How to Build a Boat Out of a Milk Jug

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Empty, clean plastic milk jug

  • Craft knife or scissors

  • Craft paint

  • Paintbrushes

  • Paper or napkin

  • Straw or toothpick

  • Tape

  • Permanent marker

Decorate your boats' paper sails for extra flair.

Kids love to do arts and crafts. Planning a craft to do with your children is a great way to promote their gross motor skills, encourage creativity and slip in a lesson about the craft as you are working. One craft that kids will find fun is making a milk-jug boat. As you and your kids create your boats, you can ask them what they know about boats and share with them all that you know. Discuss how boats float, the types of boats there are and water safety.

Advertisement

Step 1

Lay the milk jug on its side so that the jug handle is pointing up toward the ceiling.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Cut out the side of the milk jug with the handle on it using a craft knife or scissors. Leave the milk jug's bottom and spout intact.

Step 3

Paint and decorate the milk jug.

Step 4

Cut a piece of paper into a triangle or fold a paper napkin in half diagonally to make the sail.

Step 5

Tape the sail to the top of a toothpick or straw.

Advertisement

Step 6

Poke a hole in the front of the milk jug, near the spout, and push the toothpick or straw holding the sail through the hole. Tape the base of the sail to secure it to the boat.

Step 7

Decide on a name for your boat. Write the name along the side in permanent marker.

Tip

Make sure to leave the lid of the milk jug twisted tightly onto the spout so that your boat does not sink when you put it in water.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references