10 Best Toy Train Tables To Consider
Selina Marie
Train sets are a hot-ticket item, and there’s no wonder why. Getting to build the tracks their favorite locomotives will then chug along is exhilarating for most kids. And good news for mom and dad: it’s a developmental tool that will help them grow while they play. Train tables can be limiting in terms of world-building, but they do provide parameters that force children to be creative and logical in their problem-solving, as they figure out the best layout for their designated space. If you choose to opt out of a table and let them freestyle it with a train set and the floor, you can check out our review of the best train sets.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 23 hrs of research
Sturdy design
Compatible with other sets
Educational
Includes accessories
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Conductor Carl Wooden Town
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My First Number
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Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Play Table
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Lionel North Pole Central Ready to Play
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Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Set
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ToysOpoly 55-Piece Wooden Set
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KidKraft Waterfall Mountain
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Play22 Wooden Magnetic 12-PC Set
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BRIO Railway World Deluxe Set
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ToysOpoly 12 PCS Magnetic Engines With 3 Bonus Animals
Find the Best Kids Train Table
1. Conductor Carl Wooden Town
Sturdy design
Compatible with other sets
Educational
Includes accessories
Tracks need a flat surface to work properly
This versatile set is the perfect way to introduce your child to the wonderful world of trains. It comes with everything they need to jump right in, including multiple figurines and accessories that add a realistic element to the play experience. It also boasts an almost five-star review and the recognized Amazon’s Choice seal of approval.
Read moreEducational Value
The pieces require many different connections and variations to work together, which is a great way for your child to enhance their reasoning, judgment, and evaluation thought processes, all of which are a key component of cognitive development.
Design
With 100 pieces included in this set, your child has ample opportunities to develop their cognitive thinking through play.
Entertainment Value
With the single piece construction method, there are no loose pegs that can potentially be harmful to your child. It features endless combinations that encourage social, physical and cognitive skills as well as encourages creativity.
Effectiveness
Even better, it’s compatible with the highly popular Thomas &; Friends Railway sets, so your family can enjoy creating the railway of your dreams in the comfort of home.
2. My First Number
Affordable
Educational
Designed for toddlers
Promotes creativity
Not compatible with the LEGO Duplo train tracks
Designed to be an introductory lesson for preschoolers in numbers and counting, this celebrated collection offers multiple learning tools and fun for your child, all for an affordable price. It includes three figurines and colorful blocks that stimulate your child’s imagination and capacity for creativity
Read moreEducational Value
Because the blocks in this set require your child to attach them into a train according to the correct numbers, it’s a great learning experience for your child while having fun. By connecting the blocks in numbered order with your help, they can feel a sense of pride and accomplishment while taking the first steps towards mastering basic counting skills.
Design
It’s specially designed to be held and manipulated by small hands, making it the ideal gift for hours of satisfying play.
Entertainment Value
Parents love that this sturdy set stays together once connected, so children can enjoy hours of pushing it around the floor without it falling apart.
Effectiveness
A total of twenty-three pieces complete the set, so your little one won’t be overwhelmed by too many parts.
3. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Play Table
Pull-out drawer
Easy to clean
Sturdy base
Perfect for multiple activities
Pricey
If you’re looking for a sturdy, durable, and wooden activity table, then look no further than this play table by Melissa and Doug. It creates a defined play area for your kids to use as their designated play area. It features a double-sided board that allows for a range of activities.
Read moreEducational Value
It’s important for kids to have a dedicated space within the home where they can feel free to create, experiment, and play.
Design
This table will give your child the space they need to explore their own imaginations while providing a safe and secure surface that you can appreciate.
Entertainment Value
In addition, it also features a jumbo-sized pull out drawer that allows you to conveniently and neatly store away all the supplies and toys.
Effectiveness
This activity table does just that in a safe and functional way that parents and kids love. It has ample space for everything from train sets to art activities and so much more.
