What Are Monkey Bars?

What comes to mind when you envision a vibrant playground setting with kids laughing and enjoying their time outdoors? Maybe it’s the thrill of swinging, or the rush of sliding. But for many, it’s the challenge of climbing that stands out.

Not only are there countless physical and cognitive benefits of climbing structures for children, but they’re a load of fun as well. Perhaps none more than the coveted monkey bars.

But what are monkey bars, exactly? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through the history of this classic climbing structure and all the reasons your playground needs one, be it at the local park or your own backyard.

The short answer is this, though. These are basically an overhead ladder that children swing from rung to rung on. Of course, the actual design will vary as there are many different types of monkey bars. 

They all share the common theme of improving physical strength and coordination while teaching perseverance, though. So why not bring the benefits of monkey bars to your children? Here at Swing Set Mall you’ll gain access to the #1 selection of playground monkey bars online!

What Are Monkey Bars? Definition and History

So what are monkey bars exactly? You’ve probably seen them whether you knew it or not, as they’re a staple in any playground setting. Monkey bars can be defined as a horizontal ladder elevated above the ground, designed for children to swing from rung to rung using their hands.

The goal is to traverse the length of the bars without touching the ground, an activity that challenges both strength and coordination - along with mental fortitude. 

While the classic design is fairly simple, it’s far from boring. These structures inspire creative play and offer endless opportunities for kids to test their physical abilities. It’s no wonder they’ve had a place in backyard playsets and commercial playgrounds alike for over a century.   

History of Monkey Bars

Wait, over a century? That’s right - monkey bars were first devised in 1920 by Sebastian Hinton, an American lawyer and inventor who drew inspiration from his father’s concept of a 3D climbing frame.

Hinton went on to patent the design which he initially called a “jungle gym.” Today, the jungle gym is its own distinct climbing structure, which we elaborate on in our comparison of jungle gym vs monkey bars.

It’s safe to say the design was a smashing success. Monkey bars gained widespread popularity throughout the mid-20th century and earned a spot in playgrounds around the globe. They’re affordable, versatile, and a ton of fun - which hasn't changed over the past 100 years.

What has evolved, though, is the sheer number of designs on the market. Today’s monkey bars are available in many different styles.

Types of Monkey Bars

When most people think of monkey bars they envision an overhead ladder. They’re straightforward and ideal for younger kids just starting to develop their climbing skills.

While that style is still popular today, there are so many other unique twists on the original design that can offer a different challenge:

• Curved Monkey Bars: A fun twist to the traditional setup with rungs arranged in a gentle arc. The curved design is slightly more challenging as kids must adapt their grip and movements.
• Monkey Rings: Instead of rungs, this design features hanging rings that children swing between. The teardrop shape of the rings makes gripping easier and adds an extra element of coordination.
• Zig-Zag Monkey Bars: The rungs are positioned in a zig-zag pattern, forcing kids to adjust their path as they move across. This adds a layer of complexity and is great for older or more adventurous children.
• Overhead Ladders with Add-Ons: Some monkey bar setups incorporate additional features like climbing ropes, trapeze bars, or even slides. The possibilities are endless, especially with DIY monkey bars!

We’ll help you choose the right style for your unique play area in just a moment. First, what are monkey bars going to bring to your backyard or park that makes them such a no-brainer investment? 

What Are Monkey Bars Good For? Why No Outdoor Play Area is Complete Without Them 

The monkey bars' benefits are multifaceted. They not only challenge kids physically but also mentally, while creating a fun, social play area for all to enjoy.

Physical Benefits of Monkey Bars

We’ve referenced the physical challenge throughout this guide, but what muscles do monkey bars work exactly? What are monkey bars going to build up in your little ones?

They engage the arms, shoulders, and back muscles all at once. They’re one of the best ways to build upper body strength in kids and adults alike.

But the effort to stabilize the body while swinging also strengthens core muscles, which is important for a number of reasons. It improves boat posture and overall fitness.

Strength aside, monkey bars teach kids how to use their body better. Successfully navigating monkey bars requires precise timing and coordination between the hands, arms, and core. This will translate into better agility and balance in everyday activities or in sports.

It can be hard to get kids to put their tablet or phone down and get off the couch in this day and age. While swings and slides have their place, they’re missing one thing: they’re not challenging. Monkey bars encourage kids to push themselves from an early age.

Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

So why are monkey bars so hard? Sometimes, it has nothing to do with the physical strength and coordination needed - it’s a mental barrier kids have trouble overcoming.

It often takes multiple attempts to make it all the way across the bars. This teaches perseverance and patience, valuable skills both on and off the playground.

This is why conquering monkey bars can be a huge accomplishment for kids. The sense of achievement they feel when mastering this challenge builds self-esteem and a “can-do” attitude.

What are monkey bars going to teach your kids, though? Figuring out how to move across the bars teaches children to strategize and think ahead. Do they reach for the next bar with their dominant hand, or swing farther to skip one? Each choice builds critical thinking.

Social Benefits of Monkey Bars

You’ll notice that kids seem to congregate around the monkey bars at a playground, and for good reason. This is great because it helps build social skills for young children, too!

