Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you are looking for an entertaining toy for your child, here’s our list of the best train sets for toddlers that can keep your little ones happy and busy while learning. These train sets contain numbers, the letters of the alphabet, sounds, and lights to help your child learn new skills, develop their creativity, spark imagination, and improve their motor skills. Explore our list as we bring you some best-selling and age-appropriate toys for your toddler.
Top Picks
11 Best Train Sets For Toddler
1.Best For Building Skills:Lego Duplo My First Number Train Set
Gift your little one the Lego Duplo train set. It is a learning and counting train set. This educational toy is ideal for two to five year old children. It consists of 23 pieces of buildable locomotives with three wagons. Each brick is designed with numbers zero to nine, and the set includes a cute little cat figure. The set can be built and rebuilt to keep the child engaged. It encourages building skills and enhances a child’s imaginative powers. The built train measures 3x14x2 inches and is safe for children. Watch this review video showcasing a tester’s experience to better understand the beautiful train set.
Pros
- Introduces early math
- Promotes roleplay
- Suitable for preschoolers
- Easy to hold
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Snapping the blocks may be a bit hard
Did you know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 15,551 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
2.Best Realistic Smoke:Hot Bee Train Set
The electric train set for toddlers from Hot Bee includes attractive lights, sounds, smoke, and a railway kit and is designed to help improve your child’s hand-eye coordination. This steam engine model includes a passenger coach, a cargo vehicle, a coal car, two straight tracks, and eight curved tracks. Once attached and set up, it is fun to watch the train move along the tracks. Realistic sounds, smoke and cool headlights make this easy-to-assemble toy train a creative and engaging gift for a child. This steam engine train set is crafted from durable ABS material that is safe and child-friendly.
Pros
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Impact-resistant parts
- Includes a detailed instruction manual
- Multiple assembly methods
Cons
- Sound effects may be a bit loud
- Additional tracks may not be available
"My child can spend hours watching the steam emitted from this realistic-looking train set. Its user-friendly design allows him to assemble the set by himself, and the realistic sound effects are a big plus. The lack of volume control does get bothersome, but the charming design has made holidays more entertaining."
TriviaWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 6,842 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
3.Best Control Features:Cat Construction Power Track Friends Preschool Train Set
The super cute train set by CatToysOfficial is a motorized train with a characterized engine, cat carrier, tracks, and free-wheeling construction dump truck. Six unique sounds and attractive lights get activated once the train starts to function. The railroad crossing has buttons to activate various features. The tried-and-tested cat train set is ideal for developing a child’s sensory skills, motor skills, interest, concentration, and curiosity. You can create a six-foot-long track from eight easy-to-assemble pieces, and it works on three AA batteries. Here’s a video to help you know more about this affordable train set.
Pros
- Burr-free edges
- Encourages interactive play
- Bright colors stimulate color recognition
- Improves thinking skills
Cons
- Batteries may exhaust sooner than expected
- May not be break-resistant
"I got this set for my toddler after noticing how much she loved watching the construction vehicles pass by. My daughter loves the set, especially the rock-dumping actions. It does have some design flaws, such as the tricky placement of the on/off switch, but overall, I am satisfied with the purchase."
4.Best Easy To Assemble:Atlasonix Electric Train Toy
The Atlasonix Electric Train toy is a classic-style locomotive steam engine that can impress your little one. This deluxe train set includes eight rail tracks–six curved and two straight–for building a track measuring up to 30x42in, three train cars that look like real trains, and four model horses. The track pieces feature slots that fit easily and make assembling a breeze.
The bright cars and engines sit precisely on the track, making the whole set-up realistic. Furthermore, the horses and accessories allow children to explore their imagination. The toy set teaches children a little about the history of the Wild West and is safe for children.
Pros
- Battery-operated
- Smooth finish
- Features lights and sound
- Encourages pretend-play
- Suitable for children aged three to eight years
Cons
- May not include batteries
- May not have the option to turn off sound
"I still remember the excitement on my boys' faces while assembling this train set. Its assembly did require some patience, but that has only helped my children bond and improve their problem-solving skills. Plus, the light and sound features have been a delightful touch."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 2,018 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
5.Best Realistic Sounds:iHaHa Electric Train Set
The toy train set from iHaHa includes 14 pieces that make an electric train. This safety-tested set comprises four straight tracks, six curved tracks, two passenger cars, one electric toy train, and one freight car. The tracks are easy to assemble and connect tightly, allowing the train to move smoothly. Realistic sounds excite the child and keep them entertained for hours. A classic retro design and high-quality, non-toxic material and attractive colors make this starter train set a wonderful gift for a child.
