How to organize an obstacle course?

Plan first. It isn’t enough simply to pick a day and go from there. Start With a Clear Plan. Draw a rough map of the course area – not architect-level, but knowing where you want those tire hurdles and mud pits to go will help. You probably aren’t Superman, so you will need help pulling this off. Start early by attracting volunteers and staff to help set up, register, and run the event on the day. Getting to race day, check: All set? Check your course multiple times – once weekly, once the night before, and once in the morning. Pre-check the obstacles for safety and stabilization. Double- and triple-check the volunteer roster. Have a rain plan and a lighting plan.

To organize an obstacle course, base your DIY obstacle course on your toddler or child’s current skill level, challenge them and add variety. Find any item in your home to make it fun. Be sure to add variety to your obstacle course, and allow older kids to get back to crawling as well as running and jumping. Make sure to set up the obstacle course in a cleared space so kids can play without worrying about other items becoming obstacles or causing an issue such as tables or lamps. If kids are jumping or running onto surfaces, make sure they are secure to the floor so they don’t slip out from under their feet. Use soft or lightweight items that may be overhead, such as visible tape or thick colorful string if kids need to walk or crawl under obstacles. Some ideas for obstacle courses include crawling over pillows, crawling up/down a ramp made out of cushions pillows, play couch structures, and crawling through a tunnel made out of a box, blankets, or play structures. For walking, activities can include walking backwards or side stepping up, over, or around obstacles, weaving through cones, toys, pillows, and walking up/down a ramp. Running activities can include running to and from an object as fast as they can, and running around an object like a cone or bean bag back to the starting line. Jumping activities can include jumping up/down from a step, jumping over a hurdle, pillow, or blocks, and jumping in and out of a box or a shape made from toys, blankets, or string. Outdoor obstacle course ideas can include using chalk to make shapes, hop scotch, lines to follow, climbing the steps, ladders, rocks, etc. on the playground, and adding water. Always supervise kids outdoors and when water is involved, and be sure to practice sun safety by wearing sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, even if it’s cloudy out.