You may struggle when coming up with new and creative ways to keep kids busy over the summer. These days, their malaise probably feels palpable. If they’re not staring at screens or other devices, something else will fill the void if you don’t.
For a fun and active activity, try building a DIY obstacle course. Making the course can be just as fun as doing the course. You’ll spend enriching quality time with your kids as you come up with new obstacles. Here are some fun things you can use to create a DIY obstacle course to get you started.
Hula Hoops
There’s usually a hula hoop or two around at your house. Well, these fun-filled toys can make excellent obstacle course items. Jumping through the ring is great fun for small children. Or it can be set up as a more challenging obstacle as kids try to jump from hoop to hoop. Maybe they have to hula hoop for one minute! How’s that for exercise?
Old Wood
Challenge your kids’ coordination by making them walk the plank! Or maybe it’s a seesaw. Perhaps you conjure up a tightrope. These activities will promote coordination and the vestibular system, which keeps us spatially aware, a skill that children are constantly learning.
Pool Noodles
Using a couple of household tent stakes sticking up from the ground, make a pool noodle rainbow for all sorts of challenges. Your kids can crab walk, bear walk, or belly crawl through the hoops as an obstacle challenge. Pool noodles are the Swiss Army Knife of fun when it comes to diversity and creative options. You can also build numerous obstacles with pool noodles. See what you can come up with!
Sidewalk Chalk
Grab a piece of sidewalk chalk and give directions to jump, count, turn around, or any other activity your child loves to do. Make learning how to count fun by taking a certain number of steps, or help them learn the alphabet by instructing your child to stand next to a particular letter.
Masking Tape
This you can set up as easily inside as out. Use masking tape like you would use sidewalk chalk to mark out challenges—you can also use it on other smooth surfaces you don’t want chalk on, like a porch, kitchen, or hardwood floor. Clean up is easy too. Your kids will love ripping the tape up after they’re done.
Obstacle courses can develop several systems for childhood development and add enjoyment and laughter to your kids’ summer. Once they make a course, they’re bound to want to try other obstacles. Remember these things you can use to create a DIY obstacle course for fun all summer long.
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