Image: MomJunction Design Team
As a child, you might have been obsessed with the tiny green soldier toys and action figures. So, we have brought a list of the best army toys that are fun, entertaining, and interactive. This list includes figurines and tanks with flashing lights and sounds to give you a realistic experience. From creating your war strategy to role-playing as commander of your troops, playing with such toys can improve the child’s cognitive and motor skills and imagination. So, explore our list of some tried-and-trusted and best-selling army toys to choose the right one for your child.
Top Picks
11 Best Army Toys
1. Best Action Figures:Sunny Days Entertainment Elite Force Army Ranger Action Figures
Take on any battle with this set of five action figures from Sunny Days Entertainment. The kit includes assorted military gear, including guns, helmets with night-vision goggles, and a canine. Each figure measures four inches tall and has realistic details and a distinctive look to help define its position. An imaginative session with your child along with these toys helps to explore and express themselves. Watch this product testing video for a thorough understanding of the time-tested product.
Pros
- 1:18 scale
- Realististic details
- Ten points of articulation
- Poseable
- Ideal for four year old children
Cons
- May be a little small
- May not hold weapons with both hands
"These four-inch tall army figures serve as toys and collectibles. Though they are meant for gentle play scenarios, their realistic features keep my children captivated for a long time. Overall, they offer a fair level of enjoyment and have proven to be a delightful birthday present for my little one."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 2,643 good reviews on Amazon.
Did you know?2. Best High-Quality Plastic:Blue Panda Army Soldier Playset
Make play dates and birthday parties fun with these army action figures set from Blue Panda. The kit includes over 300 army figures with toy soldiers, block houses, fences, sandbags, stones, interlocking tiles, oil gas can, military vehicles, rocket artillery and look-out posts. The toys are made of high-quality plastic and are durable even with excessive bending and twisting. However, make sure the children play under supervision as the kit contains minute pieces that can be a choking hazard.
Pros
- Educates about history
- Reduces screen-time
- Reusable storage bag included
- Ideal as a gift option
Cons
- May not be suitable for children below the age of eight years
- Soldiers may not be able to fit inside the vehicle
"This military set boasts an impressive variety of pieces, including a mix of army men and other pretend weapons, which have kept my son occupied for hours. It has created multiple opportunities for creative setups and storytelling. While some pieces may be smaller than expected, the set, on the whole, has been an excellent find."
3. Best Engaging:Jaxo Joy Army Men Military Set
The innovative action-packed military set from Jaxo Joy has 200 pieces including various vehicles, multiple army men figures in four colors, tents, forts, barricades and other accessories to keep your children engaged for hours. It includes a variety of military vehicles, from jeeps and army tank toys to helicopters, rescue boats, and motorcycles. The figures are made of high-quality, durable plastic that is water-resistant and easy to clean. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.
Pros
- Wide range of army toys
- Travel-friendly
- Ideal for parent-child activity
- Ideal for three years old children
Cons
- Takes some time to assemble
- Some pieces might not have smooth edges
"This military toy set keeps my son busy for hours—he loves making up imaginative worlds with all the cool accessories and vehicles. Although some pieces aren't on the same scale, it is a massive collection for creative play, and I love the realistic details on the models."
4. Best For Interactive Play:Imagination Generation Tiny Troopers Battle Drum Playset
With over 260 pieces, this tiny troopers playset calls for endless fun. It includes army men, provisions, vehicles, and a beautiful playmat—all packed in a sturdy storage trump. The 2.5ft play mat and four multicolored army men give an interactive playtime experience for your children. The battle-ready equipment such as helicopters, pilot tanks, boats, jets and place walls along with barbed wire and fortifications give a real playing experience. The roomy play mat also features a runaway and the helipad, along with walls, checkpoints for unplugged fun. Here’s a review video to help you get a better understanding of the product.
Pros
- Trooper tactics insert included
- Playmat features cool terrain
- Educates about battlefield history
- Enhances color and shape recognition
Cons
- May have a slight plastic smell
- Playmat may not stay flat over time
"My child was thrilled with the sheer quantity of pieces of this set. It has provided ample room for imaginative play and kept him away from screen time. Although the pawns are a bit fragile, the overall detailing, including the colorful mats, has been very impressive."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 2,084 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
Do remember5. Best To Enhance Imagination:Rainbow Toyfrog Army Men Play Bucket Soldiers
Surprise your child this Christmas with this 300-pieces army men kit in assorted combat positions. It features army men with flags from Britain, Germany, and US, and enhances your children’s imagination to improve flexibility and critical thinking skills. The military toy set comes in a clear bucket for easy cleaning and storing. They can also make a great addition to your child’s class project, history lessons, and dioramas.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Educates about World War II history
- Reduces screen-time
- Ideal as a gift option
Cons
- Soldiers may not have very detailed features
- May be a little small
"The set had figurines of soldiers in several combat positions, making it an instant hit with my older child. However, the pieces could benefit from some sculpting improvements. Despite that, this massive collection of 300 units makes pretend-play scenarios more dramatic and fun."
