How do I set up an obstacle course for kids?

Setting up an obstacle course can be as simple as laying out foam stones in your living room or as complicated as constructing a ninja warrior course with over a dozen obstacles between two trees. Those designed for toddlers and younger children are usually easier to set up since the courses aren’t complex. When you purchase ones that are for older children, the setup may be more time-consuming and elaborate, so make sure you have the time to build it safely.

How does an obstacle course help a child’s development?

Obstacle courses provide many benefits to a child’s physical and cognitive development. According to Kurr, children improve their balance, muscle coordination, and gross motor skills as they work through an obstacle course, whether they’re walking across a narrow beam or maneuvering through a ninja warrior course. Plus, if multiple kids are playing on a course together, this can help with communication and teamwork, Brown says. Children also learn to think critically when overcoming an obstacle, helping them improve their analytical thinking. “Maybe they’re successful the first time [they try to get around an obstacle] but maybe they’re not. And then they have to figure out how to be successful the next time,” Kurr says. The challenge of an obstacle course can also increase kids’ self-esteem and confidence. While an appropriate challenge is beneficial, it’s also important to find an obstacle course that fits your kiddo’s skill level. “Make sure it’s not overly challenging, so your child is set up for success while also pushing themselves,” Brown tells Verywell Family.

How much do the best obstacle courses cost?

Obstacle course prices vary greatly depending on the type and complexity of the setup. A DIY obstacle course can be free, depending on what you have around your house. If you’re looking for longer-lasting and more complex systems, the price increases significantly. Obstacle courses that are geared towards toddlers and younger kids are usually around the $50 mark, like the Hapinest Turtle Stepping Stones and the EdxEducation Step-a-Trai l. For ninja warrior obstacle courses that have around a dozen accessories, the price point reaches upward of $150, like the Trailblaze Slackline and Hanging Obstacle Course . If you are looking for large, inflatable obstacle courses, you’ll likely need to invest a few hundred dollars. For example, the Bountech 8-in-1 Inflatable Bounce House retails for $250 while the Bounceland Bounce House was just under $450 at the time of publication.

The 15 Best Obstacle Courses for Kids of 2023

The Best Obstacle Courses for Kids — Verywell Family / Alli Waataja

Sometimes all it takes is a few chairs and cardboard boxes scattered throughout the house for kids to create an obstacle course from scratch. While this is a fun impromptu activity for a rainy day, there are more durable and long-lasting options for kids to explore—without making the house a mess. Purchasing an obstacle course provides additional safety and can help kids improve their analytical thinking, confidence, and gross motor skills.

Whether you’re looking to entertain a crowd at a birthday party or just want to add something fun to the backyard, obstacle courses have many physical and cognitive benefits for kids. “Not only are they working on their gross motor skills, but also on their own self-confidence and coordination,” says Bethany Brown, a Massachusetts-based physical education teacher.

Obstacle course offerings vary widely, from simple options that inspire free play in toddlers to more complex ones that challenge your kiddos. To make our list, we consulted with experts and researched dozens of options on the market, evaluating them on material, assembly, safety, and durability. When choosing an obstacle course for your family, take into account the ages of your children, their ability levels, the item’s safety features, and the space you have in your yard or house.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Perantlb Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Endless Games Obstacle Course in a Box at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Little Tikes 2-in-1 Wet ‘n Dry Inflatable Bouncer at Amazon

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Best Indoor:

EdxEducation Step-A-Trail at Amazon

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Best Outdoor:

American Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course Race Set at Amazon

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Best With Water:

Banzai Aqua Blast Obstacle Course at Amazon

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Best Ninja Obstacle Course:

NinjaSafe Ninja Obstacle Course at Amazon

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Best Inflatable:

Bounceland Obstacle Course at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers:

Sunny Days Entertainment Cocomelon Tunnel at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers Runner-Up:

Hapinest Turtle Steps Stepping Stones Obstacle Course at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

High maximum weight
Cost-effective
Lots of features

Cons

Primarily for outdoor use

This all-in-one obstacle course instantly upgrades playtime in the backyard with its wide assortment of features. Attached to a 52-foot slackline are two monkey bars, two monkey rings, a rope ladder, two monkey knots, a soft swing, two monkey bars, a climbing net, and a ring swing, so kids can put their strength and skills to the test. There are also 19 hanging buckles to add additional accessories if desired and a ratchet to keep the slackline secure. Complete with a carrying bag to store parts you're not using, this obstacle course is great for playtime with siblings and friends.

