The summer months can make moms say “Shiver Me Timbers,” when thinking of unique and inviting ways to keep kids busy, but nothing brings more fun than a yo-ho-ho holiday at Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park in Elk Grove Village, Illinois: a creative, thoughtful, and easily navigable amusement park for kids ages 2-9. 

Over the years, we have spent many summer days embarking on Pirate themed age-appropriate activities, and it is pure joy to watch my children remember and again enjoy attractions from the previous years. Once upon a time, they were the youngest Pirates, enjoying the train ride with me in tow, and now, they are on the older end of the Pirate experience, but still find laughter and enjoyment in each day we spend at Pirates’ Cove.

Pirates’ Cove offers more than seventeen attractions, which range from Barnacle Bay Boats (think Pirate-themed bumper boats) to PJ’s Perch, a twenty foot climbing wall geared towards ages 5 and up. The Pirate Theme pervades all aspects of the park, including a giant pirate ship which gives kids a glimpse of what a real pirate ship looked like back in the 1700s. Enjoy your own packed lunch in Pete’s Pirate Ship, or purchase reasonably priced concessions on site. Below deck, a daily craft project is hosted by incredibly patient staff members, so your child can bring home a treasure to keep! 

The park has various options for birthday party rentals, and the attention to every detail the park district staff put into each party is nothing short of astounding. We have attended several parties there over the years, and found each one to have a unique twist to it, tailored to the personality of the celebrant!

A fifteen minute Pirate “Show” is always a highlight of our adventure at Pirates’ Cove, as it gives us a few minutes to sit under a shady tree and grab a snack. The Pirate Show offers local teens an opportunity to showcase their acting skills, and runs three times a day. Kids of all ages erupt in hysterics at the pirate accent and banter, accompanied by the inevitable end of the show where a scallywag always has to walk the plank! 

Pirates’ Cove is more than just fun; it is memories. Even the youngest Pirates feel a sense of pride and independence as they can ride almost everything without an adult, and the park is expansive yet contained to make sure all children are safe. Pirates’ Cove staff do an amazing job of keeping the site clean as well. A small fee is required for admittance for children, but for once, adults are free! That means we have happily given this venue a five star rating and recommendation for all our readers on our KidFriendlyVenues app. 

All details of Pirates’ Cove Park can be found on our KidFriendlyVenues app which is free to use on our website.  

Dana H.