Railroad Tie Relay
A fun train party game where kids use stepping stones to cross the tracks without touching the ground. Perfect for train parties, this game builds teamwork, balance , and strategy as player hop from rung to rung without falling off the track.
What You'll Need
Open play space (grass, gym floor, driveway, or playroom)
Cones or tape to mark the start and finish line
Activity Snapshot
Activity Type: Relay Race / Balance Challenge
Age Recommendation: 6+
Game Time: 5–10 minutes per round
Competitive: Yes (team race)
Set Up
Mark a starting line and a finish line about 15–25 feet apart to (this is the train tracks).
Divide players into two teams and have them line up behind the starting line.
Give each team their rail road ties
Explain that the ground between the lines is the hot lava, and players may only step on the stones to cross safely.
How to Play
Option 1: Railroad Tie Relay
Best for Older Kids
Each team receives two railroad ties.
The first player places one railroad tie forward and steps onto it.
They place the second railroad tie in front of them and step onto that one.
They then reach back, pick up the railroad tie behind them, and move it forward again.
Players continue moving the railroad ties forward until they reach the finish station.
Once they arrive, they run the ties back to the next teammate.
Each player on the team gets a turn.
The first team to get all players safely across the tracks wins.
This version requires balance, patience, distance judgment, and strateg
Option 2: Train Crew Crossing
Best for Younger Kids
Each team receives three or four railroad ties.
One child becomes the Lead Engineer.
The other children are the Train Crew.
The Lead Engineer moves across the tracks using the railroad ties.
The Train Crew picks up ties from the back and passes them forward so the Lead Engineer always has a safe place to step.
Once the Lead Engineer reaches the finish station, another child takes a turn.
The first team to get their train crew across the tracks wins.
This version focuses on cooperation and teamwork instead of speed..
Make This More Magical
Turn the play area into a little train adventure by calling the start line Central Station and the finish line Birthday Junction. Use tape to make railroad tracks and throw the "railroad ties" (poly spots) on the tracks to move across.
Add a story:
Oh no! The train can’t reach Birthday Junction because some of the railroad ties are missing. The young engineers must work together to repair the track and cross safely before the party train leaves the station. Step only on the railroad ties, move carefully, and help your crew get across!