🕑 1.5-2 hours (including pre-boarding activities and the cruise)👶 Best for ages 3-10. Younger kids (3-5) love the dress-up and simple treasure hunting activities, while older children (6-10) enjoy the more interactive elements like operating water cannons and engaging with the storyline. Toddlers under 3 may find the villain battles a bit overwhelming.

About

Urban Pirates transforms the Baltimore Inner Harbor into an interactive adventure where kids become swashbuckling crew members on a real pirate ship. Children dress in pirate costumes, search for hidden treasure, engage in water cannon battles with rival pirates, and help defeat villains,all while cruising the historic waterfront. It's an immersive theatrical experience that keeps kids entertained from boarding to disembarking.

Highlights

  • Kids dress up in full pirate costumes with bandanas, eye patches, and vests
  • Interactive treasure hunts with maps and hidden loot throughout the ship
  • Water cannon battles where children fire at rival pirate ships and shore targets
  • Live pirate actors who engage kids in the storyline and battle sequences
  • Face painting and temporary tattoos before boarding

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Book tickets online in advance, especially for weekend cruises, as popular time slots sell out quickly during peak season.
  2. 2.Arrive 20-30 minutes early for costume selection and face painting,kids love choosing their pirate gear and this prevents rushing before boarding.
  3. 3.Bring a change of clothes and towel for kids, as the water cannon battles can get everyone surprisingly wet, especially on warm days.
  4. 4.Choose a morning cruise if you have younger children, as they're typically shorter and less crowded than evening voyages.
  5. 5.Park at the nearby Fleet Street garage or use street parking on S Ann Street,arrive early on weekends as Inner Harbor parking fills up fast.

Best Time to Visit

Visit on Thursday, Friday, or weekend mornings (10:00 AM cruises) for the best experience with school-age kids. Saturday and Sunday mornings offer multiple cruise times and great weather during spring and fall. Avoid late evening cruises with young children, and note the venue is closed Monday-Wednesday.

What to Know

Cruises typically last 75-90 minutes and tickets run approximately $20-30 per person (check website for current pricing). Parking is available at nearby Inner Harbor garages. Stroller parking is available at the dock, but strollers cannot be brought aboard the ship.

Seasonal Notes

The pirate cruise operates year-round but is most popular from April through October when weather is ideal for water activities. Summer weekends book up fastest. Special holiday-themed cruises may be offered around Halloween and other holidays,check their website for seasonal events. Cruises run rain or shine, though severe weather may cause cancellations.

Nearby Eats

Phillips Harborplace (0.4 miles away) offers kid-friendly seafood and waterfront views, while Shake Shack in the Inner Harbor (0.3 miles) is perfect for quick burgers and shakes after your pirate adventure.

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