Indoor Race Rules!
Create and test a safe indoor race course using cushions, tape, and timers; design rules, measure times, and compare results.
Step-by-step guide to create a safe indoor race course
Step 1
Gather all materials and put them where you can reach them easily.
Step 2
Choose a safe room with enough floor space and clear toys or furniture out of the way.
Step 3
Use masking tape to mark a clear start line on the floor.
Step 4
Use masking tape to mark a clear finish line on the floor.
Step 5
Place cushions between the start and finish to make obstacles or stepping stones.
Step 6
Write at least three simple race rules on a sheet of paper.
Step 7
Decorate the rule sheet with colouring materials so the rules are fun and easy to read.
Step 8
Choose a timing method you will use like a stopwatch or phone timer.
Step 9
Assign one person to be the timer who will start and stop the stopwatch.
Step 10
Do one slow practice run so everyone learns the course and rules.
Step 11
Run the race at full speed while the timer records the time.
Step 12
Repeat the race two more times so you have three recorded runs.
Step 13
Write down each finish time on your rule sheet.
Step 14
Look at the recorded times and circle the fastest time to find the winner.
Step 15
Share your finished course and your race results on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If I don't have masking tape to mark the start and finish lines, what can I use instead?
Use painter's tape, a length of string or yarn secured with small pieces of tape, or a row of rolled-up socks or small rugs to mark the start and finish lines where the instructions call for masking tape.
What should we do if cushions keep sliding or kids keep tripping during the practice run?
Place cushions on a non-slip mat or tuck towels under them, move cushions closer together or farther apart during the slow practice run, and reposition obstacles until everyone can pass them safely before timing the full-speed races.
How can we adapt the race for younger children or make it harder for older kids?
For younger kids use fewer cushions, simpler rules on the rule sheet, and one timed run, while older kids can add more cushions, extra tasks at a cushion, and keep the three recorded runs using a stopwatch or phone timer for competition.
How can we extend or personalize the Indoor Race Rules activity to make it more fun?
Let kids decorate the rule sheet with colours and team names, add costumes or themed obstacles, write each of the three finish times on the sheet, and then share photos of the finished course and race results on DIY.org.
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Facts about indoor games and safety for kids
⏱️ Modern digital stopwatches can measure to hundredths of a second (0.01s), but for fun kid races whole seconds or tenths are usually plenty.
🏁 Obstacle courses started as military training 'assault courses' and are now popular in playgrounds and fitness races.
🛋️ Soft cushions and mats absorb impact and greatly reduce the chance of bumps and bruises during indoor play.
📏 Using the same start/stop rule every run (like 'on the whistle' or 'when a foot crosses the line') makes times fair and comparable.
🤝 When kids help design the rules they play more cooperatively and solve disputes faster without needing an adult referee.
How do I create and test a safe indoor race course?
What materials do I need for an indoor race course?
What ages is an indoor race course suitable for?
What safety tips should I follow when running an indoor race course?
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