Tree-climbing . . .

• Requires moving your whole body.
• Improves your coordination as you balance and climb.
• Enhances your working memory (the way your brain processes information), which is connected to how you move your body.
• Boosts your mood and reduces stress.
• Helps you become more flexible as you bend, reach, and stretch.
• Increases creativity and improves problem-solving skills as you work out different ways to climb the tree.

Safety Tips

• Always have a parent or adult nearby when you’re climbing trees.
• Inspect the tree for rotten roots and branches before you climb it.
• Don’t climb too high.
• Follow the “three on the tree” rule. Always keep either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the tree while climbing.
• Wear proper shoes. Flip-flops and sandals won’t support you as well as sneakers.

No Trees? No Problem! If you don’t have a good tree to climb, try scaling the jungle gym at your local playground.