35 DIY Obstacle Courses for Kids That Anyone Can Build (2024)

1. Pool noodle obstacle course

We’re always amazed at all the ways you can use pool noodles outside of the pool. These inexpensive toys are usually available at the dollar store, and there are so many cool ideas for using them in obstacle courses for kids.

Learn more: Pool Noodle Obstacle Course

2. DIY American Ninja Warrior obstacle course

If kids can’t get enough of the hit show, they’ll love this course inspired by the ones they’ve seen top-notch athletes tackle on TV.

Learn more: American Ninja Obstacle Course

3. Dollar store DIY obstacle course

In addition to pool noodles, you can pick up all sorts of inexpensive items at the dollar store to incorporate into obstacle courses for kids. Don’t be afraid to be creative!

Learn more: Dollar Store Obstacle Course Ideas

4. Sidewalk chalk obstacle course

Sidewalk chalk obstacle courses don’t require any special equipment, and they’re perfect for a playground or neighborhood. Add your own creative elements to challenge kids, and don’t be surprised when adults join in too.

Learn more: Chalk Obstacle Course

5. Super Mario obstacle course

Video game fans, put down the controllers and jump into the action instead! This clever course lets kids feel like they’re living out their favorite game.

Learn more: DIY Super Mario Party With Obstacle Course

6. Knight’s jousting course

Travel back to days of yore, and turn kids into knights as they take on this unique course idea. If you don’t want to sew your own hobby horses, just make paper heads to attach to broomsticks instead.

Learn more: Knights and Dragons Party: Jousting Obstacle Course

7. DIY water obstacle course

Every kid gets excited when you add water into the fun! Dash through sprinklers, jump into kiddie pools, and dodge water balloons to make your way to the end.

Learn more: Water Obstacle Course

8. Rainbow obstacle course for kids

There’s something about bright colors that just makes kids want to get up and play. This is also a terrific way to learn the order of colors in the light spectrum.

Learn more: Let Kids Build a Backyard Obstacle Course With Free Printables

9. Don’t Ring the Bells course

Kids will need to move quickly but carefully if they’re going to make it through this one! Attach jingle bells to a variety of obstacles, and challenge little ones to complete the course without making a sound.

Learn more: Don’t Ring the Bells Obstacle Course

10. Nerf obstacle course

We love obstacle courses that include tasks to complete, like cups to stack or targets to hit. This one fits the bill perfectly.

Learn more: Nerf Obstacle Course

11. Snowy obstacle course

Winter doesn’t have to slow you down! In fact, snowy landscapes add their own special challenges to a good obstacle course.

Learn more: 13 Snow Obstacle Course Ideas for Winter

12. Spy training course

Head to spy training school and learn to wriggle, duck, slide, and maneuver with the best. You can build a course like this one indoors or out.

Learn more: Make an Indoor Spy Obstacle Course

13. School skills obstacle course

Getting ready to start school? Use this ingenious idea to teach kids skills they need to know, like hanging up backpacks, sharpening pencils, and more.

Learn more: Teach Independent Skills for Kindergarten

14. Backyard obstacle course

Tip: Let kids design their own DIY obstacle courses for each other—they’ll love it! Lay them out on paper (or whiteboards) first, then build what you’ve envisioned.

Learn more: Backyard Obstacle Course Party for Kids

15. Masking tape DIY course

Grab some painter’s tape in different colors and plan out a fun movement adventure. Assign a different color of tape to each kid, then create paths that cross and separate, requiring them to really think about what they need to do next.

Learn more: Masking Tape Course

16. DIY maze obstacle course

Building a maze like this is fun, but if you add some obstacles around the various twists and turns, it gets even better!

Learn more: Family Fun Fair Caution Tape Maze

17. Indoor DIY obstacle course

Stuck at home on a rainy day? Use what you’ve already got to build a course for kids to conquer.

Learn more: Indoor Obstacle Course Ideas for Kids

18. Backyard Wipeout course

This one is inspired by another popular TV show, and kids will adore getting the chance to take on similar challenges right at home.

Learn more: Wipeout Theme Party

19. Going on a Bear Hunt course

Read the book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. Then, stage your very own bear hunt for kids to join.

