Nature Obstacle Course for Preschoolers

A wooded area, park, or yard with natural features

Fallen logs, rocks, low branches, dirt mounds, and clearings

Scout the area first. Look for natural features that could become obstacle stations — a fallen log to walk along, a rock to climb, a low branch to duck under, a stick to jump over.

Map out a course with five to seven stations in a logical path. Space them about 10-15 feet apart.

Station 1: Lay a stick or small log on the ground for a jumping challenge. "Jump over without touching it!"

Station 2: Find a fallen log or line of flat rocks for a balance walk. Arms out, slow and steady.

Station 3: A low-hanging branch or two closely spaced trees create a crawl-through or squeeze-through challenge.

Station 4: A large rock, tree stump, or small hill for a climbing challenge. Spot your child if needed.

Walk through the entire course together first, demonstrating each station. Then let your child run it solo. Try it again to beat their first time.

Check each station for safety before your child attempts it. No sharp edges, no unstable logs, no branches that could snap.

Let your child help design the course. "What should this station be?" They'll come up with creative challenges you wouldn't think of.

Add variety by going through the course backward, on tiptoe, or while carrying a pinecone (don't drop it!).

This builds the same skills as a gym obstacle course but with uneven, unpredictable surfaces — which actually builds better balance and proprioception.