18 Super Fun Obstacle Course Ideas for Adults

The best obstacle course ideas for adults are those that throw rules out and excitement in. From bringing out the kid in us to encouraging physical fitness, obstacle courses are challenging fun, particularly if you are in a band of likeminded adults.

Whether you want an obstacle course set up in your backyard, for a club or church activity, or anywhere else, you’ll love our ideas! So read on!

Obstacle Course Parts Ideas

• Uphill run
• Sprint to the finish line
• Three-legged race
• Sandbag carry
• Run across tires
• Jump from hula hoop to hula hoop
• Swing on a rope
• Monkey bars
• Over-unders
• Tunnel crawl course (with raw eggs)
• Tree climb
• Jump rope
• Balance beam
• Tire turn over
• Pull ups
• Partner drag
• Bear crawl (under string)
• Rope wall

Full Obstacle Course Ideas

Obstacle courses come together when you combine the parts to create the whole. Here are some themed obstacle course ideas for you to copy!

Extra Aerobic Obstacle Course

Most obstacle courses incorporate at least some measure of aerobic exercise (running, swimming, etc), but this one is extra aerobic.

Start with 10 jumping jacks before running around, picking up a basketball, and shooting three hoops, followed by a rapid jump rope of 50 reps. Then power sprint to the finish line. The winner will be pretty tired when they’re done!

Rope Swing Obstacle Course

Start with a little 2-5 minute power jog followed by another jog on a couple of hula hoops. Next up is 3-5 chairs (or as needed) for crawling under, and tie a rope (or several ropes, if it’s a race) to a strong tree where each person will have to swing. They can then balance on a balance beam/branch/rope/etc. Then power sprint to the finish line and declare the winner!

Partner Obstacle Course

Have participants pair up and start by jumping into a swinging jump rope. They have to get 5 consecutive jumps together in order to move on! If you have an accessible hill, they can hold hands and roll down together. You could also have one partner drag the other by the arms/legs across a space. Then, they must tie their legs together and run across a field to the finish line!

Military-Inspired Obstacle Course

This obstacle course idea will take a lot of setup but is so worth it!!

Create a muddy pit in your backyard with a rope that crosses across it. Find tires and place them on the surface of the mud for each adult participating to step on (or fall/get pushed and get muddy). Next, each person climbs up and slides down an A-frame structure, perhaps made of wood. At this point, give them a set number of jumping jacks or pushups to do.

You can also create a crawl course that looks like a tunnel, with raw eggs strategically placed, for participants to be instinctive enough to avoid cracking the eggs. You can add some fun and indicate that anyone who destroys an egg has to go back to the starting line.

Lastly, of course, a sprint to the finish line!! May the best man (or woman) win!

Extra Challenging Obstacle Course

Have participants start with an uphill run to get their blood flowing. Next, they must flip a tractor tire over (which is much harder than it sounds). Have obstacles for climbing over followed immediately by obstacles for crawling under (over-unders). You can also have them jump from a high spot into a mattress or bales of hay (test to make sure it’s safe before making everyone do this).

Next, everyone must carry a sandbag from one spot to another, followed by monkey bars and bear crawls. And, as always, a sprint to the finish line!

Conclusion

With so many obstacle course ideas for adults, you have every reason to get out there with a team of co-workers or friends and have some competitive, unforgettable fun!

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