Pros
- ASTM and CPSIA-certified
- Improves thinking ability
- Light-up LED light
- Fine detailed crafting
Cons
- Sound may not be turned off
- May not produce artificial smoke
"Watching my son engage with this trainset has brought me so much happiness. He finds it easy to assemble the tracks. The set may not sit stable on soft surfaces, but its charming sounds, lights, and other interactive features outweigh that minor issue."
6.Best Firmly Assembled:Lucky Doug Electric Train Set
Lucky Doug brings you a battery-operated, non-toxic plastic electric train set for kids with realistic music and sounds. The 14-piece set includes a locomotive engine train, two cargo cars, one passenger car, and ten track pieces. The tracks can be arranged to form an elliptical shape of 11×51 inches and can also be set in a circular or oval track shape. Impeccable construction gives the child a wholesome experience. This train set requires hands-on involvement and activates the child’s creativity. The safety-tested pieces are made of non-toxic, high-quality plastic, allowing a firm assembly that prevents derailment.
Pros
- Safe and durable
- As per ASTM and CPSIA standards
- Firm assembly
- Light-up LED lights
- Fine detailing
Cons
- Train clips may be slightly flimsy
- Track may be slightly thin
"This train set has been a versatile purchase–it keeps my little one entertained and even doubles as festive decor. Its functional features, including the realistic sounds, are a big hit during holidays. The durability, though questionable, has held up well with gentle handling. All in all, it's a worthwhile buy."
7.Best Fun: VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Roadmaster Train Set
The Smart Wheels train station playset by VTech is a favorite among children and train lovers. This train from the Smart Wheels Roadmaster travels to the given train station, water depot, etc. It comes with a removable cargo car with a detachable basket, movable by a crane. This playset can be placed in multiple combinations, allowing the child to exercise their imagination and creativity. Bendable track pieces and smart point locations come with sounds and phrases. This toy train set is suitable for ages one to five.
Pros
- Smooth and textured wheels
- Compatible with all VTech Go Go wheels playset
- Realistic train sound
- Encourages creativity
- Builds motor skills
Cons
- May not be compatible with Chug and Go set
- Building may be time consuming
"This educational train toy has made it easy for me to teach my child about the different colors and alphabets. Its assembly was slightly tricky, which only added to his learning process. Plus, the switches on the train keep my little one occupied even when he is not moving the train on the tracks."
Caution8.Best Retro-Style:Battat – Wild Ridge Train Set
The Battat-Wild Ridge train set is a wooden collectible train set that comes in a bucket. It includes Bucket’s Mountain landscape lid that connects to the toy rail. This vintage train set consists of a bridge, buildings, trees, traffic signs, and wooden tracks. Magnets connect each engine and car. However, these tracks can be set up, and you can also flip the double-sided tracks to create alpine scenery. The mountain top lid is designed with rock formations, a river, and snow-capped peaks. This mountain train set is suitable for encouraging your child’s creative skills.
Pros
- Tracks can be set up in multiple ways
- No batteries required
- Promotes social skills
- Compatible with the other Battat wooden vehicles
Cons
- Some pieces may not lay flat
- Wheels of the train may be slightly flimsy
"My son was delighted that the lid of this train set's box doubles as a mountain. It even encouraged him to store the pieces after he was done playing. Some of the wooden decor could have benefitted from finer detailing, but the ease of expansion and compatibility with other tracks made up for that minor drawback."
9.Best For Learning:DeXop Baby Toys Train Set
If you are looking for a railway park for your little train enthusiast, the DeXop Baby toy train set is a perfect choice. The set includes four bright-colored toddler trains, music and lights, three little people figures, two road signs, 12 tracks, and 16 building blocks. All the pieces are free from BPA, lead, and phthalate. They are made of high-quality ABS material without any sharp edges to avoid the risk of swallowing. The child has to press the locomotive to watch it chug along the tracks. This plastic train set helps develop a baby’s early learning skills, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and cognitive processes.
Pros
- Produces music and light
- Easy to assembly
- Easy to grab
- Promotes age-appropriate development
Cons
- Blocks may not stack well
- Track may be slightly flimsy
"A friend gifted this train set to my child on her birthday, and she loves it. It has sustained a few falls, and its sound, though louder than expected, keeps her happy and excited about playing with this toy."
10.Best Stronger Magne: Wondertoys Wooden Magnetic Train
Wondertoys offers a safety-tested train set with various permutation combinations. The 12-piece wooden magnetic set consists of coaches, a cargo car, a convertible coach-hopper car, a tanker car, a magnetic cargo loader, a hopper car, and three train engines. They come in a high-quality storage bag that is convenient to carry. It is made of natural, quality wood and 100% non-toxic colors. The construction is sturdy and includes no sharp edges. Safe for children, the lightweight train maintains all safety standards. The strong magnets make longer trains.
