The moment began with a simple yes.

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The year was 2014. Matt was teaching fitness classes and working in the childcare center of their local gym. A parent, impressed by his work with the kids, asked him to run a sports-related activity at his block party.

Inspired by Matt's love of endurance races and his creative design and construction skills, Lauren suggested, “why don't you build an obstacle course?” Matt knew how much kids love to challenge themselves, and he thought it was a great idea.

After many trips to the local hardware store, Matt built a small version of their obstacle course right in their driveway, and also created certificates and prizes. After piling everything into their car — including their 11-year-old daughter, Jade — they set out for the event.

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That one afternoon changed everything.

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The block party was a huge hit. Parents and children were playing together on the obstacles and bonding face-to-face through active connection. Folks kept saying how amazing it was and asked, “Do you do birthday parties?” “Do you come to schools?”

And just like that, Matt and Lauren knew they had a great business idea.

The block party taught them that there was a real need for a fun, physical activity that would bring folks of all ages and abilities together in the comfort and convenience of their own location. And not just an activity, but an experience — one that would be personalized and motivational, build confidence and self-esteem, and connect people beyond the reliance of social media and screen time.

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So they decided to build something different.

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Matt and Lauren made the decision to create a mobile obstacle course business that would be unique. It would be different from brick-and-mortar ninja gyms or companies with inflatables. The Challenge Course would provide inclusive, structured challenge and meaningful fun — designed to meet people exactly where they are.

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Since its launch in 2015, Child’s Play Challenge Courses has grown into an award-winning, nationally recognized mobile industry leader — setting the standard for structured, high-energy fitness and entertainment experiences.

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What began as a single block party has evolved into over 1,000,000 participant turns across nine states — touching the lives of hundreds of thousands of Course Crushers and bringing people of all ages and abilities together to challenge themselves, connect, and experience the power of physical play.