Autumn Tuff Tray Train Track Tree Activity for Kids
There’s something timeless about trains. From the gentle click-clack of wooden wheels to the joy of connecting tracks, trains have been a classic playtime favorite for generations.
But why do children love them so much? Because trains are about connection—connecting pieces, connecting destinations, and connecting stories. They spark imagination, encourage problem-solving, and invite endless opportunities for pretend play.
Train Track Tree Tuff Tray Setup | Autumn Sensory Play for Kids
Build an Autumn Tuff Tray Tree with Wooden Tracks
When we saw @AndersonSensory’s beautiful Autumn Train Tree setup, we instantly fell in love! Using wooden train tracks to create the trunk and branches of a tree is such a clever twist on a classic toy. It transforms something familiar into something wonderfully creative—and full of learning potential.
Their setup even included one of our favorite books, “The Leaf Thief”, a perfect story to bring the tray to life. We love when books and play come together—what we like to call book play! Seeing stories jump off the page helps children connect language, imagination, and hands-on discovery.
How to Set Up
Get started by building your Autumn Tuff Tray train track in the shape of a tree. Invite your child to help and talk together as you build — ask simple questions like, “What do you see?” or “What could this be?” Encourage them to touch and feel the pieces as you add seasonal textures. In autumn, sprinkle real leaves around the tree; in winter, add cotton balls for snow. Once your tree is built, step back and let your child take the lead.
You’ll probably notice they have a strong urge to rebuild or rearrange the train track tree—and that’s expected! It’s part of open-ended play and shows they’re exploring ideas, testing patterns, and creating their own version of the world.
Why Trains Belong in Every Home , Classroom & An Autumn Tuff Tray
Children can build towns, forests, mountains, and even whole worlds—all from a simple set of tracks. As they connect the pieces, they’re using problem-solving skills and spatial thinking. As they push the trains along, they explore movement, direction, and cause and effect.
But the real magic happens in the stories they create. Who’s riding the train? Where is it going? What will happen when it gets there? These imaginative moments build language, storytelling, and social skills.
Trains invite children to design, build, imagine, and explore—all at their own pace. They’re the perfect reminder that learning through play doesn’t need to be complicated … just creative.
Tuff Tray Grass Play Mat for Train Play
For the landscape, we used our Learning Through PLAYtrays double-sided play mat—grass on one side, water on the other. The fuzzy grass side makes the perfect base for building train tracks and setting the scene for autumn adventures. Once the tracks were built, we added toy animals, turning the setup into a “trip to the zoo” full of imaginative storytelling and role play.
From exploring animal sounds to building tracks that connect the “zoo” and the “forest,” this tray was full of learning through play—all sparked by a few simple materials and a classic toy.
Looking for More Sensory Play Ideas?
This activity is featured in our upcoming “Sensory Play Box: 60 Tuff Tray Ideas for PLAY!”—a collection designed to spark creativity and curiosity in every classroom or home.
So next time you set up your trains, look at them with fresh eyes. Could they become something new—a tree, a bridge, a maze, or even a story waiting to unfold? That’s the magic of sensory play.
Discover our box set of 60 Idea Cards.
Learning Through PLAYtrays
From trains to trees, every tray tells a story. Show us your train tree. Tag us on social media or message Kamilla@playtraylearning. Thanks for inspiring!