While monkey bars are a fun addition to your garden, not every child wants to hang and swing from bar to bar. They can quickly get bored, and your monkey bars can be left to gather rust in your garden. That’s where accessories come in handy, allowing you to customize the bars and create the perfect outdoor experience for your child.
But which accessories should you add? Knowing which accessories will work best on your monkey bars can be tricky, but luckily, we are here to help! Our brief guide outlines the best accessories to add, helping you narrow your choices and create the perfect play area for your children.
Ninja Grips
Ninja grips are available in different styles, with long and round grips to choose from, and will transform your monkey bars into the perfect agility course for your children. Adding ninja grips to your monkey bars makes them more challenging, as the grips will move, making it harder for them to hold and swing from.
As they are harder to use, we recommend adding ninja grips for older children or those who enjoy obstacle courses. The grips often come in sets of six, so measure your monkey bars before purchasing to see how many you will need to fill the space.
Hideout/Cubby Space
For children who like to relax or enjoy some privacy, a hideout or cubby space is the perfect accessory for their monkey bars. These are placed on top of your monkey bar frame, where your children will need a ladder to access. The hideout usually features a net side and roof, too, offering plenty of privacy or secret spaces. You can fill them with pillows and blankets to make them cosy, or add other accessories around the enclosure to make it part of an obstacle course.
Assembly can be tricky, as you will need to access the top of the frame, and it usually takes around 2 hours. Make sure you have a second pair of hands to help you, as this will significantly speed up the process.
Cargo Net
A cargo net is a fantastic accessory that is easy to add to your monkey bars. These can be added to any area of the frame and allow your child to climb in any direction they wish. Cargo nets can help you create obstacle courses in your garden and also help your children's imagination develop as they pretend they are scaling mountains, boarding ships, or chasing pirates. The nets are easy to attach and are usually weatherproof, too.
Nest Swing
If you don’t have a swing set in your garden, we recommend adding a nest swing to your monkey bar. Nest swings offer more space than traditional swings, using a round, padded base that is more comfortable. A nest swing provides space for your child to sit and relax, giving them a place when they don’t want to climb and swing. Nest swings are easy to install, too, but check whether they need to be removed during resin to prevent the material from getting damaged.
Basketball Hoop
Adding a basketball hoop to your monkey bars lets your child enjoy another sport in the garden without you having to set up a separate hoop. Look for hoops that clip to the top of your monkey bar for quick and easy installation. You want a hoop that can be rotated, too, so other children can use the monkey bars without worrying about rogue balls. Ideally, you also want a hoop that comes with a ball, offering value for money.
Climbing Ladder
A climbing ladder is an excellent accessory that can make it easier for your children to use the monkey bars. Depending on where you place the ladder, they can use it to access the bars more easily, helping them build confidence using the monkey bars. Climbing ladders could be added between the monkey bars, providing them with an option to stop without dropping to the ground. Instead, they can use the ladder rather than having to swing across the entire monkey bar set.
Bed Swing
For children who love to relax outdoors, a bed swing is the perfect addition to your monkey bars. A bed swing is a large, comfortable swing with enough space for your child to sit or lie down. They offer a gentle rocking motion that can help to soothe your child, making it the perfect way for them to relax and unwind after a long day. Bed swings will usually be made from mesh with padding, so check whether they need to be removed during rain to prevent the material from getting damaged.
Add Accessories to Your Monkey Bars Today
Any of these accessories will be fantastic additions to your monkey bars and can provide hours of fun for your children. Most monkey bars can accommodate accessories, but check with your manufacturer beforehand to avoid disappointment. Vuly monkey bars are entirely customisable, with a huge range of accessories that easily slot on to provide hours of fun. Check out the range of Vuly monkey bars and their accessories to find the best option for your children.
