Want to transform your backyard into an exciting water adventure? A water obstacle course is the answer! This activity turns ordinary outdoor play into a thrilling challenge for kids.
The best part? You can use everyday items from around your house and yard. Make it as simple or complex as you want!
Table of Contents
Planning Your Course
Start by mapping out a path through your yard. Think about how kids will move from one station to the next in a logical way.
Place kiddie pools, sprinklers, and slip-n-slides at different points along the route. These water features will keep kids cool as they navigate the course.
Add challenges like crawling under a stream from a garden hose or jumping through sprinkler hoops. Get creative with what you have available!
Adding Fun Challenges
Time each child as they navigate the course to add a competitive element. Kids can race against their own best times or compete against siblings and friends.
Use sponges, water balloons, and spray bottles between stations to create extra splashes. These “water checkpoints” make the course more exciting.
You could also add a “dry challenge” section where kids must avoid getting wet while moving through sprinklers.
You could also have the other kids lob sponges at them as they move through- challenging the obstacle course goer to try to avoid them as they move through the course.
Adapting for Different Ages
For younger children, you could create simpler obstacles focused on fun rather than difficulty. Things like stepping stones through a shallow kiddie pool or crawling through a tunnel sprayed with mist.
Older kids might enjoy more challenging elements like balancing a cup of water while moving through the course. If they spill, they have to go back to the start of that section or army crawling under a sprinkler or carrying water on a spoon through an entire section.
Materials You Might Need
Here’s some ideas of what you might need to create an exciting water obstacle course:
- Kiddie pools (possibly multiple– maybe ask a neighbor or friend)
- Garden hose
- Sprinkler
- Slip-n-slide
- Pool noodles
- Plastic cones (I’ve actually seen these at the dollar store in my area)
- Plastic cups for water carrying challenges
- Sponges
- Water balloons
- Spray bottles
- Timer or stopwatch
Fun Twists and Variations
Team Relay Challenge: Divide kids into teams and have them race through the course in relay fashion. The first team to get all members through wins!
Water Conservation Course: Give each player a full cup of water at the start. They must keep as much water as possible while navigating the course. The player with the most water at the end wins.
Ninja Warrior Style: Create a more challenging course with balance beams (pool noodles on the ground), army crawls under sprinklers, and timed stations where players must complete a task before moving on.
Obstacle Scavenger Hunt: Hide waterproof items throughout the course. Players must collect all items while completing the obstacles.
Costume Course: Have kids wear funny outfits like superhero costumes or silly hats while running the course. The water makes it even more hilarious!
A water obstacle course provides hours of entertainment. It’s the perfect way to make summer memories in your own backyard!