How to Create a Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course for Kids

My kids love obstacle course and I always wanted to make one in our backyard. Here's the step-by-step guide I used to create an obstacle course for my kids!

Every kid has something in common; an infinite source of energy that needs to be consumed entirely.

Only 33% of children are getting more than 60 minutes of exercise per day. 18% are spending less than 30 minutes on physical activities. Today, kids are not enough physically active, and this could be the roots of all sort of problems.

Has a parent we need to be creative and find ways to inspire our children. We need to get them moving!

When I first participated in an obstacle race, it was an eye-opening moment. I realize how an obstacle course requires lots of physical movement, and how excellent they are to develop gross motor skills. It benefits the muscles, the coordination, the endurance, while also encourage thinking and problem-solving. For my kids, every obstacle they surmounted came with a confidence boost.

If you want to know what to wear at an obstacle race and expecting to find a real review from a real runner. Check out my clothing checklist.

Why creating an obstacle course for kids?

Since, the TV shows American Ninja Warrior has been such a hit, every kid in my neighborhood wants to be a ninja too. My kids and their friends are using the jungle gym at the park like it's an obstacle course. They are running from one station to another.

Since, it not always possible to visit the local park or attend an obstacle race, like Spartan Race or Tough Mudder, creating your own ninja warrior obstacle course can be a refreshing solution to get the kids playing outside.

When summer is finally here, it's time to embrace life and take on new adventures. It's time to have fun with the whole family!

Building your obstacle course doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. You probably already have the materials you need.

Where to build an obstacle course for kids?

The first thing you need to determine is where's the prime location to build it. Depending on the amount of square foot available and the terrain itself, you'll also figure out the obstacles you need.

Building an outdoor obstacle course

The perfect environment for an obstacle race is outside. Far away from the internet and video games. Some place where theirs plenty of space available.

Look around for flat area, hill or body of water, which can all be part of the course. The terrain will significantly influence the layout of the obstacles and their order in the race.

Backyard ninja warrior course

At home, the best place to organize your obstacle course is in your backyard. It's much more manageable to create a safe course in an area where you control what's inside and what can go out. Especially if you are building the course for a younger crowd.

Schoolyard obstacle course

The schoolyard is excellent because you have loads of space available. Most schoolyards will also have structures you could use as obstacles; jungle gym, basketball hoop, and sandbox. Also, a portion of the yard could be asphalted, wish will be more stable to hold the obstacle structure.

Just make sure you have the permission of the school. You should also ask if they are willing to give you access to school equipment, like cons, balls, hula hoop, etc.

Use the local park

Parks are excellent because you'll have plenty of space to map your course. Also, many parks will already have obstacles like a jungle gym, slides, basketball hoop, fences, benches, picnic table, etc. On the other hand, consider scanning the area for any dangers such as roots, stones, hard surfaces, deep water, roads, bicycle path or anything else that could cause injuries.

If you don't have a large backyard or if you are anticipating a larger group, the local park is a good location. However, you have to consider that it's a public space and you'll probably need the permission of the city. Plus, every kid in the neighborhood will aspire to test your wicked obstacle course.

Create an indoor obstacle course

When it cold or rainy outside, and everyone is stuck inside, kids still need to spend that energy. Creating an obstacle course is the perfect answer to entertain kids.

Your house

Your house can be the foundation of a surprising obstacle course.

First, you'll have to decide, which rooms to use and what's appropriate for your kid's age. Stairs can be fun but also dangerous for toddlers.

Take the extra precaution to keep your kids safe and look for sharp corners, wobbling furniture or slippery carpet. It's also a good idea to put away that lovely flower vase you have in the living room. I'm just saying.

For the obstacles, your house is full of objects you can use for the course. You can also mixt the obstacle race with a treasure hunt.

Mom and dad will enjoy planning and creating the obstacles while kids will enjoy having the permission to run inside the house.

The school gym and hallway

The school gym is the safest place where you could organize your obstacle course.

You'll have plenty of space for the obstacles while also having access to school gym materials (cones, hula hoop, etc.). Also, you'll do a better job at crowd control. The bathroom will be nearby, and water will be available.

Children will have lot's of fun, guaranteed.

I'm sure the kids will love to have permission to run in the school hallway.

