By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
What's The JamWhat's The Jam
  • Home
  • Latest News
    • UK News
    • World News
  • Super ViralHot
  • Lifestyle
    • Health and Fitness
    • Photography
    • Property
  • Humor
  • Celebrity
  • Weird
  • Videos
  • All Topics
    • Babies and Kids
    • Celebrity
    • Comedy and Humor
    • Documentary and Reportage
    • Fails
    • Health and Fitness
    • Holidays and Travel
    • Influencers and Models
    • Latest Videos
    • Life Hacks
    • Lifestyle
    • Nature and Wildlife
    • Pets and Animals
    • Photography
    • Property
    • Real Life
    • Sport
    • Strange and Bizarre
    • Super Viral
    • UK News
    • World News
Search
  • Health and Fitness
  • Holidays and Travel
  • Nature and Wildlife
  • Pets and Animals
  • Photography
  • Babies and Kids
  • Comedy and Humor
  • Fails
  • Real Life
  • Strange and Bizarre
  • Submit News
  • Customize Interests
  • Bookmarks
  • Newsletter
  • Who Are We
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact
© 2023 What's The Jam. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: ‘DIY fanatic’ dad creates McDonald’s drive-thru for kids using materials from random skips
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
What's The JamWhat's The Jam
Aa
  • News
  • World
  • Viral
  • Funny
  • Weird
  • Celebrity
  • DIY
  • Lifestyle
  • Sport
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
    • News
    • World
    • Super Viral
    • Videos
  • All Topics
    • Babies and Kids
    • Celebrity
    • Comedy and Humor
    • Documentary and Reportage
    • Fails
    • Health and Fitness
    • Holidays and Travel
    • Influencers and Models
    • Life Hacks
    • Lifestyle
    • Nature and Wildlife
    • Pets and Animals
    • Photography
    • Property
    • Real Life
    • Sport
    • Strange and Bizarre
  • Quick Links
    • Customize Interests
    • Bookmarks
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of use
    • Write For Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact
© 2023 What's The Jam. All Rights Reserved.
DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
Babies and Kids

‘DIY fanatic’ dad creates McDonald’s drive-thru for kids using materials from random skips

Amy Walters
Last updated: 2024/11/13 at 10:02 AM
Amy Walters
Share
8 Min Read
Leo and Zac playing in their McDonald’s drive-thru. (Picture: Jam Press)
SHARE

A dad who is “obsessed” with DIY has revealed how he created a McDonald’s drive-thru and traditional pub for his kids after rummaging through skips and other people’s recycling.

When Daniel Mills, 38, started a new role as an architectural assistant, with one of his clients the Golden Arches franchise, he suddenly had a creative idea.

And it involved both of his kids, Leo, nine and Zac, eight.

READ MORE: ‘I’m a controversial mum – I don’t want to micromanage my kids by keeping them entertained or making them eat healthy food’

- Advertisement -

The dad-of-two, from Hertfordshire, used his savvy skills to create a fully functioning playhouse drive-thru in their back garden, for less than £30.

Now, he’s sharing how you can make one, too, just in time for Christmas.

“When they saw it, they went mad with excitement,” Daniel told What’s The Jam.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
Daniel with one of his kids. (Picture: Jam Press)

“As a single dad, it is often challenging to keep them occupied.

“But then I spotted my shed, which needed some major TLC – and I had an idea.

- Advertisement -

“I thought it would make a great playhouse, and I couldn’t help but see it as a mini drive-thru.”

Daniel, who is a DIY fanatic, gathered a stash of wood using his neighbours’ old fence that had blown down.

He also rummaged through skips, including a building site, where he found a leftover roof, which he then repurposed.

- Advertisement -

Using some wooden slats from an old IKEA bed as cladding, he had created the base structure, before attaching wheels to the bottom so it was mobile.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
The McDonald’s drive-thru under construction. (Picture: Jam Press)

To create the illusion of a real McDonald’s drive-thru, he printed off some signs to stick on and reused old logo cups, as well as Happy Meal boxes.

In total, it took only three days to complete and when it was done, he made a big reveal for his two boys.

