Obstacle Course (Baby)

girl crawling out of tunner

Obstacle courses are a great way of developing children's fundamental movement skills. They can be modified to focus on a variety of skills and ages. 

Set up

Set up a simple (but interesting!) obstacle course in a clear space, inside or outside. Have engaging objects at the end for babies to play with.

Example:

  • Empty boxes (sides removed)
  • Cushions
  • Chairs
  • Toys 
  • Tunnels (cushions or pop-up tunnels)
  • Streamers cut and stuck on a doorway
How to play
Step 1
  • Guide your baby along obstacle course, encouraging crawling, pull to stand or whatever else the course intends for baby to do
    • e.g., Baby crawls through box, climbs over cushions and crawls under chair to their favourite toy
Variations
Make it easier
  • Keep obstacles simple - such as a row of cushions to crawl over
Make it harder
  • Make obstacle course longer or more complicated - such as crawling over a cushion and then through a tunnel
Activity information
Age: 0-12 months, 1-2 years
Equipment: Variety of objects, Cushions
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Physical literacy tips
  • Have some of baby’s favourite toys at the end for them to play with