Hello Tim & All,
Tim said:
   In fact I have two hives in my front yard which the children play around.
My 3 year old likes  to sit in front of the hive and watch the bees,
sometimes picking a flower for them and placing it on their entrance.

I would not recommend letting a 3 year old play in *front* of any bee hive.
I have seen hives which have been docile all season become very aggressive
between inspections.

Bob