Are you looking for an excellent gift for a toddler? Train sets are always a hit! But with so many different sets on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Also, picking something that goes with the age is a significant factor here.
Therefore, it would be better to know the market and get recommendations from me (yes, I have done the research for you) to ensure you are getting the best gift for your toddler. So, here are the 7 best train sets for toddlers.
Whether your child is into Thomas the Tank Engine or wants something more realistic, I’ve got you covered.
Our Top 7 Best Wooden Train Sets Review
If you search for a wooden train set, millions of options will be available in the market. Therefore, it is not easy for someone to get the best one from the pile of train sets. I have precisely picked the seven best toddlers train sets here.
Editors Pick: KidKraft Ride Around Town 100-piece Train Set and Storage Bin Table
Why It Stands Out
When you are seeking an excellent wooden train set that requires a lot of attention to ensure the quality piece for your kid. Fortunately, that is what you are about to get in this train set. This is a bigger set with 100 pieces to make a complete set. Also, it will ensure proper playing facilities for the kid.
Anyone from three years old or higher kids will enjoy it the most. Because of the vibrant color and small pieces, this will be the newest puzzle and playing equipment that your kid will undoubtedly love. Therefore I picked it as the best wooden train set.
My Experience With It
Apart from everything that people are talking about this product, it was necessary for me whether my kid was going to like it or not. And, I got full marks on it. It seems to me that my three-year-old kid is enjoying it profoundly.
Also, the two bins help to store every piece properly. Since it has a hundred small pieces, undoubtedly storage bins were necessary.
Overall, it is durable enough and not going to break easily, that is for sure. And the colorful pieces are the main reason why my kid loves them.
Moreover, it is a complete piece. Where not only the train but you also get a moveable crane to the runway and helipad for helicopters and various small pieces.
Since the base playboard is made of melamine, it stays strong even while my kid is messing with everything. Fortunately, there is no sign of any damage yet.
What I Didn’t Like
It has too many small pieces. My kid already lost three pieces. Despite having a storage bin, it is easy to get lost.
Who Is This Great For
If you have a kid less than seven years old, this is the perfect train set that will teach basic things while playing with it. However, this is the best first train set for toddlers.
What Could Be Improved
Tracks fitting is not tight enough; that should be better along with the bridge, which needs to be a bit higher.
Specifications
Size (L X W X H): 121.4 x 87 x 40.6 centimeters
Weight: 19.5 Kgs
Pros
Easy to assemble
Durable enough
A lot of pieces
Included storage bin
Cons
The wooden board is not premium quality.
The track could be better.
Best For Three Years Old: Lionel The Polar Express Model Train Set with Track
Why It Stands Out
Instead of messing with a lot of pieces, it is just tracks and multiple trains that keep the design close to the original train. And this battery-operated train is the ideal choice for enhancing your kid’s playing. I would suggest this for a three years old kid or above.
My Experience With It
Since I have to ensure what my kid is getting, I have tested this train quite a few times. From that experience, I should say the track is pretty solid. If you compare it with KidKraft, it is ten times better in the overall experience.
The remote works superbly and has various style coaches with detailed passenger coaches and others. Controlling the train is not a big deal at all. However, the battery does not last that much. And C-type dry cell batteries are not a cost-efficient option.
The train has authentic sounds such as a train running sound and whistle. Also, it has a working headlight.
But, I am not satisfied with the material. Overall the train coaches and track are made of plastic. Although it is hard plastic and not going to break easily, I recommend using something better.
What I Didn’t Like
Everything is subtle, but the batteries. It requires six C cell batteries to run the train. To get these rechargeable batteries, you have to spend a lot of money on them. Let’s not forget that you need three AAA batteries for the remote.
Who Is This Great For
Although manufacturers claim it is for one-year-old kids or higher, I see these are the best train sets for 3 year olds. It makes sense, and you can not give a remote control toy to a one year old kid.
What Could Be Improved
Overall quality is not bad, but the build material is not up to the mark here. According to the price, it could be better.
