Make Your Own Backyard Obstacle Course

by AmyA on July 19, 2010

The following is by contributor Amy Anderson of Let’s Explore and Early Bird Homeschool.

I am always looking for fun, creative ways to get moving with my kids. Since my girls were toddlers we have been making our own backyard obstacle courses. Our whole family can participate in gathering items, setting up the course, and testing our skills in a friendly family competition.

One of the greatest things about a homemade obstacle course is that you can use whatever items you have on hand. A stuffed animal slalom course? Sure! Hurdles made from rolled-up beach towels? Absolutely! As my girls get older, their creativity inspires more elaborate obstacle courses each time.

Some kids like the addition of a stopwatch to keep track of their course times. Other kids would rather just go through the course for fun. Either way, you’ll be adding some fun family fitness to your day!

Here are some of the many activities we have incorporated into our courses over the years. Think of this list as a create-your-own obstacle course menu – pick and choose the activities that match your child’s skill level and the materials you have on hand. Better yet, let your child be involved in choosing the activities and setting up the course.

Balance

Lay down a board for a balance beam
Walk the “tightrope” using a jump rope or garden hose
Stand on one foot for a count of five (or ten)

Crawl

Crawl under a table or bench
Go through a pop-up tunnel
Lay a broomstick across two chairs and crawl under
Crawl through a large box (top and bottom removed)
“Army crawl” across a blanket or sheet

Jump

Hop across a hopscotch board drawn with chalk
Make a line of hula hoops and jump from hoop to hoop
Stand on a marked spot and do jumping jacks
Jump over soft pool noodle hurdles (prop the noodles below knee-height on two overturned buckets or boxes)

Pull & Ride

Pull a wagon along a twisty garden hose or sidewalk chalk path
Take a lap on a tricycle or scooter

Reach & Toss

Reach and touch balloons hanging from a tree branch (at your child’s tippytoe height)
Throw beanbags into a laundry basket or bucket
Toss paper plate rings (cut out the center) onto a water bottle for a homemade ring toss
Shoot a basketball

Splash

Walk through a wading pool
Toss a water balloon at a target (fence, tree, bucket, etc.)
Run through the sprinkler (This is a great course finale!)

Walk & Weave

Set-up plastic cones for a classic weaving drill
Walk backwards ten steps
Zig-zag through a slalom course of hats, shoes, or whatever else you can find
Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line

Next time you go to the park, pack a few hula hoops, cones, jump ropes, and beanbags for obstacle course making on-the-go. Add in jungle gym features such as slides, ladders, and rock walls for even more variety in your course. A great activity for a group of friends to do together – or for making new friends at the park!

Have you made an indoor or outdoor obstacle course with your kids? What are their favorite obstacle activities?

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Written by Amy Anderson

At her blog, Let’s Explore, Amy shares her family’s experiences creating, imagining, and playing together. You can read about her homeschooling journey at Early Bird Homeschool.