· train sets  · 13 min read

Best Toy Trains For Kids (2024): Ranked & Reviewed

Find the best toy trains for your little ones in 2024! We've ranked and reviewed the top options so you can make the perfect choice.

Trains are a classic toy that has been enjoyed by children for generations. They're a great way to encourage imaginative play and develop important skills like hand-eye coordination and problem-solving. With so many different toy trains on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. That's why we've put together this list of the best toy trains for kids in 2024. We've considered factors like age appropriateness, durability, play value, and price to help you find the perfect train for your child.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars: A Trainload of Educational Fun! Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars: A Trainload of Educational Fun!

PROS

  • Delightful set of 8 magnetic train cars promoting imaginative play.
  • Crafted from durable wood, ensuring longevity through countless play sessions.

CONS

  • Magnets not as strong as expected, potentially limiting play options on inclines.
  • Some users report paint chipping on cars, requiring careful handling.

All aboard the Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars! This captivating set of 8 train cars is a ticket to hours of creative play for young engineers and conductors. Each car boasts vibrant colors and detailed designs that spark imaginations and inspire storytelling. The magnetic connectors make it a breeze to assemble and reconfigure the train, encouraging problem-solving skills. Crafted from durable wood, these trains are built to withstand the rigors of playtime, promising years of railroad adventures.

While some users have noted instances of paint chipping, overall, these train cars offer exceptional value for educational and imaginative play. They foster fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and social interaction as children collaborate to build and operate their train network. Whether chugging through tunnels or traversing imaginative landscapes, the Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars are a surefire hit for train enthusiasts of all ages.

Green Toys Train - Blue Green Toys Train - Blue

PROS

  • Eco-conscious construction from 100% recycled plastic
  • Encourages imaginative and open-ended play, fostering creativity

CONS

  • Price may be prohibitive for some
  • Somewhat small in size

Green Toys Train in Blue is an eco-friendly and robust toy that sparks imagination and hours of engaging play. Crafted from 100% recycled plastic, this train embodies sustainability, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious parents.

The train's cheerful blue hue and simple design invite children to create their own imaginative worlds. Its durable construction withstands enthusiastic play, ensuring longevity and enduring enjoyment. The Green Toys Train encourages open-ended play, fostering creativity and limitless possibilities for storytelling and imaginative journeys.

Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad Set Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad Set

PROS

  • Encourages imaginative play and storytelling
  • Durable wooden construction for long-lasting play
  • Versatile and portable for on-the-go fun
  • FSC certified wood for eco-conscious parents
  • Packed with 17 pieces for endless railroad adventures

CONS

  • Some small pieces may pose a choking hazard
  • Requires adult supervision for the youngest children

Journey into the world of miniature railways with Melissa & Doug's 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad Set! This charming set ignites young imaginations with 3 adorable trains chugging along a tabletop track. Crafted from FSC certified wood, it ensures durability and environmentally friendly fun. The included truck, bridge, and play pieces further enhance the imaginative play experience, allowing your little one to create their own thrilling railroad adventures. Compact and portable, this set transforms any surface into a railway wonderland, encouraging creativity and imaginative play wherever you go.

Tiny Land Train Set: An Imaginative Journey for Young Explorers Tiny Land Train Set: An Imaginative Journey for Young Explorers

PROS

  • 110-piece set for endless creativity and play
  • Durable wooden construction for long-lasting fun
  • Compatible with other wooden train sets for expanded railway adventures
  • Encourages imaginative play, cognitive development, and storytelling abilities

CONS

  • Small pieces may pose a choking hazard for younger children
  • May require adult assistance for initial track assembly

Tiny Land Train Set embarks your little ones on an imaginative journey through endless railway adventures. With its 110 durable wooden pieces, this set sparks creativity and nurtures their cognitive development. The train cars, tracks, and accessories come together effortlessly, encouraging hands-on play and storytelling. Whether they're building towering bridges, navigating winding tunnels, or creating bustling train stations, the possibilities are limitless.

Crafted from sustainable wood, this train set ensures durability for years of playtime fun. Its compatibility with other wooden train sets allows for boundless expansion and even more imaginative adventures. As they engage in train-track escapades, children develop their problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and storytelling abilities. Tiny Land Train Set fuels their imaginations, preparing them for a world of endless possibilities.

