Once upon a time, in the bustling state of Illinois, home of the famous deep-dish pizza and the magnificent Windy City, dwelled a group of extraordinary kids. They were ordinary in most ways, but they had a secret talent: they were zealous biking aficionados, known throughout the state as the "Pedal Pals". Their leader was a spritely fellow named Spoke Spinster, who was as swift as a prairie wind and as agile as a cat. With an old baseball cap perched on his head and a pair of well-worn sneakers, he was a sight to behold. He had flaming red hair that stuck out from under his cap like a vibrant sunflower in an Illinois cornfield, and he was always seen with a huge grin, usually smeared with remnants of the day's lunch. The Pedal Pals, under the guidance of Spoke, were like a whirlwind on wheels, spinning their way through verdant fields, bustling towns, and along the glistening bank of the Mississippi. Their laughter echoed across the vast cornfields as they raced each other, leaving a trail of dust in their wake. Rain or shine, these kids never missed a day to pedal their way around Illinois. They were as unstoppable as the mighty Chicago Bulls and as adventurous as the explorers who first discovered the Land of Lincoln. They loved their biking escapades as much as Illinoisans loved their iconic deep-dish pizzas, possibly even more. Their biking journey through Illinois was always filled with crazy adventures, deep-belly laughs, and the kind of fun that would make even a grumpy old troll crack a smile. They were, indeed, the undisputed champions of biking in the great state of Illinois.
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Bring the whole family to discover how to love and care for trees at the Morton Arboretum! With 16 miles of hiking trails and nine miles of driving and biking roads, there's something for everyone. Kids can learn about the diverse collection of trees from around the world while enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes. And you can be sure to find plenty of educational activities to keep them entertained. Open 365 days a year from 7 a.m. to sunset, the Arboretum is the perfect place to spend a day or more outdoors. The Arboretum is also committed to protecting and preserving our environment. They conduct leading scientific research on tree health and improvement and collaborate with organizations throughout the region and around the world to ensure trees thrive. By visiting the Arboretum, you can be part of a greater effort to plant and conserve trees for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Make sure to check out the Arboretum’s website for more information about their mission and upcoming events.
The Morton Arboretum is a public garden and outdoor museum with a wealth of experiences for the whole family. Situated on 1,700 acres of land, there are over 200,000 cataloged plants, from 4,100 different species. Families can explore the trails, drive or bike around the grounds, and take a break in the 4-acre interactive children's garden or the 1-acre maze. The Arboretum is also a place of education, with courses in ecological restoration techniques as well as credit courses through the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area. Schulenberg Prairie, a Midwest pioneer in prairie restoration, is one of the largest restored prairies in the Chicago suburban area.