In the bustling corn-covered kingdom of Illinois, a distinctive group of pint-sized warriors, called the Rock-A-Locka Climbers, scale the rocky terrain, with grins as wide as the mighty Mississippi River. Illinois, a broad and beautiful land with skyscrapers touching the heavens and forests that stretch further than the eye can see, becomes a playground for these brave hearted kids. Our Rock-A-Locka Climbers are led by their fearless leader, Captain Cliffhanger. With curly orange hair flaming brighter than a prairie sunset and muscles as sturdy as the Chicago Bears, Captain Cliffhanger inspires the young warriors with his legendary stories and cliffhanging adventures. These pint-sized warriors are not your average cheese puffs and video games kind of kids. No siree! They can scale a rock wall faster than a squirrel running from the neighbor’s dog. But it's not all about muscles and swift moves, these kids have minds as sharp as the eagle's eye. They can solve rock climbing puzzles faster than a computer beats a human at tic-tac-toe, and they're braver than a lone cardinal singing in the winter snow. The Rock-A-Locka Climbers of Illinois are the heart of the land, conquering cliffs and boulders with a spirit as untamed as the Illinois prairie wind. With Captain Cliffhanger leading them on daring adventures, they challenge the rocks and themselves, laughing in the face of gravity. They are the future, the spirit, and the joy of the Land of Lincoln, proving that size isn't an obstacle when you're born to climb.
Read morebest rock-climbing programs in Ingleside, IL

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.

At Camp Nageela Midwest, children from all walks of life come together to create a special environment for Jewish youth to develop meaningful relationships with one another and have fun. Campers will learn what it means to be a leader in the Jewish community while learning important life skills such as communication, problem solving, and teamwork. Camp activities include sports, swimming, music, drama, art, and more. Parents Magazine is proud to feature Camp Nageela Midwest, an organization dedicated to helping young Jews build strong, affiliated, and proud identities. Located just an hour from Chicago and conveniently located near O'Hare and Midway airports, children of all backgrounds come together to create a vibrant and welcoming community. Here, campers learn what it means to be a leader while participating in activities such as sports, swimming, music, drama, art and more. Camp Nageela Midwest helps to empower youth to discover their hidden talents and develop them in the service of others, creating everlasting friendships and community along the way.