New York City 3-Piece Battery-Operated Train Set New York City 3-Piece Battery-Operated Train Set

PROS

  • Battery-operated ease, allowing kids to enjoy train adventures anywhere
  • Includes three classic train cars, adding to the realistic playtime experience
  • Comes with a spacious 39" x 25" track, providing ample room for imaginative journeys

CONS

  • Requires 3 C batteries, adding to the operational costs
  • May not be suitable for very young children due to small parts

This New York City 3-Piece Battery-Operated Train Set offers a delightful blend of fun and imagination for young train enthusiasts. The battery-operated design liberates kids from the constraints of cords, granting them the freedom to play with their train set anywhere. The three included train cars, representing classic train designs, add to the realistic play experience and foster a deeper understanding of train operations. With a generous track size of 39" x 25", this set provides ample space for imaginative journeys and allows children to create elaborate layouts.

While the battery-operated feature enhances portability, it also introduces the need for 3 C batteries, which can add to the operational costs. Additionally, some parents may have concerns about the suitability of this set for very young children due to the presence of small parts. However, overall, the New York City 3-Piece Battery-Operated Train Set provides a solid platform for imaginative play and is sure to captivate the hearts of young train lovers.

Play22 Wooden Train Set for Kids - 12 PCS Magnetic Toy Train Set Play22 Wooden Train Set for Kids - 12 PCS Magnetic Toy Train Set

PROS

  • Packed with 12 diverse toy train cars, including 3 magnetic engines
  • Compatible with all major train brands for endless expansion
  • Durable and long-lasting wooden construction for years of imaginative play
  • Supports cognitive development and enhances hand-eye coordination
  • Bright and vibrant colors to captivate young minds

CONS

  • Requires adult supervision for younger children
  • May not be suitable for smaller play areas due to the number of pieces

Unleash the joy of imaginative play with the Play22 Wooden Train Set, boasting a remarkable 12-piece collection that will spark creativity in young minds. Each set features three magnetic engines that chug along effortlessly, connecting seamlessly to the vibrant passenger cars, cargo wagons, and utility vehicles. The sturdy wooden construction ensures durability and longevity, making it a cherished playtime companion for years to come. Its compatibility with all major train brands allows for boundless expansion possibilities, encouraging imaginative storytelling and limitless track layouts.

Beyond its entertainment value, the Play22 Train Set subtly fosters cognitive development and enhances hand-eye coordination. The vibrant colors and intricate details captivate attention, stimulating visual perception and color recognition. The hands-on play encourages dexterity and problem-solving skills, as little ones navigate the tracks and connect the train cars. Whether embarking on solo adventures or engaging in collaborative play with friends or family, this wooden train set promises endless hours of imaginative fun and educational enrichment.

Hanaive 2 Sets Train Toys for Minions Hanaive 2 Sets Train Toys for Minions

PROS

  • Durable alloy construction ensures longevity.
  • Pull-back design enables easy and engaging play.
  • Detailed simulation of steam trains sparks creativity.

CONS

  • Limited number of sets may restrict play options.
  • Small size may not be suitable for younger children.

Immerse your little ones in the captivating world of trains with the Hanaive 2 Sets Train Toys. These meticulously crafted alloy models capture the essence of vintage steam trains, complete with intricate details and vibrant colors. The pull-back design adds an element of interactive fun, allowing kids to propel the trains across any surface with ease. Each set features two unique trains, providing ample opportunities for storytelling and imaginative play.

Crafted from sturdy alloy, these train toys promise durability that withstands even the most enthusiastic play sessions. Their compact size makes them perfect for both indoor and outdoor adventures. The realistic simulation of steam trains not only sparks curiosity but also nourishes a child's fascination with transportation and engineering.

Transparent Train Toys for Kids, Light Up with Colorful Moving Gears Transparent Train Toys for Kids, Light Up with Colorful Moving Gears

PROS

  • Engage young minds with transparent design revealing intricate inner workings
  • Captivating lights and moving gears stimulate visual perception and curiosity

CONS

  • May require adult supervision for younger children due to small parts
  • Limited sound effects compared to some other train toys

These transparent train toys are a sensory delight for young train enthusiasts. The clear design allows kids to observe the colorful gears turning as the train moves along, fostering their understanding of mechanics and cause-and-effect relationships. The bright lights add an extra layer of excitement, grabbing their attention and encouraging imaginative play.

