Early years activity: Mini movers obstacle challenge

Here’s a simple, adaptable, mini movers obstacle challenge activity using your everyday nursery equipment. Children balance, crawl, jump and climb their way around the route, building strength, coordination, practice listening, turn-taking and positional language (under, over, on etc). Quick to set up, easy to adapt and a brilliant way to get your children moving.

Mini movers obstacle challenge learning aims

• Physical development – moving confidently, balancing, negotiating space 
• Communication and language – following instructions, using positional language 
• PSED – developing confidence, taking turns, managing feelings. 

Resources you will need for this activity

Use what you have. Here are some possible options: 

• Cones/markers or tape for route 
• Soft mats/cushions 
• Hoops 
• Low bench, step, foam blocks 
• Tunnel, or chairs and a sheet 
• Beanbags 
• Box/basket for target. 

Mini movers obstacle challenge activity outline

Here’s a set up example of an obstacle course: 

• Warm-up spot (marching, shoulder rolls, reaching)
• Balance line – walk along a low bench or taped line with arms out 
• Tunnel crawl or under makeshift tunnel 
• Stepping stones – step across hoops/cushions without touching the ‘water’ 
• Carry and drop – carry a beanbag to the end of throw into a box/basket 
• Cool-down and stretch. 

What to do: 

• Explain to the children that they’re going on an adventure, moving through the obstacles 
• Model what’s expected at each obstacle, with clear, short instructions 
• Establish safety rules such as ‘one at a time’ 
• Give children time/space to have a go and offer support and light scaffolding when required 
• Praise effort and strategy – “You kept on trying!”, “You used your arms to balance” 
• Make adjustments where needed, such as making it more or less challenging. To make it easier you could offer a wider balance line, fewer stations, swap jumping for stepping, hold practitioner’s hand etc. To make it harder, add a time challenge, a specific order to complete the course, or suggest carrying a beanbag while balancing. 

How to extend this activity

• Use animal moves – hop like a frog, crawl like a snake, stomp like an elephant 
• Count the reps, e.g. “Do 3 jumps.” 

NDNA products to support you with this activity

PANCo - training product

Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.