Kids often encourage each other to try new moves or share tips on mastering the bars. Beyond promoting teamwork and camaraderie, monkey bars foster healthy competition with friendly races across the bars. It even teaches kids how to take turns and respect others.

Monkey bars are a place where friendships are formed and memories are made, whether it’s cheering on a friend or sharing a laugh over a funny fall.

They’re So Much Fun!

At the end of the day, the biggest draw of monkey bars is simple: they’re just plain fun. Swinging from rung to rung evokes a sense of freedom and adventure that kids (and adults) love.

They spark imaginative play, turning a simple climb into a jungle expedition or a daring escape over a crocodile-filled river. The laughter, energy, and joy that monkey bars bring to a playground are unmatched. That’s why we encourage you to harness their potential yourself!

Tips on Bringing the Fun of Monkey Bars into Your Own Backyard

Whether it’s building strength, boosting confidence, or sparking laughter, monkey bars offer something for everyone. So, why not take the next step towards bringing them into your own backyard or park playground? We’ll walk you through all that needs to be considered below. 

Choosing the Right Monkey Bars for Your Space

We talked earlier about all the different types of monkey bars you can choose from, and figuring out the design that resonates most with you and your kids is the first step in this journey. Here’s some advice to point you in the right direction:

• Consider the Space Available: Measure your yard to determine how much room you can dedicate to the monkey bars, leaving extra space around them for safe play.
• Choose the Right Material: Metal monkey bars are durable and weather-resistant, while wooden ones offer a natural look that blends into the yard.
• Account for Your Kids’ Skills: Beginners will be best off with a simple straight ladder. Older kids might love a more challenging zig-zag or trapeze ring design.
• Weight and Age Limits: The set should be suitable for your kids now and offer room for growth. Some monkey bars can even support adults for family fun!

If you’re still not sure where to go from here, don’t sweat it. A personalized recommendation is just a click or call away at Swing Set Mall!

Shop at Swing Set Mall!

We’ve been the world’s trusted choice for all things outdoor play since 1989, providing the best playground equipment backed by world-class customer service every step of the way. 

Whether you’re looking for the best monkey bars for backyard or the best climbing domes, you can trust you’re getting the quality you deserve at Swing Set Mall. We’ve handpicked our products from the most reputable manufacturers, and your order is protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best part? You’ll enjoy the lowest monkey bars cost thanks to our price matching policy. Many orders ship free, too. So don’t bother with a DIY climbing structure - invest in the best at Swing Set Mall today!

Installation Tips for Backyard Monkey Bars

We’re always available to offer personalized advice on how to add monkey bars to playset when you shop with us, but the products we sell are intuitive from an installation perspective. What matters most is the proper monkey bar height, proper leveling, and secure anchoring:

• Install monkey bars on a flat area of your yard to ensure stability
• Use ground anchors to keep the structure firmly in place and prevent tipping.
• Carefully read and follow the installation guidelines to ensure the setup is safe and sturdy.
• Place a soft material like rubber mulch or pea gravel underneath to cushion falls.

When in doubt, reach out. This is not something you want to take lightly or risk any missteps on as it’s a matter of safety for your little ones. 

Customizing Your Monkey Bars

There are so many great ways to customize your monkey bars and make them your own. For example, you could attach climbing ropes, slides, or swings to create a multi-functional playset.

You could even paint your monkey bars if you don’t love the colors they come in by default. Use vibrant, weather-resistant paint to match your backyard’s theme or your kids’ favorite colors.

Or, install LED lights for evening play or incorporate chalkboards nearby for creative downtime. The possibilities are endless with monkey bars!

Teaching Kids to Use the Monkey Bars Safely

Safety should always come first, especially when introducing kids to monkey bars. So how old do you have to be to use monkey bars? We recommend an age range of 5-12, as specific development varies from child to child.

When the time comes, though, teach your kid how to do monkey bars with a slow, steady approach. Start with the basics, like hanging with both hands before progressing to hanging with only one hand. This builds grip strength and confidence before teaching more advanced moves.

Be present during the first few attempts to guide and ensure proper technique. If multiple kids are using the monkey bars make sure to set rules, like taking turns and avoiding roughhousing. You should also show kids how to land on their feet or roll safely if they lose their grip.

Before you know it your little one will have mastered the monkey bars and be well on their way to traversing from one end to the other. They’ll be glad you brought the benefits of this climbing structure to the backyard!

Wrapping Up Our Beginners Guide to Monkey Bars

So, what are monkey bars? As we wrap up this beginner's guide we want to reiterate what a fun, versatile addition this climbing structure is to any playground setting. From building strength and coordination to sparking imaginative play, they offer benefits for kids of all ages. 

Whether you’re bringing them to your backyard or upgrading a community play area, choosing the right monkey bars can provide years of safe and rewarding fun. The only thing left to do now is take the next step at Swing Set Mall.

Get in touch with our friendly customer service team today or browse our catalog and see what catches your eye. We make it easier and more affordable than ever to create a playground kids will love!