Image: MomJunction Design Team
Drums are wonderful instruments that improve a kid’s motor skills, rhythm, coordination, and timing. Getting the best toddler drum set for your little one can be an excellent exercise and a fun social activity. A drum set can help your child develop an interest in music from a tender age. Here is a list of the best-selling drum sets to help you choose the best drum set for your junior drummer.
Top Picks
15 Best Toddler Drum Sets To Create Their Own Music In 2024
1. Best For Sensory Development:VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set
VTech drum set includes three drum pads with a cymbal each. Children can play up to nine melodies, including pop, dance, or rock. It has four play modes- follow-along, letters, numbers, and free play. Each drum has unique LEDs and runs on three AA batteries. This parent-recommended compact drum kit is ideal for kids aged two to five years old. Before buying, have a look at this review video for more details.
Pros
- Encourages sensory development
- Bright drum pad lights
- Includes batteries
- Parent-friendly features
- Available in two colors
Cons
- May be small
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 32,808 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
2. Best Lightweight:iPlay, iLearn Toddler Musical Instruments
The six-piece kids’ percussion set from iPlay, iLearn includes a marching drum, tambourines, drum stickers, maracas, trumpet, flute, and harmonica. It can develop your child’s motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and emotional awareness. The tried-and-trusted set measures 9.6×9.6×4.6 inches and promotes musical skills from a young age.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Includes a storage box
- Lightweight
- Portable
Cons
- Plastic may be flimsy
"This instrument set brings a lot of excitement to my little musicians. The toddlers seem to love the drum and tambourine over the trumpet and harmonica."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 3,466 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
3. Best For Beginners:Music Alley Kids Drum Set
Music Alley’s three-piece drum set is a scaled-down, fully functional drum kit with the features of an adult drum kit. Meant for ages three to eight, the drum set makes an ideal gift for preschoolers and older children. Loved by many reviewers, this drum set is made of wood and metal and contains solid wooden drum shells with a metallic finish and tunable skins for an authentic drumming experience.
Pros
- Lightweight drumsticks
- High-quality drum set
- Padded drum throne
- Includes lugs for stability
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- May be small
"This drum set has spiked my little musicians' excitement. The realistic feel makes it a solid pick for sparking my kids' interest in drumming. The assembly is easy, but you might need to tighten things up after a robust jam session."
Did you know?4. Best Dynamic Sound Quality:QoQoba Electronic Drum Set
The attractive QoQoba drum set includes seven foldable drum pads and sticks, foot pedals, USB cable, manual, and more. It contains premium headphones that you can connect to the AUX jack for practice mode or no-disturbance playing. It has a rechargeable battery that can last up to ten hours on a single charge. Watch this review video to know more about the time-tested product.
Pros
- Includes a one-year warranty
- Dynamic sound quality
- Android and Apple compatible headphones
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Foot pedals may not be durable
"This electronic drum set stands out from the many manual ones available and is a solid portable pick. The headphone jack is a parent's dream and helps keep the noise levels low around our house."
5. Best With Metal Cymbals:Gammon Percussion Five-Piece Junior Starter Drum Kit
Help your child develop a musical outlet with this complete five-piece fun drum set by Gammon Percussions. It includes a 16-inch bass drum, snare drum, mounted toms, floor tom, hi-hat metal cymbals, and a crash cymbal. The acoustic drum kit also features a snare stand, a hi-hat cymbal stand, a pair of drumsticks, and a padded stool, making it a complete package. The trusted drum set measures 22 x 18 x 18 inches and is suitable for children from the 3 to 12 years.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Impressive sound quality
- High-gloss finish
- Includes assembly instructions
- Includes drum key
Cons
- Edges of the drum may be a bit rough
- Drum head may be a bit flimsy
"We got this junior drum kit for our little one, and it's a solid start. The build quality and size are suitable for beginners although the assembly was slightly tricky. Overall, it has been a good investment for sparking my child's interest in music."
6. Best Adjustable Strap:Musicube Kids Drum Set
Musicube drums have a unique design with an elastic head, where each beat produces a professional tone. This skill-building set helps develop a child’s natural rhythm skills and improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It has a trendy design with vivid colors, is safe, light, and sturdy, and is appropriate for toddlers. The drum has small drumsticks and an adjustable strap to fit a child’s hands.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- One-year guarantee
- Helps promote creativity
- ASTM F963-certified
Cons
- Plastic might be thin
"I gifted this drum set to my friends' kid, and it's a winner. It sounds like an actual drum and has a quality build with wooden drum sticks that withstand rough play. The strap could be a bit more practically made, but other than that, it makes for a great gift."
