Coming July & August 2026. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Free & Open To The Public. 

JungleGym 2026 is an obstacle challenge and active living fair for all ages. The event started as a birthday party for the organization designed by 2nd - 5th graders as part of a weekly workshop at Concrete Safaris' City Surfers after school program in 2012. Since 2016, the Outdoor Play Cohort of CS' Outdoor Leadership Academy - SYEP has led thousands of NYC children, families, and neighbors in this opportunity to play outdoors on city streets in this full-block summer event series.

Scenes from...

JungleGym

7/26/24

E 106th Street

Lex - Third Avenues

12 - 4PM

JungleGym Is Youth-Led Active Design On NYC Streets

PLANNING BEGINS WITH CITY AGENCIES AS CLASSROOMS

During the school year, children enrolled in City Surfers after school develop all elements of JungleGym, including the theme, rules, course, obstacles, marketing, and any other necessary details. They write speeches asking Community Board 11 for street closure approvals, and the group votes on who will represent them. Children also meet with the NYPD to learn about their role in keeping people safe outdoors. They learn how to create a successful event as well as how to speak publicly with community partners new and returning.

AN ACTIVE ROLE IN EVENT DESIGN

Children learn how to think about transforming city streets into blocks of twenty obstacle challenges.

DEVELOPING JOB SKILLS WHILE BUILDING COMMMUNITY

In the spring and summer, youth enrolled in the Outdoor Leadership Academy host JungleGym for thousands of residents in the community on city streets in commercial corridors and public housing developments, and in schoolyards. To do this, they must learn how to set up, break down, and lead all activity stations. They learn communication and team building skills, and encourage children, community, and neighbors to participate and stay active during the event. 

RACE FAQ

Q. When can children and families sign up to race?

Q. Where do children and families check in for the JungleGym race?

Q. Can our students compete as a team?

Q. Is this an actual race?

Q. Is this a timed race?

Q. What does the active living fair involve?

Q. How do I host an active living fair station?

Q. How do I get to JungleGym?

Q. How can my school or my child's school get involved?

Q. Can our school send volunteers on race day?

Q. Who is hosting this event?

Q. What kind of experience do you have hosting events?

Q. I'd like to bring JungleGym to my neighborhood. How do I get the ball rolling?

Q. Can you create my next event?

Got a question? Others probably do, too. Call 646.869.1503. We'll help you, and then post the answers.

Testimonials

Norman

Outdoor Leadership Academy Intern

JungleGym was a very fun experience because there were a lot of kids having fun and that made me feel happy because they had the chance to go to a free event and have fun with their families and friends.