Learn more: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

20. Squirt gun obstacle course

This combines a bit of a STEM challenge with obstacles. String a course throughout your yard with plastic cups attached. Kids have to use squirt guns to move the cups along—no touching with your hands!

Learn more: Squirt Gun Races Obstacle Course

21. Apple-picking DIY obstacle course

This sweet little idea helps wee ones build their agility and motor skills. Simply attach red and green plastic balls to various locations along the course with packing tape. Kids “pick the apples” as they go along.

Learn more: Apple-Themed Obstacle Course for Kids

22. Balancing-act course

Everything gets trickier when two kids have to work together to complete a course. Whether they’re balancing along planks or trying to figure out how to go over or under an obstacle without dropping their plate, they’ll learn important lessons in teamwork.

Learn more: Balancing Plate Activity! 4+

23. Follow the String course

All you need is a ball of yarn to create a course that will keep kids busy for ages! Create a giant web for them to follow. The only rule is they can’t let go of the string.

Learn more: String Obstacle Course

24. Alphabet DIY obstacle course

Sneak some learning into the active fun with this smart idea. You can add an alphabet aspect into any kind of course.

Learn more: Alphabet Obstacle Course for Kids

25. DIY mud run course

If you’re willing to get pretty messy, a mud run can be a real blast. Put on your oldest clothes and dive right in.

Learn more: Kids Mud Obstacle Course

26. Loose parts DIY obstacle course

Provide kids with simple items like planks, logs, and more. Then let them design their own DIY obstacle course for others to take on.

Learn more: Kids Bored? Introduce Loose Parts Play!

27. “In TRAINing” obstacle course

This mom designed a course inspired by the TV showChuggington, which is all about trains. If your kids love it too, then this is a must-try.

Learn more: “In Training” Obstacle Course

28. Easy Hula-Hoop course

Obstacle courses for kids don’t have to be complicated. A few Hula-Hoops, cones, and balls can be utilized to create a quick obstacle course for the classroom.

29. A bouncy indoor course

We love that this indoor obstacle course uses mostly items that can be found in a typical home. Blocks, Frisbees, couch cushions, and even a mini trampoline make for a great way to burn off some of that extra energy on a rainy day.

30. Toddler time course

If you think your toddler is too young for an obstacle course, think again! Before getting started, create a simple line on the floor or ground using painter’s tape or chalk. Then, create several obstacles with various gross motor skills in mind. You’ll want to include something to jump on, something to crawl through, something to wind their way around, and finally, something to run to!

Learn more: How To Set Up an Obstacle Course for Your 2-Year-Old

31. Clothes hanger obstacles

We’ve seen our fair share of indoor obstacle course ideas, but we especially love the inclusion of plastic clothes hangers here. Get some of the plastic ones, hook them together, and hang them high or low around the rest of your obstacles.

Learn more: 9 Obstacle Course Ideas for Kids That Are Super Simple

32. A scooter finish

A lot of kids have foldable scooters and we think they add a really cute touch to an otherwise typical outdoor obstacle course. Use cones, inflatable tires, etc., to create the front part of the course and then place a folded scooter by a cone. Kids will have to unfold the scooter and then ride it to the finish line to win!

Learn more: The Razor Obstacle Course Challenge

33. Sticks-and-stones obstacle course

Obstacle courses for kids don’t have to include fancy equipment. Before doing an obstacle course with your kiddos, go on a nature hunt and collect things like long sticks to use as obstacles. You can buy some hay bales and other natural items if you want too.

Learn more: Nature Obstacle Course

34. Low-prep obstacles

This video has a lot of cute ideas for easy DIY obstacles you can set up in your classroom, home, yard, or playground. Hang an elastic cord and then have kids stretch it around themselves. Save a large Amazon box and open the ends to create a tunnel for your little ones to crawl through.

35. Pop-It stones

Leave it to an occupational therapist to create a stellar DIY obstacle course. It seems that these days, most parents have found themselves with drawers full of Pop-Its. Why not put them to good use and create stepping stones?

Learn more: Obstacle Course