There are plenty of ways to coast through the days of summer, but you're sure to get good mileage out of this one. What other activity gives a kid the chance to feel the wind on his face while steering and braking a vehicle he helped construct himself? Plus, it makes for a great introduction to some basic mechanics. For materials, all you'll need is a half sheet of plywood, a couple of 2 by 4 studs, a closet rod, and some hardware and paint. The total cost should run no more than $100.

To make the construction as foolproof as possible, we've created a detailed construction package, including a materials list and step-by-step directions with photographs, that you can download. And be sure to check our video of the go-cart in action.

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER
Even a simple vehicle like this go-cart requires engineering savvy. To be steerable, for instance, the front axle needs to pivot. That's possible because it's attached to the go-cart frame (the center support) with a short galvanized pipe called a nipple. The ends of the pipe are threaded and fit into threaded metal collars called flanges, which are screwed to the wood. While this pipe fitting allows the axle to move from side to side, the pair of blocks that are screwed to the top of the axle keep it from turning too sharply (so the cart is less apt to tip). Our model also features a steering bar that connects to the front axle with a pair of ropes. This pulley system allows you to steer by turning the bar in the same manner you would the steering wheel of a car.

Like the front axle, the go-cart brake lever uses a simple pivoting mechanism. When you pull the top of the lever toward you, you're pushing the bottom of it against the ground. The resulting friction between the lever and the road surface is what slows the cart and brings it to a stop.