- 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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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.
Monkey Around Day FAQs
When is Monkey Around Day?
Monkey Around Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 14, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to let loose and embrace some carefree fun.
What does 'monkey around' mean?
To ‘monkey around’ generally means to behave in a silly, playful, or mischievous way, often without a serious purpose. It implies lighthearted fooling around or engaging in amusing, sometimes slightly unruly, activities.
How many types of monkeys are there?
There are approximately 260 known species of monkeys across the globe, divided into two main groups: Old World monkeys (found in Africa and Asia) and New World monkeys (found in Central and South America).
Is Monkey Around Day a real holiday?
While not a federal or widely recognized public holiday, Monkey Around Day is an unofficial observance celebrated annually by those who enjoy a good excuse to be silly and playful. It’s a day for fun, not official recognition.
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.
