DIY Obstacle Course Using What You Have

You don’t need fancy gym equipment or a trip to the playground to get kids moving and laughing. With just a little creativity (and what you already have at home), you can create an exciting DIY obstacle course right in your living room, backyard, or hallway. Let’s build one!

Step 1: Gather What You’ve Got

Start by collecting everyday items you can safely use. Here are some ideas:

• Chairs & tables (for crawling under or climbing around)

• Pillows & cushions (for jumping over or balancing on)

• Blankets (to army crawl under or use as tunnels)

• Brooms/mops (for hurdles)

• Painter’s tape or string (to mark start/finish lines or create a “laser” maze)

• Hula hoops, jump ropes, balls, laundry baskets

You don’t need to buy anything new—just look around and get creative!

Step 2: Design the Course

Once you have your supplies, start building! Make sure it’s safe and age-appropriate. 

Here are some fun ideas to include:

• Tunnel Crawl: Drape a blanket over chairs and crawl through.

• Jump Zone: Place pillows or taped lines to leap over

• Balance Beam: Use a jump rope or strip of tape to walk across

• Toy Rescue: Put stuffed animals in a laundry basket at the end of the course and race to save them

• Lava Floor: Designate certain spots as “lava” they have to avoid

• Laser Maze: Crisscross string or tape in a hallway to duck under and step over

Step 3: Add a Challenge

Time each other to see who can complete it the fastest. Or add fun challenges at each station like:

• 10 jumping jacks

• Crab walk from one station to the next

• Spin in a circle 5 times before the next challenge

  
  

Make it competitive or collaborative—whatever your family enjoys most.

Step 4: Make It Special

Set the mood with upbeat music. Let kids decorate the course with signs or flags. If you want to go all out, name the course and create "awards" like:

• Fastest Finish

• Most Creative Style

• Best Teamwork

• Silliest Run

Take photos or videos to relive the laughs later!