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Backyard Obstacle Course

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Tools & Templates
Click here for template

• Cardboard boxes
• Rubber balls
• Broomstick
• Plastic bottles (NESTLÉ JUICY JUICE 64 oz. plastic bottles, NESQUIK RTD plastic bottles)
• 2 chairs (optional)

• Print out the obstacle course diagram for setup suggestions.
• Get some old produce boxes from your local grocery store. They usually give them out for free. These versatile, sturdy boxes can be used for all sorts of things in your children's obstacle course. Decorate them with your child for an added element of fun.
• Stagger the boxes on the lawn, so your children can run through them in a zigzag pattern.
• Set up a limbo stick for your children. Use boxes of varying sizes, the backs of chairs as supports, or just hold the broomstick for your children to go under. Bring out a "boom box" and play some limbo music to really get them in the mood!
• Tie several pieces of rope into 10- to 12-inch circles and set them in a row on your lawn. Have your children hop on one foot to make it through them. (See diagram)
• Fill some plastic bottles with water to make small weights. Set up an obstacle in which your children must get all the bottles from one location to another while running through a zigzag course. (Combine with the cardboard box zigzag course.)
• Open up the bottoms of the boxes and tape several together to make a tunnel to crawl through. If you have enough boxes, make the tunnel twist and turn a little.
• At one point in the course, set up a box as a "basket" for your child to toss a ball into.
• Place two 8 to 10 feet lengths of rope on your lawn about 4 inches apart and have your children walk it's length like a balance beam.
• With a little imagination and creativity, you and your children can put together a fun course for next to nothing. Even though the course is free, the healthy rewards are invaluable!

• If a yard or park isn't readily available, set up a smaller course in your living room or throughout your house or apartment using couch cushions, pillows, shoe boxes, etc.
• Remember to keep the course safe. Make sure to check for sharp objects before laying out your course.

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