Once upon a time, in the hearty, cornfield crisscrossed state of Illinois, lived an eclectic bunch of kids who had a peculiar activity they loved more than anything - horseback riding! The Land of Lincoln became their stampede of dreams, every neigh echoing through the bustling streets of Chicago to the peaceful prairis of Shawnee National Forest. Among these brave and buoyant children was a uniquely entertaining character, a girl named Kooky Katelyn. As her name suggests, Katelyn was a barrel of laughs with a hearty spirit that was as big as the Illinois skies. She was known far and wide for her outlandish antics and her magical, talking horse, Mister Giggles. Yes, you heard that right, a talking horse! Mister Giggles was as funny as a stand-up comedian and as wise as an owl. Sometimes, he’d even crack a joke halfway through a gallop, making Katelyn laugh so hard that she’d nearly tumble off. From racing across the Great Plains to practicing dressage in the outskirts of Springfield, these kids spent their days in the sunny golden fields, riding their beloved horses with laughter echoing across the state. Kooky Katelyn and Mister Giggles, with their infectious laughter and playful pranks, brought a joyous spirit to the horseback riding community, making it the most delightful activity kids from every corner of the state looked forward to. Thus, Illinois turned into a whimsical wonderland for horse-loving kids, where every horse whinny echoed with laughter and every trot left a trail of boundless joy.
Read morebest horse-back programs in Kingston, 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.
That’s what Walcamp is all about! Located in Kingston, Illinois, Walcamp is a year-round Christian ministry offering camp programs for youth, families, and groups. Whether you are looking for a youth camp, day camp, weekend family camping, or even a program for those with special needs, Walcamp has something for everyone. At Walcamp, you can experience a fun camp atmosphere, build new friendships, and strengthen your faith. From canoeing and swimming to archery and overnight camping, Walcamp offers a wide variety of activities to get you outdoors and enjoying nature. With professional staff and a safe, comfortable atmosphere, Walcamp provides an environment that is perfect for learning and growing. Walcamp is the perfect place to have a memorable outdoor experience. Not only will you have a blast, but you will also be making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are looking for an activity-packed weekend or a spiritual retreat, Walcamp is the place for you and your family. With beautiful surroundings and a deep commitment to Christ-centered ministry, Walcamp is sure to be a meaningful and rewarding experience.