Backyard obstacle course wars

Dec 11 min read

My 12yo got really into those obstacle course competitions and decided to build one in the backyard. He designed it, we gathered materials (pool noodles, rope, PVC pipe, old tires), and he set it up himself. Then his friend came over and he timed him. Then like 4 more neighborhood kids showed up wanting to try it. They spent literally 4 hours out there taking turns and competing and changing the course. This is what I dreamed parenting would be like tbh. Zero screen time, outdoor activity, kids having actual fun, and it didn't cost me anything except my old PVC scraps.

10 comments399 views

Comments(10)

JJames H.Regular1d ago

How much of the design was actually his vs you suggesting stuff? Because the fact that he DESIGNED it and then executed is way cooler than if it was more parent-directed.

TTom P.Regular20h ago

The fact that he timed his friend and then more kids showed up is exactly how neighborhood stuff used to work before everyone had screens. This is so wholesome.

NNick J.Regular19h ago

The fact that he DESIGNED it himself is the real win here. That's problem-solving and creativity happening naturally

JJake M.Regularjust now

My 11yo wants to do this now after reading your post. The neighborhood circuit training arc is upon us

FFinn M.Regular12h ago

And then neighborhood kids showed up means he created something genuinely fun, not just for himself. That's awesome

BBrian L.Regularjust now

Using pool noodles and PVC pipe is smart too - cheap, customizable, and safer than hard materials. Perfect for this

MMitch R.Regularjust now

This is the kind of activity that costs like $50 in materials and keeps kids entertained for weeks. Love it

WWalter T.Regularjust now

This is the perfect backyard project honestly. Your 12yo gets to design, build, own it, AND have friends show up to use it. That's peak summer right there.

SStan D.Regularjust now

Did he keep it up or has it been slowly getting destroyed/abandoned? Asking because I'm wondering if backyard projects ever survive the initial excitement phase lol

MMike T.Regularjust now

This is the stuff kids remember. Not fancy vacations or whatever - it's 'that summer we built the obstacle course and like 6 kids came over.' That's childhood.