Obstacle Course
Objective & Skills
Helps kids practice moving their bodies in different ways (over, under, around, and through) while following a step-by-step path.
Balance & Coordination - how to control their bodies in different positions.
Spatial & Body Awareness - how to adjust their movements to get through obstacles.
Confidence - feeling they get for completing it, encouraging them to try new things
Strength & Endurance - builds stamina and develops stronger limbs
Problem-Solving & Sequencing - strengthens attention, memory, and planning skills when following the order of the obstacles.
Equipment
Varies on level
Modification Chart
| Level | Modification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 🟡 0-1 year old | Have simple floor paths such as: crawl over soft pillows and under a low blanket tunnel. Add toys on the other end of the obstacle to encourage moving towards them. | Crawling, Motivation to Move |
| 🟣 1-2 year old | Have child step over pool noodles, crawl through a cardboard box tunnel, and walk along tape lines to add a challenge. | Sequencing, Balance |
| 🟢 2-3 year old | Have a short path with 2-3 obstacles such as: climb on cushions, jump off low step, crawl under chairs, drop ball in a bucket, for kids to do. | Focus, Body Control |
| 🟠 3-4 year old | Add more complex skills (3-5 movements) for kids to do such as: over, under, then through; weaving between cones; hopping through hoops; balancing on a beam. Have kids cheer on peers while they wait for their turn. | Sequencing, Listening |
| 🔴 4-5 year old | Add in a multi-step course (5-6 obstacles) such as timing challenges, imaginative themes, and more complex movements for kids to do. | Goal-Setting, Creativity, Endurance |