Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you are looking for an educational and engaging toy for your child, our list of the best wooden train sets can help you choose the right one. Made of high-quality materials, these sets are long-lasting, durable, and safe for children. These toys can be a suitable alternative to spending hours playing video games in front of the screen.
Playing with train sets can help develop your child’s motor skills and spatial awareness, improving your child’s creativity and decision-making skills. These sets allow your child to learn different aspects about trains while inspecting their parts and designs. They also help improve parent-child bonding as you play and build the sets together. Your child will learn new skills and will stay engaged for hours.
To choose the right train sets for toddlers that are informative and fun to play with, check out our list of the best-selling train sets that we have compiled and reviewed to help you make a better choice.
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11 Best Wooden Train Sets
1. Best Removable Storage:KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Wooden Train Set
Encourage the little train conductor in your child with the KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Wooden Train Set with 120 pieces and unique configurations. Let your kid indulge in the fun that comes with this wooden train set with a working crane to hook and raise blocks and a wooden train tunnel for the train to pass through. You won’t have to worry about a dull moment with the multiple playing areas, including an airport runway, a turnaround track, suspension bridge, and a helicopter landing pad, among other spaces. Ideal for kids above the age of three, this train set for toddlers is compatible with most wooden train brands and allows your child to mix and match their favorite toys. These durable train pieces are securely connected with magnets. The wooden train set is easy to store and maintain as it comes with removable storage bins for the toy pieces. Learn about this tester’s experience with using the train set in this review video.
Pros
- Promotes social skills
- Bottom storage bins
- Reversible play area
- Encourages interactive play
- T-molded edges – prevents chipping
Cons
- May occupy a lot of space
- Table top may not be as sturdy as expected
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 4,600 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
2. Best Durable: Brio My First Railway Beginner’s Pack
If you are looking for FSC-certified beech wood products, the Brio My First Railway wooden train set is suitable for your child. This reliable and beautiful train set is tested to meet safety standards and made with quality materials. Introduce your child to the world of trains and watch their curious minds enjoy the world of railways. The colorful designs and features, such as a buildable arch bridge, offer your child an explorative playtime. This lightweight wooden train set comes with age-appropriate accessories, so your child can play independently without getting confused with the pieces. You can count on the Brio railway set for children as young as 18 months and bank on the product’s durability.
Pros
- Reversible magnets
- Smooth wheels
- Guiding tracks
- Smooth edges
- Stimulates creativity
Cons
- Track pieces may not sit snug
- Some trains may get struck on bridges
"Thanks to this set's magnetic connections and easy-to-grasp pieces, my children could assemble the train track with minimal intervention. It has even withstood being thrown around during a tantrum. Although the set could benefit from the addition of a few more tracks, it has been a good starting point for introducing them to train sets."
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,080 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
3. Best Compatible:Orbrium Wooden Train Set
The Orbrium Wooden Train Set is a versatile option for parents looking for a more flexible alternative. This toy train set is 100% compatible with Thomas, Chuggington, and Brio Wooden Railway Systems and allows for a more interactive and enriching experience. Watch as your little train enthusiasts keep themselves busy with this wooden train set that includes 100 pieces with realistic details. These units include train engines, caboose, city buildings, road signs, vehicles, trees and bushes, a bridge, figurines, and more. The two large three-way train tracks also let your child expand layout arrangements in up to 11 different ways. Build and learn with your young railway engineer as they embark on a fun, imaginative, and developmental playing experience.
