Stick racing is a classic kids’ activity that can be enjoyed anywhere you can find running water. Kids will discover how wood floats and travels in water depending on the size and shape. Gradually, they’ll learn to spot the sticks that are best for racing!
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Top tip!
The best racing sticks are those that are thick, have rough bark and are already wet. All of these qualities will help it travel quickly in the water.
About the activity
Traditionally, stick racing is done over a bridge so that you can drop the sticks one side of the bridge and get a good viewing point as they emerge on the other side. However this activity could work anywhere that has a gentle current to carry the sticks, so long as kids are carefully supervised.
Every player scavenges around and selects a stick they will race with, then stands in a line across a bridge. On the count of three, drop your sticks over the side so they fall into the water. Quickly cross to the other side of the bridge and watch to find out which stick emerges first. Now do it again! Can you select a stick that you think will do better next time?