Skip the flimsy stuff. These DIY wooden ride-on toys are sturdy, fun to build, and your kids will actually enjoy playing with them. Free plans make it easy.

I built this DIY Outdoor Riding Toy for several reasons.
- My dog eats all things plastic, including large outdoor toys.
- My kids throw anything plastic, including large outdoor toys
- I repeat, my kids throw things, jump on things, roll things!!
I wanted a toy that could withstand both humans and dogs! I thought solid wood and galvanized metal would be the perfect choice.

This is basically just a box on wheels, so it's super easy to make! The handles were pretty fun to put together, too!
But don't worry, all that space inside the box didn't go to waste. This little toy needed some truck space.
My son likes to carry around his cars in there! 😆
Jump to:
Grab the Free Printable Plans
Skill Level: Beginner
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tools
Materials
Cuts
- Bottom Panel
- 20" x 9"
- (2) Side Panels
- 13 ½" x 7"
- Top Panel
- 15" x 9"
- Back Panel
- 9" x 6 ¾"
Wood Box
Make the cuts from your sheet of plywood according to the list provided.
Sand the pieces with the orbital sander until smooth.
Attach the (2) side panels to the bottom panel using ¾” Pocket Holes and 1 ¼” pocket hole screws.
Attach Front Panel to the bottom panel using ¾” pocket holes and 1 ¼” pocket hole screws.
With wood glue and finish nails, attach the sides of the front panel to the edges of the side panels.
Attach the back panel using 2 small hinges.
Using wood glue and finishing nails, attach the top panel to the edges of the front and side panels.
Ensure that you do not nail into the back panel, so that it can operate as a door.
Handlebars
Create your handlebars with the galvanized pipe according to the image.
Attach handlebars to the front of the bottom panel using wood screws.
Add a piece of small scrap wood under the bottom panel (where the handlebars will be attached) so that your screws do not poke through.
Attach with wood glue and a few finishing nails.
Then screw the handlebars onto the bottom panel.
Finishings
Attach the 2” casters to the bottom of the ride-on toy.
Screw in the Safety Hook and Eye to back panel to keep the "trunk" securely fastened.
Seal the wood with an outdoor safe sealant.
More Free Build Plans
Don't put those power tools away yet. There are more fun things to make!
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Lisa Brown
I would like to see a rolling work table for the garage; a table where everyone can work off of and move it around where needed.
Natalie
I would love to see ideas about how to repurpose headboards and baseboards of beds.
Julie
I would like to see how to make planter boxes for my flowers that look unique.
Angie H
I would love to see toy storage plans or a rolling cart for multi-purpose (like art supplies, bathroom storage, etc.)
Sandy
I am a gardener at hearth and would love to see anything that pertains gardening....interesting planters, work tables, stands, etc.
Jeanette
I'd like need to make a coffee table, end table and buffet, so any of those.
MJ
Window boxes would be cool!
Matthew - Decorating With Less
What a cool ride for a little kids.
Margie Hall
Such a cute project and a wonderful giveaway! I can hardly wait for the eBooks!
Elena
I would like to see how to build an outdoor kitchen
Heidi B
I'd love to see a small kid's play house or tree fort.
Roger
Here are my thoughts for the ebook. I think it would be great to have an item for every room of the house, and something useful for outside (gardening related?). Maybe something special for the kids also.
Brad
This looks so fun!!
Tyneisha
I'd love to see a functional and attractive toy box! Something that can help keep these millions of toys organized but still look nice at the same time!
Michelle
I'd love to see a building project for an easy to build bench!
Nicole
These sound like two awesome e-books! I would love to see how to build shelving specifically for my new ryobi tools!
Cheryl B
I would love to see more pallet protects.
Candice
I would love to see a guide on how to build a backyard fire pit. I have been wanting one for awhile, but just unsure of where to start.
Ruthie
Thanks for the awesome opportunity!
I would love to see plans for storage shelving and a workshop table/station. I'm trying to organize my garage and so far, it's a losing battle.
David
With everyone using wall mounted TVs, the entertainment center has become obsolete. I would like to see plans for a functional entertainment center for the other gadgets that can't be mounted to the wall.
Ty
I would like to a vertical planter garden or even a picnic bench!
Joey
I would love to see how to make a desk with that country chic look to it!
Mindi Eden
Making kitchen cabinets doors I could easily make & replace!
Will
Bathroom remodel.
Annette
I'd like to see a rolling cart for my kitchen.
Denise
A headboard for a queen bed.
Amy Orvin
I like extra no how on re-screening a porch.
Stefanie
I would love to see a dresser drawer!
Stacey Roberson
I'd love to see a DIY pet/ baby gate for the stairs.
Amy C.
A decorative outdoor cooler for keeping drinks cold and pretty during parties.
Carol D
This is an awesome Giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity!
I'd LOVE to win this. I know Ryobi is a great name in tools....and though I've never been a "builder", I love working with wood and with tools.
I think because my Dad did build furniture - as well as doing lots of fixing up around the house when I was a kid, I admired that and have tried to emulate his example. I remember when I was on my own, he gave me a small power drill - and I loved it! (til it was stolen by one of my landlords a few years ago!)
Thank you again for the chance
Rachel
I would like to see how to make planters out of reclaimed wood.
Jessica
We are moving out of an apartment and I will soon have my very own garden!! I would love to see projects for in the garden and on the deck! Thanks for your hard work and awesome projects.
Heather
This ride on looks so fun! Excited for your ebooks!!
Brenda
An outdoor sink and an outdoor murphey bar would be great. I have summer on my mind 🙂
Samantha
How exciting, I love building my own things. Please put a coffee table in your ebook, that's on my to do list along with a dinner table for outside and a bar for my lanai. Can't wait to see the reveal of the ebook.
Michelle
I would like to see ideas on creating cute but functional plant stands and benches for narrow front porches. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Cami
Girl - I am so excited for you! I can't wait to see your book! Oh wait - books!!! Crazy girl! Hope you are still in one piece by girl trip time!
amanda
i would love recycled pallet projects.
amanda whitley
i would like recycled pallet projects.
Colleen Boudreau
A DIY lighted vanity mirror.
Steve
I'd love to see a small garden shed project.
Bernice Wolen
I would love to build an activity table for my toddler.
Rust
I'd like to see plans for one of the sliding storage shelves to fit in that small space between the fridge and the wall.
Mary
I'd like to see plans for an outdoor storage bench!
Meghan
A new bookcase!
Faye Gates
I want to see a Pergolia? Did I spell it right?
Gail
I would love to see how to build an off the ground deck, plain, not fancy.
Jessica w
I love this, so cute!
Ali Celestino
I would love to see a rolling bar cart for entertaining purposes. Love the ride on toy so unique.
MaryAnn
I would like to see a kid's bookshelf.
Sarah
We are going to be building some flower planters this summer.
Dawn Monroe
I'd like to see plans on how to build a window bench for a childrens reading nook and a princess castle toy box.