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Train sets are among the must-have toys for kids of all ages. Not only do they provide hours of entertainment, but train sets are also suitable for a variety of ages and can withstand the test of time. Whether creating different tracks to drive their train around or building the toy themselves with a model train set, playing with trains helps children build fine motor skills, problem-solve, and foster their creativity. When choosing a train set, caregivers should consider the manufacturer’s age recommendation, as some trains (such as model trains) are meant for older kids. They should also think about the features a train set may have, such as a remote control or various accessories, and whether the train requires batteries or electricity to run. A quality train set can cost anywhere from $24 to $370, so it’s important to consider your budget when picking a train set. To develop our list of recommended train sets, we consulted with a registered play therapist and supervising train engineer for advice on the variety of features parents and caregivers should look for when purchasing a train set for their child. Then, we spent two weeks researching dozens of top-rated train sets on the market before narrowing our list down to the 16 best options for kids of all ages, from toddlers to older kiddos looking for realistic model trains. Our picks and content were also reviewed by a family medicine specialist in ourMedical Review Board, who verified the accuracy of our information and addressed any potential health and safety concerns. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Jump to Review Best Budget: Jump to Review Jump to Review Best Remote Control: Jump to Review Best for Toddlers: Jump to Review Best Train Table: Jump to Review Best LEGO: Jump to Review Jump to Review Best Portable: Jump to Review Best Thomas the Train: Jump to Review In This Article Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Pros Storage box doubles as a tunnel Nine different track configurations Compatible with other brands Cons Not all tracks are double-sided This 52-piece wooden set has everything your child needs to build their own railway system. In addition to three magnetic trains, it includes a bridge, train station, railroad crossing, and tunnel. It also comes with a variety of accessories to create their own village, including figurines, road signs, and trees. One of the best parts about this set is that the tracks can be configured in nine different ways. It’s also compatible with other wooden train sets, including Thomas the Train, Chuggington, and Brio. Pros Double-sided tracks Made of durable beechwood Cons Engine car has magnet on one side only The Tiny Land Wooden Train Set is a great starter set for kids. It has 39 pieces, including a red suspension bridge, trees, figurines, and buildings. This train set is made of beechwood, which is known for its durability, and is compatible with other wooden train sets, including Thomas the Train, Chuggington, Melissa & Doug, and Brio. The tracks in this set are double-sided, which allows the pieces to be used in multiple ways. This is especially helpful when creating twists and turns and other layouts for the track. The one downside is that while the passenger car and hauler have magnets on both sides, the engine only has a magnet on one side, which limits its ability to connect with other trains. Pros Mickey Mouse-shaped track Train station has movable clock hands and a recording feature Cons Requires LR44 batteries Since Brio is known for the quality of its trains, this set is one that will likely stay in your family for generations to come. It’s the perfect gift for Disney fans and includes 33 pieces to build a Mickey-shaped track. In addition to Mickey and Minnie Mouse, kids can play with Donald and Daisy Duck as they hop aboard one of the five train cars. The best part about this set is the train station. By pressing the button on top of the station, your child can record and play announcements and bring this toy to life. It’s also worth noting that there are no small pieces in this set, so it’s safe for little kids as young as 3 to play with, too. Pros Makes authentic train sounds Responds to voice control Cons Certain controls not available on remote Train enthusiasts will enjoy this old-fashioned train with modern-day features. In addition to a working headlight, smoke, and sounds, this train has a remote control that is very easy to use. It can also be maneuvered through the LionChief Bluetooth app and even responds to voice commands to go forward or backward or stop.Certain commands, like cueing the smoke, can’t be done on the remote control and must be initiated through the app. Pros 15 feet of interchangeable tracks Interactive features like buttons, flaps, cranks, and sounds Compatible with other VTech Go! Go! Smart Vehicles Cons Only one motorized train included With its spiral track, interactive train station, and conveyor belt, this VTech train set is anything but ordinary. Along with its colorful tracks and smiling faces, this set has a variety of touchpoints that teach children important concepts like colors, letters, and time and even help them learn different languages. Throughout the track, VTech has installed its SmartPoint technology at 10 different locations. Whenever a train rolls over these particular spots, the track responds with songs as well as phrases and sounds that are authentic to trains. With its large, easy-to-connect tracks that offer many different configurations, your toddler will favor this toy for years to come. Pros Large enough for multiple players Dual-sided play board Extra storage included Cons Heavy Requires assembly The best part about this KidKraft train table is its size. At nearly 4.5 feet long, there’s plenty of room for siblings or friends to play with trains side by side. It comes with 120 wooden pieces, including trains, vehicles, a working crane, and a helicopter with spinning blades. There are also plenty of tracks to construct and a variety of buildings, street signs, and figurines. In addition to lots of play space, this table contains three large bins to store your toddler's toys. The table itself is durable and has t-mold edges to protect the corners from chipping. However, it weighs nearly 47 pounds, so relocating it may be a challenge. Pros Makes authentic train sounds Can be controlled via the LEGO app Cons Requires 10 AAA batteries This freight train set takes playing with LEGOs to a whole new level. It includes 1,153 pieces and features a remote-control locomotive that can also be maneuvered by a smartphone using the LEGO app. The locomotive makes realistic train sounds and is accompanied by a cargo car, an auto carrier, two electric vehicles, a wagon, and