Go climb a tree

Celebrating Arbor Day needn’t be all work and no play.

The Wisconsin Arborist Association ( waa-isa.org) is hosting several free Kids’ Climbs over the next few weeks.

According to third-generation arborist August Hoppe, WAA climb coordinator and president of Hoppe Tree Service in West Allis, the climbs aren’t just for children.

“Kids’ climbs are a great way for our organization to connect people with trees. Nothing is more exciting than strapping on a helmet, buckling up a saddle and being hoisted into a tree by professional arborists,” Hoppe said. “Kids and adults alike get the experience of rope and saddle tree climbing like professional arborists.”

Hoppe said intrepid adventurers ages 6 months to 85 years have climbed at the events, along with those with disabilities. He’s not sure who’s more excited sometimes . . . the children experiencing the thrill of ascending and limb walking or the parents watching.

Here are some upcoming climbs:

Saturday, April 21: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gateway Technical College

Kenosha Campus, 3520 30th Ave., Kenosha.

Saturday, April 28: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 410 N. Lake St., Port Washington.

Sunday, May 20: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road.

Saturday, June 9: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fox Point Village Hall, 7200 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point.