August 30, 2025
Corrugated Cardboard Boat Race
About
Cardboard Boat Race at Lake Flower
Date: Saturday, August 30th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Lake Flower Boat Launch, River Street, Saranac Lake, NY
Join Play ADK for the 4th annual Cardboard Boat Race on beautiful Lake Flower in Saranac Lake. This fun-filled event challenges participants of all ages to design, build, and race their own cardboard boats across the water. Creativity, engineering, and a sense of adventure are all encouraged.
All boats must be made from cardboard and duct tape only—no other materials are allowed. Whether you're racing or spectating, this is a high-energy, family-friendly event that celebrates community and imagination.
Registration donation based; 25-$50 suggested per boat. Arrive early to check in and launch your boat by 10:00 AM.
Boat Race Rules:
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Boat Materials: Only cardboard and duct tape may be used. No wood, plastic, metal, or styrofoam. Particpants can pre-build a boat at home or build on the day of with supplied materials between 10am-2pm
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Boat Size: Boats must be small enough to be carried by hand to the water. Single blade paddles ONLY.
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Crew: Participants must be 10 + years old to paddle alone.
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Safety: Life jackets must be worn by all participants during the race.
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Propulsion: Boats must be human-powered—paddles only. No motors or sails allowed.
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Durability: Boats must start and finish the race in one piece. Sinking, however, is part of the fun.
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Clean Up: All materials must be removed from the water after the race—no boat left behind.
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Registration: All participants must be registered and at the starting line before 2pm Aug 30
Schedule:
- 10am-2pm: Boat building
- 2pm: Boat line-up + People’s Choice Award vote
- 3pm: Races
- 4pm: Award ceremony
Interested in racing?
Register your team at playadk.org/cardboard-boat-race
This event supports Play ADK’s mission to build a Children’s Museum and Family Resource Center in the Adirondack region.
For more information, contact Play ADK or visit their website.
