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Easy Paper Roll Train Craft for Kids

November 12, 2023 by Selena Robinson Leave a Comment

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Transportation is one of my very favorite early learning themes.

Preschoolers get so excited whenever it’s time to talk about something that moves. (Maybe because they move so much themselves?)

Simple Toilet Paper Roll Train

When I was young, I grew up in a very small town with a train track. Hearing the sound of the train was a pretty common occurrence.

When I was a teenager, my father even turned our entire backyard into a model railroad layout. Honestly, that was a bit too far, but I digress.

Simple Toy Train Paper Roll Craft to Make with Kids

I still love trains. And I thought this fun toy train paper roll craft would make a simple and fun transportation activity to share with all of you!

Kids Toy Train Paper Craft

Keep reading to see how to make one with your students.

And for more fun with transportation, take a look at our Revving Racecar Scissor Skills Printables!

Make this simple toy train paper roll craft with kids for an easy transportation theme activity!

What You’ll Need to Make the Easy Paper Roll Train Craft

To make this toilet paper roll train craft, you’ll need the following: (Affiliate links are used below. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)

  • Colored craft paper
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Craft glue
  • Toothpicks
  • Toilet paper roll
  • Printer (with ink)
  • Printer paper
  • A copy of the Toy Train Paper Roll Craft Printable Template
Paper Roll Train Craft Template

Once you’ve printed the paper template, use a pencil to trace the individual pieces onto colored craft paper. Then cut each piece out.

If you’re working with very young children, you may want to do this step yourself before you begin the activity.

After you’ve cut out all the pieces, you’re ready to go!

How to Make a Train Paper Roll Craft for Kids

Glue the body of the train around the empty paper roll to form the train chassis.

Use the end of the scissors to poke holes through the paper roll.

You’ll need a total of four holes – one for each train wheel. (This step should be done by an adult.)

Easy Paper Roll Train Craft

Now it’s time to make the train “wheels”.

Glue the small circles onto the larger circles to form the wheels.

How to Make a Train Out of Toilet Paper Rolls

Attach a toothpick to the end of one wheel using craft glue.

Easy Train Out of Toilet Paper Rolls

Insert a toothpick through the hole on one end of the paper roll and push it through to the hole on the other side.

Attach the second wheel to the open end of the toothpick.

Easy Paper Roll Train Craft for Kids

Do the same on the other side to form the second set of wheels.

Making a Paper Toilet Roll Train

Now, make two fold lines in the train “top” piece.

Glue the four smaller rectangles on each end – two on each side. These are the train “windows”.

Simple Paper Roll Train

Finally, you’ll make the funnel.

Fold the smaller cylindrical piece into a tube and secure the end with craft glue. Fold the top funnel piece into a circle and glue the ends together.

Glue the two pieces together to form the funnel.

Making a Paper Roll Train Craft

All that’s left now is to glue the cabin and the funnel onto the train!

Easy Toy Train Paper Roll Craft

Such a cute train craft to make with little ones!

Looking for more activities about things that go? Try these transportation theme activities for early learners!

Make this simple toilet paper roll racecar craft with little ones for a quick transportation craft!
Teach early learners how to build basic math patterns with these colorful cars math pattern clip cards!
Get some early math practice with little ones and make this simple shape train craft!

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: crafts, crafts for kids, crafts for preschoolers

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Hi! I'm Selena, a veteran teacher and homeschool mom to four. I'm so glad you're here!
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