How to Choose a Jungle Gym

As of 2012, nearly one-third of American children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Many parents, hearing reports of the potential health ramifications of child and adult obesity, purchase jungle gyms and other playground equipment to give their brood a safe and fun way to get some exercise to fend off this problem. Choosing the right jungle gym involves several considerations to be sure that it is practical, safe and fun for enough time to be worth the investment.

Things You'll Need

  • Yard measurements

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a suitable site to install your jungle gym. Ensure the site is on flat ground for stability and away from fences and trees to protect your child from a dangerous fall.

    • 2

      Measure your space, allowing adequate space in the perimeter of the jungle gym plot to walk around it safely. Be sure there is clearance above the area, especially if your are going to consider a gym with a swing attached.

    • 3

      Evaluate your children's favorite playground equipment when you visit a park or school. Plan to purchase a gym that has aspects of it that your kids can utilize for several years even if they are not immediately interested.

    • 4

      Compare the price and options of metal gyms versus those made of treated wood. Wood sets tend to be more sturdy and stable than metal gyms, but they also cost substantially more.

    • 5

      Find a jungle gym dealer with fully-assembled display models on which your children can climb. Watch them play and evaluate the ease in which they climb. If it is too easy, they may grow out of the gym too quickly. Shake the display model to check for sturdiness and durability.

    • 6

      Evaluate your own patience and ability to install your own gym. If you are not handy with tools, either purchase a more basic model or buy it from a store that will install it for you. While many people install their own jungle gyms, if you have doubt about your ability to safely assemble the equipment, let the dealer do it.

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