Specifications
Size (L X W X H): 22.86 x 15.24 x 7.62 centimeters
Weight: 2.72 Kg
Remote control
Required C batteries for the train and AAA batteries for the remote
Pros
Close to the real-life train design
Easy to operate
Strong track
It has the original train sound with a whistle.
Cons
Requires a lot of batteries to operate.
Best For Preschoolers: Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set
Why It Stands Out
If you are interested in the wooden train set for toddlers, this one could be the best option. It has the same multi-piece toy, except with better build quality. You have seen a similar toy train set above with plastic material. Although that was not bad, this one is one step further from that train set.
My Experience With It
Since I have tested both trains, it would be better to give you a comparison between them. This train set is missing the baseboard.
But, it has a larger train track that is made of wood. Surely it is stronger than KidKraft.
Although this train set has 130 pieces, there is no storage bin. I have bought it separately; otherwise, you will lose pieces, that is for sure.
The wooden train track is easy to assemble and the train track is stronger than others. However, the toy sizes are small.
In addition, the durability is undoubtedly better here.
What I Didn’t Like
Indeed the storage bin is missing. That is not recommended for this small toy set. There is a chance to lose the pieces easily if you do not use proper storage.
Who Is This Great For
In my experience, these are the best train sets for 5 year olds or higher. However, anyone above three years old can enjoy this toy collection.
What Could Be Improved
That would be better if there was a baseboard for assembling the train set. Usually, my kid plays with it on the floor, so that is not a big deal for me. Yet, having a wooden base table could enhance the user experience.
Specifications
Size (L X W X H): 14.99 x 44.45 x 72.14 centimeters
Weight: 7.35 Kg
Pros
The wooden track is durable and easy to assemble.
Packs of multiple pieces for fun
Last for a long time
The multicolor toy is attractive for kids.
Cons
A bit heavy due to the wooden material
Best For Two Years Kid: KidKraft 17822 – Guards Birch Wood Circle Train Set
Why It Stands Out
This is another excellent toy from Kidkraft. It seems that KidKraft has undeniably great pieces of toys for toddlers. Rather than messing with a lot of small pieces, it reduced the toys to decrease the price. That makes it the perfect budget train set for toddlers. So, there is no lack of quality that I can say from my experience.
My Experience With It
This windy track is made of wood. And the wood quality is good enough to last for a few years. Also, this track is not like the previous KidKraft track, which is not so strong and hard to assemble.
The track has a windy design with a bridge on it to cross the track. And you can set the small train on it.
Even though it is not packed with 100 pieces of toys, 38 pieces are enough for playing. My kid doesn’t mind or complain about it.
If you already have another Kidkraft or other train set, these small toys are reusable for that train track.
What I Didn’t Like
I have a complaint about the toy quality on this particular train set. It is not up to the mark. They have tried to reduce the price, which is understandable, but the quality could be better in that case.
Who Is This Great For
This is a great train set for two years old or above kids. To be precise, these are the best train sets for 2 year olds.
What Could Be Improved
Although there are not too many small pieces, you still need a proper storage bin for it. Having that could fulfill the budget train set dream here.
Specifications
Size (L X W X H): 81.28 x 121.92 x 1.27 centimeters
Weight: 1.5 Kg
Pros
Small and compact size
Easy to assemble
The wooden track is durable and long-lasting.
Lightweight
Cons
It does not have a storage bin.
Best For Toddlers: LEGO DUPLO Steam Train 10874
Why It Stands Out
This particular train is my second favorite from this list. It has some awesome features that are an additional attachment for your kid to play with. Also, I do not have to mention the manufacturer’s reputation here. Comparatively, the price is reasonable according to the quality and user experience.
My Experience With It
If I say with simple words, there is nothing that I can complain about the quality here.
It has a plastic track but in better quality. However, I prefer wooden tracks, which are easy to assemble and the best option for durability.
Also, it has various Duplo cartoon characters to enhance the fun; my kid loves it for that reason.
