Create Lava Jumps!
Build a safe 'lava jumps' obstacle course with cushions, paper stepping stones, and tape; design routes, practice jumping, balance, and counting skills.
About this activity
Build a safe 'lava jumps' obstacle course with cushions, paper stepping stones, and tape; design routes, practice jumping, balance, and counting skills.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Clear a play area by moving toys and breakable things out of the way so you have lots of open floor.
- 2
Step 2
Gather the cushions paper tape scissors and colouring materials and bring them to your play area.
- 3
Step 3
Place the cushions on the floor to make safe "islands" with small gaps you can jump across.
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Step 4
Cut the paper into flat "stepping stones" about the size of your hand.
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Step 5
Decorate the stepping stones with colours or pictures so each one looks fun.
- 6
Step 6
Number the stepping stones in the order you want to step on them for your first route.
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Step 7
Use tape to mark the lava lines on the floor and a clear start and finish line.
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Step 8
Lay the numbered stepping stones between cushions to build your first easy route.
- 9
Step 9
Design two more routes by changing the stepping order spacing or which cushions you use.
- 10
Step 10
Say the game rules out loud so everyone knows to jump safely land softly and stay on the stones or cushions.
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Step 11
Do a slow practice run on the easiest route and count each jump out loud while you move.
- 12
Step 12
Practice balancing by standing on a cushion for five seconds before you jump to the next stone.
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Step 13
Try the medium and hard routes while counting each jump and using your balance skills.
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Step 14
Take a photo or write about your Lava Jumps course and share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I set up a 'lava jumps' obstacle course at home?
Clear a flat play area and set a start and finish. Arrange cushions, couch pillows, and folded blankets as “islands” and place paper stepping stones (paper circles or plates) between them. Use painter’s or masking tape to create balance lines and mark safe zones. Demonstrate jumping with bent knees and soft landings. Let kids design routes, practise one at a time, and add counting or time challenges to combine movement with learning.
What materials do I need to make lava jumps?
You’ll need soft cushions or pillows, sturdy paper or paper plates for stepping stones, painter’s/masking tape that won’t damage floors, and a clear, non-slip floor space. Optional items: foam mats for extra padding, permanent markers to number stones, a timer or stopwatch, and a small cardboard balance beam. Keep scissors and small objects out of reach and choose materials appropriate to your child’s size and coordination level.
What ages is the lava jumps activity suitable for?
Lava Jumps can be adapted for ages 2–10. Toddlers (2–3) should have very low islands close together and constant adult supervision. Preschoolers (3–5) enjoy simple routes that practice jumping and counting. School-age kids (6–10) can handle longer courses, balance challenges, and timed races. Adjust spacing, height, and rules for each age and ability, and always supervise younger children to reduce fall risks.
What safety tips and variations should I know for lava jumps?
Keep the play area free of sharp edges and secure rugs to prevent slipping. Use soft cushions only and avoid stacking items too high. Set rules: one child jumps at a time and no running into furniture. For variations, create number or color sequences to practice counting, add balance beams with tape, or time runs for friendly competition. Always supervise and adjust difficulty to match skill level to keep it safe and fun.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have cushions, paper tape, or scissors?
If you don't have cushions use folded blankets or sofa pillows as 'islands', cut stepping stones from cardboard or magazine pages instead of paper, and use painter's tape or masking tape if you don't have paper tape or ask an adult to pre-cut stones if you lack scissors.
My stepping stones keep sliding or the tape peels up — how can I fix that?
If the paper stepping stones slide or the lava tape peels, stick stones down with a dab of double-sided tape or use heavier cardboard stones and press the tape firmly when you 'Lay the numbered stepping stones' and 'Use tape to mark the lava lines' so the gaps stay safe.
How can I change the game for a 3-year-old or a 10-year-old?
For a 3-year-old make larger hand-sized stones, tiny gaps between cushions and only one easy numbered route to practice counting, while for a 10-year-old increase spacing, add medium and hard routes and require a five-second balance hold on cushions before jumping.
How can we make Lava Jumps more creative or shareable?
Decorate and theme the stepping stones with drawings or mini-challenges, add glow-in-the-dark or colored tape for extra flair, keep scores or timed runs for each route, and take a photo or write about your Lava Jumps course to share on DIY.org.