While a train party may be just about the least original third-birthday theme out there, it was specifically and often requested in the days, weeks, and months leading up to the big event so what's a mom to do, but oblige.
In brainstorming what activities could possibly keep a slew of sugared-up pre-schoolers occupied and out of trouble for 3 hours, I figured they'd need something they could band together and destroy. Building a train “fort†from repurposed cardboard boxes and duct tape for the kids to decorate was ridiculously fun, but even better was watching the little artists tear it to pieces. Rolls of tickets were a huge hit for adding to the mess.
Most of the cardboard and paper for the decorations was reused from what we already had around the house and the vinyl letters and numbers are the basics available from Staples. Despite all the work that went into the party and decorations, there was nothing better than seeing the disastrous proof of toddlers having a great time.
Images: Sarah Rainwater
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LOVE! Simple, creative and looks like a blast. My littles would love a party like this. :)
Fantastic!!! So creative, so much fun and so doable. It's refreshing to see a party that's crafted for the kids and not for the photo ops. (And your photos are great to boot!)
My Oliver just had a 3rd birthday, too... and he would have ADORED this! Great idea!!!
Love it. Love it all. And I too think it is so awesome to see a party designed for the child rather than the photo op.
Ooooooh I'm so going to steal/adapt this idea when it comes time for my little boy's third birthday this spring. I've been racking my brain trying to figure out a way to have a "Piston Cup" racing party. At first I thought I'd build some cheap box cars...and then I realized that there is no such thing. I mean, people get super serious about these things! So now I think I'll get some wheelie cart things and attach boxes, and let the kids decorate them with stickers and paints.... so that they'll be properly decked out race cars. :)
I would have loved this party. So cool!
Once again, awesome to see a parent do a party the kid really wants! And very inspirational to see a not overly "Thomasy" train party. Finally, bonus point for environmentally friendly re-use of materials and low cost.
this is incredible, Sarah. my youngest nephew, Andrew, would flip for this on his upcoming 3rd bday. I sent it to my sister!
WOW! What a fun birthday party idea and economical too! (I love the idea of giving train tickets too!)