Make the milk box firetruck
Make a firetruck model from an empty milk carton using paint, cardboard wheels, tape, and stickers; practice cutting, decorating, and imaginative play.
Step-by-step guide to make the milk box firetruck
Step 1
Gather all your Materials Needed and place them on a clean table.
Step 2
Remove the cap from the milk carton and set it aside.
Step 3
Rinse the inside of the milk carton with water.
Step 4
Dry the milk carton completely with a towel.
Step 5
With an adult helping hold the carton cut the top into a slanted cab shape for the truck.
Step 6
Use the pencil to lightly draw window and ladder shapes on the sides of the carton.
Step 7
Paint the outside of the carton red using the paintbrush.
Step 8
Let the paint dry completely before touching the carton.
Step 9
Trace four circles onto the cardboard with the pencil for the wheels.
Step 10
Cut out the four cardboard wheel circles with the scissors using adult help if needed.
Step 11
Color the centers of the cardboard wheels black with the marker.
Step 12
Tape the wheels to the sides of the milk carton so they sit evenly.
Step 13
Stick stickers onto the truck where you like for decorations.
Step 14
Draw details like windows lights and door lines with the black marker.
Step 15
Share a photo of your finished milk box firetruck on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a milk carton or cardboard for the wheels?
You can substitute a rinsed juice or cereal box carton for the milk carton and use sturdy bottle caps or jar lids taped in place instead of tracing and cutting cardboard wheel circles.
The wheels keep falling off or look crooked—how can we fix that?
If the cardboard wheels won't stick or sit evenly, wait until the red paint is completely dry, then align them on both sides and secure with extra tape strips or a dab of white glue so they hold steady.
How can we adapt this activity for different ages?
For toddlers (3–5) have an adult do the slanted cab cut and pre-cut wheel circles while the child decorates with stickers and the black marker, and for older kids (8+) add straw axles through the cardboard wheels or a paper ladder for extra challenge.
What are simple ways to enhance or personalize the milk box firetruck?
Use the removed milk carton cap as a glued rotating siren on the roof, add aluminum foil pieces for shiny lights, and draw a custom badge and door lines with the black marker to personalize your truck.
Watch videos on how to make the milk box firetruck
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Facts about recycled crafts for kids
✂️ Cutting, folding, and decorating cardboard helps kids build fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
📦 Cardboard is one of the most recycled materials and often contains recycled paper inside it.
🚒 Many fire engines carry ladders that can extend over 100 feet to reach tall buildings.
🥛 Milk cartons are usually made from layers of paperboard plus thin plastic or foil to keep milk fresh.
🎨 Painting and decorating a homemade toy encourages creativity and helps children learn color mixing and expression.
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