Creek Boat Regatta

Creek boat regatta. Build boats from bark, sticks and leaves, then race them downstream.

Find a small creek with a footbridge or a slow, shallow stretch. Everyone builds a boat from what's lying around (bark, sticks, a leaf for a sail) or from corks and twigs tied with string, and gives it a name. Line up and race them downstream, play Poohsticks off the bridge, then team up to build a little dam and see if you can make a pool. Stay in ankle-deep water, wear shoes that can get wet, and skip it when the water is high or fast. Get a photo of the launch with every boat on the line.

• Date or adventure
• 1-3 hours
• Easy
• Free
• Outdoors
• Spring, summer, and fall
• Daytime

Photo prompts along the way

1. Every boat on the starting line
2. The launch
3. A boat stuck on a rock
4. The winner crossing the line
5. The finished dam

Kids' version

Make a tiny boat and race it down the creek!

1. Your boat
2. Your boat in the water
3. The race!
4. A stick from the bridge
5. A selfie with your grown-up!

Checked November 2026

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