The Best Obstacle Courses in Ottawa: Indoor and Outdoor Adventures for All Ages
Obstacle courses are the ultimate way to challenge yourself, burn energy, and have fun—whether you're climbing, crawling, or swinging your way to the finish line! Ottawa is home to a variety of obstacle courses, both indoors and outdoors, designed for all ages and fitness levels. From family-friendly fun to intense athletic challenges, this city has it all. Here's a detailed guide to the best obstacle courses in Ottawa, with features, age groups, websites, and fun facts to help you plan your next adventure.
NOTE: Although we try to keep the article refreshed regularly, changes in the features in the facilities may happen without notice. Please visit park's websites before making a decision to visit.
The Best Obstacle Courses in Ottawa (Updated in 2024)
1. Marked: The Adventure Park, Ottawa
Location: 13259 Highway 7, Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 3P1
Website: www.marked.ca
Main Features
Marked: The Adventure Park is an outdoor obstacle course haven nestled in a scenic forest. With over 60 obstacles spread across natural terrain, this park is perfect for anyone looking to test their endurance and grit. Obstacles range from monkey bars and rope climbs to mud pits and balance beams. The course is designed to cater to a variety of skill levels—from first-timers to seasoned obstacle course racers.
Key Highlights
Obstacle course: A 6.5-kilometer (four mile) obstacle course with challenges like crawling and hurdling over walls
Paintball: Kids as young as seven can play paintball
Laser tag: Five-year-olds can try laser tag, which uses an optical sensor instead of a real laser
Archery tag: A game that combines elements of archery, paintball, and dodgeball
District 9 Field: A paintball field where teams compete to secure resources before time runs out
Indoor staging area: A 5,000+ square foot space to stay out of the elements
Campfires: Warm up around campfires after a day of activities
Batting cage: Polish your home-run potential
Shop: An on-site shop
Picnic area: A picnic area for guests
Wash stations: Wash stations are available
Equipment sales: MARKED sells a full line of equipment
Off-site party packages: MARKED can bring their games to you for off-site parties
Best For
All Ages.
Ideal for families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone training for obstacle races like Spartan Race or Tough Mudder.
Fun Fact
Marked Adventure Park uses the natural topography of its forest location to create an authentic outdoor obstacle course experience. It’s one of the most rugged and immersive courses in Ottawa!
2. OCR Academy, Ottawa
Location: 1140 Morrison Drive, Ottawa
Website: www.ocracademy.ca
Main Features
OCR Academy is Ottawa’s premier indoor obstacle course training facility. Inspired by obstacle course racing (OCR) and Ninja Warrior-style challenges, OCR Academy offers a variety of obstacles like warped walls, climbing ropes, monkey bars, and balance beams. The facility is perfect for both recreational play and serious athletic training.
Key Highlights
Indoor Obstacle Course: A dedicated indoor facility with a variety of obstacles inspired by OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) and Ninja Warrior.
Signature Obstacles: Includes warped walls, monkey bars, rope climbs, balance beams, rings, cargo nets, and peg boards for climbing.
Functional Fitness Training: Classes and programs designed to improve strength, agility, endurance, and coordination.
Drop-In Sessions: Flexible drop-in options where participants can practice obstacles at their own pace.
Weekly Classes: Specialized training for kids, teens, and adults, focusing on fitness and obstacle navigation.
Kids’ Ninja Warrior Classes: Fun, engaging classes that teach kids how to tackle obstacles safely while building confidence and physical skills.
Birthday Parties: Ninja Warrior-themed birthday party packages with obstacle challenges, games, and fun activities.
Team-Building Events: Custom sessions for corporate groups or sports teams to build teamwork and camaraderie.
Fitness Challenges: Timed obstacle runs and events for those training for races like Spartan Race or Tough Mudder.
Safe Training Environment: Padded surfaces, trained staff, and progressive obstacle levels to ensure safety for all participants.
Best For
Ages 7 and up.
Perfect for families, fitness enthusiasts, and those training for competitive obstacle races.
Fun Fact
OCR Academy’s warped wall is one of the most popular obstacles, offering multiple height options to challenge participants of all skill levels.
3. 5K Foam Fest, Ottawa
Location: Annual event held at various outdoor venues in Ottawa (check website for dates).
Website: www.the5kfoamfest.com
Main Features
The 5K Foam Fest is a family-friendly outdoor obstacle course event combining challenging (yet fun) obstacles with lots of foam and water. The course includes inflatable slides, mud pits, foam-filled tunnels, and rope challenges. It’s non-competitive, making it perfect for participants of all fitness levels.
Key Highlights
Foam-Filled Obstacles: Over 20 unique obstacles covered in foam, including slides, tunnels, and climbing walls.
Giant Inflatable Slides: Massive inflatable water slides, including the iconic “Death Drop,” for a thrilling and soapy ride.
Mud Pits: Challenging mud-filled sections that add a messy, fun element to the race.
Foam Cannons: Stations along the course that shower participants with bubbles and foam for a playful experience.
Water Features: Obstacles and sections that include water to cool you off during the run.
Non-Competitive Format: No timers or pressure to finish first—just focus on having fun and making memories.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Open to participants of all fitness levels, with kids aged 7 and up allowed on the course.
Kids’ Zone: A special area for children under 7 to enjoy foam and fun activities safely.
Festival Area: Post-run fun with music, food vendors, photo ops, and activities for spectators and participants alike.
Charity Partnerships: The event often partners with local charities, allowing participants to support good causes while having fun.
Read More:
Best For
Ages 7 and up.
