There’s something about a piñata that all kids love including my little guy.  It’s something they enjoy and are always a smashing hit! #getit So, last year, when I began planning for my son’s birthday party back in March, I knew that there would be a piñata involved! Two years ago, we made a number piñata for his Art Themed Birthday Party.  This time, we made a train piñata and I have to say, I really loved how it turned out.  It honestly adds so much to the décor and such a great way to add a fun unique touch to his special day.  So, today, I am excited to show you how to make a train shaped piñata of your own for your next party!  

Let’s get started!

Materials

Cardboard Box

Tissue Paper* 

Scissors

Tape

Glue stick

Rope

Box cutter

Treats (to fill your piñata)

(*Side note: We used red, white, and blue tissue paper since that is the color theme of my son’s birthday party).

Directions

Step 1

First, take your piece of cardboard box and draw the shape of the piñata you would like.  In our case, it was a train, and we chose a simple one to copy that we found online.  Then, follow the same process to create a second one so that your train has a front and back side.  

Step 2

Next, you need to figure out how wide your piñata is going to be.  Since our piñata was going to double as a table décor, I wanted to ensure that it was big enough so, we made strips of cardboard 5” wide to go around the shape of the train.  

Step 3

Now, cut out your train shape and cardboard strips using a box cutter.  From there, you want to punch two holes on the top strip.  This is where you will thread a string through.  

Step 4

After that, you want to securely shut all the cardboard pieces together using tape except for the front strip.  I left this open so that we could fill the piñata later when we are finished making it. Additionally, don’t forget to reinforce the top strip with duct tape since this is the area where the string will hang from.  This way your piñata will hold up long enough so that all the kids at your party have a chance to hit it! That said, bring a string* through and tie a secure knot on the top to create a loop for hanging. 

(*Side note:  I was asleep at the wheel and made an error of using a string instead of a rope with our train piñata.  As a result, the piñata fell to the ground a few times.  Fortunately, it did not break.  But learn from my mistake and make sure to use a rope!) 

Step 5

At this point, it’s time to start cutting lengths of tissue paper that are about 2” wide.  Then, to create the fringe, I cut small slits at the bottom.  

Step 6

Now it’s time to glue it on the piñata!

Starting at the bottom, start layering the blue tissue paper to the wheels of the train piñata. Once you reach the body of the train, start layering the red tissue paper. Then, at the top section of the piñata, create a window by gluing white strips of tissue paper. Afterward, attach blue tissue paper on the outer portion to add the trim of the window. 

(*Side note: Once your train piñata is fully covered in fringed tissue paper strips, you can decorate it the way you want.  I wanted to highlight how old my son was turning so I decorated ours with the number 9.)

Step 7

Lastly, fill your train piñata with goodies! We filled ours with candy and small toys that my son picked out.  Then seal down with tape until secure and cover any gaps with tissue paper.  Voila – you are done! 

Do you piñata? 

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you).  

**Additionally, some items linked above are not the exact item shown because it is either old or sold out, but I linked similar items for those that are unavailable.