- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- ActivitiesWeird National
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 14
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐒
Monkey Around Day swings into action every June 14, inviting everyone to shed their inhibitions and embrace a spirit of playful silliness. It’s a perfect opportunity to set aside worries, goof off, and try something spontaneously fun. So, channel your inner primate, climb out of your routine, and join the nationwide frolic!
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Expected Monkey Around Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that brands often tap into the playful spirit of Monkey Around Day with lighthearted deals. Look for special offers from toy retailers like Toys ‘R’ Us and LEGO, or perhaps discounts on activewear from brands like Nike and Adidas for those who want to literally monkey around. Family entertainment centers such as Chuck E. Cheese and Dave & Buster’s might also offer discounted play passes. Even snack companies like Chiquita (bananas!) and Dole could run themed promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 14 approaches.
Platform Guide for Monkey Around Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #MonkeyAroundDay. Film a short video of you or your friends doing something silly or playfully mischievous.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MonkeyAroundDay. Share photos or reels of your most creative and lighthearted ‘monkeying around’ activities.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #MonkeyAroundDay. Tweet about a funny prank you pulled or a spontaneous, carefree moment you experienced today.
Monkey Around Day Hero
Donkey Kong
History of Monkey Around Day
Bob Matthews of Rochester, New York, and founder of Holiday Insights, came up with the idea for this fun day in 2016. In celebration of his daughter Kimberly’s birthday, he chose June 14. Kimberly adored monkeys and anything related to them since she was a small child. Bob claimed that “his family was subjected to far too much stress. At the very least, they needed one day to put their stress, troubles, and worries aside and just relax and monkey around.”
The expression “monkey around” means to go with the flow, do whatever you like (if it’s legal and safe of course,) have some leisure time and just fool around. Although the origin of the phrase is unknown, the physical imagery of monkeys playing around is most likely the source of this idiom. The phrase is also linked with ‘monkey business,’ the origin of which can be traced back to a previous term, ‘monkeyshine,’ coined in 1832. The term ‘monkeyshine’ refers to a harmless prank or mildly boisterous conduct based on their fun personality, it also meant “disreputable behavior.”
Monkey Around Day serves as a reminder to not take life too seriously. Every one of us needs some time to rest or to play around after a long week at school or at work. The phrase is most likely derived from our observations of monkeys in zoos. They appear to have a carefree attitude toward life.
Monkey Around Day timeline
The phrase “monkey around” is widely used during this time period.
‘Monkeyshine’ is coined to describe disreputable behavior.
The Monkees, a musical group, release a song containing the lyrics "monkey around."
The holiday, Monkey Around Day, is created by Bob Matthews in honor of his daughter.
The annual Monkey Around Day celebration hits its five-year mark.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Monkey Around Day
Local businesses can tap into the playful energy of Monkey Around Day by encouraging lighthearted interactions. Coffee shops might offer a ‘monkey business’ themed drink special or a playful discount for customers who tell a joke. Retail stores could host a silly dress-up contest for employees or offer a small, unexpected gift with purchase. Even offices can organize a brief ‘goof-off’ break with fun games or a silly photo booth to boost morale and encourage a carefree atmosphere among staff.
Monkey Around Day FAQs
When is Monkey Around Day?
In 2027, Monkey Around Day is observed on Monday, June 14, providing a playful start to the work week and a chance to inject humor into the everyday.
What does 'monkey around' mean?
The phrase ‘monkey around’ captures the essence of carefree play and mild mischief, suggesting a departure from seriousness to indulge in spontaneous, often humorous, actions or pranks. It’s about embracing your inner playful side.
How many types of monkeys are there?
Globally, the diverse primate family includes around 260 distinct monkey species, each with unique characteristics and habitats. This vast number highlights the varied ways nature ‘monkeys around’ in its own right.
Is Monkey Around Day a real holiday?
Monkey Around Day exists as a fun, informal observance, gaining traction through social media and community events. It serves as a lighthearted reminder to prioritize joy and spontaneity, even without official government decree.
Monkey Around Day Activities
Visit a zoo
What better way to monkey around than to observe actual monkeys? Visit a zoo near you with friends, family, or even by yourself.
Go indoor rock climbing
Monkeying around is all about throwing inhibitions away and trying new things. Try your hand out at indoor rock climbing and make a race out of it with friends.
Share pictures and videos
Document this fun holiday by taking pictures and making fun videos. Share your favorite ways to monkey around, and invite others to join in on the fun.
5 Facts About Monkeys To Go Ape Over
Monkey tribes
A group of monkeys is referred to as a ‘troop.’
The fastest primate
Patas are the quickest primates on the planet, they can run faster than a racehorse.
The world's tiniest monkey
The pygmy marmoset is the tiniest monkey — it’s almost the same size as a banana.
Monkeys have fingerprints
Every monkey, like humans, has a distinct fingerprint.
Over 174 species
There are 174 different species of monkeys all around the world.
Why We Love Monkey Around Day
A day to have fun
Monkey Around Day encourages us to have fun. For one day, indulge your inner child and simply waste time.
It promotes balance
Monkey Around Day encourages us to balance our school or work life with having fun. Striking a balance keeps us from wearing out from stress.
It is a learning experience
On Monkey Around Day, you can learn about monkeys. More importantly, it's an opportunity to learn something new about yourself.
Social Media Tips for Monkey Around Day
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