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8 Best Trains Sets for Kids in 2024

last updated Aug 07, 2019

It is often difficult to choose toys that kids will surely appreciate or love. While we tend to say that it is in the thought of giving that really counts, for young children, it is more about how much fun they can derive from the gifts or presents that we give that really matters. For them, toys are everything. In the point of view of experts, toys are the instruments that help facilitate optimum child growth and development. It is therefore important to choose toys that are not only fun and will be appreciated by kids but are also developmentally-appropriate.
One of the most beneficial toys when it comes to the development of creativity, imagination, dexterity, psychomotor skills, and cognitive skills is train toy sets. This 2019, we have listed the 18 most popular train sets for kids.

This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:

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LEGO DUPLO Steam
95/100 our score
Design
92
Effectiveness
98
Value
95
LEGO DUPLO Steam
Why is it better?

Push and go design train track with a train

Features 59 pieces of Legos to build with and 16 pieces of track to design with

Set includes; lights, sounds, and movements

Easy to build with toddler design Legos

Best suited for children between the ages of 2 years old and 5 years old

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
LEGO DUPLO Steam
Test Winner: LEGO DUPLO Steam
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Researched Sources
18
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
245
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
52
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
14
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Jessica Mentzer:

Trains are so much fun. From putting the tracks together to watching the trains explore the around it is a true form of entertainment that kids love. The list of train sets has recently been updated. Two of the products have been replaced with new items. The new items received criteria sections and pictures to complete the update.

Sorting Options
Design Effectiveness Value By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.7
Design
92 %
Effectiveness
97 %
Value
98 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Design
92 %
Effectiveness
98 %
Value
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
$64.99
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.7
Design
98 %
Effectiveness
92 %
Value
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.7
Design
88 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Value
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
$44.99
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.3
Design
89 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Value
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.3
Design
84 %
Effectiveness
88 %
Value
81 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
$100.60
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.3
Design
85 %
Effectiveness
79 %
Value
89 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
79.3
Design
80 %
Effectiveness
76 %
Value
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (28.03.24)
Amazon Link

8 Best Trains Sets for Kids Reviewed

1. Deluxe Wooden Railway

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.7
Deluxe Wooden Railway
Amazon Link
Design
92
Effectiveness
97
Value
98
best offer for today
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Easy-to-follow instructions show 4 train track configurations. But thanks to their modular design, pieces can be connected in almost any way. With over 100 train track pieces, the possibilities are endless

Melissa & Doug’s Deluxe Wooden Multi-Activity Play Station for trains and other games can be purchased separately; it's a perfect utility to keep the train and its pieces in one area of the house

Extra trains are available for purchase online

The wooden pieces are smooth and durable, perfect for soft little hands

The railway set can be easily nudged, but sure track clips are available for purchase online

Requires some assembly

With 132 beautifully crafted wooden pieces, the Deluxe Wooden Railway Set is a kid’s dream playset. It comes with 100 wooden tracks and support sections as well as 30 other accessories including 2 cranes with magnetic attachments, a train house, and a bridge.

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Design

It also comes with a flatbed truck, a passenger train, and a cargo freight train. It comes with an easy-to-follow instructional guide to help build the train tracks in 4 different configurations.

Effectiveness

This train set has everything a little conductor needs to stoke their imagination. Special care is taken to ensure that children won't get derailed when playing with this set. The smooth wood is polished free of chemical sealants and all screws are set into the wood. And with many possible configurations along with not needing batteries, this train provides endless entertainment.

Value

It’s got plenty of pieces to stimulate kids’ imagination and creativity. It’s also great for enhancing kids’ problem-solving skills especially if they decide to create their own track configuration.

2. LEGO DUPLO Steam

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
LEGO DUPLO Steam
Amazon Link
Design
92
Effectiveness
98
Value
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$64.99

Push and go design train track with a train

Features 59 pieces of Legos to build with and 16 pieces of track to design with

Set includes; lights, sounds, and movements

Easy to build with toddler design Legos

Best suited for children between the ages of 2 years old and 5 years old

Train track does not securely snap together, falls apart easily

App to make the train interactive requires the use of a tablet with download

Train sets are an exciting part of growing up. Toddlers usually love a good train set especially when they are able to get their hands on them. This set is exactly that. It has been designed for a toddler to be able to build with some help from their parents. It is a train set that has been designed with building blocks. The building blocks are on the larger size making it safe and easy for the little ones to work with.

