Pirates Cove

By Christine Escobar

Pirates' Cove, a little amusement park located in Elk Grove Village, is a great option for parents of preschoolers looking for an outdoor place to play. Special themed days are tailored to preschoolers interests such as Superhero Day and Safety Hero day.

 

What Preschoolers Will Love about Pirates Cove

Rides include the Safari Express, a train ride for kids and parents that loops around a small tunnel filled with cute jungle animals. Your preschooler will enjoy finding and naming the animals in the tunnel.

Other fun activities include the Castle of Camelot, where children can climb through a maze of tunnels, nets, tires and tubes or slide down a dragon shaped slide. The Castle of Camelot is like a playground only larger and at times more challenging. But parents should note climbing the ropes and nets can be tricky for very young preschoolers.

There's Smugglers Crag: a 20 foot high climbing wall, the Eureka Train Ride: individual train cars hand-powered by kid riders and a newly restored 1950's carousel, with 22 hand-painted aluminum horses. In addition, there's the very popular paddle boats, also hand-powered, which let kids sail around a shallow small pool. An attendant stays in the water here assisting children entering and exiting the boats. 

 The large and authentic looking 18th century pirate ship is a great place to eat a picnic lunch (at tables) or get a good view of the park from above. Beneath the ship, is a little nook where a craft activity and a small gift shop are located.

Daily stage shows are free and include favorite storybook and Disney characters. A lovely grassy lawn and a few shade trees near the stage make this a nice way to cool off or take a break from the action. After each show, kids are invited onto the stage to meet the characters.

What Parents Should Know

Mollies Concessions is located in the center of the park.  Beverages, soft pretzels, ice cream novelties and pizza by the slice are served there. Plenty of shaded tables are located close by and on the pirate ship deck. Birthday party packages are also offered at Pirates Cove.

Though the park's website lists the recommended age range as 2 thru 9, many of the rides are best suited to children at least age 3 and up. All, except the Safari Express train, require children to ride on their own. In addition, be prepared to wait in some short lines, especially if you come early in the day. Not a bad way to promote patience in your preschooler, though.
Park staff consists mainly of teens, who are very enthusiastic and patient with guests, even those who scream and fuss. Thankfully, they also seem less intimidating to some of the more cautious or fearful preschoolers.

Details

Address 901 Leicester, Elk Grove Village, IL
Phone: 847-439-COVE (2683)
Hours: Saturdays June 9 through August 18 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, weekdays June 11 through August 17 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Post Season Hours: Saturdays August 25, September 1, September 8,and September 15, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Admission: residents $6 nonresidents $8
Adults are free
Credit Cards accepted.