Did you know?7. Best Eco-Friendly Plastic:Beaure Toddlers Jazz Drum Set
The drum set includes seven drums, two cymbals, one stool, one kick pedal, and two drumsticks. It is made of eco-friendly plastic and is safe and appropriate for children aged three and above. Each drum is well-designed; you can store the small drums in larger drums and pack them in a box when not in use, saving storage space.
Pros
- Helps develop hand-eye coordination
- Easy to assemble
- Distinguished bases for child’s seat and drums
- Lightweight
Cons
- Might fall over
8. Best Durable:Skloer Kids Drum Set
The drum set is made of durable plastic with stylish chrome rims. It ensures the child’s safety and is beginner-friendly. The tried-and-tested drum set includes five bass drums, a cymbal, a chair, and two drumsticks. It can help develop your child’s musical and motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Durable
- Resembles a real drum
- Encourages creativity
- Easy to assemble
- Superior-quality beginner’s drum set
Cons
- Plastic may be flimsy
"My two-year-old and five-year-old love their new drum set. It has been a good buy that they thoroughly enjoy. I wish it had suction cups on the feet for enhanced stability, but I love its durable construction."
Point to consider9. Best Lead-Free:Cozybuy Kids Drum Set
Cozybuy drum set includes three drum pads, two cymbals, a microphone with an independent switch, a 35.43-inch microphone cable, and an adjustable bracket. The child can enjoy different types of music with soft, colorful lights in various settings, with four unique sound effects. As per reviews, it has ten beautiful melodies, three dynamic rhythms, and volume control keys, making it the perfect drum kit to keep the child entertained.
Pros
- Lead-free
- BPA-free
- Promotes sensory development
- Includes one-year guarantee
Cons
- Drumstick heads may be a choking hazard
"This RC monster truck is a hit with my nephews. My sister says it has encouraged them to go outdoors more often. The truck's stunts are the main attraction, and the user-friendly design aids in smooth operation."
10. Best Volume Control:Toonit Jamz Keyboard & Drum Set
The set features an easy-to-use piano with labeled electric keys and a stool, a drum kit, microphones, speakers, and an MP3 line input. Children can sing and play along with their favorite tracks using the karaoke play MP3 line-in. This educational toy has 16 levels of volume control and aids children’s creativity and musical education.
Pros
- Includes instructional song cards
- Promotes cognitive abilities in kids
- Includes batteries
- Eight preset songs
Cons
- Microphone might be weak
"This drum set was a gift for my son, and it has engaged his musical interests I would say. It also has a keyboard and mic, and his older siblings get together with him to give us impromptu concerts."
11. Best For Hand-Eye Coordination:Naver Mini Drum Set For Kids
Suitable for children aged three and above, this drum kit can help develop your child’s musical skills early. The package includes one large bass drum, two medium, two small drums, one cymbal, and two drumsticks. This skill-building set can help enhance your child’s hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and creativity.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Solid tripod
- Stable and thick
- Break-resistant
Cons
- Drum kit may be small
"This drum set has been a cool introduction to music in my home and has survived my little one's enthusiastic play. The sounds and size are just right for toddlers, but the suction cups are a little unstable on carpeted floors."
12. Best Foot Pedal:Hey! Play! Toy Drum Set
Hey! Play! toy drum set includes one bass drum with a foot pedal, five tom drums of varying sizes, one cymbal, two drum sticks, and one stool. It is made of durable plastic with chrome rims and accents. This drum set is ideal for young children learning about music and rhythm.
Pros
- Not too loud
- Seven varying drum sounds
- Helps promote creativity
- Movable
Cons
- May not be durable
"After using this drum set for a few months, I can say it's holding up well, and the kids love it. The instructions are a bit unclear, so assembly may take some time. But it is a good set for budding musicians."
13. Best Easy To Install:Tommyhome Rock Jazz Drum Set
The drum set includes a drum, drum stand, cymbals, drumsticks, and seats. It is ideal for encouraging creativity, motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. This drum for kids is made of plastic, cardboard, and alloy. It has a spring buffer on the side to ensure the drum surface is not easily damaged after playing. Loved by many reviewers, the set is recommended for children aged three and above.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Portable
Cons
- May be too small
"We added this toy drum set to our little one's playroom, and it's a hit! The compact design is ideal for my toddler, and it is super easy to assemble. The mini chair might not be the sturdiest, but the drum set offers endless entertainment for music exploration."
