Deep in the heart of the United States, nestled between the bustling cities and sprawling farmland, lays the hearty state of Illinois. A land known for its towering skyscrapers, vast cornfields, and a gigantic lake that's so enormous, you'd swear it was an ocean! But the most adventurous secret Illinois holds is its legendary Rope Course activity, a test of skill, courage, and sheer unadulterated fun, eagerly participated in by the bravest of Illinois kids. Meet our coolest friend, Benny the Bumbling Bumblebee. Benny is a goofy, comical character with a buzzing laughter that echoes throughout the state. He's not the most graceful flyer, often bumbling into things, but he's the heartiest cheerleader for the young rope courser. He wears a helmet (for all his bumbling, of course) and sports a pair of chunky, safety goggles that are perpetually lopsided - adding to his charming clumsiness. The kids in Illinois, a motley bunch of daredevils, are known not just for their love of deep-dish pizza or their unmatched ability to tolerate cold winters, but for their remarkable rope course skills. Benny often watches in awe as these kids, young and fearless, navigate the rope courses with the grace of soaring eagles and the agility of cheeky squirrels. It's a sight to behold when they leap, swing, climb, and zip-line, turning the air electric with their shouts of glee and triumphant high-fives. While Benny is often seen tumbling and fumbling, he is never deterred. Every day, he musters up all his bumblebee bravado and attempts the rope course. And every day, without fail, the Illinois kids would cheer him on, their laughter and encouragement ringing out as loud as Benny's buzzing. Because in the heart of Illinois, whether you're a kid or a bumbling bumblebee, there's always room for a good old-fashioned adventure and a heap load of fun!
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


The Skokie Park District has been providing quality programs and services to the Skokie community since 1928. Serving more than 63,000 residents of Skokie, Illinois and customers throughout Chicagoland, the district is committed to protecting natural resources, preserving historical sites, and providing thousands of unique recreational opportunities across its 240 acres of parkland. The park district is a proud recipient of the “National Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management,” and offers a wide range of programs and special events, including summer camps, state-licensed full-day childcare and preschool, and before and after-school care for grades K-5. Families in the community can enjoy the district’s fun and educational activities all year long. The Skokie Park District is committed to providing the best for the Skokie community. With its dedication to offering quality programs and services, the park district is sure to continue to provide recreational opportunities and experiences that will be cherished for years to come.


At My Gym, we are passionate about providing a fun and physically engaging learning environment for children of all ages and abilities. We have been helping kids reach incredible milestones, from tentative first steps to tumbling down soft mats, for more than 35 years. Our goal is to create an atmosphere that fosters a sense of love and support, so that children can build their self-esteem and confidence. We are proud to say that all children can thrive and succeed in our program. With over 700 locations, we have been able to share the excitement of these accomplishments with parents all over the world, and we are grateful to have each child and family as part of our My Gym family.


Skokie's Emily Oaks Nature Center and Preserve is the perfect place for families to explore the great outdoors! This 13-acre nature sanctuary is packed with native wildflowers, grasses, oaks, a two-acre pond, and trails. It's also home to a variety of urban wildlife, like Great Blue Herons, Coyotes, Flying Squirrels, Northern Water Snakes, Red Foxes and Cooper's Hawks. The center itself also features the Woodland Wander Inn, a fun interactive experience for kids. As if that wasn't enough, the center also offers classes and meeting rooms, plus special programs that help scouts earn badges. If you're interested, be sure to make reservations as soon as possible. With so much to explore, Emily Oaks Nature Center and Preserve is the perfect place for families to learn, grow, and make memories.