13 Best Train Sets For Toddlers And Preschoolers (2021)
Best Toy Train Sets For Toddlers and Preschool Kids
No matter their age, young children will enjoy toy trains. Listed here are the best train sets for toddlers and preschoolers that can be found on Amazon.
No matter the age of the child or their skill level, there will be something for them to enjoy here. Every set was hand selected and have at, or above four stars on Amazon.
#1 – SainSmart Jr. Wooden Train Set for Toddler with Double-Side Train Tracks
Built with premium woods from Australia, the SainSmart Jr. is the perfect set for ages 3 – 5. The train set comes with enough tracks and customization available to keep kids busy for hours at a time. As an added bonus, the train set works perfectly with popular brands such as Thomas, Melissa & Doug and Brio.
Pros
- Sturdy birch and beech wood materials
- Double-sided tracks for more fun
- Comes with accessories like signs, trees cows and people
- The train cars are able to be used on surfaces other than the tracks
Cons
- The double-sided tracks may prove frustrating for younger kids
- There are small pieces that could be easily misplaced
Why We Love It
Overall this train toy is wonderful. We love it for the all natural and tough materials that go into this toy. It will last for a long time and can be further added to with other brands.
#2 – Brio My First Railway – 33727 Beginner Pack
Coming from the popular brand Brio, this train toy is well suited for toddlers around 18 months to three years. Bright colors and sound feedback allow playtime that is both educating and fun. The noise the toy trains make are not overly loud, so adults won’t be disturbed during playtime.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Reversible magnets for bi-directional play
- Compatible with other Brio brand toys
- No small pieces to loose
Cons
- Other sets are needed to expand
- No extra accessories
Why We Love It
This train set is perfect for toddlers who are bright and creative. The materials the toy trains are made from are tough and will stand up to prolonged and heavy use. We love it for the simplicity and ease of use so no child will become frustrated.
This BRIO My First Railway is our top choice for the best train sets for toddlers!
#3 – Orbrium Toys Triple-Loop Wooden Train Set
Made by Orbrium Toys and compatible with other popular brands, this toy train set is perfectly suited for ages 3 and up. Crafted from high-quality beech wood, the wooden tracks and train cars were built to last. It comes with 100 pieces, including train cars, track pieces and other accessories like road signs and trucks.
Pros
- A large amount of pieces
- Very customizable
- Compatible with other brands
- Triple loop layout
Cons
- Kids may become frustrated with number of pieces
- Pieces could become lost
Why We Love It
For slightly older children, this would be the perfect to keep them busy. That is why we love it. It has so many pieces that imagination can run wild with almost limitless opportunities. The different city cars also give good chances for kids to learn about different jobs and build life skills.
#4 – KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table
Released by KidKraft, this is only one of many train set play tables, but it stands out from the crowd. Created with high quality and safe materials, kids can lean and clamber on the table without being hurt. It’s large size allows for creativity while not being overwhelmingly big.
Pros
- Over 120 pieces
- Built for safety and quality
- Large size for a train toy table
- Soft surface
Cons
- Expensive
- Track layout is limited by the size of the table
Why We Like It
If only one more expensive train set could be chosen from the list, this would be the one we would choose. It has so many pieces, a table for easy playtime and a soft surface for comfort. The price is certainly well worth it.
#5 – Brio World 33210 – Rail & Road Loading Set
Suitable for ages 3 and up, this toy train set is more intensive than some others. However, it would be perfect for any toddler who enjoys figuring things out. It comes with 32 pieces that include magnetic boulders for loading and unloading train cars. As always Brio made the set from high quality beech wood.
Pros
- Perfect for a creative toddler
- Works with all Brio products
- Develops important skills
Cons
- Small pieces
- No storage box included
Why We Like It
Creativity is important to encourage and the skills this train set helps to build are amazing. If we had this when our children were young, it would have been right at the top of the shopping list.
#6 – FUN LITTLE TOYS 189 PCs Train Set
Perfect for ages one year and up, the Fun Little Toys set is cheerful with its bright colors and sounds. With the train set comes extras like signs, people and more. The train also has a battery so it can move along the track all by itself.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Bright colors
- Can be assembled in many ways
Cons
- Requires batteries
- Not compatible with other brands
Why We Like It
Kids are messy. Fun Little Toys understands that with the easy to clean, but safe plastic materials. That is why we would choose this set for the fun play experience, without the hassle of scrubbing.
#7 – Thomas & Friends Fisher-Price Cassia Crane & Cargo Train Set
Made for ages 3 and older, the Thomas & Friends train set is simple, but engaging. The train car is able to be used with other sets from the company, and further pieces of track are able to be purchased. The tough plastic won’t easily bend and break and will stand up to heavy use.
Pros
- Train car is compatible with other other TrackMaster sets
- Easy to clean
- High quality materials
Cons
- Requires batteries
- Small pieces
Why We Like It
Plastic is typically easy to clean and this set is no different. Like the other plastic sets on the list, that is why we like it. Along with the rotating crane and great experience, its hard to find something not to like.
