If you’re looking for an extra mural that gets kids moving, builds confidence and still feels like pure fun, Monkeynastix should definitely be on your radar. This specialised movement-education programme has been running for more than 30 years and is now a familiar name in schools and early childhood centres across South Africa and beyond.

On SA Kids, you can find Monkeynastix under our Extra Murals – Movement & Fitness category here:
👉 View the Monkeynastix listing on SA Kids

What Is Monkeynastix?

Monkeynastix is a broad-based, holistic fitness programme for children that blends:

Basic gymnastics-style movements

Agility, balance, coordination and speed (“the ABCs of movement”)

Strength, flexibility and body awareness

Music, imagination and loads of fun

The goal is to develop physical literacy – the fundamental movement skills kids need before they specialise in any particular sport. Think hopping, jumping, skipping, rolling, throwing and catching, all packaged in child-friendly games and themed adventures.

Classes are usually offered at preschools, primary schools, playgroups and community venues, so children can participate during or just after school hours without parents needing to drive to extra venues.

Age Groups and Programmes

Monkeynastix caters for a wide age range, from toddlers to tweens:

Toddlers & Preschoolers (around 1–6 years)
Short, playful sessions focus on balance, coordination, crossing the midline, core strength and body awareness. Activities are structured but still feel like story-time and play.

Foundation Phase & Primary School Children (up to about 12 years)
Older kids tackle more advanced movement patterns, obstacle courses, relay activities and games that build stamina, strength and teamwork, while still keeping things non-competitive and fun.

Every session is carefully planned to be age-appropriate, with progressions built in so kids feel a sense of achievement as they master new skills.

Why Parents Love Monkeynastix

Parents often see big changes in their children after a term or two of classes. According to Monkeynastix and franchise feedback, the programme helps to:

Improve gross motor skills – running, jumping, climbing, balancing

Strengthen core muscles and posture

Boost coordination and rhythm

Encourage a lifelong love for being active

Build self-confidence in a non-competitive environment

Support better focus and body control in the classroom

Provide positive social interaction and teamwork

Because the classes are filled with music, stories and imagination, many children don’t realise they’re “exercising” – they just know it’s their favourite day of the week.

What Happens in a Monkeynastix Class?

While each franchise may have its own flavour, a typical Monkeynastix session includes:

Warm-up and stretching – simple routines to music to get bodies moving.

Skill of the day – e.g. balance on a beam, hop on one leg, roll, throw and catch, or navigate a mini obstacle course.

Themed activity or game – pirates, jungle adventures, space missions and more, all designed to practise the skill of the day.

Cool-down and confidence time – calming stretches and positive reinforcement so each child leaves feeling proud of what they achieved.

Instructors are trained through the Monkeynastix Instructor Programme and work with small groups, helping even shy children feel safe and supported.

Where to Find Monkeynastix in South Africa

Monkeynastix works on a franchise model, with regional operators running classes in schools and community venues across South Africa. There are currently franchises in many major towns and cities, and the network continues to grow.

To find a class near you, you can:

Use the official Monkeynastix International site and franchise locator:
🔗 www.monkeynastix.com

Check out the Monkeynastix Cape Town website for an example of how the programme runs in local schools on the Atlantic Seaboard and Southern Suburbs:
🔗 Monkeynastix Cape Town

Visit the SA Kids listing to get an overview and contact details:
🔗 Monkeynastix on SA Kids

Is Monkeynastix Right for Your Child?

Monkeynastix is a great fit if you:

Want your child to build strong movement foundations before committing to a specific sport

Have a little one who is shy or nervous about competitive environments

Are looking for a fun, structured extra mural that fits into the school day

Want to support physical development, balance and coordination in an interactive, playful way

It can be especially helpful for children who need to work on core strength, balance or general coordination, as well as busy kids who simply love to move.

How SA Kids Helps You Find Movement & Fitness Programmes

At SA Kids, our goal is to make it easy for caregivers to discover high-quality activities like Monkeynastix in their area. On our platform you can:

Search by province, city, and category

Compare different movement & fitness options

Save and share listings with other families

Start by exploring the Monkeynastix listing here:
👉 https://sakids.co.za/listing/monkeynastix/

From there, you can contact your nearest franchise, ask if they visit your child’s school, or request a demo session.

Final Thoughts

Monkeynastix is more than just another kiddies’ activity – it’s a movement-education programme designed to build strong, confident, coordinated children who enjoy being active. With decades of experience and franchises across South Africa, it’s a fantastic extra mural to consider for toddlers through to primary schoolers.

If you’re ready to give your child a head start in physical literacy (and a weekly dose of fun), hop onto the SA Kids listing or the official Monkeynastix website and take the first step toward signing up.