Thomas the Tank Engine Track Ideas

Simple O

• A simple "O" track is useful for younger children who aren't accustomed to train tracks. It can help them get used to pushing their train on the tracks and making sure it doesn't fly off as they play. Lay your pieces down to create a large "O" shape. Place decorative items from your track set along the track, such as Thomas' friends or hills. Build multiple "O" tracks for several children. A Thomas-themed birthday party could have train races on multiple tracks.

Bridges and Tunnels

• Thomas often travels over many bridges and through tunnels in his travels. Build a track that features numerous bridges and tunnels. Space out the bridge and tunnel track pieces so they are evenly spread throughout the circuit. Utilize a few curves and straightaway pieces so that children can enjoy pushing Thomas through the curves as well. After setting up the track, let the children push Thomas along the track.

See My Friends

• Thomas has many friends, most of which should come with your train set. Build a track that highlights each of these friends. Build a straightaway to start and place one of his friends, such as the Caboose, next to the track. Curve the track several track pieces after the friend. Add another straightaway with another friend. Continue to build the track in this way until you have integrated multiple friends into the track. Name each section of the track after the friend that it highlights. Children can then push Thomas to go visit his friends. They can also put the friends on the track behind Thomas and play with multiple trains.

Hard Working Hill

• Help teach your children about hard work by creating the "Hard Working Hill" track. Take your hill pieces and build multiple hills throughout the track. Build a large hill with multiple pieces if possible. Space these out evenly throughout the track so that there are multiple hill sections on each straightaway. Create curves all along the track to make it even more unpredictable for your children.

Drag Racing Tracks

• Use this track layout as a party game. Create several parallel tracks that run straight for at least 10 pieces. Place these tracks beside each other with a few feet of space in between. Put Thomas and his friends on one track apiece. Children then have to push the trains hard on the back to propel them down the tracks. They can't touch the train after the initial push. The first train to reach the end wins. Hold tournaments to find a drag racing winner. Give each contestant a small prize for playing. Reward the winner with a nice prize.