Vuly Blog

Monkey Swing | Give the Garden a Bit More Swing


Posted on
Sep 17, 2026
Read time
3 mins

What Is a Monkey Swing?

A monkey swing is a hanging play accessory that children hold onto with their hands rather than sit on like a traditional swing.

Think of it as somewhere between a swing and a monkey-bar challenge.

For children who already enjoy climbing frames, monkey bars or turning the garden into their own obstacle course, a monkey swing adds another way to play without needing a whole new setup.

How Does a Monkey Swing Work?

Children grab onto the monkey swing, hang underneath it and use their body movement to swing backwards and forwards.

It can be used on its own, but it is more interesting when it becomes part of a bigger garden challenge.

They might:

  • cross the monkey bars

  • grab the monkey swing

  • hang and swing

  • move onto the next bit of the climbing frame

  • go back and have another go

Nothing too complicated. Just another excuse not to come inside when you call them for tea.

Is a Monkey Swing Good for Active Kids?

A monkey swing can be a good fit for children who are always climbing, hanging or looking for the next thing to have a go at.

Because they hold themselves up while using it, it feels more active than sitting on a normal swing.

It can also work well alongside:

That means you can add a bit more variety to an existing climbing frame rather than replacing the whole thing.

What Should Parents Check Before Adding One?

Before adding a monkey swing, check that it is suitable for your existing garden setup.

Look at:-

  • the climbing frame or swing set model

  • available attachment points

  • space around the swing

  • installation instructions

  • your child’s ability to grip and hang

  • the product’s user weight limit

It is also worth watching how your child already plays.

If they always head straight for the climbing frame, monkey bars or anything they can hang from, there is a fair chance they will be keen to give a monkey swing a go too.

Is a Monkey Swing Worth Adding to the Garden?

A monkey swing can be worth considering if your child enjoys active play and wants something a little different from a standard seated swing.

It gives them another challenge without taking over the whole garden, which is handy if space is already at a premium.

It may suit children who enjoy:-

  • climbing

  • hanging

  • obstacle courses

  • garden challenges

  • active outdoor play

  • making up their own games

For children who prefer a gentle swing and a bit less effort, a normal seat swing may still be the better choice. Not every bit of garden play needs to feel like an episode of Ninja Warrior.

So, What Exactly Is a Monkey Swing?

A monkey swing is a hanging swing that children hold onto with their hands rather than sit on.

It sits somewhere between a regular swing and monkey-bar-style play.

You may also see similar products described as a monkey bar swing, hanging swing, swing attachment or climbing frame accessory.

The name matters less than whether it suits the way your child actually plays.

If they are forever climbing, hanging and creating new challenges in the garden, a monkey swing can fit in nicely.

And if it keeps them outside for another twenty minutes, that is not exactly a bad result.

Author’s guess

Why call it a Monkey Swing?

Because “hang on and go completely bananas” was probably a bit much for the box.

Kids can grip, hang, swing and muck about like a little monkey flying from branch to branch. It’s made for garden adventures, big laughs and burning off some of that endless kid energy.

Stick it in the garden, let the little monkeys crack on, and enjoy five minutes of peace.

No bananas required. Just hold tight, have a proper laugh, and good luck getting them back inside for tea.

Victor Volynski
Article by
Victor Volynski
Content marketer with expertise in innovative play equipment, Vic is always following the latest trends and developments in this area and trying to find the best options for maximum fun! Vic is also an ex-gymnast with 20 years of experience and holds a science degree, making him an authority on trampolines, monkey bars, and swing sets.
LinkedIn Logo