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 Schaumburg, IL
Our center is a dedicated childcare hub with a strong emphasis on nurturing every facet of a child's growth. Our commitment is to offer an environment that allows children to thrive, develop, and explore their potential to the fullest. We take immense pride in providing top-notch care for your little ones, ensuring their comfort and safety at all times. We believe in creating a stimulating environment for children, and a significant part of that is offering a language-rich setting. Our center is equipped with a variety of resources to encourage language development and enhance communication skills. We strive to instill a love for language in children, helping them to express themselves effectively and confidently. Our comprehensive childcare services cater to a broad age range - from infants as young as six weeks old to preteens up to twelve years of age. We understand that each age group has unique developmental needs and we tailor our programs accordingly, providing age-appropriate learning and activities. Trust us to provide a nurturing, educational, and fun-filled environment for your child at every stage of their early life.
With a total of 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams, the area offers over three miles of handicapped-accessible hiking trails. In addition to these trails, visitors can explore the nature center, featuring natural history displays and helpful information. As if that weren’t enough, the area also features an 1880s living history farm that can be explored by the public free of charge. For families looking for a fun and educational adventure, Spring Valley is the perfect place. Kids can learn about nature and local history through exploration, discovery, observation and listening. The 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams provide plenty of space for adventure. Visitors can also explore the nature center with its natural history displays and helpful information. The 1880s living history farm is the perfect way for parents and children to wind down after a long day of exploring. Best of all, admission to Spring Valley is free. Visitors of all ages will find something to do at Spring Valley. With 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams, there is plenty of room for adventure. The area features over three miles of handicapped-accessible hiking trails and a nature center with natural history displays and information. The 1880s living history farm is the cherry on top, offering a unique insight into the past. Families can relax and enjoy all that Spring Valley has to offer without worrying about admission fees - as it is free to the public.