14. Best Rounded Edges:Orwine Kids Drum Set
With four play modes, a functional microphone, four volume adjustments, and 15 songs, the Orwine playset is beginner-friendly. It helps develop color recognition, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, body movement, and confidence. The drum set’s automatic shut-off option helps save battery when not in use.
Pros
- Flashing LEDs
- Safe and durable
- Rounded edges
- Multifunctional operator panel
Cons
- Might not stay upright
"My toddlers have taken to this drum set. I like the volume control feature as it helps with keeping the noise in check. The chair could be a bit more comfortable, but overall, it's a solid pick to get the little ones grooving and exploring music and rhythm."
15. Best For Language Learning:Extasticks Kids Drum Set
Extasticks drum set includes a drum book with seven color-coded children’s songs and an introduction to rhythm theory. It promotes musical interest in children through singing and drumming. This brightly colored musical toy with an adjustable neck strap can improve children’s motor abilities in a fun way. The drum’s size and volume, two extra-tested wooden drumsticks, and adjustable risers are suitable for children.
Pros
- Safe
- Improves language learning
- Portable
- Durable
Cons
- Straps may not be sturdy
"This drum set grabs attention with its bright colors and adorable animal designs. My nephew is crazy about it, and it's holding up pretty well, except for the strap. I might need to gift a pair of earplugs to his parents, but his toothy smiles are totally worth it."
How To Choose The Right Toddler Drum Sets?
Here are a few tips to consider when choosing the right toddler drum sets.
- Age: Choose age-appropriate drum sets for your children to promote necessary skill learning and easy playing.
- Volume levels: Ensure the drum set has adjustable volumes to protect the child’s ears and prevent disturbance.
- Space: Make sure the drum set can fit in the available area.
- Accessories: Choose a kit with all the accessories required for an authentic drum set experience.
- Lights and sound: You may also consider drum sets with sound and light functions to offer your children a deeper sensory experience.
- Other factors: Make sure they are durable, easy to assemble, and offer hassle-free maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a four-year-old play the drums?
Yes, a four-year-old can play the drums. However, ensure the drums are beginner-friendly, lightweight, and have adjustable volumes to protect the child’s ears.
2. At what age can a child play a drum set?
Children below the age of five can play a drum set that is beginner-friendly, while proper drum sets are more appropriate for children above the age of five.
3. How should I teach my three-year-old to play the drums?
Introduce your child to a beginner-friendly drum set and play with them to encourage them. Subsequently, you may teach them to play a proper drum based on their interest.
4. What instrument should a child learn first?
It depends on your child’s interest. Some children may like the xylophone, while others may like the drums. However, drums are a good option as they are easier to maneuver for children.
5. What is the difference between a junior drum set and a normal one?
Junior drum sets are meant to ease young children into playing drums and are more basic than normal ones. These drum sets also come with features such as adjustable volume to protect their sensitive ears.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a writer and reviewer who specializes in kids’ products and toys. Her research skills enable her to deliver accurate and useful content. She has utilized her extensive knowledge of kids’ products and gone through numerous related and trusted websites to create this list of the best toddler drum sets. Besides highlighting the unique features of each product, she has included the specifications of these popular drum sets in the buying guide. These tried-and-tested drum sets will delight your toddler and help them explore their musical side.
The Bottom Line
Pique your child’s interest in music with these drum sets, as they are fun and aid in developing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. While buying a drum set, be cautious about choosing age-appropriate drum sets that have adjustable volume levels, fit into your space, and have other fun accessories as well. You may also want to consider a drum set that is portable, lightweight, LED and BPA-free, easy to install, and offers height adjustment to suit your little one. Our favorites include the VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set, which features play-along melodies, and the Musicube Kids Drum Set for its adjustable strap. We also like the Gammon Percussion Junior Starter Drum Kit due to its professional-like build.
Infographic: How To Select A Good Drum Set For Children?
If your child is interested in music, getting them a toy drum set would encourage them to learn music. Moreover, a drumset enhances fine motor skills and encourages sensory development. Look through the following infographic for a few tips to ensure choosing a good drum set for your child.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- A Population-Level Analysis of Associations Between School Music Participation and Academic Achievement
https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/edu-edu0000376.pdf - Rock drumming enhances motor and psychosocial skills of children with emotional and behavioral difficulties
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322965188_Rock_drumming_enhances_motor_and_psychosocial_skills_of_children_with_emotional_and_behavioral_difficulties - Learning a musical instrument helps children to achieve higher grades. Here’s why
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/06/b-c-students-who-took-music-classes-scored-higher-than-peers-in-math-science-and-english-study/
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