Today at the playground we were designing obstacle courses. Erin, my 6 year old, came up with a clever route – we ascended the playground 2 different ways and descended it 2 different ways.
We timed each other and her younger sister, Olivia. It was fun. We did it all together too – and all our times improved that way too!
Obstacle courses need clear “rules”.
Start and end: our started and ended when you touched a nearby bench (same location).
Obstacles: What MUST be accomplished?
Sequence: Do the obstacles need to be completed in a specific order or no?
Special rules: What special rules must be followed? Thruought the entire course? At specific spots? Some special rules might be:
- Can’t use hands on one or all of the obstacles.
- Blindfolded.
- Can’t touch the ground.
- Backwards.
- Carrying a ball.
- Possibilities are endless! Kids are great at thinking of challenges!
Timed or challenge based: Time the challenge or award points for completion.
Open ended: this is my favorite… THE SLIDE CHALLENGE.
- First, choose a start and finish landmark.
- The Challenge: you must go down every slide at the playground at least once.
- Sequence: doesn’t matter – the participant (yes kids AND adults) gets to pick their own route they think will be the fastest.
- Time: The goal is to have the fastest time!
Try it! Do you have a favorite playground game? I’d love to hear!