Young landlubbers say 'aye' to Pirates' Cove

Dressed in his Spider-Man outfit, 4-year-old Michael Mirro at the Pirates' Cove Children's Theme Park in Elk Grove Village said he could not be fooled.

A parade of superheroes and villains, including Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman -- Pirates' Cove employees in outfits -- walked around the park, while kids waved and greeted their favorite characters.

"They are fake all right," Michael said. "I saw the real ones in the show," he said, referring to a play, performed that day by the same Pirates' Cove employees.

It was another Friday special events day at Pirates' Cove for kids ages 2 to 9.

Michael's skepticism didn't keep Superhero Day from going off without a hitch.

Little kids dressed as their favorite superheroes were able to watch plays at noon and at 2 p.m. written and performed by park district employees.

The parade of characters through the park was another highlight at Pirates' Cove, which is part of the Elk Grove Park District.

During Happily Ever After Day last month, the park was converted into a place for Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and other popular childhood characters.

At Wizard Fest Day, kids were able to make their own potions with the help of park district employees, who were dressed up as wizards and other magical beings.

But the theme park fun is ending this Friday. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., kids are invited to the Pirates' Craft Bonanza Day, where they will be able to take home their own art projects.

General admission is $8 for nonresidents and $6 for Elk Grove Village residents. Adults are free.

Pirates' Cove holds attraction beyond the Friday events though.

One of the park's most popular attractions is the Herschell Kiddie Carousel, which was recently refurbished.

A local artist repainted the 22 aluminum horses. The park department redid the framework and floorboards, upgraded the electrical components and applied new decals. The total cost for the restoration was $8,000. The Elk Grove Historical Society donated $4,000 to the project, while the park district covered the remainder.

Judy Michelic, a former teacher at Oak Brook Christian School, used to bring her young pupils to the park.

The Westmont resident was there on a recent Friday with her grandkids, who she thought would like it as well. They are Gage Steinth, 9, Rhyleigh Michelic, 2, and Preston Michelic, 18 months.

Gage Steinth said he liked the new Pirates' Plunge -- a giant fun slide that opened this year.

"I didn't know a thing about the (theme) day," Judy Michelic said. "But I knew there'd be something fun to do, so I brought them."