Monkey bars are a wonderful way to encourage your kids to actively play, build strength, and stay entertained for hours – right in your own backyard, without having to venture far at all. But before you click ‘add to cart’ on those monkey bars you’ve been eyeing up, there are a few important things to think about.

From safety to sizing, today we’re looking at seven key factors to consider before investing in monkey bars for your backyard.

Before Buying Monkey Bars Consider These 7 Things

Space and layout

First things first, you’re going to need to measure your backyard. Monkey bars need plenty of clearance around them to be safe, ideally a few feet on all sides, so kids can jump down without hitting fences, playhouses, trees, or garden beds. We also recommend thinking about where the sun hits during the day! Placing the bars in a shaded area can definitely make them more comfortable for kids in the summer months.

The ages of your kids

Monkey bars aren’t just for older kids – there are designs made for toddlers all the way up to teens. Choose a set with an appropriate height and bar spacing for your children’s age and ability. If you have a mix of ages, look for adjustable or modular designs so everyone can play safely and confidently as they grow. This will encourage children to play and work together, building bonds and confidence along the way.

Safety features

Safety is always a top priority when it comes to kids’ play equipment, including swing sets, trampolines and monkey bars. Look for safety features like sturdy anchoring systems to prevent tipping, rounded edges or caps on exposed bolts, non-slip rungs or textured grips, and relevant safety certifications.

You might also want to install a soft fall surface underneath, such as rubber mulch or play mats, to cushion the landing a little. Monkey bars are tough to master, and they’ll be much more frequently used if every fall doesn’t hurt from the landing.

Durability

Monkey bars come in several materials – usually metal, wood, or a combination of both. Metal sets are strong and long-lasting, but make sure they’re powder-coated to resist rust, especially in wetter climates like Canada. Wooden sets have a natural look, but they’ll need regular sealing or staining to handle the elements.

Check that the bars themselves are sturdy and smooth to prevent splinters or pinched hands. Quality materials mean the structure can withstand years of climbing, swinging, and even the occasional rough play session.

Installation and maintenance

Some monkey bars are DIY-friendly, while others require professional installation to get them up and running. Consider how much time and effort you want to put into assembly – are you a parent who loves DIY, or someone who sees flatpack furniture and immediately calls for help?

However, once you get the monkey bars installed, make a plan to check them regularly. Bolts need to be tightened, inspected for wear, and cleaned of dirt or rust. The easier a monkey bars set is to maintain, the safer it will stay throughout the future.

Possibility to expand

Monkey bars can often be part of a bigger play system or a standalone structure. If you think you might want to add swings, climbing walls, or slides later, make sure you look for a modular design that allows you to expand the equipment over time. Choosing a flexible system can save you money and effort as your children’s interests evolve. Plus, eventually, you’ll have such an impressive structure that all the neighborhood kids will want to come over and play!

Budget and value for money

Of course, you can’t buy a set of monkey bars without considering the most important thing of all – your budget. However, as tempting as it is, don’t just go for the cheapest option. A well-made set might cost more upfront, but it will also last a lot longer, be plenty safer, and require far fewer repairs or replacements down the line. Consider the value of your chosen monkey bars in terms of how much use your kids will get out of them and how many years they’ll last.

Monkey bars are more than just a piece of playground equipment: they’re an opportunity for kids to build strength, confidence, and coordination while having loads of fun outdoors! By considering space, safety, durability, and your children’s needs, you can choose a set that will provide years of active play. Ready to choose your new monkey bars? Check out Vuly Play’s monkey bars selection for premium materials, durability, and shapes and sizes for every backyard.