As schools continue to increase the number of hours children need to be in the classroom, and kids are increasingly entertained by their devices, physical activity for kids has never been more important. According to the Center for Disease Control, physical activity for kids not only improves their physical health but also improves their mental health and social well-being.

Children need to be provided with safe spaces to play with their friends and enjoy kids fitness activities, making kids exercise equipment a top priority at parks and schools nationwide.

If you are looking to design an outdoor obstacle course for kids at your facility, then these are the elements that you need to prioritize:

1. Strength Zone

The Strength Zone is the perfect place for your obstacle course for kids to begin. At this station, children between the ages of 5 and 12 can begin to stretch their bodies and improve their strength before they start the obstacle course. The equipment at this station targets upper body exercises designed to enhance strength, coordination, and balance.

The Strength Zone includes the following features:

• A platform that allows children to safely begin exercising at the station, allowing them to reach the bars overhead.
• A series of bars at varying heights give children a challenge as they seek to reach up and climb across the station.
• A platform on the other side of the station gives children a safe place to land after they have completed their strength exercises.

In all likelihood, it’s going to take some practice for kids to maneuver successfully across the bars—which is the point. While trying this stimulating exercise, children will continue to improve their upper body strength as they learn how to navigate the equipment.

2. Balance Zone

Balance is incredibly important for growing minds and bodies, particularly considering that most children’s sports and activities require them to be as balanced and coordinated as possible. The Balance Zone builds upon the strength that is developed in the Strength Zone, and gives children an intentional space to focus on their balance.

The Balance Zone includes the following features:

• A numbered balance beam provides children with direction, allowing them to navigate the equipment intuitively.
• A spring support system that provides leverage and helps protect children from injury.

Designed for children between the ages of 5 and 12, this equipment targets specific balance exercises that encourage kids to be focused and intentional while exercising. The skills developed at this station will be utilized throughout every step of the obstacle course.

3. Challenge Zone

On the surface, the Challenge Zone looks like a station that is all fun and games, and for kids, it really is. However, for the adults who are designing the obstacle course for kids, this inviting and engaging station is actually intentionally designed to improve cardiovascular health and to improve coordination in children.

The Challenge Zone targets specific cardio exercises, including jumping and ducking challenges, in order to get their heart rates up and help them improve their overall coordination.

The features included in the Challenge Zone are:

• A numbered series of bars and hurdles that allow children to navigate the course safely and effectively.
• Specially-designed equipment that encourages children to duck or jump through the challenge course, increasing their cardiovascular health, mobility, and coordination.

The Challenge Zone is an accessible station that invites children of all ages and abilities to join in on the fun, ensuring that everyone is living a healthy, active lifestyle.

4. Hero Zone

As the children maneuver through the obstacle course, they will come across the Hero Zone — a station that allows them to prove their strength and ability to all of their friends. In addition to offering an exciting moment to showcase their feats of strength, the Hero Zone also naturally improves arm strength and coordination.

Within this zone, kids must use their hands and feet to prop themselves up between two climbing walls, giving them a chance to show off their sheer power and strength. The features of the Hero Zone include:

• Parallel climbing walls that are uniquely situated so that kids can maneuver them with relative ease.
• Strategically-placed holes for hands and feet that allow children to prop themselves up and navigate the zone.

The Hero Zone is more than just a place where children can prove themselves — it’s a zone that promotes core strength and coordination. It is one of the most engaging and enticing zones within the obstacle course.

5. Step Zone

By the time kids reach the Step Zone, they are beginning to feel more confident than ever before. They have successfully navigated through several challenging and engaging zones, and they are running on adrenaline. It’s the perfect time to continue with aerobic exercise that encourages healthy competition with their peers.

The Step Zone targets movement exercises, such as quick steps or high knees, allowing children to improve their total body health and keep their heart rates up. The features of this station include:

• A ropes course that consists of square openings, allowing at least two children to navigate the zone simultaneously.
• A platform that anchors the ropes course at the appropriate height, allowing children between the ages of 5 and 12 to easily use the equipment.

When they reach the Step Zone, children will be excited to launch into a quick race with their friends. The structure of the course makes it a bit challenging for everyone, promoting a sense of camaraderie and competition that is necessary for growing kids. It’s always a favorite among the young people who use the obstacle course on a regular basis.

6. Stretch Zone  

Whether it’s before or after exercise, the Stretch Zone allows kids between the ages of 5 and 12 to stretch their bodies and improve their mobility.The features of the Stretch Zone include:

• An elevated platform with targeted areas, showing kids where they can place their bodies in order to stretch safely and effectively.
• Interactive signage that shows kids which stretches they should do prior to beginning the obstacle course, and which stretches they should complete once their exercise routine is finished.

The Stretch Zone is a versatile component of the obstacle course that promotes physical readiness and flexibility.

Accessible Exercise Equipment for Kids

Creating an inclusive space for all children to play should be a high priority for anyone designing an obstacle course for kids. ActionFit’s Accessible Strength Zone is uniquely designed to accommodate children of all abilities, giving all kids the ability to focus on their physical health and connect with their peers. In addition to including standard-sized climbing bars, the Accessible Strength Zone includes a lower set of bars that children in wheelchairs can navigate on their own as well, allowing all children to play side-by-side on the obstacle course.

Learn More About ActionFit’s Children’s Fitness Equipment

At ActionFit, we proudly introduce our ActionFitKIDS line of children’s fitness equipment. Our kids exercise equipment is ideal for any obstacle course for kids, and it includes all of the elements you need in order to create a safe, engaging and entertaining space for kids to stay active and healthy. All children’s fitness equipment includes signage, allowing you to provide all kids with the information they need to safely and successfully navigate the obstacle course.

Request your complimentary quote today.