You need four AAA batteries to run the train, simply push the train backward or forward to start. That is the easiest and most user-friendly feature here.
Moreover, it is controllable via your smartphone with a dedicated app. Therefore, I got to play with my kid and spend quality time.
In addition, the toy pieces are not the tiny size that you see in the KidKraft train; therefore, it is better to hold on hand and play.
What I Didn’t Like
For this bigger train, batteries are not enough to hold power for a long time. That is a disappointment for me with this train set.
Who Is This Great For
Undoubtedly these are the best train sets for toddlers. Anyone from two to five years old will enjoy it the most. Even if your kid is over five years old, it is still a great toy.
What Could Be Improved
I always prefer wooden tracks. However, these plastic tracks are not that bad at all. If they replace it with a wooden track, that would greatly enhance the overall quality.
Specifications
Size (L X W X H): 18.9 x 14.88 x 3.7 centimeters
Weight: 1Kg
Pros
Lightweight
Easy to assemble
Super user experience
Durable
Cons
Train Tracks could be better.
Best Cheap Option: Orbrium Toys 100 Piece Triple Loop Wooden Train Set
Why It Stands Out
Have you ever thought about the total wooden train set? Here you will get the track and all the toys made of wood. Yet, the price is drastically lower than others. That makes it the cheapest option for a wooden train set for toddlers. Surely the price is the biggest factor in picking this toy here, rather than that there are more interesting features you will find in it.
My Experience With It
The first thing that I love about this train is the build material. The entire set is made of wood, which makes it a bit heavy. However, there is no question about durability.
And it has around 100 pieces of toys, including train sets, buildings, ambulances, cars, trees, etc. Overall you will get the entire city in this toy set. Also, every piece came in various colors that attracted my kid. I am sure your kid will love that too.
Since it is a wooden track, you can guess the quality. I never find any issue with assembly. Also, the vehicles run smoothly on the track.
You can set the tracks in multiple styles. I tried a few, and my kid made a completely different track. Overall, the possibilities have no limit here.
What I Didn’t Like
One thing that always bothers me is giving many toy pieces without a storage bin. You need to spend extra money on a storage bin. A similar thing happens with this train set too.
Who Is This Great For
This is quite a bit of an expert’s toy. So, it would be a great option for your seven years old kid or higher. However, anyone above three years old can play with it. But the older kid will enjoy it the most.
What Could Be Improved
Although the train tracks are not that bad, they could be better. Especially the assembly part, it could be smoother.
Specifications
Size (L X W X H): 12 x 6.5 x 9 centimeters
Weight: 3.4 Kg
Pros
Durable and smooth
Color toys lovable for kids
Easy to assemble
Affordable price
Cons
No storage bin
Best For Classic Design: Hot Bee Train Set
Why It Stands Out
There is something more that you should expect from a toy train set. When you have older kids, plastic-made toys are not compatible with them. In this circumstance, I recommend getting this classic train set. This is the closest design to the old school train track and train.
My Experience With It
The first thing that drew my attention was the train design. This classic design train is surely lovable for all ages. My kid loves it, as do I.
The train track is lightweight yet strong enough. Also, it is easy to assemble. I never saw any issue with the tracks while the train was running.
And the train runs on four AAA batteries. But, the batteries did not come with the package. Therefore, you have to spend extra money on it.
Since it has a USB port for charging the batteries, you can get rechargeable batteries and make it cost-efficient.
Moreover, the train track is long enough that my kid can sit in the middle, set up the tracks around him, and play with it.
What I Didn’t Like
The train tracks are made of plastic and don’t seem that durable. However, it has been running fine for the last two months.
Who Is This Great For
When you have an older kid, I recommend getting this classic design train set for him. Also, the budget can play a part here.
What Could Be Improved
It is an electric train; why is there no remote in here? It’s not bad; the remote control will surely enhance the overall experience.