6. Best For Teaching History: BMC Toys WW2 Army Men Playset
This 40-piece plastic army men set from BMC Toys includes ten German soldiers in gray, 14 American GIs in olive, 12 Czech hedgehogs, two more toys, Higgins’s boat with landing craft, and a German pillbox bunker with mounted flak 37 artillery. It also features character figurines of Brigadier General Teddy Roosevelt, Field Marshal Edwin Roman, and Sergeant Harrison Summers, which makes this kit perfect for teaching your children some history with fun. This kids’ toy set is made of durable propylene plastic, which stays put even with heavy use.
Pros
- 1:32 scale
- Removable landing craft’s ramp
- No assembly required
- Ideal for five-year-old children
Cons
- Storage box not included
- Boat may not float
"The set’s accuracy and variety of pieces, including rare items like the Higgins boat, have come in handy to educate him about the historical events. Despite a few design flaws, the durability of the pieces has been commendable. It has also facilitated hours of creative play, from indoor carpet battles to beachfront re-enactments."
7. Best Durable:Toy Life Military Play Set
Indulge in hours of fun with these army men military toys. The pack includes two sets of army toys in different colors, along with seven diecast metal toy vehicles, a military helicopter, and a truck. The plastic soldiers can be used as game pieces or even as a prop for a school project. They are made from environmentally friendly materials, which are durable and sturdy. They also have rounded and smooth edges for added safety. The brand also offers a 12-month guarantee so your kit can be replaced at no charge in case of any damages.
Pros
- 11 forms of soldiers
- 80-piece set
- Rust-resistant metal
- Comes with a storage bag
- Ideal for three- to ten-year-old children
Cons
- May bend a little
- May not stand properly
"While the figures were smaller than expected, they fit well in my kid's hands. I can also vouch for their quality, as they have withstood multiple falls. Plus, the included storage bag has made it easy to keep the pieces from getting lost."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 953 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
8. Best With Remote Control: Beaure German Tiger Army Tanker Toy
The massive remote control German tiger tank can be controlled to move forward, backward, right, left, and fire, stimulating military exercises. It works like a real commando and comes with an updated USB charger for a hassle-free experience. The realistic tank also comes with sounds and lights that add to the fun. Within ten seconds after starting, this tank will move into the auto show for 45 seconds, and if it does not receive any operation from the remote control, it will stop on its own.
Pros
- 1:28 scale
- Recoil effect feature
- 330-degree rotating turret
- Available in two designs
Cons
- Two same tanks cannot operate to battle
- Battery compartment may be a little hard to open
"Although I was apprehensive about its battery life, the tank has been a great addition to my little ones' playtime. Its meticulously designed body and interactive light and sound features have helped him go on multiple play battles. While there have been occasional issues with the controls, the overall set has provided a lot of entertainment."
9. Best Realistic Tank:BMC Toys WW2 D Army Men Playset
This 114-piece plastic army men playset from BMC Toys includes 59 soldier figures, including 24 American GIs, 23 German soldiers in gray, and 12 British Tommies in town. It features figures of Brigadier General Teddy Roosevelt Junior, Brigadier Lord Lovat, Sergeant Harrison Summers, and Field Marshal Edwin Roman.
Along with this, the kit also includes accessories and military vehicles like Higgins’s boat with landing craft and working ramps, three German pillbox bumpers, a bomb friends farmhouse with a removable room, three barbed wire fences, 12 dragon teeth tank traps, 12 sandbags tax, four mortars, and Czech hedgehogs. The toys are made of durable and stiff ABS plastic or polypropylene with medium details.
Pros
- 1:32 scale
- Educates about history
- Comes with a reusable tray style storage box
- Ideal for five year old children
Cons
- Assembly required for farm house
- Boat may not float
"The intricate WW2 D-Day toy set has captivated my child’s inner history buff. She loves to go on pretend battles and make up detailed stories around these figures. Besides, the pieces have been durable enough to survive multiple falls and her enthusiastic play."
