Families visiting Philipsburg Manor in July and August can try their hands at Pirate Quest, an interactive, educational game played on an Apple or Android smartphone.

Here’s how it works: Families travel throughout the grounds of this living history museum, learning about trade in colonial America and searching for goods. (For those unaware, Philipsburg Manor is a 300-year-old living history museum in Sleepy Hollow that provides a hands-on education of 18th century slaving.)

As kids locate the goods listed on the website, they can match them on their game list and decide which ones to load on their digital ships. While on their hunt, attendees can interact with live pirates on the 26-acre grounds conducting sword fights, as well as with interpreters and other performers. Children will receive a pirate-themed tattoo or finger puppet during the game and, upon completion, can choose a small prize (think pencils and stickers).

The self-paced game was developed by Historic Hudson Valley with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and is geared toward kids ages 5-8. Don’t have a mobile device? No problem! There’s a paper version available.

The Pirate Quest experience will take place on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August from 9:30-10:30am, with timed entry every 15 minutes. The game takes about 45 minutes, and younger children may need assistance from a parent. Pirate costumes are strongly encouraged!

Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for children 3-17. Kids under 3 are free, as are all Historic Hudson Valley members. Take note: There’s a $2 surcharge for tickets bought on site, so buy online to save money.

Image courtesy of Historic Hudson Valley.