Boat races are a fun way to enjoy the water without getting wet, unless you jump in to save your boat of course.
Find a small stream and place your boats in the stream at the same time. Then watch to see whose boat wins the race. You can also run water in a gutter and have a gutter boat race. Only do this is there are no water restrictions in your area.
Another type of race can be done in a children’s wading pool or other swimming pool. Plastic boats do not work well for this type of race. Line up your boats then blow your boat across the water. Designate a certain spot to be the finish line. The first boat across the line wins the race.
Part of the fun of boat races is making your own boat, although you can buy them as well. Choose one style of boat or try out all three:
Plastic boats – You can buy plastic boats from most dollar stores. Buy a different color for each member of the family then have fun racing them.
Paper boats – This site has detailed instructions on how to fold a paper boat, including pictures. Beware though paper boats don’t last very long and young children will quickly become discouraged when their boat gets waterlogged and sinks.
Styrofoam boats – These boats float well and last longer than paper boats.
You will need:
Styrofoam: You can use a Styrofoam tray from a bakery or buy a block of Styrofoam at a local craft store.
Toothpick or craft stick
Construction paper
Glue
Markers or crayons
Directions:
1. Cut the piece of Styrofoam the size that you want your boat to be. If you bought a block of Styrofoam you will want to cut it in half so it is not as thick.
2. Then depending upon the size of your base use a toothpick or craft stick and stick it in the middle of the boat.
3. Cut a triangle out of the construction paper to use as a sail for your boat. Decorate it with markers or crayons.
4. For extra strength you can glue a toothpick around two edges of the triangle and fold the paper around it.
5. Then glue your sail to the stick.