Outdoor Obstacle Course for Kids

Need a fast and fun idea to occupy the kids for a morning? Make a Kids Obstacle Course Adventure of course! 

The grands all ended up at our house unexpectedly (how fun!).  I was wanting something to do that would use up some energy in the cool of the morning before it got hot and we needed to play indoors.

We headed outside and I announced, “Let’s set up an obstacle course!” I sent Papa for our wooden ladder in the shed and then each of the kids ran to the garage to find something they could add to the course. It was a scramble.

Draw a Map for the Kids Obstacle Course

If you had a bit of time ahead, it would be great to draw a little Kids Obstacle Course Adventure Map. This would work so well for a birthday party. Then the budding Olympiads could study the course and set their minds on how to best navigate it. 

Obstacle Course Supplies

But I have to say, the kids had a lot of fun finding things to use for the obstacle course, each contributed an idea and it came together pretty well.

The objects you have in the yard are a perfect starting place. We have an old school swing set and jungle gym, a driveway and sidewalk, as well as some large rocks in the landscaping that we could use. The kids decided that the obstacle course would circle the house. They would start on one side of the driveway, go around the house in a series of “obstacles” and end up on the other side of the driveway. This course worked the jungle gym and one large rock into the course.

What to do to prepare for a kids obstacle course:

• Decide what objects you presently have that you will work into the course (steps, play equipment, tree stump, sidewalks and driveways, etc.)
• Decide the course the kids will take working in these objects from the yard
• Add your “obstacles”
• Make a simple Kids Obstacle Course Adventure Map (especially for an event like a bday party)
• Explain the course and rules (especially if you want to make it a competition)
• Place some helpers at obstacles that need to be reset or need supervision
• Go!!

Various Speeds for Kids Obstacle Course

Two of the grands wanted to run, two wanted to walk the course and the little wanted to watch. We decided the ones that wanted to move faster would go first and the others would follow up at their own speed. The first two ended up doing the course more than once before getting too hot. The youngest needed an adult to go along to get the confidence to run the course. She went last after seeing what the others were doing and seeing that it looked pretty fun.

Kids Obstacle Course Ideas

Here is a list of “obstacle” ideas (supply list depends on what you choose to do):

• Throw a ball or paper airplanes through a target- get directions to make target here
• Hopscotch drawn on a driveway or sidewalk with sidewalk chalk
• A ladder laid down on the ground to step through (a suggest wooden rather than metal)
• Pool noodles- SO many possibilities, lay on ground, make circles, etc
• Pool noodles- make into an arch and crawl under (place the holes on each end on short stakes to arch)
• Stack cans/coffee containers and hit over with balls
• Use pallets to make various obstacles to climb over, etc
• Tires, tire tubes

• Balance beam from a board or just a rope on the ground
• Throw balls into a basket, wagon or through a hoop or through steps of a ladder
• Cones- to mark the course, run around
• Squirt guns hitting a target or person
• Pink flamingo (or other post)- throw rings over the neck
• String cords between trees and kids must crawl under them
• Use spray paint on the grass to mark course or make an obstacle
• Put on a gunny sack and jump a distance
• Put a ball between the knees and walk a distance
• Carry an object- rock, sand bag, etc
• The ideas are unlimited!!!

Toddler Obstacle Course Outdoor Ideas

The obstacle course can be adapted for toddlers with a little ingenuity! Collect and use items that will be safe and fit the skills and abilities of the toddler. Here are some ideas for you, but adapt these ideas using the toys and items you have on hand. Stay present to help the toddler move through the course.

• Create a sidewalk chalk course on a driveway for the toddler to walk through.
• Make a tunnel for them to crawl through with a blanket over a table or some chairs.
• Use a toddler slipper slide as an obstacle
• Add play items like a Little Tikes car to travel the sidewalk.
• Lay hula hoops, ropes, or pool noodles on the ground to walk through.
• Use a rolled up rug as a balance beam.
• Have them catch balls or balloons or take the ball across the yard to place in a basket.

Natural Obstacle Course Ideas

You can also make an obstacle course using only outdoor items in your course area. This will be highly individualized as every area has different items available. But look at your area and make note of objects that could be used for your obstacle course.

Place numbered flags or notes with instructions close to each item for the kids to figure out what to do next. This will give them the opportunity to accomplish the task you have in mind and complete the course in order. Here are a few ideas for you.

• Use a log or low wall as a balance beam
• Stepping stones can be made with landscape stones, slices of logs, or other items in your yard
• Work your lawn furniture or picnic table into the course in safe ways
• Climb part way up a tree and back down
• Move branches or stones from one place to another
• Make a house or art project from nature items
• Use pine cones as “balls” to throw into a basket

Show and Tell!

Be sure to comment and leave pictures of your Kids Obstacle Course Adventure for more ideas for “obstacles”. The ideas are truly unlimited (except by time, money and energy !).

More DIY Activities for Kids

Looking for more great DIY activities for kids? Here are a few favorites for you to try:

• DIY Recycled Tin Can Stilts
• Hole In One Kids Backyard Frisbee Golf
• DIY Carnival Game Bean Bag Toss

Enjoy!

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