4. Lionel North Pole Central Ready to Play
24 total pieces
Easy to assemble
Remote-control train
Makes bell and whistle sounds
Gondola is ready to load presents
The track is not compatible with other Lionel tracks, unless they’re also Ready-to-Play line
Batteries drain fairly quickly, making the train run slower
With Christmas around the corner, your little one can help bring the goods from Santa’s top-secret location! This remote-control locomotive features a working headlight and three train cars. A ready-to-play track contains 24 straight and eight curved track pieces, all plastic.
Read moreEducational Value
This train set will highlight the spirit of giving, this Christmas season, as your little one's race to help Santa disperse all the year’s presents! The track is easy to set up, but assembly will enhance motor skills and the set is geared right up for lots of imaginative play.
Design
Use the remote button to push the train forward or backward, sound the whistle, ring the bell, and make important announcements. Pack the gondola full of toys for all the good girls and boys, then off you go with a ho, ho, ho!
Entertainment Value
The train is painted in vibrant reds and greens to match the spirit of the season. Pop that Polar Express DVD into the player, set up your train tracks, and play along with your favorite movie characters!
Effectiveness
This spirited, seasonal favorite is gorgeous. The remote-control train activity will help hook the eyes, ears, and interests of older children who might otherwise find train sets a little boring. Plus, it’s a great accessory to break out while you watch the Polar Express!
5. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Set
Minimal assembly
Safe wooden design
Sturdy design
Amazon’s Choice
Track can be difficult to keep together long term
Designed for children three years old and older, this set comes with more than 130 pieces. The set is complete with 100 wooden track supports and sections. It also features over 30 accessories, such as a suspension bridge, passenger train, and a freight train
Read moreEducational Value
Each accessory and part in this set is made of solid wood that has a smooth finish. The absence of battery operated motors, flashing lights, and electrical parts, encourage your child’s imagination to run wild
Design
The set is colored and crafted with lead-free, kid-safe paints. These lead-free paints also ensure the longevity of the product.
Entertainment Value
Your child will be immersed as they figure out the various configurations of this train set.
Effectiveness
Though not great for use on non-solid or carpeted surfaces, they otherwise are great. The pieces fit snug with each other ensuring no unnecessary collapses. The track also comes with instructions on the four different available configurations.
6. ToysOpoly 55-Piece Wooden Set
Boosts creativity
Non toxic
Made of wood
Includes multiple pieces
some of the curve pieces have pegs
If you have a little one who’s obsessed with trains this is the perfect train set for them. Your child will be able to build, create and enjoy their very own train track with this train table. This set is made from real beech wood ensuring that these trains will last forever no matter how much roughness they’ll endure from your toddler banging these guys around all day. This is a great way for your child to explore their imagination and their creative side.
Read moreEducational Value
Trains are incredibly beneficial to your children. Your child will be able to explore their imagination and their creative sides. It’s also a great way for your child to work on their hand-eye coordination skills and their motor skills as they’ll be able to build their own train track. This is a great gift for your child to enjoy for any occasion.
Design
This train set is made up of non-toxic materials. It’s made of real beech wood ensuring that these trains will be able to grow with your child as they get older. This set is lead safe and BPA safe as well. They are 100% safe for your child to enjoy.
Entertainment Value
Being able to design and play with your own train track is a great way for your child to not only get their imagination skills working but it’s a great way to keep your child busy and active throughout the day. Your child will be able to build and play for hours with this train set.
Effectiveness
This is a great set for children to practice their cognitive skills early on. Being able to have fun while also learning is a great way for your children to have a hands-on activity. This is a great gift for any child ages 3 and up.
7. KidKraft Waterfall Mountain
120 total pieces
Two-sided table top
Includes people, obstacles, and train cars
Sturdy construction
Has three bins for storage built in
Instructions are for table assembly, but some of the accessories will require assembly as well, and with screws; set up is best done away from children
This spacious KidKraft train table is perfectly constructed for train play and storage! The t-molded edges prevent chipping, and a 1.5-inch lip keeps toys from falling off the edge of the table accidentally. The build is durable, and the silk-screened landscape makes for an awesome, imaginative play board. Three red plastic bins fit under the table top for easy storage.
Read moreEducational Value
Train tables work children’s motor skills, as well as creative problem-solving abilities. This train set is also well-equipped for imaginative play, given all of the fun accessories included.
