Built one with PVC pipes, old tires, and pool noodles last month. Cost me maybe $35 in materials I didn't have. The kids have been running it constantly. Pro tip: make it adjustable so different ages can do it without modifications. My 4yo can do the "toddler" version and my 9yo does the harder route. Keeps them both entertained which is basically impossible usually.
I'm stealing this idea. Question though - how much space do you need? I've got maybe a 12x15 corner of the backyard that's empty. Doable?
Did you anchor the tires down or just leave them loose? Asking because my 4yo is a chaos agent and I'm worried about tipping hazards.
The adjustability thing is key. So many DIY stuff is one-size-fits-all and then the younger kid gets frustrated or the older kid gets bored. How did you approach making the harder route?
PVC pipe is honestly the best material for this stuff - cheap, adjustable, replaceable. We did something similar last year and the kids have used it constantly. Ours is falling apart now but it lasted like 8 months of heavy use which is solid.
This is awesome. $35 is nothing and the adjustability piece is genius - different ages running different versions is exactly what we needed to hear. My 6yo would either be bored or terrified by what challenges my 10yo does.
This is the kind of investment that keeps paying dividends. We built one 18 months ago and it's STILL the go-to when the kids are bored. Pro tip: build it somewhere visible from your deck/patio because they'll use it way more if you can supervise casually.
This is genius. $35 for weeks of entertainment is an absolute steal. How adjustable are we talking - like just moving the height of obstacles or can your 4yo actually do a completely different course layout?
Did this exact thing last spring and it was hands down the best money I spent that year. The tire flip section keeps them occupied for hours. My older kids added their own challenges which was cool to watch.
The adjustability piece is so underrated. Most DIY stuff assumes one age group and then siblings can't use it. Glad you figured that out.
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Pool noodles for obstacles - that's the hack I didn't know I needed. Mine was all PVC and wood and honestly kind of dangerous for the younger kids. Noodles soften it up perfectly.