What does the fox say?
Ring-ding-ding-ding…
Nah, bro.
This fox says…
“3… 2… 1… SEND IT!”
Heart pounding.
Grip tight.
Feet off the ground.
WHEEEEEEEEE!
Not quite a bungy…
but close enough to feel like a Kiwi legend.
New Zealand knows a thing or two about adventure.
Bungy jumping.
Zip lines.
Mountain tracks.
Anything that involves a bit of height and someone saying:
“Go on, you’ll be right.”
A Flying Fox is obviously a much smaller version of that idea.
For kids, it can be a fun first taste of gliding, momentum and that little moment where your feet leave the ground and your brain goes:
“Oh... we’re moving now.”
What Is a Flying Fox?
A Flying Fox is a gliding play accessory that lets kids travel from one point to another along a supported track.
In New Zealand, many people may also think of it as similar to a zip line.
Kids hold onto the riding attachment, push off and glide across.
The ride is short. The excitement usually is not.
Why Do Kids Love a Flying Fox?
It feels like a mini adventure
A Flying Fox gives kids something different from regular monkey bars.
They are not just hanging in one spot.
They are actually moving from one end to the other.
That can make the whole play setup feel more like an adventure course.
Kids may enjoy:-
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the feeling of speed
-
reaching the other side
-
trying again
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building confidence
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turning the playset into a challenge
The first ride can be cautious.
A few turns later, they usually look much more comfortable.
Is a Flying Fox Like a Beginner Bungy Jump?
Not really — but the feeling of adventure is similar
A Flying Fox is not a bungy jump.
There is no freefall, no big drop and no jumping from a bridge.
But both activities have one thing in common:-
they involve trusting movement while you are off the ground.
For kids, a Flying Fox can be a much gentler introduction to that feeling.
They hold on.
They glide.
They land.
Then they decide whether they want another go.
That can help build confidence around movement and height without turning the backyard into Queenstown.
Is a Flying Fox the Same as a Zip Line?
Very similar idea
The basic concept is the same.
A rider moves along a supported line or track using momentum.,
Zip line may be the more familiar term, while Flying Fox is also commonly used on playground and backyard equipment.
For home use, the important part is compatibility.
The Flying Fox needs to be designed for the exact monkey-bar frame and installed correctly.
Can You Add a Flying Fox to Monkey Bars?
Yes, but only on compatible setups.
For Vuly monkey bars, the Flying Fox is designed for selected larger monkey-bar configurations.
Before buying, check:-
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exact monkey-bar model
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frame size
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attachment points
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clearance
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recommended age
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weight limits
You also need enough room for kids to get on, glide, get off and run back for another turn.
What Does a Flying Fox Add to Backyard Play?
It can turn a standard climbing route into more of an adventure course.
A simple route might be:-
climb → cross the monkey bars → grab the Flying Fox → glide → run back
That gives kids another way to use the same setup without needing a completely new piece of equipment.
It can also work well for siblings, mates and playdates because taking turns becomes part of the game.
Who Is a Flying Fox Best For?
A Flying Fox may suit tamariki who already enjoy:-
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monkey bars
-
climbing
-
obstacle courses
-
playground zip lines
-
active backyard play
-
trying something a bit adventurous
If they are always the first kid heading for the zip line at the park, that is probably a decent clue.
Where Did the Flying Fox Idea Come From?
Long before backyard play, ropeways were used to cross difficult ground.
Flying Fox and zip-line style systems existed long before modern playgrounds.
Ropeways and aerial lines were used to move people and goods across valleys, rivers and rough terrain.
Over time, the same idea became part of recreation, adventure tourism and playgrounds.
That history fits pretty neatly with New Zealand’s love of outdoor adventure.
Today, the backyard Flying Fox is simply a smaller version of the same old idea:-
get from here to there using gravity, movement and a bit of courage.
Key Takeaway: A Flying Fox gives kids a short gliding ride across a compatible monkey-bar setup. It adds speed, movement and a bit of adventure to backyard play. For kids who already enjoy climbing, obstacle courses and playground zip lines, it can feel like an early taste of the thrill-seeking side of Kiwi outdoor culture.