Design
A crane and construction roadblocks will let eager trains know where to stop, and the police can help guide anyone around broken roadways.
Entertainment Value
With 120 total pieces, the possibilities are endless. Build tracks over and under mountain passes, as well as across the bridge.
Effectiveness
Completely smooth and safe, this wooden train table is built for longevity while also bringing lots of enjoyment and creativity!
8. Play22 Wooden Magnetic 12-PC Set
Magnetic
Extremely durable
Lead free
Made of wood
Some trains can get dented
Made up of wood this train track is great to help stimulate your child's motor skills. This set includes magnetic trains and is compatible with other train sets as well to increase your child's entertainment so that they can spend hours playing with. This set is lead-free which makes it incredibly safe for your child to play with. It’s a great gift for any age and any occasion.
Read moreEducational Value
This is a great way for your child to increase their STEM-related skills. This is also a terrific way for your child to boost their creativity and imagination skills through pretend play. Your child will be able to recognize colors and be able to work on their fine motor skills as well.
Design
Made up of wood these trains are extremely durable and will be able to grow with your child at any age. These trains also have a very strong magnet so that they can connect. This train set is also compatible with others so that your child can enjoy all of their trains at once.
Entertainment value
This set includes various train engines that your child will be able to explore and learn. Your child will love pulling these trains apart and sticking them back together again. This is a great rainy-day activity and a great gift for your little one to keep them busy and entertained for hours.
Effectiveness
If you’re looking for a STEM-related gift for your little one this train set is the perfect gift for them. Your child will be able to have fun and increase their cognitive skills at the same time. This is a great way for your child to be able to recognize their colors and certain train parts as well.
9. BRIO Railway World Deluxe Set
Made up of wood
Comes with multiple accessories
Great to boost your child's creativity
Great for all ages
Is not compatible with the BRIO table with the multiple pieces included
Great for ages 3 and up this wooden train set is the perfect gift for your little ones to enjoy. This set includes trains, figures, bridges, stations, farm animals and so much more. It’s a great set to keep your little one busy. Everything in this set is made of wood and designed for little hands to easily grasp and build with. Your child will also be able to enhance their imagination skills.
Read moreEducational Value
This is a great way for your child to work and enhance their fine motor skills. Your little one will also be able to learn about different structures such as bridges, lighthouses, and other objects as well. This is also a wonderful way for your child to learn about farm animals. This set will let your child enhance their creativity through pretend play.
Design
This set is made of wood and has past multiple safety tests to ensure that it is 100% safe for your child to enjoy. Your little one will be able to build and design their own world however they want.
Entertainment Value
With multiple accessories featured in this gift, this is a great gift for your little one to be able to spend for hours. Your child will be able to create and add on to their track however they please. Not only will this increase your child's creativity, but this is a great way to keep your active little one busy. It can also be a great activity for siblings and multiple children to use.
Effectiveness
Your child will be able to learn about their environment and different buildings in the world in a positive way. Your child will be able to recognize different animals, colors and other objects as well. This is a great hands-on activity for your child to enjoy.
10. ToysOpoly 12 PCS Magnetic Engines With 3 Bonus Animals
Cute, fun set
Well-priced for young ones, who will damage expensive name brand options
Made of durable beech wood
Magnets holdfast between cars
Compatible with most major brands
Too simple for older children
Made from solid beechwood, this fifteen piece set is a lovely addition to any train enthusiast’s collection. The twelve magnetic cars and three bonus animals are compatible with all major railroad sets, including Thomas Railway System, Brio, Melissa & Doug, Imaginarium, KidKraft, Conductor Carl, Chuggington Railway, Maxim Wood, and Die Cast Gordon trains.
Read moreEducational Value
Help your child explore and learn about shapes, colors, animals, pattern recognition, and coordination. Train sets and tracks help your child build and explore as they fine-tune their motor skills throughout early development.
Design
The set is non-toxic, free from BPA and phthalates, and tested by third-party labs to ensure safety and quality. The three little animals connect magnetically into their carts so that they won’t tip over, jiggle, or fall out.
Entertainment Value
Strong magnets connect the cars to each other, allowing you to make your train as long or short as you please.
