A couple weeks ago April and I happened to stumble upon the Red Oak Nature Center, which was not at all far from our front door. A short drive to North Aurora, Illinois finds you right in the middle of some beautiful scenery, interactive exhibits, miles of bike trails, and one of the only caves in the Chicagoland area.

OK, it's not much of a cave. This photo is about the most impressive one of the bunch. However it is a real cave and it was a joy to find.

There are many great walking trails and everywhere I looked I seemed to find some beautiful trees and other fauna to enjoy. Loads of birds and fuzzy critters line the wooded landscape and the beautiful river running through the Fox Valley is always a treat.

I'm looking forward to seeing much more of this place as it is all free and loads of fun. Plus, once you're there, you are a short drive away from the Philips Park Zoo. So how can you go wrong?