Backyard obstacle course is genius, change my mind

Dec 81 min read

Spent about $40 on PVC pipes, some rope, and pool noodles. Built an obstacle course in our backyard. My 7yo and his friends have been running it every single day for three weeks. They time each other, create new rules, it's evolved into its own thing. Sometimes they add it to an imaginary storyline they're doing. Best money and afternoon I've spent in a while. They're exhausted by dinner, I get peace and quiet, and there's basically zero setup work.

11 comments354 views

Comments(11)

LLarry P.RegularDec 9

Did you add any like climbing elements or is it mostly crawling through/jumping over stuff? My backyard's kinda small but I'm wondering if I can do a scaled down version

TTerry O.RegularDec 9

lol they're timing each other?? that's when you know you've created a legitimate thing. My kids would probably fight over who's fastest for like a day then lose interest. The fact that yours are still doing it after 3 weeks means this obstacle course just became their summer

AArchie K.RegularDec 10

Did the same thing but with less ambition - just some tires and a rope climb. Turned into the neighborhood hangout spot. Do you have to worry about liability if someone gets hurt?

RRob P.RegularDec 10

This is the kind of content I come here for. $40 and three weeks of entertainment? That's undefeated dad math right there

BBen L.RegularDec 10

This is genius and honestly $40 is nothing compared to what we spend on screen time guilt. Did you follow a plan or just wing it with the PVC?

TThomas H.RegularDec 9

Honestly the competition aspect keeps changing it up for them. They're always trying to beat their own times or each other's records. Plus different kids hit different obstacles harder so nobody gets bored.

RRick J.New DadDec 10

We built something similar and I made all the kids sign a waiver (jk, mostly) but seriously just watch the first few runs, spot them on anything sketchy, and make sure the landing zones are clear. Our homeowner's insurance covers backyard activities as long as we're not being reckless.

LLou P.RegularDec 11

The fact that they're timing each other is huge - they're making it competitive without YOU having to push them. That's the real win here.

TTony L.RegularDec 11

Three weeks and still going?? Most stuff we build loses steam after like 2 days. What's keeping them so hooked on it?

RRussell D.RegularDec 11

Did you use PVC connectors or just tape the pipes together? Asking because I'm stealing this idea immediately and don't want to mess up the build

SSawyer N.RegularDec 10

The pool noodles are genius for safety too. I did something similar but used actual hula hoops and one kid ate it hard on concrete. Your setup sounds way smarter