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Design

A push from your little one to make this train go forward or backward is the way that it rolls. Then to make the train stop a lift of the train off the tracks or a hand on the tracks will make it stop. It is a toddler powered and built train set that is great for getting them involved in the construction process. From the start to the end this train set is fun for them.

Effectiveness

Once the construction stage is over it is time to move onto the playing stage. The kids really get into it at this point. It is where the fun begins. Included with this set are lights that are activated when the train comes rolling by, then the sounds start, and the movement begins. It is a fully interactive set that will leave your toddler in amazement each time that they play with it. It will inspire their creativity and provide endless hours of fun.

Value

With 59 pieces included with this set, it is easy to see the value. It features five blocks that are action bricks. When placed along the tracks it makes the train sound the horn, the lights to come on and off, for the train to pause for fuel and then start again, then a change direction brick, and lastly the brick that stops the train at its final stop. With this interactive design of a train that has been designed with toddlers in mind, this is a true value.

3. VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Freight

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.7
VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Freight
Amazon Link
Design
98
Effectiveness
92
Value
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Even though the Carry-All-Cargo Train is meant as an addition to the VTech 80-146700

Train Station Playset, it can be played with all by itself without the larger train set

Has a very large age range: 1-5 years old

The plastic pieces are durable and safe for young kids to play with

This little train set offers 25 unique phrases and sounds

This train set is not motorized, it must be pushed. But it can be pulled by a motorized trolley with a new battery

2 AAA demo batteries included. Parents will need to buy normal batteries for extended use

While not necessarily a toy by itself, the Go! Go! Smart Wheels Carry-All Cargo Train can be a wonderful addition to the Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station Playset also listed here.

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Design

The colorful 2-piece train features an engine and cargo cars complete with the unique SmartPoint technology of VTech. This activates learning phrases, fun music, and other interesting sounds.

Effectiveness

The Carry-All Cargo Train set is a great gift for any youngster ready to explore the love of trains. They can get a little exercise by self-propelling their train set. The set of three cars detaches allowing them to play with this set as one long train or three little trains. When they are ready, the train re-hooks in any order. Best of all is that this train can go off the rails! This makes it a perfect toy for outings and at home.

Value

It’s a part of a much larger system. It is often advisable to play it with the train playset although it can also be played by itself. The cargo help develops fine motor skills while at the same time facilitating spatial intelligence and problem-solving.

4. Triple-Loop Wooden

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.7
Triple-Loop Wooden
Amazon Link
Design
88
Effectiveness
85
Value
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$44.99

This 100-Piece Orbrium Toy is expandable. There are several interchangeable train sets and train tracks for sale online

The kit can be totally compatible with other toy train systems that can be found on Amazon

Train set is made from renewable wood sources

The pieces are grooved on both sides, allowing the pieces to be used in two directions instead of only one

Warning: Choking hazard due to small parts, not for kids under 3 years old

With a unique track layout and beautifully crafted train, tracks, and accessories, the Triple Loop Wooden Train Set is something that is ideal for imaginative play. It comes with 100 wooden pieces with provisions for track expansion.

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Design

The playset includes a train engine with several coaches, city vehicles, railroad crossing, a bridge, houses, train station, commercial establishments, and a church. It also comes with trees and people figures.

Effectiveness

Let their imagination run wild with this complete train village. They can be mayor of their own town and direct the rail how they want. Not only does it have trains and coaches, but the set also includes commercial businesses, a church, houses, train stations, little people and trees. With so many amenities to play with, kids as old as 15 can use the set to recreate their own neighborhood or use it for school projects.