He said: “I covered it in sheets, ripped them off and immediately, they asked if they could have breakfast there.

“And lunch, as well as dinner.

“Each weekend, we played with it constantly.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
Leo in ‘construction’ mode. (Picture: Jam Press)

“One would stand at the hatch, while the other came through in their toy car to order – it was fantastic.

“After grilling up some burgers to act as a makeshift Happy Meal, they would sit on the picnic bench all smiles.”

Like with most children, the novelty soon wore off, though.

In a bid to keep the imaginative joy alive, he popped it on Facebook Marketplace for another child to play around in.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
The DIY McDonald’s drive-thru. (Picture: Jam Press)

He claims within hours over 26,000 people were interested – including in Australia – but ultimately sold it locally for a whopping £250.

Daniel said: “I was told by many it was too cheap and some offered much, much more.

“But I had to honour the sale. It didn’t cost me anything really, so win-win.

“It was unbelievable, though, friends and family said I should make more.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
The DIY McDonald’s drive-thru. (Picture: Jam Press)

“As a single parent, hearing people call you a top guy and say how lucky the kids were, meant a lot.”

Now, he’s revealed his latest creation; a traditional English playhouse pub – for the kids, of course.

He said: “I wanted to recreate the excitement and magic they had when unveiling the first project.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
One of the kids inside the traditional pub. (Picture: Jam Press)

“Now that they’re a bit older, I had to think of something more grown up.

“And then the idea came to me.

“My parents took them to Cornwall for a week during summer and their best memory, despite the sunny weather, was a rainy afternoon spent eating fish and chips at the pub.”

Daniel bought a secondhand playhouse for £20 to repurpose.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
Inside the DIY traditional pub. (Picture: Jam Press)

He then brought the pub to life by including a toy fruit machine from Facebook, which he got for free, and reusing old alcohol bottles from his neighbours’ recycling to create a stocked bar.

Alongside installing some cheap, non-functional, beer taps from a man cave group on Facebook, and some mismatched wooden photo frames from a charity shop for 10p each – it was complete.

Daniel has since added two 1960s wooden classroom science stools, which he found in a school skip.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
One of the kids eating at the McDonald’s drive-thru. (Picture: Jam Press)

His biggest piece of advice? Always think outside the box.

He said: “You’ve got to repurpose and see objects differently.

“Most bits were salvaged, freebies or charity shop finds.

“My favourite place is the IKEA broken parts area at the end.”

Now, he’s looking toward the next project – but hopes to share his savvy DIY tips and tricks to inspire other parents ahead of Christmas.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
Leo and Zac eating at their McDonald’s drive-thru. (Picture: Jam Press)

Daniel added: “It’s the perfect time now to buy old sheds, as people are making space before the festive season.

“Use up all those half-empty fence paints and re-purpose the old pallet sitting on your neighbour’s driveway.

“If you’re patient and willing to search around, you could probably build something for next to nothing.

“Make something you know you can sell after, because it will soften the pain of throwing it away if it can be enjoyed by another person.

DIY dad builds McDonald's drive-thru and pub playhouses for his kids using recycled materials. Unique creations cost under £30, sold for £250, and inspired many parents.
Leo and Zac playing in their McDonald’s drive-thru. (Picture: Jam Press)

“You still keep the memories for free, but a few hundred quid in your pocket to take your kids on a day trip is a nice bonus.

“Role play is a massive part of kids’ learning, and spending time doing this allows them to stretch their imagination, rather than plug into a computer game for hours.

“They loved adding up the cost of the burgers and memorising orders – learning without realising.

“They’re only kids once.”