Who will be using the obstacle course?

You'll have to choose your obstacles according to the participants. Not all obstacles are built the same. The age and amount of participants will hugely influence the structure you'll design.

How old are the kids?

You must consider the age and fitness level of the kids. The age and height of the kids will dictate the size of the obstacles and the level of difficulty. The obstacles must be challenging but also achievable and safe for the children.

Obstacle course for adults are much more intense and could be dangerous for little kids. I would avoid obstacles with more than 6-inch deep water and absolutely no swimming should be involved.

How many participants?

The size of the party will also significantly influence the obstacles. You will need tough obstacles if you have more than 20 kids attending the race. The more people will be using the course, the more the obstacle will get beaten. For a large crown, I would suggest you select durable material. Your laundry basket might get destroyed if more than 5 kids are jumping and running around.

What type of obstacle should you create?

Before I show you examples and ideas of obstacles to create, it's crucial you understand the main category of obstacles we usually find in obstacle courses.

Each type of obstacles has to be adjusted to the participant's fitness level and age. Some types are more suitable for children, while others could be too dangerous.

Also, I advise you to create a variety of obstacles that involve different abilities.

Agility

Every obstacle course will test the agility of its participant. It requires to move fast and be precise on the execution. Agility obstacle for kids could include: running around cones, trying to hit a target, etc.

Jumping

Jumping is one of the favorite activity for my kids. They jump on the sofa, they jump while brushing their teeth and they jump while talking. It goes without saying that kids will adore jumping obstacles; hurdle jump, stepping stones, tire jump, hula hoop jump, pogo stick, etc.

Jumping obstacles make the course extra fun.

Balancing

The balancing obstacles will require more concentration to be completed. It's where the participant needs to slow the pace and focus on the execution. My favorite balancing obstacles are the balance beam and the slack line.

Climbing

Climbing is a big part of any obstacle course, and the ability to climb fast is what makes ninjas so spectacular. The most impressive climbing obstacle in American Ninja Warrior is the salmon ladder.

Climbing obstacles usually necessitate more time to plan and could be unsuitable for younger kids. Adjust the height of the climbing obstacles according to the kids' ages.

Crawling

No obstacle course is completed without a crawling obstacle.

For this type of challenge, you can be very creative, and you have an infinite source of solutions: laser maze, cargo net, tunnel, tires, cardboard boxes, pool noodle, and so on.

Strength

Testing the participant strength is always a huge part of the adult obstacle courses.

However, keep in mind that you are building an obstacle course for little ninjas and keep it kid-friendly. You don't want to have you participate injured because they try to lift a ridiculously heavy object.

Anything that involves carrying an object over a distance is an excellent strength obstacle. You can also have to flip, push or pull a heavy object.

It can also involve body weight, like doing a push-up or crossing the monkey bars.

Teamwork

Obstacle racing is all about the tribe and being a social animal. Helping each other to overcome the obstacles.

During the race, it's the perfect time to have the little monkeys working with each other. Plus it's such a great way to make new friends.

You could include; relay race, three-legged race or human wheelbarrow.

Running

Between the obstacles, I recommend having a clearly marked parkour to follow, and to go to the next station, kids will probably run.

Having a clearly marked path with no obstruction is essential. Avoid crossing path where kids could accidentally bump in each other. They will have more fun, and you'll have less dispute to resolve.

What do you need to build an obstacle course for kids?

Before you start working on the obstacles, you must consider the following constraint.

Time available

How much time do you have? Is the race for next weekend or the kids are already in your backyard?

The time you have available will help you choose between:

1. Building your own DIY obstacles
2. Buying ready-made obstacles
3. Using household items as obstacles

Your DIY skills

No matter how much you'll like to build the obstacle, if you are not 100% sure about your construction ability, you should consider the other options.

On the other hand, if you were born with powers tools in your hand, go ahead a create the most spectacular obstacle course.

Mo Money, Mo Obstacles

Your budget will significantly influence your the type of obstacle you'll produce.

Money, can't do much without it, except been ultra creative. If you don't have the money to buy material from Home Depot, you need to be creative and look for alternative source of building materials (ex: donation, scraps, leftover, pallets, etc.).

Also, you can find a multitude of obstacle blueprint for sale on the internet. Buying such plans can spare you lots of time and maximize your chance to finish the course on time for the big day.