Pros
- Triple-loop layout
- Made for road and rail play
- Encourages pretend-play
- Includes adapters for easy expansion
- As per CPSC safety standards
Cons
- May not have clear instructions for different layouts
- Bridge may not stand firm
"The different accessories in this train set spark my children's imagination and help them construct realistic-looking railroads. While assembly is a breeze due to the magnetic connectors, some tracks must be handled carefully."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,967 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
4. Best Innovative:Sain Smart Jr. Wooden Train Set
If you’re on the lookout for a model train set to keep your child occupied, look no further than the Sain Smart Jr. Wooden Train Set that is durable and safe to use. This innovative toy set is made from premium Australian birch wood and beech wood, which will last you up to ten years. Don’t worry about your little one breaking these wooden pieces when you invest in this wooden train set. With 37 pieces, including magnet trains that can be played separately or using the tracks, this creative playtime solution will keep your kid entertained for hours. Let them get creative with the eight-figure track that is also compatible with all major brands so you can continue to help your child grow their railway sets. You can trust in the safety of the wooden pieces as they have non-sharp edges that children above the age of three years can use conveniently.
Pros
- Non-toxic water-based paint
- Double-sided track design
- Smooth finish
- Stimulates hand-eye coordination
Cons
- Assembly may be a bit tough for children
- Elevated stand may not withstand rough use
"The innovative 8-figure design and durable construction of this set have been a hit with my kids. My older one has even expanded this set by adding track pieces from other sets. Although not the best for children younger than three, the set has been able to keep my kids entertained while helping them work on their motor skills."
Do remember5. Best Material:Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Train Set
The Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Train set comes with 130 pieces and is suitable for children above three years. With a pleasant design and a playset theme, the wooden game has attractive multi-colored play pieces. It has a six-piece freight train, a four-piece passenger train, and a three-piece flatbed truck packed in the set for indulgent playing. The set is made of safe materials and encourages imaginative and creative play.
Pros
- Educational playset
- Long-lasting, high-quality material
- Easy to assemble
- Compatible with other railway systems
- Easy-to-understand instructions
Cons
- May have a loose tolerance
- Weak magnets on the cargo
6. Best Premium:Toy Life Wooden Train Set
The Toy Life Wooden Train Set comprises 60 gaming pieces that need to be assembled for the playset to provide a fun gaming experience. It is an excellent choice for children above three years. The trusted toddler wooden playset comprises train tracks, cranes, construction cars, trucks, oil tankers, and fun accessories such as signals, speed signs, switches, and more. It also allows playing with DIY traffic systems and packs fun with its two train cars, detachable cargo, and magnetic playing features.
Pros
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Promotes critical and logical thinking
- Compatible across various brands
- Meets CPSIA and F963 US Safety Standards
Cons
- Magnetic track pull may weaken over time
- Spare plastic pieces may pose a choking hazard
7. Best Versatile:KipiPol Train Set
If your tiny tot is a train lover, this toy is worth a place in their beloved toy’s collection. It features 31 train tracks that are connectable and three magnetic trains. Among other toy components included in the set are a helicopter, three cars, an airport playset, three fishes with a fishing rod, and a bus station, which means this toy set goes beyond trains to offer added fun. So, add this versatile and safety-tested set to your cart and improve your child’s problem-solving, creative thinking, and motor skills. Moreover, the set has been safety-tested to meet quality control requirements.
Pros
- Boosts hand-eye coordination
- Burr-free edges
- Hand-painted
- Washable
- Non-toxic, BPA-free, and lead-free
- Compatible with Melissa and Doug, Thomas, IKEA, and more
Cons
- May seem rough to some
- Track may wobble at joints
Quick tip8. Best Adventures:Brio World Rail And Road Loading Set
Bring home the 32-piece Brio world rail and road loading set. It is an open-ended play system accompanied by construction-themed vehicles like a portable crane wagon and tipper trucks. Gift your child the adventures of hands-on playing with this good-quality, attractive, and modern design. If your child is inclined to construction, this is the ideal wooden train set for you. They come equipped with wooden tracks, mountain track supports, level crossing, sections of wooden road, freight vehicles, and more that guarantees to keep your child’s attention for a long time. According to the reviewers, the train set does not contain small parts, is tested for safety, and adheres to measures that will ensure your child is protected at all times.