Effectiveness
It can be frustrating to spend money on expensive name brand items when you know your toddler is just going to chew them up and throw them about. This is a wonderful alternative as it is universal and compatible with expensive tracks and sets, while still being durable and affordable.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Educational Value
It may not be readily evident but you can look at these playsets as oversized LEGO blocks that children will need to piece together to form a continuous loop around a central "village" or structure. You can see that kids will have to use their power of logic to place different sizes and shapes of tracks to produce a mini railway system for the locomotive to run on. They will ask themselves where to put the mountain, the forest, the bridge, or even the train depot and station. These are questions that require some answers. And this is the very essence of problem-solving.
This is inherently magnified in cases where you have plenty of accessories and too little space. Kids will have to solve this problem by making sure that each piece gets onto the train table without causing chaos or derailment once the locomotive is up and running
Design
Most train tables come in a standard rectangular form, although it is not unusual to see other shapes like squares and circles. Some are even rectangles. It is not really the shape that matters but what is already included in the furniture.
Most come with printed landscapes to help kickstart the mini railroad-building project. Some also include starter sets that include toy trains and accessories like tracks, buildings, bridges, train stations and depots, among others. If you already have these things then you might want to just go for a simple design. If not, you may want to go with a product that already includes a starter set. Many come with specific themes, too. It can be a favorite kiddie train TV show, mountain scenery, or even the wild West.
Some also come with lids that can be used not only to cover the train table but also as an additional surface for children’s activities like drawing, doodling, painting, and even solving some puzzles and building some craft toys. There are also those that have integrated storage compartments which is simply perfect for organizing the different elements of the playset.
Entertainment Value
We have already said that there are plenty of train table manufacturers out there. Most of those that produce high-quality ones come from North America and Europe, although it’s not uncommon to find exceptional ones from Asia and other parts of the globe. However, it is really best to go for a brand that is well-recognized in the design and manufacture of high-quality train tables rather than risk getting one from a company with no known reputation for such things.
For starters, you can always trust Step2, KidKraft, Fisher-Price, and Imaginarium to provide you with great kiddie play furniture.
Benefits of Train Tables
It is a well-established fact that young kids love playing with toy trains. With Thomas the Tank Engine and other kid-friendly train characters, toddlers and preschoolers can whip up their imagination riding and driving one of these famous vehicles. Now, what’s a toy train set if there is no landscape for it to run through and around? That is why getting a train table is a must. Here are some benefits of train tables.
Effectiveness
Without a doubt, piecing the different train set components requires exceptional mastery of psychomotor skills. Kids’ fine-motor skills must be well-developed so they can place even the smallest elements into their correct places. More importantly, children will require their spatial motor coordination so they can accurately place such pieces within a tiny space. Playing with train sets will help enhance the development of these psychomotor skills.
Educational Value Design Entertainment Value Effectiveness 
Without question, you should always go for products with quality construction and design. Most train tables are made of wood so you can always look at it as a piece of furniture. As much as possible you should go for solid wood as these provide exceptional strength and durability which means you and your kid will be enjoying your platform for many years. The only downside to solid wood construction is that it tends to be priced a bit higher than other types.
You can also choose those that are made of fiberboards, particle boards, or even plywood. Their main draw is that they cost a fraction of the price of a solid wood, particularly a hardwood. Another thing going for these engineered wood products is that they are rigorously tested for strength and durability which meets both national and international product requirements. There are also some manufacturers that incorporate a mixture of plastic and metal in their wooden designs.
Other Factors to Consider
Creativity
Children playing with train sets will have to use their imaginations in coming up with unique designs and layouts for their playsets. This is where some parents are quite apprehensive about playsets that already have built-in layouts. Instead of encouraging children to come up with their own unique railway design, all they have to do in such cases is to follow the suggested layout. In situations where the train table allows for some input from your kid, you can expect your child to come up with really crazy ideas about how to place the different pieces together. In fact, it is not uncommon to see elements of a roller coaster in the set up since this is viewed by kids to be really fun.
Safety
Like all playsets and kiddie stuff, safety is a paramount concern. Here are some safety tips for kids and train tables that you may have to observe so your child can make the most out of his or her play time.