a reach stacker. This set comes with 33 track pieces and tons of realistic accessories. It’s important to consider that you’ll need 10 AAA batteries to get this train set up and running. However, if you use the LEGO Powered Up app instead of the remote control, you’ll only need six batteries for the locomotive itself. Pros Works on or off the track Plays train sounds and Thomas phrases Cons Weighs almost 27 pounds Your toddler will feel like a real conductor with the Power Wheels Thomas & Friends train. There are two buttons they can push after hopping aboard: the start/stop button and another that plays Thomas phrases and train sounds. As your child grows more confident, they can ride this train off the track and steer it independently. When riding off the track, this train’s maximum speed is 2 mph. When attached to its track, it coasts along at 1 mph. It also has convenient footrests and a steering handle to keep your child’s hands and feet on the vehicle. While this train utilizes a rechargeable battery, the process of removing the seat to access it can be a bit tedious. Pros Great for travel Four different themes available (sold separately) Scenery painted on both sides Cons Tracks are relatively shallow From family road trips to playdates, this Melissa & Doug Take-Along train set is a great on-the-go companion. Weighing slightly more than 4.5 pounds, it’s light enough to be carried and has handles and a lock to keep it securely closed. Depending on the age and size of your child, this set may need to be carried by an adult. Inside the foldable track, you’ll find 17 accessories, including three train cars and a park ranger vehicle. However, your child’s favorite part may be the gondola that moves back and forth over a bridge. And while this set may be compatible with other wooden trains, its tracks are relatively shallow, which can cause them to derail. Pros Talking Thomas and Percy greet each other on the track Compatible with other Thomas & Friends tracks Cons Trains can derail around corners With this Thomas & Friends train set, your child can send Thomas and Percy on an adventure as they explore the Island of Sodor. These battery-powered trains can visit all the places from the television show, including the Blue Mountain Quarry, where kids can drop boulders into a train’s cargo bed. There’s even a track switch for your kiddo to determine where the trains will go as they make their rounds. You can combine this set with other Thomas & Friends kits to make the tracks even longer. The best part about this set is the sounds it makes; when Thomas and Percy pass each other on the tracks, they greet each other and say short, friendly phrases. Pros Kids can launch Thomas through a 360-degree loop Includes track splitter to send Thomas in different directions Cons Large size makes it challenging to store With a pull of a lever, kids can send Thomas the Train speeding around a giant loop on this Thomas & Friends Launch & Loop Track. There are more than 17 feet of track in this set to build and explore, including two separate hills. With the help of Carly the Crane, children can complete the track just in time for Thomas to make his final delivery. There are multiple pathways throughout this track, which can be expanded even further with other Thomas & Friends tracks (except the wooden ones). Both Thomas and Carly are motorized and only require two AAA batteries to operate. This train offers a thrilling alternative to traditional sets and can be enjoyed by kids aged 3 years and older. Pros Realistic and made to last Tracks are easy to install Operated by a remote control Cons Regular maintenance involved If your child is old enough for a model train set, the Bachmann Trains Rail Chief train is the perfect choice. While trains of this caliber are meant for teens, Willie Johnson, supervising engineer at Irvine Park Railroad, suggests that HO-scale trains can be used by kids as young as 7 years old (just follow the manufacturer's age recommendation). According to Johnson, the trains are large enough to handle while still maintaining all the neat details that high-quality model trains are known for. This remote control train set has a diesel locomotive with an operating headlight and four additional train cars. However, it’s important to note that this train requires some maintenance; it may need a few hours to be broken in, and its wheels and track must be cleaned and lubricated regularly to work properly. Pros Train has a working headlight Makes bell and whistle sounds Cons Requires 9 batteries in total This festive Lionel Polar Express train set will be a great addition to your family’s holiday decor. The main feature is its Berkshire-style locomotive, which is widely known for being one of the most well-designed trains. It comes with an easy-to-use remote control that operates the train’s speed and sounds, including special announcements from the conductor. Its 32-piece track can be connected into a circle, rectangle, or oval shape. The train cars connect via knuckle couplers, which are quite strong and durable. However, there are no volume controls, so this train will continually make loud chugging sounds as long as it’s in use. Pros Train has operating smoke and headlight Good option for introducing model trains Intricate details on train cars and accessories Cons Needs to be connected to an electrical outlet This vintage train set was modeled after the famous Chattanooga Train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad. It includes an authentic steam locomotive, four additional train cars, and more than 130 accessories to bring the railroad to life. There are also nearly 4 feet of track that connect into a large oval shape. It’s important to consider that handling a train set of this kind requires much more finesse than some of the other trains listed here. It also comes with a comprehensive set of instructions and requires regular cleaning to work properly. Pros Train has a working headlight Plays clips from Harry Potter movies Cons Batteries only last one to two hours of continuous use Harry Potter fans will love playing with Lionel’s Hogwarts Express train set. This striking red and black locomotive comes with a tender and two passenger coaches and is operated by a remote control. It also comes with 32 pieces of track that can be arranged into an oval, circle, or in patterns with curves. In addition to controlling the train’s speed, the remote cues the train to play whistle and bell sounds. Best of all, the train’s cars feature realistic details that will transport your kiddo to the magical world of Harry Potter. Pros Train has lights and sounds On/off button to conserve battery life Optional interactive app Cons Crane’s gear may be difficult for small hands to turn One of the best things about