#8 – Play22 Wooden Train Set
Perfect for ages 1 and up, the Play22 Wooden Train set is the best value for expanding a collection of train cars. While it doesn’t come with tracks, the good materials and low cost are a great budget option for buying more cars. They come in a variety of styles and are magnetic to connect easily. The cars work with major brands like Thomas.
Pros
- Twelve detailed cars
- High quality wood
- Display box for storage
Cons
- No included tracks
- No lid on display
Why We Like It
Even though the set doesn’t have tracks to go with it, the quality of play is still there. We would choose this set in a heartbeat to start off a kids collection or to expand their existing one.
#9 – Bigjigs Rail Wooden Fairy Town Train Set
Any child from 2 and up would love this toy train set. The pink and princess theme will especially cater to little girls and some boys. The extra pieces included like houses, a helicopter and a shed allow for imaginations to run wild.
Pros
- Bright colors
- Includes many extra pieces for added play
- Works with most other major brands
Cons
- Has a single theme
- May be harder to clean
- Pricey
Why We Like It
Many girls like pink and the set would be the perfect gift for them. In fact, we like it so much that it is now in our wish-list to recommend to anyone else who wants something like this. The wooden materials could make it harder to clean, but the trade-off is well worth it.
#10 – Melissa & Doug Take-Along Railroad
Sometimes kids want to take their railroad along with them. The Take-Along Railroad set from Melissa & Doug allows that dream to live. For ages 3 and up, they will have a great time unfolding and enjoying the toy train set in places it may not have been possible before. Every detailed piece fits perfectly into the folding case.
Pros
- Easy storage
- Well known and trusted brand
- Compact, perfect for car rides or vacations
Cons
- Tracks are limited by size of the toy
- Folding mechanism could pinch fingers
Why We Like It
We pick this one for the travel experience. Kids want to play on long car rides. This allows them to keep busy and stave off the boredom. For places that don’t have a lot of room, the folding case allows it to be tucked neatly away.
#11 – Melissa & Doug Swivel Bridge Train Set
The classic experience of Melissa & Doug sets hasn’t been lost here. The set is simple and easy to use, perfect for ages 3 and up. With compatible sets, the tracks can be expanded. As always from this brand, the materials are safe and durable. The wood has been thoroughly tested to make sure it is non toxic.
Pros
- Opportunities to expand
- High quality materials
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not many pieces
- Most sets not compatible
Why We Like It
The set is large and sprawling with enough customization to change the layout considerably. We like it because it is easy to use and lacks the chance for a child to become frustrated, which can happen with other, more technical sets.
#12 – Lego Duplo My First Number Train
The Lego Duplo Train set is well suited for kids 2 years old and older. The educational set will help them learn motor and counting skills, as well as working to build their imaginations. The tough plastic won’t break and resists damage from curious teeth.
Pros
- Builds important skills
- Easy to clean
- Works on all surfaces
Cons
- No tracks
- Small pieces
Why We Like It
Counting skills are an important skill to start learning. This set is our number one choice to give toddlers a fun way to learn. Each car has large numbers with different colors for easy remembering.
#13 – Bdwing Dinosaur Race Train Set
Though it isn’t a train, the Bdwing Dinosaur Train Set is perfect for track and dinosaur lovers alike. The track is well made and flexible for more options. The extra pieces it comes with like dinosaurs and signs add to the imagination experience. The set would be perfect for ages 3 and up.
Pros
- Low price and high quality
- Extra accessories
- Track can twist and turn without breaking
Cons
- Small pieces
- Nooks and crannies could make it tough to clean
Why We Like It
It may be odd to add this set on the list even if it isn’t a train, but it deserves the spot. Good sets with tracks that also have a dinosaur theme is hard to come by and this one does it well. We love it for the ability to bend the tracks into crazy positions without worrying about them breaking.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Train Set For Kids?
There are a few things to consider before choosing the best train set for toddlers and older children.
Age of the Child
One thing to keep in mind is the age of the child. A child between one and three years old is best suited with wooden toy train sets. They are heavier and won’t wear down so easily.
Toddlers can also use plastic train sets but they are better suited for preschoolers and older children.
Electric toy trains are best suited for older school aged kids.
Setting up and playing with toy trains can involve both the child and family.
Child Interests
Does your child enjoy characters such as Thomas The Train or likes learning about farm animals? Then you may want to consider a train set that incorporates a specific theme. You know your child more than anyone else so keep their interests in mind.
Size and Space
Consider the amount of space you have in your home to set up a toy train set. The good thing is that some of the best train sets for toddlers do not take up much room at all.
Final Thoughts On The Best Train Sets For Toddlers
Picking out the best train sets for toddlers and preschoolers can be a little challenging. It is important to take into consideration what they enjoy the most and what level their skills are at. There will always be time to buy expansions for more of a challenge and learning experience.
Some of the most trusted brands were included on the list and it would be a great idea to check out their other options.
It would also be a good idea to ask what the child likes the look of the best, even if they can’t offer an informed opinion. Kids love having choice and it makes them feel like their wants matter, even at a young age.
Well made train toys will last for a long time and hold up against any wear and tear. Train sets have remained a long standing staple for any child’s toy collection, and it will no doubt remain that way for years to come.
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