12 game ideas for the EXIT Ivy gym bar

A quick play session outdoors can soon turn into a moment full of movement and fun with the EXIT Ivy gym bar. Children can swing, twist, hang and tumble on the EXIT Ivy gym bar. The bar can be adjusted to four heights, so you can easily match it to your child’s height and ability. That way, the gym bar grows with your child.

You can choose from two versions. The single version, the EXIT Ivy gym bar, is ideal for practising independently and gaining more control over movements. The double version, the EXIT Ivy double gym bar, has two bars side by side. Perfect for playing together, challenging each other and practising new tricks.

 

Ready for something new on the gym bar? These game ideas keep play fun and varied.

1. Forward roll

Hands on the bar, thumbs wrapped around it for the best grip, chin tucked in, then slowly roll forwards over the bar. This is often one of the first tricks children want to practise. Start with the bar in a low position so the movement feels familiar, and make sure your child keeps a good grip with their thumbs around the bar.

2. Backward roll

Hook your knees over the bar and gently roll backwards. It feels exciting, and that is exactly why many children see it as a fun next step. Show them that it does not have to be fast. Smooth and controlled is perfect.

3. Straddle hang

Hang from the bar and stretch your legs out as wide as possible. Who can hold the neatest position? This simple game works well as a quick challenge between turns.

4. Tummy balance

Lie with your tummy over the bar and try to stay balanced. A gentle rock forwards and backwards makes it even more fun. It looks simple, but it takes quite a lot of control.

5. Hanging upside down

Hanging by your knees is a classic. Suddenly the world looks completely different, and that is exactly what makes this game so much fun. See who can hold the position calmly for the longest.

6. Swinging forwards

Hang from the bar using your arms and legs and gently swing forwards and backwards. Pull your knees up for extra swing. That makes the exercise just a little more exciting and helps children get a better feel for rhythm and coordination. They discover through play how far they can swing without losing their grip. For the best grip, keep your thumbs wrapped around the bar during this exercise.

7. Knee raise

Hang from your hands and pull your knees up as high as possible. Turn it into a game by setting a goal: to your tummy, to your chest or even higher. That turns a simple exercise into a fun challenge straight away. And without noticing it, your child is working on their core muscles too. Maybe mum and dad can have a go next.

Game ideas for the EXIT Ivy double gym bar

Do you have an EXIT Ivy double gym bar in the garden? Then playing together becomes even more fun. The double version has two bars side by side, so brothers, sisters and friends can hang, swing and practise at the same time.

8. Core hold

Hang from your hands and keep your legs straight out in front of you, as horizontal as possible. Who can hold that position the longest? This is a fun challenge for children who love beating their own record and building core strength.

9. Knee hang

Hands on the bar, legs up, and hook your feet behind the bar. Then start counting. Who can stay hanging calmly for the longest without wobbling?

10. Synchronised swinging

Two children hang next to each other and try to swing back and forth at the same time. It sounds easy, but moving in sync takes quite a bit of timing. Do not forget to wrap your thumbs around the bar during this exercise for the best grip. Much safer too.

11. Mirror game

One child thinks of a position and the other copies it as closely as possible. Think of hanging with bent legs, a small swing or a wide straddle. Swap roles after a minute.

12. Count-to-ten challenge

Both children do ten gentle swings, ten knee raises, or hang upside down for ten counts together. It is not about speed here, but about staying in sync. That makes teamwork just as important as movement.

Why playing on a gym bar never gets boring

The nice thing about a gym bar is that one small change creates a new game straight away. For example, put notes with the different tasks in a box. Pick a card and do the trick on it.

 

Are the children different ages? Let each child choose their own level. One can calmly practise hanging, another can already try a forward or backward roll, and someone else can focus on swinging. That keeps playing together fun, even when not everyone feels ready for the same things.

Practising safely and with confidence

Learning new tricks is most fun when there is enough space to build things up step by step. So start with the bar in a lower position when a child mainly wants to hang or practise their first movements. As confidence grows, you can set the gym bar higher. The EXIT Ivy gym bar is adjustable to four heights for exactly that reason. For the best and safest grip, we always recommend keeping your thumbs around the bar.

 

Also keep a close eye on what a child can already do. Not every game is suitable right away. With a few simple exercises, enough space around the equipment, and a parent keeping watch, outdoor play stays fun, safe and easy to manage.

Ready for something new every day

With a few simple ideas, a gym bar quickly becomes a favourite play spot in the garden. One day is all about building confidence, the next about balance, strength or laughing together. And that is exactly what makes the EXIT Ivy gym bar so much fun: children do not have to do the same thing every time, but can keep discovering, practising and moving.

 

So head outside and let the hanging, swinging and tumbling begin. #GoPlay