While strolling through a park or playground, you’ve likely come across a variety of rides, like slides and swings, but climbing frames, monkey bars and jungle gyms are also commonplace in playgrounds, backyards or local parks, and research shows they can have a huge impact on a child’s physical and mental development.
The Benefits of Climbing for Kids
Climbing has many benefits for children. It can enhance children's muscle strength and improve their body coordination. At the same time, it can promote the growth and development of children's bones and enhance their bone density. When children are climbing, they will encounter some difficulties due to factors such as the surrounding environment. In this process, they can better exercise their perseverance and endurance, as well as problem-solving ability.
1.Jungle Gym
Jungle gyms usually refer to facilities installed outdoors that simulate jungle environments or have jungle elements for exercise and entertainment. It has a variety of functions, integrating climbing, jumping, balancing, sliding and other functions to meet people's needs for play, fitness and sports.
2. Climbing frames
A climbing frame is an outdoor climbing frame made of a stable structure such as a triangle or a trapezoid. It has many forms, including vertical climbing frames, horizontal climbing frames, and combined climbing frames. Children can exercise on the climbing frame to enhance their upper limb strength, leg strength, core strength, and improve their body coordination and balance. It is usually equipped with safety equipment such as safety belts, safety nets, and protective pads.
3.Monkey Bars
Monkey Bars usually refers to the monkey bars in children's playgrounds, which are horizontal bars or climbing frames for children to climb and play. It has a variety of structures, such as straight, wavy, with side ladders, dome and other designs. In the process of Monkey Bars, children's body control ability can be improved. At the same time, outdoor activities can also allow children to make friends with different people and improve their social skills.
4.Comparison: Jungle Gym vs. Monkey Bars vs. Climbing Frames
Differences in structural design:
Jungle Gym:
It is usually an amusement facility used in large or comprehensive venues, integrating a variety of jungle elements, such as climbing nets, slides, swings, suspension bridges, balance beams, etc.
Monkey Bars:
It is mainly composed of a series of parallel horizontal bars, and the structure is relatively simple.
Climbing Frames:
It is generally built of metal or wood, and various climbing elements are set on its frame, such as climbing bars, climbing ropes, pedals, etc.
Differences in material selection:
Jungle Gym:
It usually uses a variety of materials. The main structure is generally made of metal pipes, and the climbing net is generally made of high-strength nylon ropes or wire mesh.
Monkey Bars:
The horizontal bars are usually made of metal, which can withstand the weight of children and the tension during swinging.
Climbing Frames:
The frame part is made of metal or wood. Metal materials are sturdy and durable, while wood gives people a natural and warm feeling.
Differences in functional characteristics:
Jungle Gym:
It has rich and diverse functions, and stimulates children's imagination and creativity through the setting of game elements.
Monkey Bars:
The main function is to exercise children's upper limb strength and body coordination.
Climbing Frames:
Through climbing settings of different heights and difficulties, children's upper limbs, lower limbs and core strength are exercised.
Applicable age difference:
Jungle Gym:
Suitable for children of different ages, from toddlers to teenagers, they can play projects suitable for themselves.
Monkey Bars:
Generally suitable for children over 5 years old, in the process of playing, they can gradually master the skills of playing.
Climbing Frames:
It can be suitable for people of different ages. Toddlers can try lower Climbing Frames accompanied by their parents. Older children can challenge more difficult skills.
5.Purpose of Climbing Equipment Setup
Whether it is monkey bars, climbing jungle gym or climbing frames, children can exercise their physical skills in the process of climbing. When they complete the climbing task, it can bring children a sense of accomplishment and help develop and improve their ability to face difficulties. In addition, climbing together can promote the development of social skills and let children learn to cooperate and share. In people's lives, climbing equipment can be seen everywhere in playgrounds or parks, which also shows its impact on people's lives.
6.Safety Considerations
The safety of amusement facilities is of vital importance to every child and family. It is necessary to regularly check the various parts of the equipment, including crossbars, brackets, ropes, connection points, etc., to ensure that there is no looseness, damage, rust or breakage. Before children play, the rules of use and safety precautions should be clearly explained to them. Children should be supervised and watched by adults while playing. At the same time, when building a climbing frame, the height and space of the climbing frame should be set according to the different age groups of the players. Ensure the comfort and safety of tourists.
In summary, although monkey bars, climbing jungle gym and climbing frames all fall into the category of climbing equipment, the differences between them are quite distinct, and these differences mean that each device can meet the different needs, preferences and development stages of users. Whether you are a child, teenager, adult or senior, you can choose the play equipment that suits you according to your preferences.
