Didn’t you just love playing on the jungle gym when you were a kid? Jungle gyms offer kids the unique opportunity to explore new things - they tackle new challenges, overcome fears, and ultimately grow while they play.
However, not all kids are the same, and while one might find a particular jungle gym jaw-droppingly awesome, another might find it plain or another too intimidating. Hence, there’s a need to ensure that you pick the right jungle gym for your kids.
These days, kids are spoilt for choice when it comes to jungle gyms. The wide variety can make picking the right one for your kids a lot more difficult. With this guide, we hope to help you make the right choice.
Why build a jungle gym for your kids?
Building a jungle gym on your property allows your child to explore the outdoors and become more independent as they tackle challenges by themselves. Playing outside and navigating the obstacles on a jungle gym also aids the development of motor skills and problem-solving skills. Not to mention that playing outside also gives your kids a sense of adventure.
What are the different parts of a jungle gym?
You can get jungle gyms in all different shapes and sizes, with a whole bunch of fun configurations and add-ons. From slides to monkey bars to a firemen's pole and so much more. Knowing what your options are is key to helping you build the perfect jungle gym for your kids. Here's a list of some of the common jungle gym parts to help you make your choice:
- Slides
- Swings
- Climbing Features
- Monkey Bars
- Bridges
- Tunnels
- Platforms and Decks
- Activity Panels
- Balance Beams
- Fireman's Poles
- Ramps and Inclines
- Seesaws
- Trapeze Bars
- Gym Rings
- Bungee Ropes
How to choose the right jungle gym
Thankfully, most kids are excited when they get something new (no matter how big or small), especially when they're younger. So even if you choose a jungle gym that doesn't suit them right away, they'll probably use it at some stage. However, choosing the right one is generally a better plan of action. Here's how to choose the right jungle gym for your child:
What's your budget?
You can go extravagant or simple; either way, this depends heavily on your budget. Remember, while you can build a pretty decent jungle gym on a shoestring budget, you don't want to skimp on quality and safety.
Quality materials will last longer and add a higher level of safety to the jungle gym, so pay a little extra if you can for quality. You also need to factor in delivery or labor costs if you hire someone to build the jungle gym for you.
Think of the future as well. Your kid will grow up and most likely grow out of using the jungle gym. It doesn't make sense to buy the best jungle gym if it is going to be too small to play on in the next few years.
Measure your available space
First, we need to consider where a jungle gym can fit. The amount of space you have to build a jungle gym will either limit its size or enable you to build a bigger one.
So, take a walk around your property and look for a relatively spacious, flat area suitable for a jungle gym. Having it within sight is also a bonus, so you can watch your kids while they play.
Consider your kid's age
When shopping for a jungle gym, your kid’s age is an important factor. Jungle gyms usually come with age recommendations, which can help you pick one the perfect one for your little one. For toddlers, look for smaller structures low to the ground with simple features like slides.
Preschoolers might enjoy more diverse setups with swings and climbing walls. At the same time, school-aged kids generally appreciate larger, more complex jungle gyms with monkey bars and other fun accessories.
Getting a jungle gym that's too advanced for your kid could be risky, and they might only be able to use it once they reach the appropriate age. You can always add to a jungle gym as your child grows.
Choose the right materials
Jungle gyms can be made of wood, metal, and plastic. Whichever one you choose, each has its pros and cons to be aware of. Wooden jungle gyms have a natural look and can be so easy to customize. Still, they need regular maintenance to prevent splinters and rot.
Metal gyms are durable and are often cheaper than wood in the long run. Still, they can get hot in the sun and rust if not properly treated, especially if you live closer to the ocean.
Plastic jungle gyms are lower maintenance options and are considered safer for young kids. However, they might not be as durable as wood or metal and can fade over time.
What safety features does it include?
When it comes to our kids, safety always needs to be a top priority. So, when it comes to building a jungle gym, you must ensure it meets all the safety standards. For instance, a wooden jungle gym needs to be sturdy and well-sanded to ensure it’s not a hazard and prevent splinters from coming up. Look at getting rubber mats or pads to cover areas that could be potentially dangerous. If your child is young, avoid building a higher jungle gym; rather, keep it lower to the floor.
How easy is it to assemble?
Before you buy a jungle gym, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to setting it up. If you're tackling this as a DIY project and need more experience doing this kind of thing, trying to build a complicated design can be risky. If it's easy to put up, there's a good chance it'll also be easy to take down, which is great for when your child outgrows it.
Look for a variety of activities
Kids are very creative and can often keep themselves busy in a jungle gym by simply using their own imaginations, but having a few activities only enriches their playtime. Add a few activities that create a flow, almost like an obstacle course.
Final Thoughts
There's so much you can do with a jungle gym; you just need to have the space to do it. Remember, when choosing a jungle gym, you need to check what available space you have, set your budget, choose quality materials, and design a jungle gym that encourages play. And that's how you choose the right jungle gym for your kid!
This article was written in cooperation with Tom White