Turn Your Backyard Obstacle Course into an Adventure Zone!

Setting up a backyard obstacle course is a fun and easy way to get kids moving, thinking, and laughing outdoors.

Whether you're planning it for a party, a playdate, or just a sunny Saturday, you can create an exciting course using simple household items and a bit of creativity!

Let’s walk through the best way to set up a backyard obstacle course step by step.

First, Start with a Plan for Your Backyard Obstacle Course

Ask yourself:

• How old are the kids? (Younger kids = simpler obstacles)

• How much space do you have?

• How long do you want the course to take?

• Do your kids like to just have fun or are they competitive?

A big backyard isn’t necessary or fancy gear—just some imagination!

Gather Your Supplies

You may already have everything or at least almost everything you need at home! Here are some common items that work great:

• Hula hoops

• Pool noodles

• Cones or empty plastic bottles

• Jump ropes

• Sidewalk chalk

• Chairs, buckets, or laundry baskets

• Water balloons or sponges

• Old cardboard boxes

Tip: If you’re short on gear, make it a DIY craft session first—let the kids help create signs, flags, or silly challenge cards!

Choose Your Obstacles

Don’t just make the game about physical movement, include some balancing skills, and brainy challenges as well. Here are some easy obstacle ideas:

Physical Fun

• Jump through hula hoops laid on the grass

• Stretch a rope between trees or chairs and crawl under it.

• Run around cones or buckets in a zigzag

• Without touching the grass, hop from towel to towel (“lava” game!)

Balance Builders

• Using a jump rope or painter’s tape line, walk a tightrope

• Balance a stuffed animal or bean bag on your head

• Walk across a wooden plank or 2x4 (on the ground)

Silly & Brainy

• Do 10 jumping jacks while singing the alphabet

• Toss a bean bag into a bucket

• Before you can move onto the next station, you must solve a riddle

• Act like your favorite animal for 10 seconds

Map It Out

Walk through your yard and decide where each obstacle will go. Place signs or use sidewalk chalk to mark each station clearly.

Keep in mind:

• Leave room between stations

• Start and finish lines help give structure

• Shade is great for rest spots or water challenges

Time for Decoration and Theme (Optional but FUN!)

Make it extra exciting by giving your obstacle course a theme. Kids love this!

Ideas:

• Jungle Adventure – use leaves, vines, and stuffed animals

• Space Race – use aluminum foil, stars, and astronaut missions

• Ninja Warrior – all black outfits, stealthy moves, and timed runs

Add signs with fun names like:

• “Wiggle Worm Tunnel”

• “Super Spin Zone”

• “Leap of Laughs”

Set a Timer (Or Don’t!)

If your kids love a challenge, time them and let them try to beat their own score. If they’re more into exploration, skip the timer and just cheer them on.

Let each child go one at a time or in pairs, depending on the obstacles and how crowded the course feels.

Don’t Forget the Water!

On hot days, add water play:

• Sprinkler dash

• Slip 'n slide finish line

• Sponge relay race

Make sure to have towels and drinking water on hand too!

Final Tips for Success

• Test the course yourself or with your child to make sure it flows well

• Adjust difficulty based on age and skill

• Encourage creativity – let your kids design their own version next time

• Celebrate at the end with a snack, small prize, or silly medal ceremony

Over to You!

Have you ever set up a backyard obstacle course before? What worked best for your kids? Or what’s your dream course idea? I’d love to hear about it!

Let’s keep encouraging active play and joyful moments—right in your own backyard. 

---