Hey, mom… remember playing outside as a kid? Hours spent enjoying the grass or the swingset or making crowns out of flowers or playing at the park… it’s crazy how many memories I have of outdoor play. That’s because as kids, most of us played outside– 70% of us did, actually. Compare that to today, when only 31% of kids are spending any kind of significant time outside at all. Busy schedules, cuts in recess time, and just all-around love for all things electronic could be to blame, but it could be that we just aren’t focused on outdoor play like we used to be. Today, I’ve got the absolute easiest way to get kids moving outside with an obstacle course– all you need is a piece of chalk!

It doesn’t matter where your child is playing– if there’s a surface chalk can be drawn on, and a few pieces of chalk, you can get your kids moving. There are so many ways to play and adapt this game to your kids’ needs, interests, and desires!

To create your outdoor obstacle course, start a path up and down your space– add in fun features like spinning, dancing, jumping, balancing, and running.

You can use different symbols to create the illusion of things like a tire run, or add in classics like hopscotch. This obstacle course was enough to keep my son entertained for over an hour by himself, but if you’ve got two or more players there are a ton of other ways to play.

Consider making it a race– draw two copies of the same obstacle course next to each other and encourage kids to run the obstacle course together. Or, time your child to see if they can beat their own time, again and again!

Another fun way to play? Blindfold one kid, and encourage another kid to lead them through the course by voice instructions alone! See how fast they can do it, then switch players and try again!

There’s something about the pure joy on a kid’s face when they’re doing something fun outside, and you’d be so surprised at how this easy obstacle course can make a kid so happy– just drawing this simple course led to plenty of hugs and thank yous from my kiddo.

Plus, you get the chance to tailor it to your kid– and their age! Create shorter courses for little ones, or creative long courses for teens, or anything in between!

When you get your kids moving, it’s important to make sure they also have a way to refuel!  I put a “refuel” station about halfway through the obstacle course, which allowed for a little break in multiple runs of the course. I love having CLIF Kid ZBars available because they are formulated to taste great for younger taste buds, but also include non-GMO organic ingredients that are perfect for keeping kids energized for more play.

Because they have no high fructose corn syrup and come in appropriate serving sizes for kids, I feel confident in giving this as a great snack for my son. It also is packaged so we can toss it in our backpack on the go.

Clearly, he’s a fan of the flavors, too! Refueling never tasted so good!

After a good refuel, it’s time to get back to play– and because this obstacle course can be hosed off and re-drawn again and again, you’re always able to create something new!

What would you draw into YOUR obstacle course? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out CLIFKid on Facebook or watch their awesome video here!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.