How to Construct a Train From Cardboard Boxes

Paint each box or cover the boxes with construction paper or self-adhesive shelf liner paper. Add details by using paint, markers or crayons, or by cutting shapes out of construction paper and gluing them on.

Wait for your paint to dry, then glue on additional objects to personalize each train car. For example, you can glue an empty thread spool or marker cap to the top of the first car to create a smokestack.

Glue thread spools or attach toy wheels to your boxes to make wheels, or simply paint wheels directly onto the boxes.

Glue a button or cut-out circle to the first train car to make an engine, and glue a paper triangle underneath to make a bumper. These details can also be drawn or painted on, as you prefer.

Wait for the paint and glue to dry.

Poke a hole in the short ends of each box with your sharpened pencil or scissors.

Thread string or yarn through the holes, and tie a knot at the end of the last car. Now you have a pull-along train toy.