All aboard for some railroad themed VBS fun! From coloring pages and snack ideas to games and even a handy VBS planning checklist, these train activities for kids put your railroad VBS on the fast track for fun.
A coloring page is an easy, creative activity kids of all ages enjoy – and since it’s train themed, it’s a natural choice for your VBS. Have plenty of crayons, markers and colored pencils available so your VBS students can really let their creativity flow.
By: Steve Cook
Think musical chairs – but with train cars! This railroad VBS game idea has all the elements of the classic game but is set up to resemble a train. There may be a seat for everyone in the kingdom of heaven, but with this game it boils down to just one. Take a look – it’s tons of fun!
A day packed full of VBS railroad activities can make you hungry – and this railroad cookie idea is just the ticket for a quick snack stop! Follow the simple directions, download and print a cookie railroad crossing sign and enjoy! Melt the yellow candy melts according to the package instructions. Dip the cookies into the melted candy until coated. Place sandwich cookies (like Oreos®) on waxed paper until the candy coating has set. Once set, apply an ‘X’ with black decorator frosting on to the front of each cookie and allow to set. Use an edible marker to draw an ‘R’ onto either side of the frosted ‘X’.
This simple snack idea is so easy to make, but the real clincher is that it looks like a train car! Use your favorite ingredients to make a variety of sandwiches ahead of time that kids can just grab and chew-chew! Make a sandwich with your favorite, kid-friendly fixin’s on two different types of bread. Cut the sandwich in half vertically. Place the half sandwich on a fun colorful plate and use cream cheese or butter to hold the Ritz® Cracker Sandwich wheels and pretzel stick rail in place.
All aboard the VBS snack express! Next stop: a sweet and salty treat no one can resist! This easy-to-make snack mix will become your go-to VBS snack since it’s a kid-favorite that’s also easy to serve. Add the free printable snack mix sign and you’re ready to go. Combine popped popcorn, M&M's, mini pretzels and raisins and serve in Train Popcorn Boxes or Railroad VBS Cups. Let the kids take as much as they want by serving the snack mix in a lined Brown Wooden Crate and scooped into cups with a Silvertone Candy Scoop. Don’t forget to download and print the free printable food labels here or by clicking the button below.
By: Steve Cook
Put the focus on teamwork with this train themed VBS game! Passengers and conductors work together to collect tickets as they race against other teams – and learn to stay on track. Conductor hats, vests and bandanas add to the train-themed fun. Read all about it now!
Power up your VBS snack time with coal – coal cookies, that is! These VBS treats use chocolate chips and Oreos to give the look of coal, but the taste nothing short of heavenly! In a large pot over medium-low heat melt 1 stick of butter and 15 oz bag of marshmallows. Add 1 tsp of vanilla and 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips into the pot stir to evenly and continuously to combine. Once the chocolate chips are completely melted and incorporated, remove the pot from the heat and pour 8 cups of rice cereal into the pot and gently fold into the chocolate-marshmallow mixture until the cereal is coated. Roll the mixture into balls and sprinkle with crushed Oreo® cookies. Flatten the balls into a cookie shape and drizzle the top with melted chocolate chips. Remember to download the free printable “Coal Cookies” sign for your snack table!
When kids are hungry, they can have a one-track mind. Luckily, this tasty train themed snack will get ‘em back on track in no time! Take a peek at the super simple instructions. Combine graham crackers, whipped topping (like Redi-Whip®), regular & mini Oreo® cookies on a fun colored plate to look like a train! Use cream cheese or peanut butter to adhere the cookies and rail to the graham cracker train cars. Add a whipped topping smokestack and stick in a few mini marshmallows for a bit of extra sweetness. You could even load up a small pile of raisins, snack mix or vegetables into the back of the train car!
Before all the excitement of the first day of VBS, make sure you have every detail covered with this Railroad VBS printable checklist! From choosing the dates to training volunteers, this checklist will help guide you through the planning process so when the big day comes, you can focus on fun.
By: Laura Russel, Make Life Lovely
Little train conductors will love these adorable Train Party Favor Bags filled with Tootsie Rolls or other treats and toys. These favor bags look professional but are actually very easy to make, thanks to this free printable. Seriously – if you can iron, you can make these! Download the free Train Party Favor Bag printable here and get started!
By: Nikkala Stephens, The Crafting Chicks
Oreo® Coal Cake Pops are the perfect addition to your train themed VBS. All the little conductors will love eating these fun and delicious treats – and the grownups will, too! These Oreo® Coal Cake Pops are super simple to make and bring all the rave reviews from VBS students.
By: Steve Cook
Memorizing a Bible verse doesn’t have to be a chore – in fact, this railroad themed VBS game is just the ticket! As students search for hidden train cars (each with a word from a Bible verse), they begin to memorize the scripture as they put the cars in order. It’s a fun way to memorize a verse and can easily be adapted for younger children.