How to extend your monkey bars as your kids grow
One day, the monkey bars that once felt impossible suddenly become easy.
That doesn’t mean your kids have outgrown them. More often, they’re simply ready for a new challenge.
This guide shows you how to extend your monkey bars, add fresh challenges and keep your backyard adventure evolving for years to come.
Key takeaways
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Build up: Add height with height extenders, combat ladders or a cubby without taking up more backyard space.
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Build out: Extend your frame wider or longer with compatible add-ons as your family grows.
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Keep it fresh: Swap in ninja, gymnastics, swings, slides or cubbies as your kids’ interests change.
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Future-proof your frame: Choose the frame that suits your backyard today, then expand it when you’re ready.
Need more height? Build up without using more backyard space
Running out of room doesn’t always mean you need a bigger backyard. Sometimes, you just need to think upwards.
If your frame already fits your space, adding height is one of the easiest ways to create a bigger challenge without taking up more of the backyard.
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Height Extenders: Raise the monkey bars for older, taller kids.
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Combat Ladder: Add a new climbing challenge and build upper-body strength.
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Cubby Treehouse: Create a second level for climbing, imaginative play and lookout adventures.
Building up is ideal for families who want to keep the same backyard footprint while creating more ways to climb, play and explore.
Need more room? Extend your frame wider or longer
When the kids are using every inch of the monkey bars, it might be time to give them more room to move.
If you’ve got the space, extending your frame is surprisingly simple.
| If you want to… | The best option | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Go wider | Single-to-Double Swing Frame Conversion | Adds another swing bay for more play options. |
| Go longer | Monkey Bar Extension | Adds a second set of monkey bars for a longer climbing run and more space to play. |
Going wider is a great option if your family wants more play zones, while extending the monkey bars is ideal for older kids who are ready for longer traverses and bigger challenges.
Whether you build up, out or both, the goal is the same: creating a frame that keeps pace with your family instead of being replaced every few years.
What can you add as your kids’ interests change?
One minute it’s dinosaurs. The next, it’s ninja training. Before you know it, they’re asking for gymnastics rings or somewhere to build a secret cubby.
The best backyard play equipment grows with more than just your child’s height. It expands with their imagination, confidence and changing interests.
Rather than replacing the whole frame, you can add accessories that match whatever they’re into next.
| If they're into… | Add… |
| Ninja training | Ninja obstacles and climbing challenges |
| Gymnastics | Gym rings, trapeze, aerial hoop and other gymnastics apparatus |
| Imaginative play | Cubby Treehouse |
| Swinging | Single or double swings |
| Sliding | Slide attachments |
That means one frame can become a ninja course one year, a gymnastics setup the next and a backyard cubby long after the dinosaur phase has passed.
Can your current frame be extended?
If your kids are flying across the bars faster than ever, your frame is ready for its next upgrade.
Before you start adding to your frame, check:
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Your frame model: Some add-ons are compatible with specific Funky Monkey Bars frames.
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Your available space: Make sure there is enough room to build up, go wider or extend the bars.
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Compatibility: Confirm which extensions and accessories work with your current setup.
Once you know what your frame can support, you can add height, another swing bay, a longer run of monkey bars or a completely new challenge.
Will your kids outgrow their monkey bars?
One day, they’ll stop needing a hand across the monkey bars. Before long, they’ll be racing from one end to the other and looking for their next challenge.
That’s the beauty of an expandable frame. Rather than feeling like something they’ve outgrown, it can keep pace with every new skill, hobby and backyard adventure.
Because the best backyard memories aren’t made in a single summer. They’re built over years of climbing, swinging and discovering what’s next.
Ready for more “Mum, watch this!” moments?
Your frame has already been a part of plenty of big moments. Now it is ready for a few more.
Explore our Monkey Bars collection to build what comes next.
Memories Made Here.
FAQs
Can I install a monkey bar extension myself?
Most Funky Monkey Bars extensions are designed to fit existing compatible frames using the supplied components and instructions. If you’re unsure about installation or compatibility, the FMB team can help you choose the right upgrade.
What’s the best age to upgrade a monkey bar frame?
There isn’t a set age. The best time to upgrade is when your child has outgrown the current challenge, whether that’s needing more height, a longer climbing run or a new activity to keep them engaged.
How long does it take to install an extension?
Installation time depends on the upgrade you’re adding. Every Funky Monkey Bars extension includes installation instructions, and most upgrades can be fitted to compatible frames using the supplied components.
What’s included with a monkey bar extension?
Extension kits include the components required for that specific upgrade. Check the product page for a complete list of included parts and any compatibility requirements before ordering.
Where should I start if I’m planning for the future?
Choose the frame that suits your backyard and budget today. From there, you can expand with compatible extensions, height upgrades and accessories whenever your family is ready.