My 11 year old son and I are "urban" beekeepers, i.e., we have a beehive in a corner of our backyard and our home is well within the city limits. We have had no problems with bee agression (our bees are a very gentle Italian strain). Mark and I have not been stung yet. Our dog did get stung when he swished his tail too close to the hive entrance. I do have epi-pens and benadryl on hand, just to be on the safe side. I mow right up to the front of the hive with no problems. I am careful to stay out of the field bees' flight path. This is our first year of beekeeping, and we have harvested 12 gallons of honey, which I think is pretty good for beginners. I encourage you to get a hive. Your kids would get alot out of it. In fact, my son's interest in bees is why we have a hive and he loves working the bees and extracting the honey. I hope this helps! Florence and Mark Cooper Beginning Beekeepers in Jackson, MS Subject: bees and kids To: [log in to unmask] Hello, Maybe some of you could help me. I have a small orchard and a fairly large garden. I would like to have one bee hive in the back yard but I have 5 small children from the ages 4-13 that play in the back yard. You all are the experts. Many of you have had bees for a very long time. What would be your advice. My nightmare is my kids and dogs will be attacked. If stung are their drugs I should have around the house that I could give to the kids if they are allergic? I am new to the list and have enjoyed reading the posts. Thanks, Rich