Value

It’s a small community made of wood and surrounded by beautiful wooden tracks. The fact that it can be expanded simply means that the creativity and imagination of children can also be enhanced. And this leads to the enhancement of their problem-solving skills and other cognitive skills. Moreover, it fits any other toy train like Thomas, Chuggington, and Brio.

5. Metropolis Table Set

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.3
Metropolis Table Set
Amazon Link
Design
89
Effectiveness
85
Value
82
best offer for today
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The set includes jumbo storage drawer

Rated one of the best in the market

Has a colorful and durable decorated play surface. There are rivers, roads and forested areas on the surface

There’s no need to buy suretrack clips, all of the pieces interlock in place

Warning: Choking hazard due to small parts, not recommended for kids under 3 years old

One of the most unique toy train sets we have on our list is the Metropolis Train Set. For starters, it already comes with its very own area to play on so that already solves the problem of where to build the playset on. The toy comes complete with trains, mountains, highways, cars, simulated river with a riverboat, bridges, cranes, a helipad, and an airport.

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Design

There are also figures of people as well as road signs and building structures. It doubles as a convenient storage space for the removable pieces and accessories. For more great products like this, our article on the best train play spaces might be helpful.

Effectiveness

A truly magnificent toy, this train set is a self-contained city of fun. Even adults can’t help but play along and see where the avenues of imagination take them. Complete with everything you need to build a sprawling megastructure, this set stands apart. This set promotes problem solving, creativity and motor skills in the best ways possible for many ages.

Value

It’s a very simplistic interpretation of a large metropolis with the train system at its core. It helps introduce children to what a mega city looks like. This helps them appreciate the different modes of transportation while at the same time enhancing their creativity, imagination, counterfactual reasoning, and divergent problem-solving skills.

6. Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Super Station

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.3
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Super Station
Amazon Link
Design
84
Effectiveness
88
Value
81
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$100.60

Train set with multiple configurations to fit any space

Included with the set is; Thomas, Percy, James, and Harold

Compatible with all Thomas and Friends Adventure trains

Removable legs ideal for fitting into smaller areas

Holds up to 100 engines at one time (not all included with set)

Lower track is separate from upper track and they don’t interact

Trains easily fall off track when on the declined section of the tracks

It is not every day that you can find a train track system that has so my different configurations. This train track set is great for that. It is a super-station that can be set up is many different ways making it great for small areas or kids that easily get bored with playing with the same setup day after day. The setup is easily changed and the pattern is simple to follow. So changing can happen whenever it is needed without any hassle.

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Design

Train sets for kids are often hard to find and then when you find a set that they love they usually one have that one set, but that is not the case with this system. It has been designed to be compatible with all the Thomas and Friends Adventures sets, the Track Master series, the minis and even the Wooden Railway engines collection. They are all sold separately, but all work, connect and side together with this setup. It makes the configurations truly endless.

Effectiveness

Super features for a super-station is what this train set ordered. It features four trains that come along with the set; Thomas, Percy, James, and Harold. The included trains make it fun for a starter kit or great for adding to a collection that has already been established. Another fun feature of the super-station is the turntable in the center of the bottom of the track. It features a stop track level that is in working order and also allows the moving trains to switch tracks without ever leaving the station. Then when a train needs moved to another area the Cranky the Crane comes to the rescue. It is a working cane that features a train carriage and hooks that can be raised and lowered.

Value

This multi-system track is great for so many different reasons. It features three different levels of play, includes trains with the set, and has working interactive features that make it feel like a real train setup. Along with the fun that this set has it is also compatible with many other types of train sets making it true value to add to any home.

7. Mickey Mouse Express

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.3
Mickey Mouse Express
Amazon Link
Design
85
Effectiveness
79
Value
89
best offer for today
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This is a motorized train set

There are two surprise packages that pop-up that sends little kids into a laughing frenzy

The train can run without the track

Requires just 1 AA battery to run

There’s no musical sounds

If you have kids who love Mickey Mouse, you might want to give them the Fisher-Price Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mouska Train Express Playset.

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Design

The toy set comes with colorful tracks going through a Mickey Mouse arch on one side of the track and a colorful tunnel on the opposite side. It comes complete with Mickey Mouse riding the Mouska with a cargo tender in tow.