READ MORE: Godfather left red-faced after getting colour wrong at gender reveal party

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • X

Have a story to tell? Hello@whatsthejam.com
TAGGED: Adorable, children, DIY, home, property

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
[mc4wp_form]
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
What do you think?
Love2
Sad0
Happy0
Sleepy0
Angry0
Dead0
Wink0
Previous Article Couple discovers WWII Anderson shelter under their garden summerhouse. Hidden history unearthed during renovation excites family and sparks educational plans. Family-of-four discover rare WW2 shelter in garden THREE YEARS after moving in
Next Article Santa offers personalized AI phone calls for kids this Christmas. No pre-recorded messages—just a magical, unique chat with Father Christmas himself. Prices start at $9.95. Santa Claus offers ‘real calls’ for kids this year
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

235.3k Followers Like
69.1k Followers Follow
11.6k Followers Pin
56.4k Followers Follow
136k Subscribers Subscribe
4.4k Followers Follow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Latest News

WW2 veteran Edward Ernest Butler’s medal collection sells for £50,000 at auction - rare gallantry groups and historic items including Lord Nelson’s telescope wow bidders.
Medal collection assembled by late WW2 serviceman sells for £50,000
UK News 29 August 2025
London commuters stunned as Bond Street Tube station speakers blasted Playboi Carti rap track - TfL launches investigation after bizarre public address system glitch.
Commuters amazed as PA system at London Underground station plays rap music
UK News 29 August 2025
Taylor Swift fans can toast her engagement with free bubbly at The Black Dog pub in Vauxhall London - the bar named on her album is offering drinks for Swifties.
Taylor Swift fans offer free bubbly to toast her engagement at south London boozer made famous by pop star
Celebrity 29 August 2025
Teen Grace Tickle who survived on cheese pasta and biscuits due to rare eating disorder ARFID finally overcomes fear of food and now enjoys a balanced diet and dining out.
Teen who survived on beige food – like cheese and pasta – cures her phobia of other grub
Health and Fitness 29 August 2025

You Might also Like

Teenager Cozy adopted at 19 after 5,429 days in foster care - Arkansas’ longest waiting child finally finds a forever home with Anna and Tim Dietrich in emotional hearing.
World News

Beautiful moment teen finds forever family after 5,429 days in foster care

29 August 2025
Scuba diver spots real life Mr Krabs in Lake Tahoe as a crab wearing a plumose anemone like a chef’s hat goes viral with millions of views and hilarious SpongeBob jokes.
Pets and Animals

Diver finds real-life Mr Krabs in ‘chef’s hat’

29 August 2025
Wildlife photographer captures tender moment as a lion and lioness share a loving embrace in Kenya’s Masai Mara - a heartwarming scene straight out of The Lion King.
Nature and Wildlife

Lion and lioness share loving embrace

29 August 2025
British explorer Chloe Urbex uncovers “super creepy” abandoned MOD barracks in London left to rot for 50 years - eerie photos reveal peeling walls, decayed halls and old signs.
Property

British explorer discovers ‘super creepy’ abandoned MOD barracks

27 August 2025
Legendary Nashville recording studio Dark Horse hits market for \$24m - estate where Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton and Shawn Mendes recorded comes with luxury manor house.
Property

Star-studded recording retreat used by Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton goes on sale for $24m

26 August 2025
Former Victorian police station in Maryport on sale for £180,000 - empty red sandstone building with cell entrances has planning permission for seven flats and homes.
Property

Former police station is on market for £180,000

26 August 2025
Urban explorer finds eerie abandoned care home in East Sussex with mouldy photos, baby dolls and rotting furniture left behind after closing its doors in 2020.
Property

Abandoned care home found littered with dolls, mould and rotting beds

22 August 2025
Nine-year-old Frankie McMillan has climbed over 700 mountains including 10 of Europe’s highest peaks - the young adventurer is now planning bigger charity climbs ahead.
UK News

Boy, nine, scales more than 700 mountains including 10 of Europe’s highest peaks

22 August 2025
//

What’s The Jam is your one stop website for the latest viral and weird news from around the world.

 
Have a story to tell? Hello@whatsthejam.com

Quick Link

  • Customize Interests
  • Bookmarks
  • Write for Us
  • Newsletter
  • About Us

Top Categories

  • UK News
  • World News
  • Latest Videos
  • Lifestyle
  • Super Viral

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

[mc4wp_form]

What's The JamWhat's The Jam
Follow US
© 2023 What's The Jam. All Rights Reserved.
Go to mobile version
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Our site is an advertising supported site. Please whitelist to support our site.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?