Crossing the river

River crossing

Mother, father, and two children need to cross a river using a small boat that can carry either one adult or two children at a time. They are all good rowers, but how can the whole family get to the other side of the river?

First, the siblings get into the boat and cross the river. One of the children stays and the other returns to their parents. Then the child gets out and the father gets in. The father rows to the other side and exchanges with the child waiting there. The child then rows to the other side. Next, the siblings cross the river again, with one staying and the other returning. The mother gets in, crosses to the other shore, and exchanges with the child. Finally, the child returns to the original side, and the siblings cross the river together.

Check our other riddles from section 1

Riddles
Crossing the River Riddle Women’s Family Puzzle Two Hourglasses Heaven Door Riddle
Hypotheses and Truth Values Sunflower Growth Herd of Cows Riddle What Is My Name Riddle