Effectiveness

Introduce your children to the Magic of Disney with this unique train set any little one will love. The set will help young kids understand colors as well as work on their creativity as they put the tracks together. See their imagination run wild as they help Mikey deliver packages while running their adorable train through tunnels.

Value

It’s a great way to help reinforce kids’ mastery of colors as well as the characteristic shape of Mickey Mouse’s ears. It also helps develop fine motor skills, especially for younger children.

8. Caterpillar Construction Iron Diesel

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
79.3
Caterpillar Construction Iron Diesel
Amazon Link
Design
80
Effectiveness
76
Value
82
best offer for today
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The track is expandable. Extra pieces can be found online for purchase

The pivoting crane car has a removable shipping container

Tracks connect with a hook-like mechanism. No magnets are used to connect tracks on this set

Train is motorized by a push of a button located on the front of the train

Warning: Choking hazard due to small parts. Not recommended for kids under 3 years old

It requires 2 AA batteries, they are not included in the set

If you have kids who are fascinated with both trains and heavy construction equipment, then you should give them the Caterpillar Construction Iron Diesel Train playset.

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Design

t already comes with more than 7 feet of track to provide a platform for the 5-unit train that includes an engine, 2 trailers, a caboose, and a shipping container crane. It also includes a CAT dump truck and a payloader.

Effectiveness

This unique train set is all about construction vehicles. Your little one can get creative by adjusting the tracks as they please while learning to identify the different machines. They can use the toy cars to pretend they are either on the track or build the track as a construction team. The motorized train has cargo cars that carry construction vehicles, your kid will be entertained for hours because they will most certainly put other toys they have onto the cargo cars.

Value

It’s perfect for playing together with CAT Mini Machines and other CAT playsets. It stimulates imaginative play which, in turn, helps reinforce problem-solving skills. It can also be used as a foundation for track and playset expansion.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Design

Our dedicated staff searched the web and researched every set in the yard to bring you the top 8 best train systems. These trains are for different age groups, and they all encourage different lessons for the different years of development. We made sure these trains are well made, sturdy and good looking. Even after a child has outgrown their train it can be proudly displayed on their shelf or passed on to the next in line.

Train sets like the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Train Set, 100-Piece Orbrium Toys Triple-Loop Wooden Train Set and the Maple Landmark Name Train Starter Set are wonderful toys for, especially young children. they provide a gentle and robust introduction to the wonderful world of trains. Little kids get to put together a simple track together and push their cars around but don’t have to worry about batteries or messy liquids.

Effectiveness

As little ones grow, they can graduate to more complicated sets that provide a greater challenge. Sets that are more complex present a thrilling challenge for slightly older kids. They can use their creativity to put together more complicated trains and tracks together.

Advanced trains and tracks are electric and are not meant to be used as a starter play set. A train set like the Lionel Polar Express Remote Train Set is a great gift for a young 8-year-old already enamored with trains. A child at this age is just about ready to start appreciating the art of collecting. This type of train is not meant to be thrown into a toy chest, it’s meant to be played with or displayed. Other pieces can be bought to begin a collection as well. And generations of people have enjoyed how great these types of trains look running around a Christmas tree.

Value

There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing the best toy for any kid. The train set must be age- and developmentally- appropriate for it to be really meaningful and worthwhile. Secondly, it must be safe and made of only the highest quality materials. The design must be appropriate for the child’s developmental age – simple yet challenging enough to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and imagination. Also, the toy manufacturer must be reputable, credible, and trustworthy. Moreover, the price of the toy must be affordable enough to be considered as valuable gifts. And lastly, the toy must have passed the discriminating tastes of parents the world over.

With all of these factors carefully considered and duly scrutinized, our researchers have come up with the 18 best train sets for kids this 2016.

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Parents, Did you Know?

Building with train tracks is a wonderful way to spark kids' imagination. The free time building and exploring their imagination using train tracks allows them to explore their creativity and build as it appears for them without a set of instructions or a picture.

Parents, Did you Know?

