Tips for Planning a Train Themed Birthday Party
If you’re trying to track down help for planning a train themed birthday party, you’ve come to the right place. Train birthday parties are a popular choice allowing for so many variations—classic, vintage, character themed (Thomas the Train) and modern. No matter which spin you put on this theme, consider sending out creative invitations, incorporating exciting decorations, scrumptious treats and thrilling activities!
Train Themed Birthday Party Tips:
#1- Set the train party theme in motion by sending out creative invitations. Nothing sets the tone for a great party quite like a theme coordinating invitation. There are many fun ways to invite guests “all aboard” the birthday express, including sending out a train shaped invitation. If time is a factor, many online shops sell printable train themed invitations that can be quickly and inexpensively customized with your guest of honor’s name and party colors. Another fun idea would be to create train ticket-style invitations with information on station (venue) location, boarding and any fun dining car offerings. Consider adding a train whistle or engineer’s hat with the invitation for increased excitement.
#2- Track down exciting train themed decorations or make your own. Start with items you have right at home. Raid your child’s toy box for trains and tracks that can be used as is or even re-purposed with a coat of spray paint to match party colors (extras can be found inexpensively at dollar stores or thrift shops). Bandanas, train whistles, conductor hats, train books and old vintage style suitcases also make wonderful props. Some of these items can double as take home party favors too, if purchased new. Small cardboard boxes work as box cars with construction paper wheels for displaying refreshments. Next, head out to your garage and consider using old cardboard boxes to make trains. Black electrical tape can be used to create a temporary train track on sidewalks or smooth flooring. Setting up different “stations” like a ticket booth, baggage claim favor station and a sweet station will give guests plenty to be excited about.
#3- Create a sweets station. Even the Little Engine That Could needed a little fuel in the tank to keep plugging along. Keep your guests filled and hydrated with a sweets station full of train inspired treats. From train shaped sugar cookies, to licorice rope “tracks”, to smokestack inspired cotton candy, to fondant train topped cupcakes, there are wonderful treats to choose from. A cake is a great choice for a focal point for your sweets station. Consider topping a round cake with edible tracks, and either a fondant or toy train to impress. Or, how about a railroad crossing sign, piped on top? Whichever you choose, guests will appreciate the cohesive look.
If you’re hoping to provide a healthy alternative to sweets, fill up little box cars with snacks like popcorn, pretzels, nuts and dried fruit.
Don’t forget your “chugga chugga” water. Dress up water or flavored beverages with custom labels and have plenty of engineer striped straws on hand for mess free consumption.
#4- Keep the party on track with thrilling activities. It takes a lot of steam to keep guests entertained. Keep things simple by hopping aboard a real train and taking guests for a ride! Many cities even have trackless trains for rent. Train themed bounce houses are also a fun option. Some budget-friendly options include train coloring pages and DIY puzzles printed and cut at home.
Whether you are planning a party for a few friends or a large crowd, these train themed birthday party ideas will help you stay on track and put together an awesome celebration.
Train Decorations on Amazon.com
Train Decorations at Amazon.ca
This post was written by Stephanie Keeping. For more party planning tips visit her blog, Spaceships and Laser Beams.
My son was a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan so I did buy a few train cakes (I am not very creative baker). Great ideas…
Carter has never watched Thomas (I can’t stand him) but somehow he knows all about him and points him out. It must be programmed into his brain as a boy 😛
Ohhh! I LOVE this! I’m going to pass it on to some friends and cousins who all have little ones who are obsessed with trains! This is such a cool theme for a party!
Thanks for passing it on Christine!
Wow! This is amazing! I wish I was a better party planner. My kid’s parties may have a birthday cake and some coordinating plates and such but never in such detail as this.
Last year I didn’t go all out. I made food, I made a cake. That took enough time as it was 😉
I love these ideas! It looks like it was such a fun party.
That is the coolest thing ever! My nephew is a budding train fanatic (we’ve been known to go on the subway, just so that he could ride a train, lol.) I’m bookmarking your post to come back to when its time to start planning his birthday party. This is something he’d go crazy over, and love every minute of. Thanks for all the awesome ideas! I know of a trackless train not far from home, and am Googling now to see what its schedule is like, lol.
That is awesome! It’s amazing how much little boys can love trains, my son is train crazy!
This is such an adorable themed party. I love the details especially the train shaped sandwich and snacks.
I love the sandwiches as well 🙂
Oh, may, too cute. I want to have a train party too. All for myself. I love travelling…. 😉 So cute. Thank you for sharing your train themed party decor + activity ideas with us. Fun to party with you, on the blog, and I’m sure in person also! Great organizational talent here…
These are some great tips! I wish I did better at planning parties. (The train sandwich is so cute!) Thank you for linking up to Party Time and we hope to see you again next week!
Girl, you go all out! I love it. Super great tips. Thanks for linking up at the Home Matters Linky Party!
~Bonnie
Thanks for hosting a great party 🙂
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always looking for party ideas, thank you
These are great ideas! I am going to share your page on my website at http://www.MagicTrainParties.com to give ideas to parents that are planning a train themed birthday party! thank you
Hi Steve,
Thanks for sharing!
Hello, good ideas. I find it is very useful for me. I like it. And I also have some party trackless train for sale in Beston and you can check out more here: http://bestontracklesstrain.com/party-trackless-trains-for-sale/ and you may find it is also useful. Have a good day!