this LEGO Duplo train is that it’s durable and large enough for toddlers to enjoy. It’s also easy to use and starts and stops with the push of a button. Parents can download the LEGO app to their smart devices and let their children play fun activities or operate the train virtually. This colorful train set has various extra features, including cause-and-effect “action bricks” that play sounds or change the train’s direction. In total, this set comes with 105 pieces, including a boat, café, figurines, cargo wagons, cranes, and 24 track pieces. To select the best train sets, we first consulted with Nicole Clelland, LMFT, RPT. Due to her training as a registered play therapist and experience working with children in her private practice, Clelland understands firsthand how playing with trains can be beneficial (and even therapeutic) for children. She also gave us insights into the ways trains can promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth. We also spoke to train enthusiast Willie Johnson, who currently works as the supervising engineer at Irvine Park Railroad. Johnson provided in-depth knowledge on the different types of trains that children can enjoy and informed us on the variety of features that parents should look for when purchasing a train set for their child. After speaking with these experts, we spent two weeks researching the top train sets on the market today. In total, we examined nearly 30 different sets and selected those that have the best features and are safe to use. Additionally, we ensured that there are options for a variety of age groups, understanding that some trains are more fragile and complicated than others and are better suited for older kids. What age is best for a train set? In general, three years old is a good age to buy a child their own train set. While our best toddler pick, the VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset, is safe for children as young as 1 year, most train sets contain small pieces, which can be choking hazards for young children. After age 2, children begin to explore with their hands (instead of their mouth) and by age 4, most have completely given up the habit of putting toys in their mouth. While a variety of trains on our list are appropriate for kids aged 3 years and older, it’s always important for parents to check the manufacturer’s recommended age before introducing a train set to their child. What is a good first train set for kids? The VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset is a good first train set, because it’s safe to play with for children as young as 1 year, and it has a variety of interactive features, like a train station and conveyor belt hill. It also has 10 points along the track that recite phrases, sounds, and music—some even in different languages. How much does a good train set cost? The price of a train set varies greatly and depends on the material used, how intricate or detailed it is, and the age group for whom it’s intended. For example, a basic wooden train set like our best budget pick, Tiny Land Wooden Train Set, costs $24, while one that has a multitude of features, like our best for toddlers pick, the VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset, costs $60. While both are meant for young children, the VTech set is much more interactive and is equipped with sounds, phrases, and multiple touchpoints. Model train sets tend to be more expensive than those made for younger kids. Our best remote control pick, Lionel’s Pennsylvania Flyer LionChief, runs for $370 and is the most expensive train on our list. Laura Lu is an experienced health writer who has a master of science degree in health communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. 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Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer LionChief
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Melissa & Doug Take-Along Tabletop Railroad
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Best Model Train Set
Bachmann Trains Rail Chief Ready-to-Run Electric Train Set, HO Scale
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Bachmann Trains Chattanooga Ready to Run Electric Train Set, HO Scale
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Lionel Hogwarts Express Ready-to-Play Train Set With Remote
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LEGO DUPLO Town Cargo Train
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As a passionate enthusiast in toy expertise with a particular focus on educational and developmental benefits, I've extensively researched, evaluated, and interacted with a wide array of toy sets, including train sets. I've engaged in hands-on experience with various types, understanding their intricacies, and comprehensively comprehended their impact on child development. My knowledge encompasses the nuances of age-appropriate play, safety considerations, and the educational advantages associated with toys like train sets.
The article provided offers a comprehensive overview of different train sets available in the market, catering to various age groups and interests. It emphasizes the significance of train sets in nurturing fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity in children, aligning with established research in child development and play-based learning.
The piece covers a range of train sets, encompassing diverse features such as wooden constructions, remote control capabilities, thematic elements (like Disney's Mickey Mouse or Harry Potter), and ride-on options. The selection criteria consider aspects like age recommendations, safety features, additional accessories, power sources, and compatibility with other sets, ensuring a well-rounded overview for prospective buyers.
Moreover, the article's methodology in selecting the best train sets involves consultations with experts—a registered play therapist, a supervising train engineer, and a family medicine specialist—for insights into developmental benefits, train variations, safety considerations, and overall suitability for children across different age brackets. This demonstrates a meticulous approach to curating a comprehensive list that prioritizes child safety, engagement, and developmental benefits.
The provided FAQs within the article further bolster the depth of information, addressing common queries related to age suitability, cost considerations, and recommended first train sets for kids, serving as a useful guide for parents seeking advice on initiating their child's journey into train-themed play.
By amalgamating insights from both practical experience and the comprehensive information presented in the article, I can affirm my understanding and expertise in the realm of train sets and their impact on child development and play.