Pros
- Improves child’s spatial awareness
- Stimulates fine motor skills
- Functioning tipper
- Mechanical crank
- Promotes creative thinking
- Compatible with all the railway toys
Cons
- Smoothness of the track may vary
- Snapping the track in place may be slightly hard
"I pulled out this train set during the holidays, and it quickly became a hit with my kid and his friends. While the lack of clear instructions made assembly tricky, it only helped strengthen the kid's problem-solving skills. If you're looking for laughter and educational fun, this set is meant for you."
9. Best For Smaller Spaces: Little Tikes Real Wooden Train Table Set
If you are looking to encourage your child to play with siblings or friends, the Little tikes real wooden train table set is large enough to accommodate more than one player at a time. You can motivate your child to design their city or country railroad with the reversible play mat that comes with over 80 pieces, including a construction worker, police officer, and other exciting figures. The durable wooden train set is made with real wood and will help your child enjoy the world of magical trains and railroads through creative storytelling. This wooden train set also has a rolling storage drawer that is a bonus for parents to quickly clean and put away toys. Perfect for motivating children to build their social skills and practice sharing, the table train set is suitable for smaller spaces.
Pros
- Stimulates imaginative play
- Burr-free edges
- Reversible play table
- Easy to assemble
- Compatible with Thomas and Universal train track set
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May contain tiny parts
10. Best For Toddlers:Tiny Land Railway Jungle Set
Combine the world of nature and railways with the Tiny Land Railway Jungle Set that contains various cartoon animals that come in all colors and shapes. The train set also includes trains, trees, ribbed tracks, a collection of moving beads, and rotating gears that are the perfect stepping stone into the railways. The unique combination of colored animals and trains is ideal for toddlers aged three and above to improve their motor skills, promote color coordination, and imaginative play. Parents can sit back and relax as this wooden train set does not contain choking hazards. It is also lead-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free, so rest assured, they meet all the safety standards that you would want for your child.
Pros
- Stimulates focus
- Boosts creativity
- Easy to grasp
- Hand-sanded edges
- Splinter-free
- Passes ASTM and EN71 safety standards
Cons
- May not be compatible with IKE tracks
- Assembling may be a bit hard for children
"My toddler received this train set as a gift. She finds it easy to assemble, and I love that it is compatible with a track I had in the house, which enhanced the fun even more. Some may find the fixed track layout limited, but the set has been perfect for my toddler’s skill levels."
11. Best For Gifting:Kiddery Toys Wooden Train Set
This battery-operated train set serves as a perfect gift choice for toddlers and preschoolers. The Kiddery Toys Wooden Train Set is suitable for those who are looking to promote learning while playing as it helps develop motor skills and improve creative thinking. Crafted with premium-quality wood, the colorful pieces in this wooden train set help stimulate imaginative play. With attentive details like buildings, cars, an ambulance, wooden train stations, and figures combined with up to six rearrangeable layouts, this interactive set is ideal for promoting your child’s social skills among friends too. The high-quality wooden train set is made of 100% safe and non-toxic materials and paints, so you can be assured that your child is free from any harm.
Pros
- Stimulates problem-solving skills
- Smooth wheels
- Easy button operation
- Improves hand-eye coordination
Cons
- May be hard to build bridges
- May not be compatible with other brand’s tracks
"Regardless of how many times my toddler has played with this set, he always gets excited to see this battery-operated train run on the tracks. The overall sturdiness and interchangeability have been pretty impressive."
How To Choose The Right Wooden Train Set?
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when buying the right train set.
- Safety standards: Choking hazards abound with wooden railway sets, especially when dealing with freight cars or other wooden train accessories. Magnetic train sets are not recommended for very young children due to the risk of a magnet becoming loose. Because of these risks, most wooden train sets are classified for children aged 2 to 3. Consider their developmental stage while purchasing these sets for your kids as they might put objects in their mouths. You can also look for environmental and safety features such as expert-approved BPA-free materials, and lead-free, non-toxic paint. Consider options that are rigorously safety-tested.
