Choosing a jungle gym for your children can be challenging, especially if you have never purchased one before. You can find yourself overwhelmed, spending hours searching and reading reviews, unable to make a decision. To help cut through the confusion and help you find the perfect jungle gym, we have outlined the 6 factors you need to consider when choosing your new jungle gym.
1. Consider the age of your children
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a jungle gym is the age of your children. You need to ensure that you select an age appropriate jungle gym that your children can use from the get-go. Most jungle gyms come with an age range stated on them, so it is easy to make the right choice, but you need to consider how long this allows your children to use the jungle gym for. While toddler jungle gyms are great for younger children, they outgrow them quickly, meaning you won’t get as much value for money. Choosing a jungle gym that can be used for years and has the option to grow with your children is best. Many jungle gyms come with customisable options too, that allow you to adjust the elements as your children grow, ensuring it always remains age-appropriate.
2. Consider the size of the jungle gym
The size of the jungle gym is an important factor to consider when choosing one. Not only do you need to consider if it will be big enough for your children to enjoy, but if it will fit in the space you have in your garden. Jungle gyms can be large and take up a lot of space, but they also need a clearance of around 2 meters to prevent your child falling off and hitting a wall, trees, or other objects. You will need to ensure you have plenty of space to allow this and that you can commit to the jungle gym being in this space year-round.
3. Consider its safety features
The safety features of a jungle gym also need to be considered when making your purchase. Your jungle gym needs to be safe for your children to use and should comply with US safety standards. You can easily check, as most jungle gyms will list this information on their packaging or product description, ensuring you buy a safe jungle gym for your children. You can usually see what tests the jungle gym has undergone, too, ensuring it is safe for use.
You should also look at the jungle gym for safety features that will keep your children safe when they play. Ideally, the jungle gym should have smooth edges and rounded corners to prevent your children from hurting themselves while they play. You will also want an anchoring system that allows you to secure the jungle gym to the ground, reducing the chance of it tipping over. Any swings that have chains should be covered to prevent them from pinching your children’s fingers, and any climbing frames or monkey bars should have an anti-slip coating. You can also choose to add additional safety features like grab rails and railings across any platforms if you wish, but these are usually added at an additional cost.
4. Consider the durability and materials
When choosing a jungle gym you need to consider how durable it is and the materials used on the jungle gym. You want a durable jungle gym that will last for years, providing value for money. You want to choose a jungle gym that is made with sturdy and weather-resistant materials, like treated wood or galvanised steel. When choosing from these materials though, you need to consider the maintenance they require.
Steel or other metal jungle gyms will need to be treated with sealants or protection sprays to prevent them from developing rust, especially when they are left outside during the winter. Wooden jungle gyms usually require more upkeep, as you will need to treat them to prevent rot from developing. They usually need to be treated or stained every year to keep them safe for your children.
5. Consider the fun-factor
This consideration is more for your children, but you need to ensure any jungle gym you buy is fun for them. The more fun they find in a jungle gym, the more time they will spend playing with it, providing them with hours of fun and value for money. To ensure the jungle gym will be fun for your children, consider the activities they enjoy at the park, and find a jungle gym with the same activities. Speak to your children, too, to find out what they want from the jungle gym and ensure the purchase is right.
We recommend choosing a jungle gym with lots of different equipment. This will encourage your children to play, explore, and stay active. Look for a jungly gym with interactive elements like slides, climbing walls, and swings to keep your little ones entertained. You can also choose jungle gyms that are customisable, allowing you to swap or add elements to make the jungle gym varied and fun for your whole family!
6. Consider your budget
Finally, you need to consider your budget and how much you can set aside for a jungle gym. Jungle gyms range in price, with some costing less than $100 and others setting you back thousands, with larger and more intricate jungle gyms typically costing more. You can find an option to suit every budget, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t have much to set aside for a jungle gym.
When setting your budget, consider what you want from the jungle gym, including the activities, its size, and whether it can be customised. This will help you narrow down your search and find the right jungle gym. When searching for your jungle gym, prioritise durability, safety, and quality to find the perfect option.
Find your new jungle gym today
By considering these factors, you can easily narrow your search and find the perfect jungle gym for your children. When choosing your new jungle gym, we recommend heading to Vuly,which offers a huge range of jungle gyms for you to choose from. These jungle gyms suit every budget and can be customised to help you create the perfect space for your children. Head to Vuly to check out their range of jungle gyms today.