In the land of Illinois, sandwiched between Lake Michigan and the mighty Mississippi, a group of adventurous kids known as the Trekking Tadpoles embarked on hiking escapades. Illinois was their playground. From the bustling streets of Chicago, across the fertile prairies, to the lush Shawnee Forest, they hiked with glee, leaving no stone unturned. Leading the pack was an imaginary character, Captain Cornstalk. He was as tall as a skyscraper and as thin as a beanpole, with kernels for teeth and a husk for hair. Born from a popcorn kernel, he had popped into existence, fueled by the children's love for adventure and their affinity for IL's famed cornfields. "Listen up, Tadpoles!" Captain Cornstalk would declare, his voice rustling like corn leaves in the wind. His corn-silk hair fluttering, he'd point his cob finger in the direction of their chosen path. The kids, brimming with excitement and armed with their hiking boots and water bottles, followed their corny leader, chuckling at his corny jokes, whistling Illinois' state song, and relishing the exercise and fresh air. These pint-sized adventurers hiked through the year, in sunshine or snow, admiring the spring blossoms and the autumn hues. They discovered and named sites like ‘Popcorn Peak’ and ‘Kernel Creek,’ laughing at their shared corn-inspired humor. Each hike was a celebration of the state's scenery, a silly symphony of kids, and kernel-filled puns. In the grand land of Illinois, the Trekking Tadpoles and Captain Cornstalk filled each day with adventure, laughter, and memories, proving that with a bit of imagination and a love for the outdoors, every hike can be a corn-ucopia of fun!
Read morebest hiking programs in Lisle, IL
Welcome to Portland's premier interactive museum and event venue, Experiment PDX, where imagination and creativity know no age limit! Conveniently situated in the heart of South East Portland on Stark St., within the elegant Luxury Bread Building, this remarkable space is dedicated to the exploration of arts, science, and the limitless boundaries of inquisitiveness. Proudly rooted in Portland, Experiment PDX is a treasure trove of geeky delights, facilitating a unique blend of education and entertainment. Our interactive museum of science and art invites children, families, and adults to indulge their curiosity and creativity through hands-on exhibits. But that's not all; we also provide a diverse range of classes, workshops, and talks led by local artists, academics, and cultural enthusiasts. And yes, we haven't forgotten about the fun-loving adults! At our 21+ events, beverages are available for purchase because, let's face it, who says adults can't have a bit of fun too? Experiment PDX is not just a museum, but also an exceptional venue for hosting children's birthday parties with exciting science and art themes. In addition, we offer event spaces for rent, perfect for a variety of functions. We look forward to welcoming you to a world of learning, creativity, and fun at Experiment PDX!
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.