Run an obstacle course

What can we use if we don't have cones, rope, cushions, a beanbag, chalk, or a stopwatch?

Use flipped plastic cups or empty water bottles for cones, a garden hose or jump rope for the balance and crawl ropes, pillows or folded towels as cushions, a rolled sock or rice-filled sock for the beanbag, a stick in the dirt or masking tape for the start/finish instead of chalk, and a phone or kitchen timer instead of a stopwatch.

What should we do if the rope balance beam keeps moving or the cushions slip during the test walk?

Anchor the rope or garden hose with tape or small rocks and put a non-slip mat or place cushions closer together, then 'Walk slowly through the whole course to test each obstacle' and 'Move or change any obstacle that feels unsafe or too easy' until it stays stable.

How can we adapt the course for much younger children or make it harder for older kids?

For younger kids use fewer obstacles, lay the rope flat as a wide line of tape for easier balancing, space cushions closer, and raise or remove the low crawl rope, while for older kids add more cones, narrow the balance line, tighten cushion spacing, and follow 'Change one obstacle to make the course harder or easier' to increase challenge.

How can we extend or personalize the obstacle course to make it more fun or competitive?

Add a theme (like pirate treasure), color-code obstacles with tape or stickers for extra points, create a relay or timed tournament using your stopwatch or phone, and 'Share your finished obstacle course and your best time on DIY.org' to show your improvements.