Trains are an hands on accessory that kids of all ages love to play with. When they are young playing with the trains without tracks is fun and as they grow adding the tracks and the challenge of building a new way each time proves to be just as entertaining.

Other Factors to Consider

Educational Value

Studies now show that train sets are highly beneficial in the development and enhancement of kids’ problem-solving skills especially in terms of matching the correct tracks, the organization of the track layout, as well as the assembly of the train cars. Because train tracks can be set in a variety of layouts which can ultimately affect the overall speed of the train, this stimulates the development of divergent problem-solving skills. This kind of critical thinking allows kids to look at a particular problem from different angles leading to the formulation of a variety of possible solutions. In real life, this allows kids to determine the best possible course of action from several choices when presented with a particular problem. Train sets can also help facilitate the mastery of other cognitive skills such as critical and logical thinking, counterfactual reasoning, and spatial intelligence.

Physical Development

Train sets are also instrumental in enhancing dexterity and mastery of fine motor skills. Train toy sets come in a variety of smaller pieces that need to be connected to one another. This requires absolute coordination and control of the different muscles and tendons of the fingers and hands. Hand-eye coordination is also essential as children will need to make sure that the train pieces are slotted into their correct positions lest the train will be derailed and the whole playset undermined. Fine motor skills are important to growing children as they need control of smaller muscle groups to help them in their daily lives. From buttoning their shirt to writing their homework or even feeding themselves, they depend on the mastery of their fine motor skills to help them through adulthood.

Sensory Stimulation

Additionally, train sets can be excellent instruments to stimulate children’s imagination and creativity. In fact, train toy sets are just one of a few children’s toys that even grown-ups seem to never have enough of. Entire basements can be turned into one gigantic train landscape complete with mountains and other geologic features, mini-cities, cars, and vehicles, train tunnels and bridges, and everything in between. The fascination children get from playing with train toy sets help them to be more creative and imaginative in their thinking. Role-playing and make-believe play are all important aspects of train play as it allows them to explore infinite possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Should a parent purchase electronics or train sets for their kids at an early age?

a:

Buy them train sets at an early age to help teach them values that they can’t learn with electronics. Children are now spending twice as much time either watching T.V., playing on the computer, phone, and games. The U.S. has an obesity epidemic and when kids spend too much time glued to a monitor, they’re not working out. But, because the children’s market is worth billions, there is a lot of pressure for children to want expensive electronic items that help them fit in with their fellow classmates.

q: Should I keep electronics away from my children as much as possible?

a:

No, electronic devices will eventually become a part of their lives. Schools are now implementing laptops and computer devices to help with their education. And for most parents, they need their kids to have a cell phone to be able to get a hold of them. What kids need to learn is how to manage their screen time vs. physical playtime wisely. A few hours of T.V. a day is O.K., but encourage them to want to play outside or work on their collectible train sets or other toys.

q: Do electronic toys that are supposed to teach kids their alphabet and numbers actually work?

a:

Yes, they do. They help introduce subjects that they’ll cover in kindergarten. When kids are about 4 to 6 years old they can learn a new language using language learning games.

q: When do kids start to become interested in the real world?

a:

As early as 3 to 5 years old, kids start to ask millions of questions that start with the word ‘why’. They also start to want to show off what they have learned. When kids start to put together their train sets at that age, they’re going to want to show off what they have accomplished. They’ll probably ask millions of questions like, why are the trains made of wood and why are the trains painted?

q: Which train systems will keep little kids interested in a long time?

a:

It’s all about feedback. Toys that provide clear feedback on whether the answer is correct or not keeps kids interested in engaging with their toy. Some train systems are designed to be put together in several different ways. These are the types of trains that will keep little kids engaged and interested for a longer time than other tracks that can only be put together in one way.

q: Can kids be encouraged to love math and physics with toys?

a:

Yes, toys that encourage building and construction will help introduce physics and math concepts at an early age. Train systems that are no put together properly won’t run correctly. Trains won’t go up the hill or they’ll fall off the track frequently. Building and playing with train sets can help children learn the intuitive elements of physics and math while encouraging them to ask questions about their world.