In addition to the many features, this obstacle course is made from durable material to withstand all sorts of weather and repeated use. The slackline is nylon, while the buckles and ratchet are made out of alloy steel. To set up the slackline, you'll need two mature trees or posts that are 30 to 48 feet apart. (Two tree protectors are included.) At $97, it’s more affordable than comparable options, and it’s a reasonable investment for the hours of fun it will provide.

Price at time of publication: $97

^{Key Specs:
Size: 52-foot slackline | Material: Nylon, alloy steel | Recommended Age Range: Not Listed | Weight Limit: 440 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Affordable price point
No assembly required
Lots of games

Cons

Fewer features
Not suitable for young children

With its 36-page booklet of ideas, this obstacle course can be used for dozens of kid-friendly exercises that you and your family can practice indoors or outdoors. The kit includes a jump rope and 27 double-sided foam tiles that describe different workouts, including calf raises, burpees, gator chomps, planks, and more. Obstacle in a Box also comes with a stopwatch to add an element of competition and a drawstring bag to take the fun with you to the park or a friend’s house. And at $25, it’s a budget-friendly option for many families.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Size: 10.5 x 2.38 x 10.5 inches | Material: Foam tiles and jump rope | Recommended Age Range: 7 years old and up | Weight Limit: N/A}

Amazon

Pros

Durable
Highly stimulating for children
Good for a variety of ages

Cons

Costly
Lengthy set-up time

Trick out your backyard with this versatile obstacle course. The Little Tikes 2-in-1 Wet ‘n Dry Inflatable Bouncer can be used wet or dry, so kiddos can splash around in the summer but still enjoy the fun during cooler weather. Features include a large bouncing surface, climbing wall, splash pool, slide, and mesh tunnel at the top.

Four kids can be in the bouncer at once, making it great for play dates or a birthday party. Why rent a bounce house when you can buy one that your kids can enjoy for years to come?

Price at time of publication: $615

^{Key Specs:
Size: 155 x 161 x 110 inches | Material: Vinyl body with mesh netting | Recommended Age Range: 3 years old and up} ^{| Weight Limit: 350 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Portable
High maximum weight

Cons

Not stimulating for older children

The joy of obstacle courses doesn’t have to stop just because the weather gets gloomy. Instead, the EdxEducation Step-a-Trail makes a great indoor distraction for younger kids who love imaginative play. They can set up their own fairytale forest or pretend the floor is lava as they jump between the three stumps and three logs. With its non-slip grip surfaces, kids can play safely for hours. Plus, as your child grows, the stumps and logs can be moved farther apart to create a more challenging course.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Size: Varies between pieces | Material: Plastic and rubber | Recommended Age Range: 18 months old and up | Weight Limit: 792 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Easy to move around
Simple assembly

Cons

Not suitable for toddlers

If you’ve got kids with a healthy dose of competition in their veins, the competitive play that comes with the American Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course Race set is the match for them. With the two hop race sacks, three adjustable hurdles, and eight agility rings, there are endless course layouts that are adjustable depending on the age of the players. Kids can play head-to-head for some friendly competition or in groups to create a space for boosting confidence and teamwork.

Price at time of publication: $61

^{Key Specs:
Size: 13 x 32 x 50 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age Range: 6 years old and up | Weight Limit: N/A}

Amazon

Pros

Affordable
Multiple kids can play at once

Cons

May puncture easily

Skip the season passes and long lines at the water park and splash around in your yard with the Banzai Aqua Blast Obstacle Course. Featuring built-in sprinklers, this obstacle course will keep your kids cool during the sweltering summer months. Kids will enjoy the hurdles, 16-foot water slide with a limbo pole, and tire jump as they race against one another or beat their own time.

