Are your children asking for a jungle gym, but you don’t know what to look for? You have come to the right place! Jungle gyms are an investment, and will likely take over your garden, so it is essential that you know what factors you should be considering and looking for when making your purchase. Today, we have the six key factors you should consider when buying a jungle gym, including your budget, safety features, and the age of your children to ensure you make the right purchase.
Consider the age of your children
First, you need to consider your child’s age to ensure you make an age-appropriate purchase. Age ranges are listed in jungle gym descriptions on jungle gyms and on their packaging, allowing you easily see if they are suitable. Ideally, you want a jungle gym that your children can use for years and can be adapted to suit their needs. Look for those that come with swappable or customisable designs to ensure they remain age-appropriate.
Jungle gyms designed for toddlers and younger children are usually much smaller than those for older children. It is the larger jungle gyms, designed for older children, that tend to have the customisable options, helping to keep your children engaged as they grow.
Consider the size of the jungle gym
You also need to consider the size of the jungle gym and the space you have for one in your backyard. A jungle gym will usually live in your garden year-round and requires plenty of space around it for your children to play safely. You will need to measure your space and ensure that any jungle gym you choose will fit the space. Thankfully, jungle gyms are available in a range of sizes, so you can easily find one that suits your garden size and your child’s age.
Consider the jungle gym's safety features
When choosing a jungle gym, its safety features should be one of your top priorities. You need to ensure that your children are safe while they play, and they should comply with safety standards for the US and Canada. Most jungle gym brands will list the safety standards they meet on any packaging or online descriptions, making it easy for you to narrow your choices. When researching jungle gyms, you can also check what tests have been performed to determine your child’s safety.
When choosing your jungle gym, look for ones with rounded corners and smooth edges to prevent your child from hurting themselves. You also want to consider its anchoring system, ensuring it will be held securely in place. You can purchase anchoring systems separately, but we think it's best to get a jungle gym that comes with an anchoring system. Any jungle gyms that come with swings should have the chains covered if they have chains. Any monkey bars should also be coated with anti-slip materials that make it easier for children to hold on.
Consider how much fun it will provide
You also want to consider how fun the jungle gym will be for your children. The jungle gym should be engaging and one that they will enjoy, rather than gathering dust in your garden. When making your purchase consider what activities your children enjoy at the park and use this to narrow your search. Your new jungle gym should have plenty of equipment that encourages your children to explore, play, and stay active.
Look for a jungle gym with climbing walls, slides, swings, and other interactive elements that will keep playtime exciting. You should also look for a jungle gym that comes with customisable options, allowing you to add and remove different play activities, keeping the jungle gym interesting for your children.
Consider the jungle gym's durability
Another factor to consider is the durability of the jungle gym. You want a jungle gym that will last for years, providing you with value for money and hours of fun for your children. When choosing a jungle gym, look for sturdy, weather-resistant materials that can withstand harsh conditions. Wood and galvanised steel are good options, but you will need to check that the wood has been treated and how it needs to be maintained.
Pay close attention to your jungle gym's materials and construction when making your choice, ensuring that any joins are welded to offer enhanced durability.
Consider your budget
Finally, you need to consider your budget. How much you can spend on a jungle gym will determine which one you buy, so this is an important factor to consider. Jungle gyms are available in a range of prices, so you can easily find one that will suit your needs. Consider what activities you want from a jungle gym and its material, as these features make it easier to determine how much you need to spend on your jungle gym.
Find your jungle gyms for backyards today
There are so many jungle gyms for backyards on the market, but by using the factors we have outlined, you can narrow your search and find the right one for your needs. When choosing your jungle gym, we recommend checking out Vuly, who have a huge range of jungle gyms to choose from, all with the safety features you need. Head over to Vuly to find your jungle gyms for backyards today.
