How to Build an Obstacle Course for Toddlers
Toddlers learn from every experience. To help them improve large and fine motor skills, consider building an obstacle course in the backyard. The course is fun for kids to race, and allows them to practice the skills that the different obstacles require. As a bonus, you get to spend time with your child in a fun setting.
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Instructions
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Outline the area for the obstacle course. Use stakes and colored streamers that are easy for the toddlers to see.
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Select items for the obstacle course that toddlers can already use, like large balls, foot pedal cars and tricycles. You don't want them to get frustrated with something too difficult and give up.
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Line up the objects. Place the objects or activities one after the other across the designated area, giving each object a certain amount of space. For example set up hula hoops on the ground at the start for the toddlers to jump in and out of from one end of a section to the other, then have them ride their tricycles a certain distance. Other obstacles include kicking a ball into a hula hoop, weaving through cones, crawling under jump ropes that are staked a few feet off the ground or going up and down a toddler playslide.
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Tap two stakes on the sides, at the end of the obstacle course. Tie a streamer to the stakes so that it blocks the end of the obstacle course for the finish line. The toddlers can break the tape as they cross the line.
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Tips & Warnings
Time the obstacle course with a stopwatch if you like. However, most toddlers won't care about time. As they get older finishing speed becomes more important to them.
You can also set up a course inside. Have the kids do stunts, crawl under chairs, weave around stools and other options.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