Price at time of publication: $33

^{Key Specs:
Size: 16.5 x 12.1 x 3.1 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age Range: 5 to 12 years old | Weight Limit: Not listed}

Amazon

Pros

Lots of features
Easy setup

Cons

Not suited for indoors

Kids ages 5 and up can put their abilities to the test with the feature-packed NinjaSafe Ninja Obstacle Course. The set includes a monkey bar, a climbing ladder, two gymnastic rings, two monkey fist knots, two freestyle rings, a climbing net, a ninja wheel, and 13 extra connectors to add more features if desired.

To set it up, all you need to do is attach the slackline to two trees that are 15 to 45 feet apart, and your kiddos are off to the races. Plus, the obstacle course has undergone extensive testing to ensure that it’s safe for kids to use.

Price at time of publication: $170

^{Key Specs:
Size: 50-foot slackline | Material: Nylon | Recommended Age Range: 5 years old and up | Weight Limit: 250 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Blower included
Easy to inflate

Cons

Costly

Be the talk of the neighborhood when you purchase the brightly-hued Bounceland Obstacle Course for your kids. Kids can compete as they dive through the fan tunnels, dodge the poles, and jump down the slide. The powerful blower inflates the whole house in less than a minute so kids won’t have to wait for their fun to start. Plus, the heavy-duty, puncture-proof material and 9-inch ground stakes keep kiddos safe as they bounce.

Price at time of publication: $461

^{Key Specs:
Size: 19 x 9 x 7 feet | Material: PVC coated Terylene and laminated Oxford Terylene | Recommended Age Range: 3 to 10 years old | Weight Limit: 400 pounds total, 100 pounds per individual}

Amazon

Pros

Affordable
Great for imagination play

Cons

Not engaging enough for older children

Let’s face it: Kids can make anything into a plaything with their imagination. With the Cocomelon Tunnel, kids can dive into a burrow underground, create a bridge between two worlds, or simply pretend to be a worm wiggling their way through the living room. No matter where your kid’s imagination leads them, this simple 5-foot-long tunnel is a fun companion. Thanks to the pop-up design, it’s super easy to assemble and store when not in use. In case of a spill, you can use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean it.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Size: 60 x 19 x 16 inches | Material: Polyester | Recommended Age Range: 3 to 12 years old | Weight Limit: N/A}

Amazon

Pros

Portable
Comes with cards and a spinner

Cons

Shell color may fade in the sun

Keep toddlers entertained indoors or outdoors with this cute obstacle course set, which includes three large turtle shell stepping stones and three medium ones that kiddos can hop between. A spinner tells the player which color shell to move to, and anti-slip rubber edging keeps the plastic shell in place as they hop. The shells can be placed as close together or as far apart as kids desire to create the right level of difficulty.

For a more structured competition, use the 24 activity cards to explore different challenges. Regardless of the type of play, these stepping stones aid in coordination, balance, and concentration.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Size: 13 x 17 inches (large), 11 x 8 inches (medium) | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age Range: 3 years old and up | Weight Limit: 195 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Lots of configuration options
High weight limit

Cons

Costly

Preschool-aged kids can go on an adventure in the woods (safely!) with this Step-A-Forest set. There are tons of configurations to make with the 22 plastic pieces, which come in a handy carrying case for storage or a playdate. The assortment of logs, stumps, and leaves gives children a variety of ways to increase their balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. To make the obstacle courses more challenging, pieces can be moved further apart and laid out in more complex paths.

