We researched and tested the best train sets on the market for all ages, considering the safety features, age restrictions, size, and features. Our list includes kid-friendly options from Tender Leaf Toys, wooden models from Brio, and more advanced sets from Lionel. Here are the best train sets. This set also includes a lake with two magnetized boulders and two bears to travel throughout the course. Little ones can learn about trees while trailing their trains through the scene past obstacles like spinning trees, boulders, and large fire trees that require moving. Tender Leaf Toys uses sustainable rubberwood in all of its products and plants new trees so you can feel good about your purchase. The high-quality material also feels sturdy, long-lasting, and won’t be an eyesore in playrooms or living rooms. Beware that this set does contain small pieces, so you should keep it out of reach of kids under 3 years old. Price at time of publish: $120 Price at time of publish: $70 Price at time of publish: $169 Price at time of publish: $60 Price at time of publish: $494 Price at time of publish: $106 Price at time of publish: $299 Price at time of publish: $250 In terms of electric trains, “they operate on a 120 volt system” and parental guidance may be necessary for any electrical cords or battery installments that are required, Peter Southard, “The Train Doctor” and President of the Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota advises. But, “the voltage on the track is actually very low. So there is virtually no chance of any kind of electrocution happening,” he says.
Age Restrictions
Train sets come in a variety of difficulty levels, from ones you need to build yourself to those that are out-of-the-box perfect for toddlers. Your child’s age, abilities, and interest level should all be factors when shopping. Also, make sure you look for a set that’ll hold their interest so they don’t outgrow it too quickly. “The younger they are, the larger the scale,” says Southard, referring to the size of pieces in a train set. According to him, wooden train sets with bigger pieces are more suitable for toddlers and young children. When children enter grade school, Southard recommends an O gauge set (larger scale set) and then when entering high school or adulthood, moving to an HO (or smaller scale) model.
Extra Features or Add-Ons
Some sets come with just the basics, while others come complete with a table plus other vehicles, people, and scenery to interact with the trains. Your budget, as well as your child’s preferences, should drive your choices. Extras can also make train sets more or less complicated. “You want to consider how easy is it for the child to mainly operate the train,” says Southard, which can involve actually putting the train on the track or using the remote to make it go. Additionally, toy trains with several extra features may require more maintenance. “If you’re going to buy trains online, recognize the fact that it is going to be very interesting if you have issues with that train to get it serviced,” Southard shares. You will likely have a different experience if you buy from a local store. However, some online retailers may provide service or piece replacements if necessary, which can be found on their respective websites. Even so, this many affect where a consumer chooses to purchase their set from.
Size
How much room do you have to house your train set? If you have a large playroom, then size may not be an issue, but if you only have a corner of a room to use, you may want one that’s on the smaller side. Also, consider how easy it’ll be to take apart and how much room you need to store it.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julie Evans, a writer and editor who has worked with a host of diverse companies including Microsoft, USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, CafeMom, and SheKnows among others. Additional research was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product roundups, expert-focused articles, and more. Expert advice was provided by Dr. Peter Southard, “The Train Doctor” and President of the Twin City Model Railroad Museum. Additional reporting and research was done by Stacy Fisher, a writer with nearly two decades of experience covering crafting, freebies, and other fun pastimes.
