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.
Step-by-step guide to Create Lava Jumps!
Step 1
Clear a play area by moving toys and breakable things out of the way so you have lots of open floor.
Step 2
Gather the cushions paper tape scissors and colouring materials and bring them to your play area.
Step 3
Place the cushions on the floor to make safe "islands" with small gaps you can jump across.
Step 4
Cut the paper into flat "stepping stones" about the size of your hand.
Step 5
Decorate the stepping stones with colours or pictures so each one looks fun.
Step 6
Number the stepping stones in the order you want to step on them for your first route.
Step 7
Use tape to mark the lava lines on the floor and a clear start and finish line.
Step 8
Lay the numbered stepping stones between cushions to build your first easy route.
Step 9
Design two more routes by changing the stepping order spacing or which cushions you use.
Step 10
Say the game rules out loud so everyone knows to jump safely land softly and stay on the stones or cushions.
Step 11
Do a slow practice run on the easiest route and count each jump out loud while you move.
Step 12
Practice balancing by standing on a cushion for five seconds before you jump to the next stone.
Step 13
Try the medium and hard routes while counting each jump and using your balance skills.
Step 14
Take a photo or write about your Lava Jumps course and share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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.
Watch videos on how to Create Lava Jumps!
Volcano Lava Dance! Jump Challenge Game - Easy - Movement Songs for Toddlers - Brain Break
4 Videos
Volcano Lava Dance! Jump Challenge Game - Easy - Movement Songs for Toddlers - Brain Break
The Floor is LAVA Song! | Fun Dance & Jump Game for Kids | Freeze & Play!
How to Make a Wall-Jumping Platformer with Lava | Scratch Platformer Tutorial Part 3
Jump Challenge - The Floor Is Lava 🌋 Kids Brain Break Activity Burn Some Energy
Facts about indoor obstacle courses and gross motor skills
🔢 Counting jumps or steps during play sneaks in math practice—try skip-counting by 2s or 5s for a challenge.
🛋️ Cushions and pillows act as soft landing zones that help make jumping games safer and more comfy.
🎯 Designing routes and balancing on stepping stones boosts spatial awareness, planning, and confidence in movement.
🦵 Jumping and landing use leg and core muscles, which help children build strength, balance, and coordination.
🔥 The 'floor is lava' idea turns ordinary rooms into imaginative adventure zones kids love to design and play.
How do I set up a 'lava jumps' obstacle course at home?
What materials do I need to make lava jumps?
What ages is the lava jumps activity suitable for?
What safety tips and variations should I know for lava jumps?
One subscription, many ways to play and learn.
Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required