Specifications
Size (L X W X H): 17.32 x 13.77 x 3.5 centimeters
Weight: 1.1 Kg
Pros
Smooth and lightweight track
Classic design
Easy to assemble
Affordable price
Cons
No remote control
Factors to Consider before purchasing the best wooden train set
Before diving into the review, you should know the factors that impact getting the best wooden train set or metal train set.
User/Age
Imagine a scenario where you are giving a toy car to your 14 years old kid. Surely that does not make any sense. Likewise, train sets come with various models and styles that are suitable for a certain age group.
Baby
Usually, get the baby train for your two-year-old baby, which is not that much of a complex design and easy to assemble.
Toddler
This is where you get the chance to choose the perfect train set without getting any hassle. And you should get the multiple-piece train sets that are also colorful and easy to assemble.
Preschool
Get the classic design train set without any fancy design or small toys. If you have a chance to get the remote-controlled electric train set, that would be the better option.
2. Space/Storage
The space or the storage depends on the kids’ age. Try to start with the smaller size and gradually increase the size based on age. That size could be a few feets long for a five-year-old kid.
3. Power source
When you intend to buy the best toddler train sets, battery-operated is the best option for you.
Battery
Usually, AAA batteries are the common and convenient choice. Try to get a train set that includes the batteries. Otherwise, you have to spend more money to get the batteries. However, you should go for rechargeable batteries.
Remote controlled
There are two types of electric train sets: remote control and standard electric train. Indeed a remote-controlled train is the better option. However, that can cost extra money. If you want to save some bucks, a standard electric train set is the best option for you.
4. Material
There are three types of material available for the train set.
Wood
It is the most convenient option for durability and the price range. Also, you will get the best user experience from it.
Plastic
If you are considering spending less money, go for plastic material. Usually, these are not the strongest material, but they last for a long time, that is for sure. However, assembly is not that smooth.
Iron
Indeed, iron is the best material for toy train sets. It is durable, and it makes the train set long-lasting. However, these are more expensive than usual.
5. Safety
Make sure to get the moderate speed train set while getting a remote-controlled one. Otherwise, it can hit your child.
6. Add-Ons/Extensions
Getting extra pieces with the train track and train coach is the additional bonus for a train set. Usually, you will find that in toddlers’ train sets.
7. How easy to set up
Whether you are getting a train set for a baby or toddler, make sure it is easy to set up. A smooth setup is the key to a good experience. You can go for a wooden train set that is the best choice for seamless assembly.
FAQs About Toddler Train Sets
Let’s clarify your doubts with answers to the frequently asked questions.
What age is best for a train set?
The minimum age for playing with a train set is around two. And there is no maximum age for it, and sometimes adults can play with the train set. However, three to ten years old is the best age for a train set.
What age do kids play with train tables?
Train tables are for toddlers. Usually, toddlers mess around with every toy. So, having a tabletop train is the perfect toy for them. And it will make sure there is no missing piece on the set. Also, get a train that comes with a storage bin. Make sure the table is not too high for your kid.
Are train sets good for kids?
Yes, it is indeed the best option for kids. Train sets are the most convenient option if you want to teach your kid the real-life object while playing. I recommend starting with the multiple pieces train set with various objects you can teach. For example, getting a 100-piece train set has a car, building, tree, ambulance, and hospital along with the train.
What is a good train set for kids?
The answer varies based on the age group. In general, wooden train sets are a great choice for kids. Since these are durable and long-lasting, your kid can enjoy them for a long time. But the best material for a train set is metal. However, that is the expensive one. So, wood is the most convenient material that ensures usability with the price.
Conclusion
That was everything on the topic of best train sets for toddlers. Read the reviews and pick the suitable train set based on age. I suggest the KidKraft Ride Around Town as the best one for toddlers. It has various pieces that would be good for teaching your kid.
However, these train sets are the best for a certain age group or price point. So, it will be easier for you to choose the perfect one according to your kids’ age and budget.
Also, read the FAQs section and factors before buying a train set for toddlers where I clarified everything regarding this topic.