Quick tip10. Best For Fun:Mr. River Army Men Action Figures
If you collect army action figures, you would know that digital camo is rare. This 12 soldier action figure set from Mr. River features a replica of the United States Army special forces that would lighten up your little one’s day. They are of excellent quality, have good details, and measure 3.75 inches in size. These toy army soldiers are highly articulated and can be made to sit, bend, turn, or stand to create an interactive playing experience. They also easily fit into jeeps, trucks, and army boats for extended fun.
Pros
- One US army flag toy included
- Assembly-free toy soldier set
- Features UCP camouflage uniform
- Ideal for three years old children
Cons
- Knees and elbows may not bend
- May have a mild plastic smell
"This soldier set has been a favorite with my nephews. They spend hours making up stories and enjoying creative play. The action figures are a good size and very detailed. They seem to be pretty durable too, withstanding rough play."
11. Best Safe: Joyin Military Vehicle Toy Set
If you have a child who loves army toys, then this value-added set from the trusted brand Joyin can be the right match. It includes a transport helicopter airplane, a dog figure, three military action figures, and accessories. The vehicle measures about 9in long, and the soldier figures are about four inches tall.
The helicopter also has sound sirens and lights along with friction-powered wheels for boosting your child’s cognitive development and motor skills. This advanced army toy playset ensures that your child plays for hours and learns at the same time. The figures are made of lead-free durable ABS plastic that is non-toxic and safe for your children.
Pros
- Poseable
- Smooth edges
- Enhances hand-eye coordination
- BPA-free
Cons
- Propellers do not move mechanically
- Sound quality may not be good enough
"The military helicopter set is a hit with my kids, mainly because they can make up stories with action figures and get their imagination going. Although the sizing of the figurines is a bit inconsistent, my kids don't really seem to mind. It is a fun choice for imaginative play."
How To Choose The Right Children’s Army Toys?
Now that you know about the various military toys available, let’s look at some features you should consider before buying them.
- Age: Your child’s age plays a major role in determining the type of army toy you need to buy. Make sure to read the label to ensure the army toy is age-appropriate and safe for your child.
- Durability: Make sure the toys are well-made and stand up to constant playing and even washing as children can make them dirty playing in the mud.
- Safety: If your child is below five years old, make sure you choose a toy that does not shoot objects in the air as they can cause injuries when unsupervised. In case you are choosing electric toys, check the label to make sure they are safety-tested and UL-approved.
- Materials: A few army action toys are made of rubber and other synthetic materials. Make sure these materials are labeled non-toxic as they can be fatal if your child chooses to bite or suck on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do they still make toy soldiers?
Yes, army toy soldiers are still being made.
2. Why are plastic army men green?
The green color represents the United States Army uniform in World War II.
3. How long do toy soldiers last?
It would depend on the material of the toy soldiers and how you take care of them.
4. Are army toys machine-washable?
Due to their hard surface and small parts, army toys are not suitable for machine washing. However, you can clean them with a soap solution using a damp cloth.
5. Do the colors of army toys fade?
Yes, the colors of the army toys might fade over time.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Children are often fascinated by army men and love to pretend-play with army toys. Thus, our writer and reviewer Priti Bose has come up with a list of the best army toys for children that can keep kids engaged. The important features of each product have been explained, and a buying guide has been provided for your ease of selection and purchase. These toys are made of safe, good-quality materials and are durable, long-lasting, and unique.
The Bottom Line
The best army toys can be a child’s best companion as they encourage role-playing while boosting their imagination. They also help improve children’s cognitive and motor skills as they hold these toys and create unique and creative scenarios. However, before choosing one for your child, you must consider the toy’s design and your child’s interest. We recommend the BMC Toys WW2 D Army Men Playset for its vast WW2-themed collection, the Jaxo Joy Army Men Military Set for the versatility of the accessories, and the Sunny Days Entertainment Elite Force Army Ranger Action Figures set for its realistic design. If your child is below five years old, ensure the toy you choose does not have small, removable parts that may pose a choking hazard. Also, always supervise playtime and ensure the toy is safety-tested and UL-certified if it is electric.
Infographic: Is War Play Good Or Bad For Children?
The most common concern about war games is whether they can potentially make the child aggressive and violent. The answer to this question lies in the way the toys are used. So, check out this infographic to learn how army or war toys can be used for the child’s benefit. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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