Complete a race
Set up a simple backyard obstacle race with cones, rope, and timers; plan the course, practice moves, and complete the race while tracking times.
About this activity
Set up a simple backyard obstacle race with cones, rope, and timers; plan the course, practice moves, and complete the race while tracking times.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick a flat safe spot in your backyard to build the obstacle race.
- 2
Step 2
Use chalk or masking tape to draw and label a Start line and a Finish line.
- 3
Step 3
Place cones in a zigzag pattern to make a slalom section.
- 4
Step 4
Lay a rope flat on the ground to make a balance beam section.
- 5
Step 5
Arrange pillows or towels in a line so you can jump or step between them.
- 6
Step 6
Walk through the whole course slowly to check that everything is safe and steady.
- 7
Step 7
Reset your stopwatch or timer to zero so it is ready to use.
- 8
Step 8
Practice the entire course at a slow pace one time to remember each obstacle.
- 9
Step 9
Ask an adult to hold the timer and watch while you get ready to run.
- 10
Step 10
Run the whole course as fast as you can when the adult starts the timer.
- 11
Step 11
Write down the time on your paper after the run finishes.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished obstacle race and your best time on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I set up a simple backyard obstacle race for my child and track their times?
Set up a backyard obstacle race by sketching a simple course with a clear start and finish, placing cones for weaving, a rope to crawl under, and a low balance or hurdle station. Demonstrate each station, let kids practice slowly, then run timed trials with a stopwatch or phone timer. Record times on paper or a clipboard, encourage kids to beat their personal bests, and finish with cool-down stretches and praise.
What materials do I need to create a backyard obstacle race with cones, rope, and timers?
You'll need cones or markers for gates, a sturdy rope for crawling under or limbo, a stopwatch or phone timer, tape or chalk to mark lines, and soft items for hurdles (pool noodles, low boxes). Add a plank or balance beam substitute, water and sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit. Optional extras: clipboards to record times, extra cones for lanes, and small prizes or stickers for motivation.
What ages is a backyard obstacle race suitable for?
This activity fits children roughly ages 3–12 with adult supervision and age-appropriate adjustments. Toddlers (3–5) enjoy simple gates, crawling, and low-balance tasks with soft obstacles. School-age kids (6–12) can handle more complex hurdles, timed sprints, and friendly competition. Always adapt course length and difficulty to each child’s coordination and stamina, and supervise closely to prevent risky moves or unsafe behavior.
What are the benefits and safety tips for running a backyard obstacle race?
Obstacle races improve strength, balance, coordination, problem-solving, and confidence while promoting active play and teamwork. For safety, inspect the course for hazards, use soft materials for potential falls, keep obstacles low, require proper shoes, enforce one-at-a-time rules, and keep water and a first-aid kit nearby. Variations include relays, themed courses (pirates, animals), time trials, or stations focused on jumping, crawling, or balance skills.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
Can I use something else if I don’t have cones, chalk, or a stopwatch?
Yes—replace cones with plastic bottles or stuffed animals for the zigzag slalom, use masking tape on the ground instead of chalk for the Start and Finish lines, and time runs with a phone timer if you don't have a stopwatch.
What if the rope keeps sliding or the pillows move when I run the course?
If the rope slides or pillows shift during the 'Lay a rope flat' or 'Arrange pillows or towels' steps, secure the rope with small pieces of tape or a long towel underneath and use heavier pillows or place them on grass/non-slip mat so they stay steady.
How can I make the obstacle race easier for toddlers or harder for older kids?
For toddlers, shorten the course, move cones closer together and have an adult walk beside them during the 'Practice the entire course' step, while for older kids increase cone spacing, add extra jumps between pillows, and use the stopwatch for multiple timed rounds to raise the challenge.
How can we make the race more fun or show it off after finishing?
Decorate the Start and Finish with colorful chalk, add a themed obstacle like crawling under the rope, create homemade medals to award after you 'Write down the time on your paper', and take a photo or video to share your finished obstacle race and best time on DIY.org.