The Great Train Race

In this simple train party game, kids become the “track builders” for their own little line-following trains. Each child draws a bold black track on a long strip of white butcher paper, and their red train follows the line as they race to the finish. It is part race, part drawing game, and it is especially fun because the kids control where the train goes next.

Activity Snapshot

Best for: Ages 5+
Type: Active indoor or outdoor party game
Players: 2 at a time, or teams taking turns
Time: 10–20 minutes
Vibe: Silly, exciting, hands-on, and easy to set up

Setup

Roll out two long strips of white butcher paper side by side on the floor, driveway, or patio. Tape the corners and edges down so the paper does not slide while the kids are playing.

Place one train at the starting end of each paper lane. Give each child a big black marker. The kids should kneel slightly off to the side of their paper so they are not blocking the train. Their job is to draw one single black line in front of the train for it to follow.

Keep each lane simple: one bold black line only, with a mix of straight sections and gentle curves. Do not let the line split or branch, because the train needs one clear path to follow.

What You'll Need

How to Play

Two kids start at the same time. Each child begins drawing a black line in front of their train, making a track for the train to follow.

The train follows the line as the child keeps drawing ahead of it. Kids can make the track straight, curvy, wiggly, or slightly twisty, but they must keep it as one continuous line

The first train to reach the finish line wins the round. Then the next two kids take a turn.

**For older kids you can add a required element such as, "must have two curves"

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Helpful Tips

For younger kids, draw a few sample curves at the start so they understand how thick and clear the line should be. Remind them to stay slightly ahead of the train and off to the side of the paper so the train has room to move.

For a party, this works best as a relay-style station where two kids race at a time while the others cheer. You can also make it noncompetitive and just let each child create a funny train track for their train to follow