Make sure that the train table is placed in a room that has ample space to move about. If you place it in an area where your child can barely move around the platform, there is a tendency your kid will be bumping into things. If you can secure a minimum of 3 or 4 feet on all sides of the train table, that would be great. Otherwise, if it simply is too large for the room, maybe you need to relocate it to a bigger area or buy a smaller table.
Choose train tables that have rounded or smooth, tapered edges rather than sharp ones. If you happen to purchase furniture with an unusually sharp edge, you can cover this with a cloth or even a foam material. It would be better if you can sand it off, however.
Even if your kid has wooden toy trains instead of electronic versions, it is important to keep it clean always. For wooden blocks, you can clean them using a damp cloth that has been dipped in a solution of water and soap.
Alternatively, you can use cleansing wipes to sanitize the wooden pieces before storage. For electronic versions, you may need to ensure electrical safety at all times. Make sure the batteries and chargers are all UL-certified. You don’t want to start fires in your home because of a defective battery and charging system.
If you see any piece or component of your train table or toy trains that are already damaged or broken, make sure to apply an immediate fix. This is especially true for wooden pieces as splinters can cause cuts among children. If it can no longer be repaired or fixed, sometimes it makes more sense to discard it and replace it with a new one rather than risk injuring your kid.
Teach your kid to take care of his or her train playset. It is also important that they know how to pick up their toys and to store them in their respective places. This helps keep his or her play room generally clean and tidy, minimizing if not eliminating the risk of falls and resulting injuries. Providing your kids with toy boxes or compartments should come in very handy.
Brand
Building play train sets can be a lot of fun. If you have to choose the right train table for your child, make sure to consider the quality craftsmanship, its size and design, and the reputation of the manufacturer. Only by doing so can you ensure that your child will be able to further hone his or her problem-solving skills, imaginative and creative abilities, and psychomotor development. Additionally, like all playthings and stuff that kids use and play with, it is equally important to keep these train tables in pristine condition so they will be safe to play on. And with the 10 best train tables we’ve shared, you can now start embarking on a wonderful journey of train management with your kid.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Which sets offer the most track variations?
It’s always more fun for everyone when the tracks can be configured into more than just a straight line. Thankfully, many of these sets offer track pieces that can be manipulated into endless varieties of routes and directions, including curves, complete loops and track switches. Some great sets that offer this ability include the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Train Set, and the Conductor Carl 100-piece Wooden Train Track Set.
q: Why are some of them in $90-$100 or higher price range?
The price range depends on the quality of the products and materials that are used in its construction. The material that is used in the making of the product can be very expensive if it is being shipped from overseas. There are some physical toy stores located around the country in which you can typically find the same product for a lesser price.
q: Why does this list feature multiple items from the same manufacturer?
For the purpose of this research, we researched extensively to find the top products and brands. Some of these products have the same brand because that specific brand is highly regarded in the train table industry. Therefore their products are well-liked all around.
q: How can I be sure of the quality of the train tables I am purchasing?
All the products on our list have been confirmed regarding their quality. However, to be extra sure, you can check out the product reviews on Amazon and other retailer sites. You can also find out the quality of the product by visiting local stores where the product is available and seeing how the product's quality is before you make a purchase.
q: All the products on our list have been confirmed regarding their quality. However, to be extra sure, you can check out the product reviews on Amazon and other retailer sites. You can also find out the quality of the product by visiting local stores where the product is available and seeing how the product's quality is before you make a purchase.
As we mentioned in the Criteria portion, not each product is built the same. So, just as a heads up for you while you make your decision, we included the compatibility. Knowing this will allow you to know which other branded products will work with that specific product.
q: Are these toys beneficial for my child?
Yes, these table sets are great for encouraging your child for imaginative play. It’s also great for building their hand-to-eye coordination and fine-motor skills.
Sources
- , The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development, Blogs
- , Hand-eye coordination , Informative Article
- , Why Are Motor Skills Important?, Informative Article
- , The Importance of Fine Motor Skill Development, Informative Article
- , What is Imaginative Play and How to Encourage it?, Informative Article
