Kids can get bored in summer. Here are some simple and afford ways to keep them entertained and maximize the amount of time they are spending outdoors instead of inside on video games.
Recently, HGTV gave its Facebook followers an amazing idea. Dollar store obstacle courses are a great way to spend time with your kids without breaking the bank. Plus, an obstacle course will wear them out!
In this video, there are instructions for a few different obstacle course activities that you can make in your own backyard.
You will need the following materials
- Solar garden lights
- Duct tape
- Pool noodles
- Plastic laundry baskets
- Dowel rods
- Plungers
An easy to make hurdle
One simple piece includes two laundry baskets and a dowel rod. Start by placing the laundry baskets face down in the grass. Then, put the dowel rod through one of the holes in each laundry basket.
This will create a hurdle for the kids to jump over. You can line up multiple sets to make it even more challenging. The kids could try army crawling underneath the dowel rods too!
Pool noodle arches
Another idea mentioned in the video is a tunnel-like activity. First, you take the lights off of the solar garden lights. Stick two stakes in the ground a foot or two apart.
Then, you will put duct tape on top of each of the stakes as a safety precaution. Next, you will place a pool noodle over the stakes, creating an arch.
You can put several of these arches in a row to create a tunnel or spread them out across the yard!
Have some fun!
Your kids will have a blast running and climbing through the obstacle course. You could time them or invite the neighborhood families over for even more fun!
When you are constructing the obstacle course, try to get your kids involved as well. If they’re old enough, they can help you set it up.
Your kids might have new ideas to add. Bring them with you to the dollar store so that they can see the other items that are available.
You could let them each design one or two parts of the obstacle course using several items from the dollar store. This will keep them involved and can be easier on you too!
Different dollar store locations often have unique items available, so you might come across another awesome product to use!
Depending on the ages of your children, you can make the course simpler or more elaborate. There is plenty of room for creativity with the guidelines given in the video. Get creative!
You can even add water to the obstacle course. This might include a wading pool, a sprinkler, water balloons, or a Slip ‘N Slide!
Obstacle courses are always a great way to keep your kids active without having to leave home! Using materials from the dollar store is cost-effective. You can reuse the materials for new obstacle courses every day or for the following year.
Building your own obstacle course keeps the kids entertained and involved. The video is a fantastic place to get started before experimenting with your own new ideas.
Be sure to watch the video n full to see all of the fun ideas included!
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