All aboard the birthday express! These fun and creative train activities, crafts, recipes, and other planning ideas for your child’s next train birthday party will get you to your destination on time and on track.

Best For…

Kids, especially boys, aged three through eight will enjoy this train party. If inviting girls, pick up some pink bandanas as well as some blue ones to tie around guests’ necks as they arrive.  

Party Planning

For peace of mind, begin planning your train birthday bash six to eight weeks in advance. This will allow you time to gather all the supplies that you need, including train party decorations, gifts, and menu items. Planning ahead also gives your guests time to RSVP and make travel plans, if needed. Don't panic if you find yourself short on time; you can still plan a great party! Planning ahead simply reduces the risk of conflicts with guests' plans and may increase your party’s attendance.

You can make your own train party invitations by using folded halves of colored construction paper. Use white construction paper to make railroad crossing signs to glue on the front. Write “All Aboard” on the front and the party instructions inside. Or, if you're short on time, you can purchase personalized or pre-printed train party invitations online. We recommend mailing your invitations three to four weeks prior to the party—any sooner and your guests may forget, any later and your guests may already have plans.

To simplify the rest of the party planning process, check out our Party Planning Timeline, and read the paragraphs below for information on selecting train party decor, train party supplies, train party favors, and more for your child's party.

What Do I Need for the Party?

If you plan to use paper tableware and train party supplies, our Suggested Party Supply List may be quite helpful. Please note that you may not need everything on the list; it is intended only as a guide. For this party, train partyware would be ideal, although party in primary colors or your child's favorite colors will work well, too. For goodie bags, shop online for small toy trains and tracks, bandanas, plastic keys, whistles, assorted candies, and other train party favors. Place the favors you select in clear or train-themed cellophane bags, and tie the bas with chenille sticks in primary colors.