Price at time of publication: $273

^{Key Specs:
Size: Varies depending on configuration | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age Range: 2 to 8 years | Weight limit: 792 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Zipline
Multiple configurations

Cons

Not suited for indoors

Older kids can put their upper body strength to the test with the unique zipline on this obstacle course. In addition to the zipline pulley, this obstacle course comes with a rope ladder, two gym rings, three monkey bars, and two rope knots to play on. The set also includes everything you need for assembly: tree protectors, triangle clips, carabiners, a ratchet, and two slacklines. One slackline holds the pulley and the other holds the other features, but if your kiddos want extra support while they play, you can attach one of the lines closer to the ground for them to walk across.

Price at time of publication: $98

^{Key Specs:
Size: 50-foot slackline | Material: Aluminum | Recommended Age Range: 3 years old and up | Weight Limit: 250 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Versatile features
Easy setup

Cons

No extra parts available for purchase

For anyone needing an easy setup for their backyard, the Hyponix Monkey Line’s ratchet-tight technology makes for quick work. You can leave it set up in your backyard without the danger of weather destroying the product. It’s made from high-quality, durable nylon to withstand rain and sunlight, allowing for year-round use.

Plus, a wide range of ages can use the obstacle course thanks to the variety of features, including a rope ladder, spinning wheel, monkey bars, and climbing net, among others. All you’ll need to assemble it is two trees or posts that are 15 to 45 feet apart.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Size: 50-foot slackline | Material: Nylon | Recommended Age Range: 5 years old or up | Weight Limit: 250 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Fun water play
Entertaining for a variety of ages

Cons

Low maximum weight

Renting a bounce house can cost several hundred dollars, so buying your own is a smart investment if you plan to use it for birthday parties or family get-togethers. The Bountech 8-in-1 Inflatable Bounce House is a relatively affordable option with a variety of games to keep kiddos entertained for hours. The bounce house includes a jumping area, climbing wall, basketball hoop, football goal, ball pit, target game, ring toss game, and dual slides.

Three to four kids can play the games separately or run through the entire course for some friendly competition. Plus, the whole thing inflates in a matter of minutes.

Price at time of publication: $250

^{Key Specs:
Size: 168 x 120 x 96 inches | Material: Oxford cloth | Recommended Age Range: 3 to 10 years old | Weight Limit: 265 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Two slacklines for added safety
Safe for adults to use

Cons

Mostly for outdoor use

If you’re looking for a backyard activity that’s fun for the whole family, the Dripex Obstacle Course is engaging for kids and adults alike. The maximum weight of 450 pounds means multiple kiddos (or their family members) can use the obstacle course safely, with additional security from the dual slacklines on the top and bottom of the course.

Accessories include a swing with a belt for younger children, a climbing ladder, a trapeze swing, two monkey bars, three gymnastic swings, and two rings. The only problem you’ll have is who gets a turn first—the kids or the adults?

Price at time of publication: $200

^{Key Specs:
Size: 60-foot slacklines | Material: Polyester slackline with wood, iron, and stainless steel accessories | Recommended Age Range: 3 years old and up | Weight Limit: 450 pounds}

How We Selected the Best Obstacle Courses for Kids

There are several factors to consider before choosing the ideal obstacle course for your child. To make our picks, we researched dozens of obstacle courses and well-known brands, evaluating them on their safety features, durability, ease of use, and overall versatility. We also spoke with Bethany Brown, who has 13 years of teaching experience, and Kimber Kurr, PT, DPT, PCS, a registered physical therapist, pediatric clinical specialist, and assistant professor at Ithaca College, about how obstacle courses can aid in muscle coordination and development, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.

What to Look for in Obstacle Courses for Kids

Material

Obstacle courses can be made from several different types of material, depending on their intended use and if they’re built for the outdoors. Some obstacle courses, like the NinjaSafe Ninja Obstacle Course, are constructed from nylon or UV-resistant materials, which are inherently weatherproof and can be stored outside. Larger courses often have sturdy stainless steel accessories to support the kiddo’s weight. Other options, such as the Endless Games Obstacle Course in a Box, have foam or plastic components and should be stored inside.