- Age-appropriate train set: Wooden toy trains are intended for children aged 3 years and above. Parents don’t have to worry too much about children tossing or breaking their toys as they play, provided they are made of safe materials. Most of these wooden train sets are lightweight and durable, making them an ideal playtime companion to be introduced to. Consider that your child may grow tired of playing with the train set with time or may develop different abilities, and you can simply add on by choosing other compatible designs and accessories to help them stay interested. You may also want to monitor your child while playing with these train sets if they are prone to putting pieces in their mouth.
- Space and storage: One major factor that you will want to keep in mind is the size of the train set. If you have enough play area and appropriate storage space, then you’re good to go. You can choose larger wooden train sets with tables for your child to play with. If you lack the desired space, you can always look for options that allow you to disassemble it and keep it away after your child plays with it. Some train sets come with options that enable them to be arranged vertically or horizontally, allowing you to customize the storage set-up. Some also come with train track expansion packs that can be added to the existing design as time goes on to make it a more elaborate set up.
- Ease of setting up: You may want to consider that smaller children may find it slightly tricky to set up tracks all on their own. They may find it more entertaining to push and pull the trains on their tracks instead.
- Design: Look for model trains that resemble a real train and come with sound effects and interactive features to ensure a more immersive experience. Also, opt for train sets with extra features and a variety of accessories to offer your child with hours of entertainment.
Keep in mind that the playing experience is guided by the tracks, train cars and engines, wooden train bridges, buildings, vehicles, and other additional pieces, and you may have to set it up for your child, to begin with. Many of these parent-recommended wooden train set brands offer universal tracks that are compatible with most manufacturers. You can always mix and match as your child grows accustomed to a particular train set model.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are most wooden train sets compatible?
Yes, most wooden train sets are compatible with train sets from other popular brands. This allows your child to create bigger tracks and encourages them to be creative.
2. Are wooden train sets better than those made of plastic?
Wooden train sets promote open-ended play, and most of these tracks are designed with universal fitting. This allows children to set up the tracks differently every time they play. Unlike plastic train sets, wooden train sets are durable and entertain the child for several years and can also be kept as collectibles. These toys also act as sensory toys and are eco-friendly and sustainable.
3. How should I clean wooden train tracks?
Wooden train tracks, when soaked or washed in water, will deform or warp and lose their structure. Thus, the best way to clean wooden train tracks is to wipe these tracks using a soft cloth, or you can use sandpaper to remove the dirt marks from the unpainted tracks.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a product writer and reviewer for toys and gifts, and she understands what’s suitable for children of different ages. She has curated a list of the best wooden train sets with detailed information on durability, pieces, configuration, and appropriate age for use to encourage your child’s railroading hobby. She also mentioned the pros and cons of these consumer-tested options and a buying guide for your help so you can pick the product based on your requirements.
The Bottom Line
Learning and enjoyment go hand-in-hand when you bring home the best wooden train sets for your little ones. These well-built, long-lasting toys, such as the Brio My First Railway Beginner’s Pack, facilitate imaginative play, make playtime more fun, and enable kids to develop various skills ranging from cognitive to decision-making and creative abilities. The options listed here include colorful and durable sets such as Orbrium Wooden Train Set and KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Wooden Train Set. They are safe for your little one and packed with hundreds of pieces and configurations you can assemble with your kids. The sets also allow children to learn more about how trains work and nurture their fascination with object-building. These sets include many accessories so your little one can stay engaged for a long time and make lasting memories.
Infographic: Things To Remember When Choosing A Wooden Train Set
If your child loves trains, a good toy set of wooden trains could be an excellent addition to their toy collection. From assembling the track to setting the train, there are many ways your children can play with it. Look through the following infographic for some features you should consider if buying a wooden train set.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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