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DIY Backyard Obstacle Course for Kids

DIY Backyard Obstacle Course for Kids

Keep kids and pets entertained outdoors with your very own backyard obstacle course. Build a custom ramp, balance beam or combine them for double the fun.

Skill Level: Beginner
Time:
  1. Step 1 Cut, Measure and Sand Each Base

    A person is measuring a sheet of plywood.
    A person is cutting a sheet of plywood with a circular saw.

    From a sheet of plywood 3/4” x 4’ x 8’, measure 12” x 12” and cut four pieces of boards (or more based on your liking). When you're happy with your cuts, sand all pieces.

  2. Step 2 Cut, Measure and Sand Each Ramp Support

    A person is measuring a piece of framing lumber

    Using a 2”x 2”x 8’ framing lumber, measure and cut for each base:

    • Two pieces of 12 inches (side support)
    • Two pieces of 8 inches (back support)

    When you’re happy with your cuts, sand all pieces.

  3. Step 3 Attach Ramp Supports to Base

    A person is screwing the ramp base pieces together with a power drill.
    A person is screwing the back support of the ramp with a power drill.

    Attach the sides and back support to the base using 1-1/2-inch deck screws.

  4. Step 4 Cut, Measure and Sand Beam and its Supports

    A person is measuring a piece of wood.
    A person is cutting a piece of wood with a saw.

    Measure and cut some 4” x 4” x 8’ pressure-treated wood in half (each piece should be 4 feet long – or longer based on your liking).

    For each balance beam support, measure and cut two pieces with a length of 14 inches out of 2” x 4” x 8’ to 14’ pressure-treated wood.

    When you’re happy with your cuts, sand all pieces.

  5. Step 5 Attach Beam Supports to Base

    A person is attaching two pieces of wood together with a power drill.

    Attach each support to the base using 2-1/2-inch deck screws.

  6. Step 6 Paint and Let Dry

    A person is painting a ramp with yellow paint.
    A person is painting a hand drawing with green paint on a wood beam.

    Draw and paint fun designs on your ramps and balance beam. Let them dry and you are done!

What You Need for This Project

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