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For the kindergarten sports day! A list of obstacle course ideas

For the kindergarten sports day! A list of obstacle course ideas

Last updated:2025/7/26

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

An obstacle race where you compete for speed while overcoming all kinds of obstacles is a sport that both participants and spectators can enjoy.

Some nursery schools and kindergartens may include obstacle races in their sports days.

This time, we’ll introduce obstacle race ideas that are perfect for such sports day events.

In addition to classics like crawling under nets and hopscotch, we’ve included activities like vaulting boxes and horizontal bars—perfect for showcasing the children’s daily practice—so please use these as a reference.

We hope it becomes a fun, memorable sports day!

For the kindergarten sports day! List of obstacle race ideas (1–10)

Forward roll on a mat

Sports day for the senior class! Obstacle race

Forward roll on a mat

When it comes to classic obstacle course events at sports days that anyone can easily try, forward rolls on a mat are a top choice.

They’re perfect for races held indoors, such as in a gymnasium.

Because it’s a simple event—just doing forward rolls on a mat—even kindergarteners who aren’t confident in sports can give it a try.

You can use it to build momentum at the start line, or include it as an easy task at the midpoint.

You can also add variations, like preparing a long mat and specifying the number of forward rolls.

Be sure to include this accessible event in your kindergarten obstacle course.

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balance beam

Yuu-chan’s sports day obstacle race

balance beam

The balance beam is known as a piece of equipment used for exercises that involve moving forward while maintaining balance or striking poses.

When it’s used at a kindergarten sports day, it’s recommended to incorporate it with some creative variations.

In addition to walking straight across it, you can also use it as an obstacle to jump over while facing sideways.

Set a number of jumps to complete, and allow children to move on once they meet the target.

Be sure to prepare a beam that’s as low as possible to ensure safety.

This is an event that can be done even in a limited space, so be sure to give it a try.

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Ball carrying

When it comes to events that really hype up the cheers for kids, ball carrying is a classic.

It’s a race where you balance a ball on a scoop or broom and carry it to the goal without dropping it.

The thrill of “If I run too fast, I might drop it…” overlaps with the urge to reach the goal quickly.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser not only for the children participating but also for parents and teachers.

Another highlight is that the fun changes depending on the size of the ball you use.

Give it a try as a memorable event for your kindergarten sports day.

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Become an animal

When it comes to unique obstacle course ideas that make kids and teachers smile, pretending to be animals is a great one.

Participants take on different animals—like dogs and cats—and complete sports day events in character.

It’s delightful to see them aiming for the finish line while showing off animal sounds and gestures.

Have the children draw a card with the theme animal, then act like a rabbit, frog, crab, and so on.

Choose animals with distinctive sounds or movements as themes whenever possible.

It’s an event that naturally brings to mind the adorable sight of children fully embodying their animal roles.

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Jump rope [number] times

Many children enjoy jumping rope during exercise and play.

When using it in an obstacle race at a kindergarten sports day, it’s recommended to set a rule like “jump the rope X times” and have the children follow it.

While many obstacle races focus on speed, the key to this event—where children stop and jump rope—is to approach it calmly.

Have a teacher stand by nearby and offer words of encouragement to the children who complete the task.

It’s a simple event, but it’s sure to liven up the obstacle race.

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Stacking empty cans

120826 Can Stacking Competition

Stacking empty cans

A simple yet crowd-pleasing event where participants stack empty cans.

Incorporating it into an obstacle course can lead to unexpected mishaps and dramatic comebacks.

It’s recommended to set rules like “advance after stacking X cans.” Prepare spare cans in case some get crushed.

In a sports day that often tests physical strength, it can be nice to include an event that challenges concentration as well.

Provide a stable base so the children can stack the cans more easily.

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vaulting box

Asahi Senior Kindergarten Obstacle Race

vaulting box

An obstacle race that incorporates vaulting boxes, which are often used in school PE settings.

It’s a sport where you jump over a mountain-shaped box, and by adding it to events like relays, it can serve as an obstacle too.

It’s recommended to set the height so that kindergarteners can jump over it and to make adjustments such as placing it sideways.

Lay mats after the vaulting box to ensure safety.

Many people may feel a sense of growth when they see children clearing the vaulting box.

Try incorporating obstacles that give children a sense of achievement when they manage to jump successfully.

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