Great for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a lighthearted obstacle course experience.
Fun Fact
Unlike other obstacle courses, the 5K Foam Fest focuses on fun rather than competition. Plus, it often partners with local charities, making it an event you can feel good about participating in!
4. Funhaven, Ottawa
Location: 1050 Baxter Road, Ottawa
Website: www.funhaven.com
Main Features
Funhaven is an indoor entertainment complex that features a climbing wall and ropes course perfect for kids. While it’s not a traditional obstacle course facility, the climbing structures and rope challenges provide a great introduction to physical problem-solving and fitness in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Key Highlights
Indoor Climbing Walls: Fun and beginner-friendly climbing walls that promote physical activity and coordination.
Ropes Course: A challenging ropes course designed for kids to test their balance and agility in a safe environment.
Laser Tag Arena: A multi-level laser tag experience with exciting themes and immersive gameplay.
Bumper Cars: Spin and crash into friends or family in a fun, interactive bumper car arena.
Arcade Games: A wide variety of classic and modern arcade games to enjoy, with tickets that can be redeemed for prizes.
4D Motion Theatre: A thrilling movie experience that combines 3D visuals with motion effects for an immersive adventure.
Toddler Play Area: A dedicated soft play zone for the youngest visitors, ensuring a safe and fun experience for toddlers.
Escape Rooms: Themed escape room challenges that require teamwork and problem-solving skills (great for older kids and adults).
Birthday Party Packages: Customizable party options with private rooms, food, and access to attractions.
Snack Bar & Café: On-site food and drink options, including kid-friendly meals and snacks.
Best For
Ages 4–12.
Perfect for families with younger kids or those looking for a mix of activities.
Fun Fact
Funhaven is a favorite spot for birthday parties, offering packages that combine climbing fun with other exciting indoor activities.
5. Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, Ottawa
Location: 1901 Cyrville Road, Ottawa
Website: www.flyingsquirrelsports.ca
Main Features
Flying Squirrel is one of the largest trampoline parks in the world, and it incorporates Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacle courses into its setup. Participants can enjoy challenges like warped walls, rope swings, balance beams, and foam pits, all while bouncing on trampolines.
Key Highlights
Massive Trampoline Park: Over 50,000 square feet of interconnected trampolines for endless jumping fun.
Ninja Warrior-Inspired Obstacle Courses: Includes warped walls, rope swings, balance beams, and other challenging obstacles.
Foam Pits: Soft landing zones where kids and adults can practice flips, jumps, or simply dive in for fun.
Dodgeball Courts: Trampoline-based dodgeball games for high-energy competition.
Slam Dunk Zones: Basketball hoops combined with trampolines for gravity-defying slam dunks.
Toddler Zone: A separate area for younger children (ages 3 and under), ensuring safe play for the little ones.
Glow-in-the-Dark Nights: Special sessions with black lights, music, and glow-in-the-dark features for a unique experience.
Arcade Games: A selection of arcade games for a mix of physical and digital fun.
Birthday Party Packages: Private party rooms and customizable packages with food, decorations, and plenty of jumping time.
Fitness Classes: Trampoline-based fitness programs for adults, combining cardio, strength, and fun.
Snack Bar: On-site food and drinks available to refuel after an active session.
Safety Features: Staff supervision, padded surfaces, and safety nets ensure a secure environment for all participants.
Read More:
Best For
Ages 3 and up.
Great for families, birthday parties, or anyone looking for high-energy fun.
Fun Fact
Flying Squirrel isn’t just for kids—adults can challenge themselves on the obstacle courses or join fitness classes designed for trampoline-based exercise.
6. Cosmic Adventures, Ottawa
Location: 1373 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa
Website: www.cosmicadventures.ca
Main Features
Cosmic Adventures is Ottawa’s largest indoor playground, featuring multi-level obstacle courses for kids. With slides, tunnels, climbing nets, and rope bridges, this playground is designed to keep kids active and entertained for hours.
Key Highlights
Multi-Level Play Structure: A massive maze with tunnels, slides, rope bridges, and climbing nets across multiple levels, ideal for exploration and physical activity.
Variety of Slides: Includes small slides for younger kids and longer, twisty slides for older children.
Toddler-Friendly Area: A dedicated, padded space designed for kids aged 0–3, with soft play equipment and age-appropriate activities.
Ball Pits & Interactive Zones: Fun ball pits and interactive features to engage kids in imaginative and sensory play.
Space-Themed Design: Vibrant decor with planets, stars, and rocket ships to ignite kids' imaginations.
Private Party Rooms: Multiple rooms for birthday parties and events, with customizable packages including meals and decorations.
On-Site Café: A full-service café offering snacks, drinks, and meals, perfect for parents to relax while kids play.
Safety Features: Padded surfaces, netted walls, and clear sightlines for easy parental supervision.
Separate Zones for Age Groups: Areas divided by age, ensuring safe play for toddlers, younger kids, and pre-teens.
Open Play Hours: Flexible hours for free play, making it an ideal destination for rainy days or cold weather.
Best For
Ages 1–12.
Perfect for families with younger kids.
Fun Fact
The space-themed design of Cosmic Adventures sparks kids’ imaginations, making every climb and crawl feel like an intergalactic mission!
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a fitness enthusiast, or a parent looking for family-friendly fun, Ottawa’s obstacle courses have something for everyone. From rugged outdoor adventures at Marked to Ninja Warrior-style challenges at OCR Academy and Flying Squirrel, the options are as diverse as they are exciting.
Have you tried any of these obstacle courses? Let us know your favorite in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this guide with your fellow adventurers!
