Monkey Bars

Make Memories and Encourage Physical Activity With Monkey Bars For the Playground! 

We don’t think any playground is complete without monkey bars to encourage physical activity and create a new challenge for kids. Whether you’re searching for backyard monkey bars or monkey bars for the playground at your school or local park, you’ve come to the right place.

Swing Set Mall carries the best selection from industry-leading manufacturers. You can shop DIY monkey bar kit setups for residential play areas or large overhead ladder systems in straight, tri-run, zig-zag, loop, and track-glide configurations! There’s something for every space no matter what exactly you’re envisioning. 

This is one of our best-selling swing set accessories because it’s not just so much fun, but it also teaches kids coordination, helps build grip strength, and encourages them to tackle new obstacles. It instills a sense of confidence and bravery in children, too.

With more than 35 years of experience helping families and communities alike, you can trust Swing Set Mall with all your outdoor play needs. We have a low-price guarantee, hassle-free return policy, and exceptional customer service every step of the way. Shop now!

Frequently asked questions

What are monkey bars?

Only one of the most fun playground accessories out there! The simplest form is a horizontal overhead ladder with evenly spaced rungs. Children grab one rung at a time and swing themselves to the next rung in front of them. Most of these mount between two A-frame supports, or they can attach to an existing playset beam on a backyard swing set or a commercial swing set.

What are the benefits of backyard monkey bars?

There are both physical and mental benefits. Obviously, they force kids to develop grip strength and coordination skills. They also build up the back muscles and biceps. But the cognitive and confidence-building benefits are what we feel are more profound. Monkey bar kits teach children to conquer their fears and overcome any challenge in front of them. 

What specific muscle groups get worked by monkey bars?

Forearms, biceps, shoulders, and lats. The muscles within the core are tested all throughout the journey from one end to the next, too. Even the legs get involved a little bit as kids pump or tuck to keep the rhythm going! Depending on how long they spend on the bars, they’ll get a little cardio workout, too. 

Are there social benefits to monkey bars, too?

Absolutely! Kids learn how to take turns with one another, cheer each other on, and teach their friends technique. There’s a reason you always see kids gathering around the playground monkey bars!

Can you add monkey bars to a playset?

Yes! You can order a monkey bar kit right here at Swing Set Mall and attach it to a wooden beam overhead on your existing structure. Our Monkey Ring Kit is a really popular option. Or, you can go with one of our ladders that come in straight rungs, trapeze rings, tri-rungs, and other configurations. The possibilities are endless! Our blog has an excellent resource on how to add monkey bars to a playset.

How old should a child be to use monkey bars?

Kids develop at different paces, but usually they have the necessary grip strength by 5 or 6 years old. Some 4-year-olds can even manage shorter spans with help from their parents. You should always try to find lower-mounted options for younger children, and be sure to supervise your little one until you feel confident they can cross the monkey bars on the playground themselves.

How far apart are playground monkey bars?

Commercial playground monkey bars are to follow CPSC guidelines, which is 9-inch spacing for the 5-to-12 age group. You have a little more wiggle room for a set of backyard monkey bars, though - you can stick with 9-inch spacing or pose a real challenge with 12-inch spacing!

How to choose the right monkey bars for kids?

Figure out where you’re going to install them and how you’ll actually attach them first and foremost. This will influence the hardware you need and the type of kit that best suits your playground. Other than that, it’s just a matter of aligning the choice with your kids’ age and play preferences. Do they want something simple and easy? Go with a standard straight-rung setup. Or, you can make for a little more exciting of an experience with different rung variations!

How to help a child do monkey bars?

Hold them by their hips and let them use their arms. This will help build confidence early on while they figure out how to actually swing themselves. Kids are visual learners, so you might want to get up on the monkey bars on the playground yourself and show them! 

Why do kids get blisters from monkey bars?

This is totally normal if kids spend a lot of time on the playground monkey bars. It just means they’re really enjoying them! You can get them gloves to help with the friction, but honestly, most kids develop little calluses and toughen up after a few days or weeks. 

How to keep kids excited about backyard monkey bars?

Variety is the name of the game. There are so many different types of monkey bars you can introduce to your children. You could also time them to try and gamify the experience a little bit.

Is a monkey bar kit safe?

Yes, especially when you shop at Swing Set Mall. We’ve handpicked every product in our catalog so you can rest assured you’re getting the quality your kids deserve. Just make sure you follow the instructions for installation and monitor your kids as they get the hang of swinging from rung to rung. You should have safe fall surfaces in place as well - rubber mulch, wood chips, or mats.

Do I need to watch my kids use monkey bars?

It’s definitely a good idea at first until you feel confident they are capable on their own. Any kid under 6 years of age should always be supervised on the playground. 

Is it worth adding cushioning under the monkey bars for my playground?

Yes, it’s actually non-negotiable for playground monkey bars. CPSC recommends impact-absorbing surfacing under any elevated play equipment. You can learn more about what to put under monkey bars in our blog, but we recommend rubber mulch, engineered wood fiber, or poured rubber. It should extend 6 feet in every direction. 

How do I take care of my monkey bars?

Check bolts and mounting hardware at the start and end of each season to ensure everything is still secure before kids play on the monkey bar kit. Wood components should be sealed or stained every 1-2 years. 

Are monkey bars better than a jungle gym?

They’re totally different. Monkey bars are easier to add to a backyard playground. A jungle gym takes up a lot more space. 

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