Parents will appreciate the educational value of these train toys, as they stealthily introduce STEM concepts through hands-on exploration. The moving gears demonstrate basic mechanical principles, while the vibrant colors stimulate visual development. The trains are well-crafted and durable, withstands endless hours of play and exploration.

Hot Bee Train Set: The Ultimate Toy Train Experience for Young Railroad Enthusiasts Hot Bee Train Set: The Ultimate Toy Train Experience for Young Railroad Enthusiasts

PROS

  • Captivating lights, sounds, and realistic smoke effects create an immersive play experience
  • Durable construction and easy-to-assemble track system ensure hours of uninterrupted fun
  • Variety of train carriages and accessories allows for imaginative storytelling and customization
  • Suitable for children ages 3+, fostering developmental skills and stimulating creativity

CONS

  • Requires 4 AA batteries (not included), which can add to operational costs
  • Some users have reported issues with the smoke function being inconsistent or weak

Prepare your little conductors for an extraordinary railway adventure with the Hot Bee Train Set! This feature-rich toy train boasts an array of attractions that will ignite their imaginations and keep them enthralled for hours.

As the steam locomotive chugs along the track, realistic lights illuminate the way, while captivating sound effects enhance the ambience. The billowing smoke adds an extra touch of realism, bringing the train to life before their eyes. The sturdy construction ensures durability, withstanding even the most enthusiastic play sessions.

The set includes a variety of train carriages, allowing kids to mix and match to create their own unique train configurations. The track system is designed for easy assembly, encouraging independent play and fostering problem-solving skills. Suitable for children ages 3 and up, this toy train set not only provides endless entertainment but also promotes developmental growth through imaginative play.

11 Magnetic Trains Toys Set 11 Magnetic Trains Toys Set

PROS

  • Promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  • Nurtures creativity and problem-solving through imaginative play.

CONS

  • Pieces may be too small for toddlers under 3 years old.
  • Wooden material may not withstand rough play.

This train set is an excellent choice for parents seeking a fun and educational toy for their toddlers. The vibrant colors and magnetic feature stimulate visual interest and encourage imaginative play. The rounded edges and durable wood construction ensure safety and longevity.

Each animal train is designed to represent a different species, fostering animal recognition and early literacy skills. As children connect the trains using the magnetic couplings, they develop fine motor coordination and problem-solving abilities. The set also includes a wooden storage box, making it easy to put away and encouraging organizational skills.

We hope this list has helped you find the best toy train for your child. Whether you're looking for a classic wooden train or a more modern option with lights and sounds, we're sure you'll find the perfect one on our list. So what are you waiting for? Start shopping today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of playing with toy trains?

Playing with toy trains can help children develop a variety of skills, including hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and imaginative play. Trains can also help children learn about different types of transportation and how they work.

What are the different types of toy trains?

There are many different types of toy trains, including wooden trains, plastic trains, metal trains, and battery-operated trains. Wooden trains are a classic choice that is often preferred by younger children, while plastic trains are more durable and can withstand rougher play. Metal trains are more realistic and can be used for more advanced play, while battery-operated trains are a great option for children who want to enjoy the fun of a train without having to push it themselves.

What are the most popular toy train brands?

Some of the most popular toy train brands include Thomas & Friends, Fisher-Price, Melissa & Doug, and Brio. These brands offer a variety of train sets and accessories that are perfect for children of all ages.

How do I choose the right toy train for my child?

When choosing a toy train for your child, you should consider their age, interests, and play style. Younger children may prefer a simple wooden train set, while older children may enjoy a more complex set with lights and sounds. You should also consider your child's play style. If your child is rough on toys, you may want to choose a more durable plastic or metal train.

Where can I buy toy trains?

Toy trains can be purchased at a variety of stores, including toy stores, department stores, and online retailers. You can also find used toy trains at garage sales and thrift stores.

Back to Blog

Related Posts

View All Posts »
Magnet Games with Stones: Best Interactive Games for Kids

Magnet Games with Stones: Best Interactive Games for Kids

Discover the top magnet games with stones that offer an engaging and educational experience for kids. These games foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and provide endless entertainment. Explore the best options for your child's enjoyment.