Games and Toys to Make from Recycled Milk Jugs

Plastic jugs from milk, orange juice, or water can make a number of fun toys and games for kids and adults alike, providing hours of family fun for free.

Pencil Drop

A pencil drop aiming game can be made from one plastic jug, and a handful of pencils or clothespins. Drop the items one by one, either from chest or shoulder height, to see if you can aim just right and get them to fall into the jug. Experiment with pencils with heavier erasers, markers, spring or old fashioned style clothespins, etc to learn what effect different shapes have on falling objects. If the game is too challenging using the original opening, cut around the pour spout to make a larger hole.

Large Lawn Target

A very large target can be set up on a lawn by using the bottoms of plastic jugs. Cut the jugs off to make trays about three or four inches high, and punch holes in the sides near the top. Use the holes to tie the trays together in a big target formation. Point amounts can be marked in each one, or they can be painted different colors to represent point levels. This a fun target for water balloons, water soaked sponges, badminton birdies, etc.

Bean Bag Target

Cut a large hole in the top side of a milk jug, and use it as a target for bean bags, or other small items. Three jugs with holes of different sizes can be set up side by side to allow for a range of difficulties. The jugs also make a fine storage place for bean bags when the game is not in use.

Ball and Cup Catch

A giant version of the old-fashioned ball and cup game can be made with one plastic jug with the bottom cut out of it. Use a length of cotton twine to attach a soft knitted ball or rag ball or hackey sack, to the spout end of the jug. Holding the jug by the handle, players can test their skill at tossing the ball in the air, and catching it in the open end of the jug.

Scoop Toss Game

Two milk jugs, cut into the shape of scoops, and a tennis ball are all the equipment needed to play a toss and catch game. Toss the ball from player to player with the jugs, using them like baskets to catch and keep the ball.

Lacing Cards

The straight sides of a plastic milk jug can be cut out and used to make lacing and sewing cards. Draw a simple animal shape on the plastic, and use a hole punch or hot skewer to make holes evenly along the lines. The card can be the shape of the animal, or could be oval, square, etc. and have holes along its outer edge for lacing as well.

Bank

A bank for collecting change can be made by decorating the jug with markers and stickers, and cutting a slit at the top for the change to drop through. The cap should be taped in place or even super glued to help avoid temptation!