Space available

First, you need to know if the obstacles you are building are permanent or temporary. Will they stay in your backyard or you'll need to carry and store them.

If you need temporary obstacles, you'll want to use more household items and buy ready-made obstacles like the ninja line.

On the other hand, if the obstacles can stay on site, you can be more creative and build wooden obstacles.

DIY Obstacle ideas

Building the obstacle is my favorite part of these projects.

Here's a list of obstacles ideas you could build with different materials. Those are examples, and I'm sure you could modify any of these and create your own version of the obstacles. Time to get creative!

Obstacles made of wood

Wood is the best materials you could use to build you ninja warrior obstacle course. The obstacle will be robust enough to be used for a long time. Combine the wood with metal pipes, and you got your self a real outdoor ninja warrior course.

If you don't have the budget to buy wood, I suggest you look for the following types of wood; scraps, leftover, palettes, and wood lugs.

I'm sure every house in my neighborhood as leftover and scraps from previous renovations, they could spare. Every week, on garbage day I see tones of good pieces of wood being throw away. All of those are excellent sources of free wood to use to build your obstacle course.

Palettes are particularly useful to build climbing obstacle and platforms. You place them vertically, and you already have a ladder. They are also easy to find for free. Just make sure to check them for loose parts, splinters or nails.

Example of wooden obstacles you could build:

Balance Beam: Kids have to use their balance by walking across the beam. Just lay a squared beam on the grass and fix two perpendicular blocks under it to stabilize the beam. Moreover, use a rounded lug for a more challenging obstacle.

Wood Stepping Stones: Children must only step foot on the flat piece of wood to cross this obstacle. Simply, toss a few flat pieces of wood over a certain distance.

Quintuple Steps: Directly inspired by the first obstacle on the American Ninja Warrior course. The participant must jump from one angled steps to the other. Using momentum and bouncing from sides to sides to move forward. A true ninja obstacle!

Walls: This is a very common obstacle in Spartan Race and any other obstacle race. Participant must climb, jump over or crawl under a wall.

Climbing wall: On a vertical wall, the kids will have to climb on the face of the wall. Therefore you must add extra pieces of wood that will be used as grips. You could also add real climbing holds.

A-Frame climbing station: Kids will have to climb on one side and go down the other. Attach 2 pallets together to form a pyramid shape. Add an extra bracket horizontally on each side and you a have the A shape station.

Wood lug carries: To test your little warriors' strength, you can ask them to carry a wood lug over a specific distance.

Obstacles with tires

In almost every obstacle race I attend, there were obstacles made with tires. It's versatile and low-cost.

Also, tires are easy to find. Actually, you might have 4 winter tires store in your garage right now.

If you don't, I'm sure you could stop by your local garage and ask for old tires, and they will be glad to give them away. I would advise you to wash the tire before having kids crawling on dirty tires.

Rolling the tire: The kids have to roll the tire over a set distance. You could add an extra challenge by moving the tire up or down a hill.

Tire hopping: Lay the tires flat on the side to create a sidewalk, and ask the participant to step or jump inside the tires.

Stairway to heaven: Create a staircase or a pyramid by stacking tires. Use ropes to secure the bundle and avoid an avalanche of kids.

Tire lifting, carrying or flipping: Depending on your kid's ages, you could have a station where they lift and move the tire over a certain distance. You could also ask them to flip the tire. Tire flipping is one of Spartan Race obstacle, and many cross-fit gyms will also have giant tracker tire as gym equipment. It's the real deal!

Tracker pull: Attach a rope around the tire and participant must pull the tire over a certain distance. Add an extra challenge by adding weight on the tire or have a team member sit on the tire while the other one pulls it.

Tunnel: Kids must crawl through a tunnel made with tires. Simple and fun!

What other materials you could use?

There are so many materials you could use to create the obstacle. The only limit is your imagination.

Here are more ideas of what you could create.

PVC Hurdle

Kids will have to jump or crawl to succeed this obstacle. Create your own hurdle with PVC pipes. It's low-cost and easy to assemble. Also, the obstacles are light enough to carry around and easy de-assemble for storage.

