Riveredge Tree Climbing
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Sign up for an Open Tree Climb
Check our event calendar to register for the next Open Climb!
Find my climb! -
Youth Tree Climbing Club
For youth ages 7-17
Go to Youth Club page -
Family Tree Climbing Club
For youth and adults ages 7+
Go to Family Club page -
Questions? Contact Bailey Veal
bveal@riveredge.us
Email Bailey
Develop a strong sense of their place in the natural world
Climbs aRE gUIDED BY PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED FACILITATORS
Develop a sense of belonging at Riveredge
Open Tree Climbs
Not ready to commit to club climbing? No problem! Just sign up for one of our open climb days and explore Riveredge at a new elevation! Our Tree Climbing programs can accommodate youth and adults, age 7 and above, with little to no tree climbing skills. Ascend ropes and explore the world way above your feet. We make it safe and easy! All the equipment is supplied; all you need is loose clothing (a t-shirt and long pants recommended), closed toe shoes (hard soles recommended), and some extra energy.
Climbers typically spend about 45 minutes in the trees during these two-hour programs. Open Climbs are held April through October, and a list of currently scheduled climbs can be found below. Open Climb prices: $24/person for All Access Members, $29/person for Trail Pass Members and $39/person for non-members.
2023 Saturday Open Climb Dates: 5/13, 5/20, 6/24, 7/22, 8/5, 8/19, 9/16
Special Open Climbs:
Sat 6/10 10-12 pm Adult only Frothy Forage Climb
Thurs 6/15 3-5 pm Parent/Grandparent & Child Trek Climb
Sat 7/8 1-3pm Open Climb at the Riveredge Farm
Mon 8/7 3-5 pm Parent/Grandparent & Child Trek Climb
Sat 10/14 1-3 pm Autumnal Views from the Canopy
Youth and Family Tree Climbing Clubs
Join the Riveredge Tree Climbing Club to explore Riveredge from new heights! Members climb together once a month from June – October, form a tight knit community, and have all kinds of fun outdoors while developing a new skill, improving their fitness, and building relationships with our natural world. No prior experience needed to join! Sign up your child for Youth Club (ages 7-17) or bring the whole family to Family Club (ages 7+)!
Club Membership Includes: 5 club climbing days, a free pass for a family member to join during the kick off meeting and closing party, use of all equipment, and a Tree Climbing Club t-shirt.
2023 Tree Climbing Club Dates and Times: 6/11, 7/9, 8/13, 9/10, and 10/8. Youth Club meets 1-3 pm. Family Club meets 3-5 pm.
Price: $160 per member. Must be a Riveredge member to join. Not a member? Your whole family can join for as little as $40. Have a 4th grader? Click here to get your 4th grade membership for free!
Can’t make a meeting or one gets rained out? Club members who miss a meeting can transfer to the other club for the meeting missed or sign up for an open climb(maximum of 2 times per season). 5 Climbs not enough? Contact Bailey Veal to find out how you can sign up for more!
Private Group Climb
Do you have a youth or adult group that you’d love to send up into the trees? We can do that! Programs are 2 hours long and include introduction activities and lots of climbing. Each participant will be able to climb for approximately 45 minutes. We provide 1 facilitator for every 6 participants and are happy to facilitate the experience to meet your group’s goals. Be it teamwork, overcoming challenges, learning about the forest ecosystem, or just having fun, we can do it!
Price: $290 minimum (1-10 climbers) + $29 each for each additional climber
Let us work with you to create a program that meets your group’s specific needs. We can provide a meeting space prior to or after the climb, lead an interpretive hike through the amazing Riveredge nature sanctuary, or provide an educational program about a nature or “green living” topic of your choice. Extra charges apply.
Contact Bailey Veal, Riveredge’s Adventure Education Coordinator, to book your climb
or call the Visitor Center at 262-375-2715
Birthday Parties
Throw the best birthday party ever with a private tree climbing party at Riveredge! This special option is for members (ages 7+) and includes a two hour tree climbing program and access to our natural play area and nature exploration tools. Not a member? The entire family can join for as little as $40!
Price: $240 minimum (1-10 climbers) and $24 for each additional climber. A group of ten climbers can expect to climb approximately 45 minutes each. Larger groups are welcome, but individuals will have slightly less time in the trees. You can also rent out our “Coop” or a classroom for your celebration for just $50.
Contact Bailey Veal, Riveredge’s Adventure Education Coordinator, to book your climb
or call the Visitor Center at 262-375-2715
Scout & Youth Group Climbs
Encounter the giants of the forest and explore trees from a new perspective as you climb into the canopy under the guidance of trained facilitators. Ascend to the top, swing from a branch, or try a “bat hang” – Adventure awaits!
Offered May-October | Ages 7+
Climb Only: $29 per participant ($290 minimum)
Climb & Program Fee: $35 per participant ($290 minimum)
Adaptive Climbing
Riveredge can adapt climbing programs to assist participants. Participants need to be able to follow directions, sit up on their own, and have at least some upper body strength. Using ropes and pulleys we are able to reduce their body weight to assist them during their climb. Climbers who have limb differences, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, knee or hip replacements, and many other strength related issues have been able to climb the trees at Riveredge!
To find an adaptive climbing option at Riveredge that could work for you, contact Bailey Veal, Riveredge’s Adventure Education Coordinator
or call the Visitor Center at 262-375-2715
“Our scouts LOVED the professional tree climbing at Riveredge! We have bragged about your Tree Climbing event with so many other scouts. Feels so natural to be climbing into the tree limbs thAn any rock wall that can be done indoors these days.”
Chris L.
Girl Scout Troop Leader
“The Tree Climbing program at Riveredge has been such a breath of fresh air (literally) for us. Tree climbing gives our kids a place to find balance physically, mentally and emotionally. They don’t even know it’s happening – they just know they are having fun. They come out of it with tired arms or legs, but they have such a renewed energy and attitude.”
Cathy G.
Parent of Tree Climbing Club Member
“The girls all said this was by far their favorite field trip! I was super impressed with how quickly they picked up on everything. Super cool experience, thank you for offering it!”
Marsha M.
Field Trip Chaperone
“I was blown away by the staff’s immediate willingness to adapt Lilly’s climb to make her experience both safe and challenging, their attention to her safety and comfort, and their caring attention to Lilly. I was instantly put at ease and was able to enjoy watching my 3 children climb!”
Kristen B.
Adaptive Climber Parent
“Our family has climbed with Riveredge staff during open climbs and a birthday party. The staff is knowledgeable, fun and will help even the littlest climbers feel comfortable. It is a beautiful and peaceful time up in the trees! Our kids as well as us parents look forward to climbing a few times each season.”
Nicole T.
Participant and Parent of Climbers
“Just a quick note to tell you that my wife and two granddaughters enjoyed the tree climb. The staff members were excellent. We all learned much about the technicalities of tree climbing and enjoyed our time swinging in the tree canopy.”
Bill F.
Participant and Grandparent of Climbers