Assembly

Since obstacle courses are designed to allow your kids to leap and jump and play, the structure and its features must be reliably sturdy. This means that proper assembly is crucial to ensure kids can play safely, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. If you select an obstacle course with slackline features or hanging rings, be sure to tightly secure the features to trees or posts so that they are taut and do not sag. Likewise, secure an indoor obstacle course per the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent instability and tipping.

Safety and Durability

According to Kurr, choosing the location for an obstacle course is one of the most important steps to keep your child safe. “If a child happens to climb on it in an unintended way, you want to make sure it won’t fall over into anything,” she says. Keep the space around the obstacle course free from anything that could hurt your child, such as a rocky patio or a coffee table.

When looking for a long-lasting obstacle course for your family, keep the physical space you have in mind. If your backyard doesn’t have many trees, for instance, a slackline ninja warrior obstacle course that must be secured to trees or posts might not be your best option. Additionally, be sure to choose the best material for your intended use. If you plan on using the obstacle course outside, opt for tough plastic or wood rather than foam that will disintegrate from exposure to the elements.

Recommended Age

As with any toy on the market, take note of the safety hazards and age recommendations for each obstacle course you consider. While having a wide variety of features can lead to more stimulation and analytical thinking, it might also not be appropriate for younger children and their skill sets. Brown encourages a diverse amount of features to challenge children but also recognizes the importance of setting kids up for success to build their confidence.

Make sure the obstacle courses you choose aren’t too complicated so your children won’t feel defeated, but also not too simple so that your kids don’t get bored. Even if your kiddo falls into the recommended age range, they should be always supervised by an adult when playing on an obstacle course.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up an obstacle course for kids?

Setting up an obstacle course can be as simple as laying out foam stones in your living room or as complicated as constructing a ninja warrior course with over a dozen obstacles between two trees. Those designed for toddlers and younger children are usually easier to set up since the courses aren’t complex. When you purchase ones that are for older children, the setup may be more time-consuming and elaborate, so make sure you have the time to build it safely.
How does an obstacle course help a child’s development?

Obstacle courses provide many benefits to a child’s physical and cognitive development. According to Kurr, children improve their balance, muscle coordination, and gross motor skills as they work through an obstacle course, whether they’re walking across a narrow beam or maneuvering through a ninja warrior course. Plus, if multiple kids are playing on a course together, this can help with communication and teamwork, Brown says.
Children also learn to think critically when overcoming an obstacle, helping them improve their analytical thinking. “Maybe they’re successful the first time [they try to get around an obstacle] but maybe they’re not. And then they have to figure out how to be successful the next time,” Kurr says.
The challenge of an obstacle course can also increase kids’ self-esteem and confidence. While an appropriate challenge is beneficial, it’s also important to find an obstacle course that fits your kiddo’s skill level. “Make sure it’s not overly challenging, so your child is set up for success while also pushing themselves,” Brown tells Verywell Family.
How much do the best obstacle courses cost?

Obstacle course prices vary greatly depending on the type and complexity of the setup. A DIY obstacle course can be free, depending on what you have around your house. If you’re looking for longer-lasting and more complex systems, the price increases significantly. Obstacle courses that are geared towards toddlers and younger kids are usually around the $50 mark, like the Hapinest Turtle Stepping Stones and the EdxEducation Step-a-Trail.
For ninja warrior obstacle courses that have around a dozen accessories, the price point reaches upward of $150, like the Trailblaze Slackline and Hanging Obstacle Course. If you are looking for large, inflatable obstacle courses, you’ll likely need to invest a few hundred dollars. For example, the Bountech 8-in-1 Inflatable Bounce House retails for $250 while the Bounceland Bounce House was just under $450 at the time of publication.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Heather Balogh Rochfort is a freelance writer specializing in parenting, fitness, travel, and the outdoors. In 2017 she became a mother and immediately found herself entrenched in the beautiful-yet-demanding world of parenting. Since then, she has broadened her scope to include the gear, products, and experiences that go hand-in-hand with motherhood. She has written for The Washington Post, Outside, Parents, and more.