Plastic culvert

Plastic culverts and drainage pipes are very common in obstacle races or mud runs. They are perfect to make tunnels or slides. Also, you can stack 3 or 5 tubes, secure with straps and you'll have a nice pyramid to climb. The plastic is durable enough to take a good beating.

Sawhorse

If you have sawhorses, you could easily create hurdle or crawling station with them. They are high enough, so kids have enough space to pass under. You can also use them to create a bridge by adding a ladder on top.

Ropes

Ropes is also a very common item in obstacle races. Mostly used for the rope climb, where the participants must climb along the cable to reach the top. You could certainly create your kid-friendly version by adding a multitude of knots along the rope to make it easy to climb.

Also, you can create a rope swing, where participants must swing from one side to another or over an obstacle (ex: a small baby pool filled with water).

Cargo net

Cargo net and fisherman net are great to create crawling obstacles.

Cargo net crawl: Kids have to crawl under the cargo net, which is tightly attached to little pickets on each side. It creates a small tunnel where participants must crawl on the ground.

Spider web: Participants have to cross under the net, which is laid flat on the ground. It feels like you are trapped under a spider web. Kids will love this obstacle.

You could also switch the cargo net by a plastic tarp. Which could also be used as a tunnel.

Ladder

A ladder can be used in different ways and would be a great addition to your ninja course. I've seeing different adult obstacle races where they used a ladder on their course.

Also, the ladder can be used to create monkey bars. Fix the ladder between 2 solid anchor points, and you have monkey bars. The kids will have to use their hands to cross to the other end of the ladder.

Eventually, the ladder could also be used as a bridge.

Sandbags

Sandbags make the perfect object to carry. Kids will have to take the sandbag over a certain distance. Make them carry the bag uphill for more challenge.

You can vary the amount of sand in each bag. Sandbag are safer to carry than wood lugs or concrete blocks. Because kids won't crush their toes of they drop it on their feet.

If you can't find sand, use dirt or gravels. Use burlap bags to contain the sand and tie a knot with ducktape or tie wrap.

Chains

Chains can be used as carrying objects. Participant must grab a chain and move it over a certain distance. Chains are probably not suitable for a younger crowd, but they make real bad-ass obstacles.

With Pool noodles

Pool noodles are one of the most versatile materials you could use for your backyard obstacle course. They are low-cost and very easy to find.

Also, they can be shaped into different obstacles:

Crawling under the noodle: Create a series of arched noodle to crawl under. Arch the noodle and fix it to the ground. Puch tent stakes (also work with chopsticks, pens, rod, etc.) into the ground and slide the noodle on the stack.

Noodle sticks: Use the noodle to push a ballon over a certain distance.

Noodle hurdle: Install a noodle horizontally between two objects (ex: chairs). Kids will jump over the noodle.

Noodle slalom: Push a stick into the grass and slide the noodle vertically on the rod. Install 4 or 5 vertical noodles and ask the kids to run in zig-zag across the noodles.

Noodle hoops: Shape the noodle into a circle and attach both ends with tape. Repeat the same process until you have 4 or 5 loops. Lay the rounded noodle on the grass and ask the kids to jump into the hoops.

Easily create obstacles with household items

Let's say you want to build an obstacle course right now and you don't have the time for a DIY project. You can use household objects to create a fun and temporary obstacle course.

Mop bucket

A simple mop bucket can be used in your obstacle course. You can employ a bucket in different obstacle types.

Here are some examples.

Jump over the bucket: Kids have to jump over one or a series of buckets, without touching them.

Buck carry: This is one of the most challenging obstacles in a Spartan Race. Participant must fill the bucket with dirt and take it over a certain distance (sometime uphill). Create a kid-friendly version by adjusting the weight. If you don't have sand, you can fill the bucket with water or plush toys.

Hercules hoist: This is another Spartan inspired obstacle. The bucket is attached to a pulley, and the participants must lift the bucket all the way up without dropping it. Adjust the weight by using water, sand or plush toys.

Wet sponge

The following obstacle is definitely not for an indoor course.

Fill the bucket: Kids must transfer water from one bucket to another using sponges. They have to dip the sponge in the water bucket and carry the wet sponge over a specific distance before filling the empty bucket.