Pros
- Impact-resistant wooden material
- Promotes manipulative ability
- Stimulates hand-eye coordination
- Enhances fine motor skills
- As per ASTM and CPSIA standards
Cons
- Wheels may be slightly thin
- May seem small to some
"I am pretty impressed with the durability of these train pieces and look forward to using them with my second born too. Their colors are vibrant, and the size, though small for adults, is perfect for my little one's hands. It's even been compatible with some old tracks I had lying around. Although the tops detach easily, it has been a good find."
11.Best For Child’S Creativity:Baoli Classic Toy Train Starter Set
Baoli toy train set is a classic set for starters. It includes 12 pieces for the tracks and 20 pieces for the train station. The miniature train set includes four pieces of the cargo train car and three figures. The cargo cars can be driven on the tracks or independently. Extra features such as music, sounds, and lights enhance the child’s creative imagination and experience.
Pros
- Improves hands-on ability
- Aids in color recognition
- Encourages the child to crawl
- Easy to grasp
Cons
- Might only run on battery power
- Sound may be slightly louder than expected
"Besides running the train on the tracks, my toddler even loves to play with the pieces of the set by themselves. The music sometimes feels repetitive, but he doesn't seem bothered by it. Moreover, its robust design has been able to endure rough play. So, it gets the nod of approval from me."
How To Choose the Right Train Set?
Keep the below factors in mind while buying a train set for toddlers.
1. Age-appropriate: Train sets are a favorite for all kids, small or big. It is therefore essential to buy an age-appropriate set.
- Toddlers – Wooden trains are designed for toddlers as they are durable, heavy, and safe for a baby.
- Young children – Battery-operated trains are better for young children as the automatic movement with lights and sounds excites them. These are usually made of high-quality ABS plastic and are child-safe.
- Older kids – Prefer electric trains for older kids as they make good bonding time and become a collectible or hobby for some. The trains are made of metal and could be harmful for younger kids.
2. Theme: Pick a toy train that will be in tandem with your child’s latest fancy to add to the excitement and make it their favorite train set. Thomas & Friends, Mickey Mouse, etc., are some themes. There are also other options, such as construction work, farmland, travel-focused, and city-themed train sets.
3. Floor space: Check your available floor space and on the box to see how big the tracks will spread out. For optimum usage of the toy, find a train that comes with a train table or one that comfortably fits in your living room or children’s room.
4. Set up: Train sets are available with simple circular tracks wherein the child pushes the train along the circle. You may also look for trains with a combination of straight and curved tracks, maybe a bridge or stop signs, a station, etc. Train sets also come with several accessories.
5. Child skills: Train sets can help develop many age-specific skills in a child. For younger children, they may enhance hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and other interests. Slightly older kids may exercise their imagination and boost creative thinking. Pick a set with the child’s maturity level and potential in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What age is a train set good for?
Train sets are popular among children of all ages, but are most suitable for children aged three years and up. It is important to check the age recommendations on the packaging and avoid sets with small parts, as they can pose a choking hazard for younger children.
2. Are all wooden train sets compatible?
No, not all wooden train sets are compatible with one another, as the link pieces for the tracks are different and the length of the pieces may differ from set to set. However, some sets may be used together even if they do not connect perfectly.
3. How long do train sets last?
The longevity of a train set may depend on its type. For example, wooden train sets can last a lifetime with care, while battery-operated sets can last for a few years.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a toy enthusiast, remarkable writer, and product reviewer who has used her expertise to curate this list of the best train sets for toddlers in the market. She has researched multiple forums to find the most exciting toy train sets with positive reviews to keep your toddler engaged. From cute character-themed sets to functional electric ones, she has included several best-selling varieties you can pick from.The list also includes a buying guide to help you choose the right set for your child.
Children love toy trains and get all excited to play with them. They can keep your children engaged for hours and get them to stay out of the gadgets. Toy trains also help in the child’s development and improve their concentration and motor skills. Thanks to their visually appealing design and interactive features, train sets keep your little ones entertained for long hours. An ideal train set is easy to set up, durable, and child-friendly. So, pick the train set considering your child’s age and other factors like floor space and theme.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Train Set For Toddlers?
Train sets for children are timeless toys that ignite creativity and imagination, allowing children to build their miniature worlds and embark on exciting journeys. In addition, these toys introduce them to transportation-related vocabulary. Check out the following infographic to learn about the factors to consider when selecting the most suitable train set for your little one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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