Backyard Ninja Obstacle Course
Build a ninja warrior course in your backyard with climbing, crawling, balancing, and jumping challenges — an epic outdoor workout.
What You'll Need
- 1Rope or string
- 2Pool noodles (3-4)
- 32x4 board or garden border
- 4Cushions or play structure
- 5Cones or markers
- 6Monkey bars or pull-up bar (optional)
What You'll Need
Rope or string for the crawl-under station
3-4 pool noodles for the jumping station
A 2x4 board or garden border for balance
Cushions or a low play structure for climbing
Cones or markers for the weave
Monkey bars or a pull-up bar (optional)
How to Play
Design your ninja course. Walk your backyard and plan 6-8 stations using available equipment and terrain. Each station should test a different skill.
Army Crawl Station: tie a rope between two posts about 18 inches off the ground. Your child must crawl under on their belly without touching the rope. For extra drama, say it's a "laser beam."
Jump Station: lay 3-4 pool noodles on the ground about 2 feet apart. Jump over each one without touching them.
Balance Station: set up a 2x4 board on the ground or find a garden border. Walk the length without stepping off.
Climb Station: stack cushions, use a low play structure, or set up a hay bale. The goal is to climb over something higher than waist height.
Weave Station: set up 5-6 cones and sprint between them. For a twist, carry a water balloon that can't be dropped.
Hang Station: if you have monkey bars or a pull-up bar, hang for 10 seconds. If not, do 10 jumping jacks.
Time the full course from start to finish. Write down the time and challenge your child to beat it on the next run.
Tips
Building the course together is half the fun. Let your child help design stations and test them during setup.
Start with easier versions of each station and adjust. Lower the crawl rope, move the jump noodles closer, widen the balance surface.
The timer transforms this from "playing in the backyard" to a real challenge. Kids become intensely motivated when a clock is running.
Invite friends for a ninja tournament. Multiple kids running the same course creates natural competition and encouragement.
Leave the course up for a week. Kids will run it every day and their times will drop dramatically, which teaches them about practice and improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 15 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: rope or string, pool noodles (3-4), 2x4 board or garden border, cushions or play structure, cones or markers, and 1 more item.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 4-6 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Does this need to be done outdoors?
This activity is best done outdoors where kids have space to move and explore.
How difficult is this activity?
This is a more challenging activity that may require advance preparation, special materials, or closer supervision. The extra effort is worth it for the learning experience!
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