Quilt thread

Create a laser maze with quilt threads. Move the string around the surrounding objects to create a spider web. Kids must be able to cross the maze without stepping or touching the line. (Indoor tips: Use painters tape to fix the string to the walls or surrounding object.)

Garden planters

Who doesn't have empty garden planters in their backyard shed? I probably have more than 20 planter boxes. Here's an original way to give them a second life.

Jump over the planter: Create hurdles to jump over with your unused pots. The kids will have to jump over without touching them.

Safety or painter's tape

Safety or painter's tape can be useful to highlight the course route. It also can be used to underline hazards area along the race (ex: watch your head, mind the gap, etc.) and secure loose wires.

Cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are a low-cost material, perfect for a homemade obstacle course for pre-schoolers. You can create odd shapes tunnels and hurdles. Plus it's easily stored before and after the race. When you are done with the obstacles, you fold everything in the recycle bin.

Chairs

Chairs are effortless to find, and they can be used to create obstacles. You can use two chairs with a pool noodle or a broom to create a hurdle. Also, you could use chairs and strings to create a laser maze. Just makes sure the chairs are stable enough.

Laundry basket

Your laundry basket can be used in your obstacle course for kids. It can be used to contain and carry objects. I would personally be careful and only use it into a small indoor obstacle race for my kids. Since it can be easily broken.

Toss in the basket: Use the basket as a recipient for bean bags or plush toys, that children have to toss. Choose lightweight objects, or it might break the basket.

Tracker pull: Attach a rope to the side of your laundry basket. Fill the basket with objects (lightweight) and ask your kids to pull the basket over a certain distance.

Sport and outdoor equipment

Another good place to look for materials is the sport and outdoor games box. You're kids probably have some of the following objects you could use to create the obstacles.

Hula hoops

Hula hoops are great to create obstacles. They are easy to install and durable enough for an obstacle race for kids.

Here's some example of what you could do with them:

Hoops: Have the kids do X amount of hoops in a station before continuing the race.

Hoop Alley: Create a sidewalk of hoops and have the kids jumping from one to another.

Crossing the hoops: Hang the hoops above ground from a rope and have the kids pass into the hoop. Add an extra level of difficulty by attaching bells to the hoops and ask to kid to be careful not ringing the bells. This will test their ninja abilities.

Rings

Plastic toy rings are useful for several different obstacles. If you don't already have some in the toy box, you can get them for cheap at the dollar store.

Step on the rings: Just like stepping stones, you have a couple of rings toss over a certain distance. The kids have to jump from one rings to another to cross the obstacle.

Toss the rings: This game is straightforward. The target will be a vertical stick place into the ground. The taller the stick is, the more difficult it will be. For a simple and easy target, you could use tent stacks.

Running: Instead of cones, you can use the rings to outline the running course.

Cones

Cones can be very helpful in your obstacle course. They can be used as markers and also be part of the obstacle.

Markers: Your obstacle course need to be cleary outline. Used to cones to mark the starting/finish lines, the route, etc.

Hurdle Jump: Place the cones in a straight line at an equal distance. To achieve the obstacle, kids have to bunny hop over the cones without touching them.

Bean bag

Bean bags can be used in various situations.

Hit the target: Ask the kids to hit a specific target or to toss the bean bags into a basket.

Crab Walk: Place all the bean bags in a pile 10 feet away from the starting line. Everyone needs to walk like a crab, back and forth, to bring the bean bag (could work with sandbag) to the starting line. It could also be any type of animal walk: bear, rabbit, snake, etc.

Balance bean bag: Walk with a balance bean bag on your head, without falling.

Frisbee

Your good old frisbee in your shed could be used for the agility obstacles.

Hit the target: The frisbee could be used to hit specific targets.

Toss in the bucket: Participants have to throw the frisbee in a bucket. Place the bucket further away for more challenge.

Marking the course: Just like cones, the frisbees could be used as markers.

Tunnel

Kids love to play with tunnels, and there is a great chance you already have one in your home. Look into your kids' playroom to see if they already have a retractable tunnel. If you don't, you can get probably get one for cheap on craigslist.

Slip and slide

Slip and slide are always fun on a hot summer day. It sure would be refreshing to have it in your obstacle course. Water obstacles are eternally a big hit in a kids obstacle race.

