The jungle gym, also known as monkey bars or climbing frame, is a piece of playground equipment made of many pieces of thin material, such as metal pipe or, in more current playgrounds, rope, on which children can climb, hang, or sit. The monkey bar designation was for the resemblance that playing children had to the rambunctious, climbing play of monkeys, though the term nowadays often refers specifically to a single row of overhead bars designed to be swung across.

A jungle gym can be found in any area that a child might visit. They are typically set outside although they can sometimes be found inside. They are located in parks, playgrounds, backyards, school yards, amusement areas and other places where children gather or may have to wait.

A jungle gym can have many accessories on it that will add to the fun. One will almost always have swings , a place to climb a slide and then a host of other climbing devices and play areas built to stimulate the child's imagination. They can have platforms and ropes, bridges and tunnels there is no limit to the accessories that might be added to them. A classic one is constructed of metal, and historically had only swings, a slide and some bars to climb on. They have come a long way; there are so many options now that the old metal standard somehow seems like an antique and not quite as interesting as a newer model has.

A lot of parents will purchase or build one for the backyard to keep the children occupied and outdoors. One at home is a great way for children to play outdoors. Installing a home one is usually a weekend project if the kit is purchased; building one from scratch may take a couple of weekends to accomplish. A home style can come in metal, wood or polymer plastic; and will usually not be as elaborate as one found in a public area, but still get the job done. Typically a home jungle gym will have swings, slides, climbing apparatus and sometimes have a fort area or lookout tower to really get the fun going.