Why should you add an obstacle course to your Kid’s Church program?  Because it’s fun!  The fact that it challenges children physically and gives them an opportunity to problem solve is a bonus.  Use whatever equipment you have handy and borrow more if you need to.

• Tables and benches
• Hula hoops
• Pool noodles
• Tyres
• Balancing boards (planks of wood)
• Mini trampoline
• Tunnels (or large cardboard boxes)
• Slide (even a toddler one is fun)
• Balls (to incorporate a throwing challenge)
• Hoop (or a laundry basket for throwing challenge)
• Existing playground equipment

So, every now and then instead of a game, design an obstacle course for your kids to navigate.  Here’s 10 Top Tips to help you.

Tip 1:  Create a marked out area

Use orange cones or tape to define the space for your obstacle course.  We were blessed to have a grassed area marked out in white paint like a sports field.  You could use landscaping paint to do the same job – just ask for permission!  The beauty of a painted line is the children can sit along it waiting for their turn, and they can watch their friends progressing through the course, so managing impatient behaviour is easier.

Tip 2:  Age and ability

Think about the ages and abilities of the children running the course.  A good obstacle course should challenge them physically and mentally, but you still want the children to have fun.  Keep it non-competitive if possible. Hard with boys of a certain age I know!

Tip 3:  Change it up

If you decide to use an obstacle course more often, redesign it, so the course is different from previous weeks.

Tip 4:  Check for danger

Take out overtly dangerous obstacles from the design.  The course should test the kids not hurt them.  An obstacle can be challenging without being dangerous.  When in doubt always go with the safer choice.

Tip 5:  Make it clear

Put the obstacles in an order so children know exactly where they should go next.  Use a numbering system if you need to.

Tip 6:  Degrees of difficulty

Save the hardest obstacle for last.  This makes finishing the course a more rewarding experience.

Tip 7:  Test it

Always test the obstacle course yourself to make sure it’s safe.  Look out for choking hazards and sharp corners.  Ask one of your volunteers to demonstrate the course to the children.  Kid’s think it’s hilarious.

Tip 8:  Be creative

Use your creativity and imagination when designing.  In the summer make a water obstacle course by adding a play pool, water balloons, slip and slide and buckets.  Arm your leaders with water pistols to make an obstacle harder.  One week you might like to give each obstacle a Biblical name like Jericho, the Red Sea or Zacchaeus’ Tree.

Tip 9:  Time out

If a dangerous situation occurs with any of the equipment, stop the course immediately, and repair the damage before anyone else is allowed to continue.

Tip 10:  Stagger start

Don’t let the next child start until the previous child is a few obstacles in.  If you allow too many children run it at once it could cause an accident.  Always travel in the same direction.

Designing an obstacle course is just another way to show your kid’s, and their families, that you are dedicated to making your Kid’s Church an exciting place, a place kid’s want to be!