Workout ladder

Do you have gym equipment at home? Maybe you have a workout ladder, and you could totally use it in the obstacle course.

Ladder run: Lay the workout ladder on the grass and ask the kids to run over while doing a specific movement. Could be jumping in and out or left and right.

Jump ropes

Most kids know how to use jump ropes. Therefore, instead of running, the kids could have to jump ropes on a certain distance.

Tennis, soccer, volley, foot, basketballs

Every sports ball you have could be used in your obstacle course. They can be used to hit a target or for balancing on your head.

Ready to buy obstacles ideas

When you are running out of time, or want to cut the chase and make sure to get the proper obstacles, you can always check for the following equipment. They were made for kids, and they are safer to use than homemade obstacles.

If safety is a significant concern for you, I would recommend buying the equipment, instead of trying to make your own obstacle.

With ninja warrior equipment

These are the perfect ninja obstacles for kids. Alone, the following obstacles ideas make a great ninja warrior obstacle course, but they are also a great addition to any DIY obstacle course.

Ninja line

The Ninja line is a complete obstacle course in one bag. This activity set contains the ninja line, which as to be attached between 2 threes or solid posts.

On the cord, you'll have different grips that kids can use to cross to the other side. It's more challenging than simple monkeys bar because the grips are varied (balls, nunchucks, rings). Also, in the bag, you'll find a slack line to get the kids practicing their balance ability.

Your ninja warrior course will not be completed without this ninja line.

Slackline

In almost every obstacle race I attend, they have a station with a slack line. A must for every obstacle course because it's easy to install and to use and you have different ways to use it.

Hanging monkey: If you have one slackline, I would suggest you install it high enough so the kids can grab it with their hands. The kids will have to cross from one side to another, by hanging under the slackline. They'll have to wrap their legs around the line and use their hands to pull themselves to the other side.

The tightrope walker: If you have 2 slacklines available I would suggest you install them in parallel. One should be low enough so the kids can step on and the other will be used to hold with their hands. The top line will make it easier for the participant to succeed the obstacle.

If you only have 1 slackline, have a parent present to hold the kid hand will the cross.

The spread eagle: I have seen this obstacle at Tough Mudder, and it looks fun. You'll need 2 slacklines parallel to the ground and 4 anchors points. The goal is to have 2 parallel line, 2 or 3 feet from each other. Then the kids have to put their left arm and leg on one side and the right arm and leg on the other side. Their body will be in between the 2 lines. They need to use their arms to pull on the lines and slide to the other side.

Ninja grips

These ninja grips are just like the rings or the monkey bars, kids will have to hang and swing between each grip to cross to the other side of the obstacle.

If you don't have a fixed horizontal beam in your course that you can use, I suggest you get the ninja line. You'll have the ninja grips but already attached to a line, ready to install.

Or you can fix the grips on the wall and kids will have to cross the wall horizontally by using the grips and pushing the wall with their feet again. Every Spartan race has an obstacle like this.

Ninja hooks

The ninja hooks are really similar to the ninja grips, but they add an extra challenge to the obstacle. The participant must hold on to the hooks, and use them to cross the obstacle. For example, you could have the kids doing the monkey bars by using the ninja hooks.

Ninja pegboard

The pegboard will definitely test the strength of your participants. Kids will have to traverse the obstacle by moving the pegs from holes to holes on the pegboard. You can place the pegboard vertically for an extra challenge. I would suggest you add a bell at the top of the pegboard and ask the kids to ring the bell.

Inflatable obstacles for kids

Inflatables are the ultimate fun obstacles you could add to your party. Inflatable obstacles are also easy to set up and store after the events.

Inflatable Slide

A slide is a fantastic obstacle for kids. If you want to make it extra special, add water or foam to the slide. If I had the budget, I would definitely add a slide to my obstacle course. It's simple, fun and safe.

Create a plan for the obstacle course

Now that you have a good idea of the obstacles you want, you'll need to create a plan. For each obstacle, you must have a general idea of the time and the ability required to be completed.

You'll want to disperse to obstacles along the course and try to alternate the ability needed. Don't put all the strength obstacles altogether, the kids will get tired and might drop out of the race. Try to alternate fun with challenging obstacles. Also, you must be aware of the average time to complete an obstacle.

Considering such information will prevent long waiting lines and impatient kids.

