Why should you include an obstacle course in your Kid’s Church program now and then?  Because it’s fun!  The fact that it challenges children physically and allows them to problem solve is a bonus.  Use whatever equipment you already have and borrow what you don’t.  Replace your usual game with an obstacle course to revamp your program. Place clues or words along the way, and it becomes an exciting way to learn a Memory Verse!

Equipment to Use:

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

Create a marked-out area

Use orange cones or tape to define the space for your obstacle course.  Use landscaping paint if you’re allowed.  The beauty of a painted line is that the children can sit along it while waiting for their turn.  They can watch their friend’s progress through the course.  Which makes behaviour management easier, too. 

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 want the children to have fun.

Change it up

Redesign your obstacle course if you decide to use it often.

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.

Make it clear

Put the obstacles in an order so children are in no doubt about where to go next.  You could use a number system or arrows, and use your volunteers to show the way. 

Degrees of difficulty

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

Test it

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

Be creative

Use your creativity and imagination when designing your obstacle course.  In the summer you might like to make a water obstacle course by adding a play pool, water balloons, slip and slide and buckets to carry water in.  You could arm your leaders with super soakers to make an obstacle harder.  You might like to put a Biblical spin on it by naming obstacles, Jericho, the Red Sea or Zacchaeus up a tree.  At Christmas, add bells and tinsel!

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.

Stagger start

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

Designing an obstacle course is just another way to show your kids, and their families, that you are dedicated to making your Kid’s Church an exciting place, a place where kids want to be as they learn about Jesus and how to live for Him. 

This post was originally published on 23rd January, 2019 and updated on 10th April 2025