While taking the time to create your obstacles plan, why not make a real map of the event. The map can be displayed at the beginning of the course and will be used to explain the necessary instruction to the kids. It's essential that you give the obstacles an order for which the participant will follow. Otherwise, it will be chaos. Each obstacle should have a visible number, and you could add signalization along the course. Draw arrows, add small colored flags or create corridors to follow.

While preparing the course with your kids, you could ask them to draw the map. It would be a fun way to include your kids in the process.

Instruction and rules

Like all games, you'll need to decide the basic rules and instructions. I would propose you keep the rules to a minimum and easy to understand. Don't be over creative, because most participants will forget the rules anyway.

How to complete the obstacle course?

While most obstacles will be pretty obvious on how to use them, maybe some will require guidance. Explain the instructions to the participants at the starting line. Also, give the instruction to parents who will help at each station. Kids will be able to ask questions if they are not sure how to use the obstacle. This will limit the chance of accidents because of obstacles misuse. Also, it will limit the waiting time at the station.

Time limit

You can decide if the race is timed or not. Most official obstacle race will have a cut-off time. For a kids race, I would keep it simple; everyone who completes the course is rewarded. Using a timmer could create unnecessary stress, and kids could be tempted to cheat or go over the obstacle too fast.

Waves

Depending on the size of your crowd, you could have multiple waves of runners. By creating smaller groups at the starting line, you'll avoid overcrowding your course, and it will be safer. Every 60 seconds a small group could begin the course.

Help

Every obstacle races have volunteers along the course who can help the participant. Try to have at least one parent for each challenging obstacles. They'll be able to assist, give instruction and also encourage kids. Even if you provide the direction to the kids at the starting line, most of them will forget, and it could create confusion at the station.

For a longer course, you could add water stations every X amount of obstacle. Water stations are necessary if your course involves lots of running, especially with kids.

Team

Teamwork could be involved in the course, and it will be a great addition. Kids could have to put their efforts together to complete specific obstacles. Also, having the kids running in a team, will create an extra motivation to be perseverant and overcome the difficulties.

If the course is small and you have a large crowd of runners, you could make it a team really race. Each member must run the course one after the other.

To identify the team, you could assign a different color to each one of them. You could have all the kids wear colored t-shirts or bandanas. If you have too many teams, you should opt for numbered t-shirts.

Medal

If you want to do a proper obstacle race, you'll need to have finisher medals. Every kid who crosses the finish line would receive a medal. You could also, have different awards for the first 3 participants (or team) to complete the course.

Buying a small batch of medals is not impossible and not so expensive as I thought I would be. Many manufacturers specialize in sports medal, and they have different models to choose from. For an obstacle race, I would pick this medal which looks pretty cool.

If participation in the race is free, chances are you don't have the budget to buy medals. But what if I had a solution ... cookies medal! Use the same cookie kit you use for Christmas but make Ninja Warrior cookies. Use a circle or star to form the medal shape and use colorful icing. Have them, ready to be distributed at the finish line and give one to all kids who complete the course. Make sure you have extra cookies, in case some wise kids do multiple laps to get more cookies.

Precaution

When you finish installing the obstacles, I strongly recommend you have them tested. On paper, it might look like a great idea, but chances are you might need to do some last minute modifications.

Also, think about safety and make sure every obstacle is full proof. You are responsible for the safety of every participant, and therefore you must take every precaution. Chances are the kids will be rough with the obstacle and try to use them in all kind of way. My advice is to test the obstacles your self and see if it can support your weight.

On the day of the race, have some last minute repairs equipment like heavy-duty tie wrap, duct tape, screws, pieces of woods and your tools.

Conclusion

Building the ultimate ninja warrior course can be done by anyone if you follow this plan. You can turn your backyard into a homemade obstacle course, with a couple of equipment, your DIY skills and a little bit of planning.

Kids will have a great time because of you!

P.S. If you want to know what to wear at an obstacle race and hoping to get genuine advice from a real runner. You should check out this my clothing checklist.

I have hand picked this racing gear because I'd used each item in different obstacle races and mud runs. Plus, I'd confirmed my selection with my fellow OCR runners. With all their insights and my own experience, I've built this list of the most helpful gear to bring at an obstacle race.

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