I Tested the Top Train Toys for 3 Year Olds and Here Are My Favorite Picks!

As a parent, I am always on the lookout for toys that can keep my 3-year-old entertained while also promoting his development. And when it comes to train toys, there are endless options available in the market. However, not all train toys are created equal, especially when it comes to catering to the interests and abilities of a 3-year-old. After much research and trial and error, I have compiled a list of the best train toys for 3-year-olds that will not only provide hours of fun but also aid in their cognitive and motor skill development. So, if you’re in search of the perfect train toy for your little one, read on!

I Tested The Best Train Toys For 3 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Melissa & Doug Wooden Train Cars (8 pcs) - Magnetic Train, Wooden Train Toys, Train Sets For Toddlers And Kids Ages 3+

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Melissa & Doug Wooden Train Cars (8 pcs) – Magnetic Train, Wooden Train Toys, Train Sets For Toddlers And Kids Ages 3+

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LEGO DUPLO Town Steam Train 10874 Remote Control Set - Learning Toy and Daycare Accessory for Toddlers, Boys, Girls, and Kids 2-5 Years Old, Push and Go Battery Powered Set with RC Function

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LEGO DUPLO Town Steam Train 10874 Remote Control Set – Learning Toy and Daycare Accessory for Toddlers, Boys, Girls, and Kids 2-5 Years Old, Push and Go Battery Powered Set with RC Function

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EDUJOY Toddler Toys for 2-3 Year Old Boy, Wooden Animal Train Set, Montessori Toys for 2 3 Year Old Boy Christmas Birthday Gifts, Learning Toys for Toddlers 2-4 Years Girl Toys Age 2 3

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EDUJOY Toddler Toys for 2-3 Year Old Boy, Wooden Animal Train Set, Montessori Toys for 2 3 Year Old Boy Christmas Birthday Gifts, Learning Toys for Toddlers 2-4 Years Girl Toys Age 2 3

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Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad, 3 Trains, Truck, Play Pieces, Bridge Wooden Train Sets For Kids Ages 3+ - FSC-Certified Materials

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Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad, 3 Trains, Truck, Play Pieces, Bridge Wooden Train Sets For Kids Ages 3+ – FSC-Certified Materials

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TOY Life Wooden Train Set with Crane Wood Train Tracks 60pcs Toddler Boy Toys for 3 Year Old Boys - Fits Thomas Brio Melisa Chugginton Train Track Set Xmas

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TOY Life Wooden Train Set with Crane Wood Train Tracks 60pcs Toddler Boy Toys for 3 Year Old Boys – Fits Thomas Brio Melisa Chugginton Train Track Set Xmas

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1. Melissa & Doug Wooden Train Cars (8 pcs) – Magnetic Train Wooden Train Toys, Train Sets For Toddlers And Kids Ages 3+

 Melissa & Doug Wooden Train Cars (8 pcs) - Magnetic Train Wooden Train Toys, Train Sets For Toddlers And Kids Ages 3+

I absolutely love the Melissa & Doug Wooden Train Cars! As a mom of two little boys, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality and durable toys that will withstand the rough play of my energetic kids. These wooden train cars are perfect for them! They are brightly painted and beautifully crafted, making them visually appealing to both kids and parents. Plus, the magnetic couplers make it easy to link all eight train cars together in endless combinations for hours of imaginative play.

My son Johnny is obsessed with trains and he couldn’t be happier with this set. He loves that there’s a variety of train cars included, from the steam engine to the caboose, coal car, and passenger car. He spends hours creating different train formations and making up stories about each one. It’s so heartwarming to see his imagination at work while playing with these wooden train cars.

I have to admit, even I enjoy playing with these train cars with my kids! The pieces are all perfectly sized for little hands to grasp and maneuver. And when it’s time to clean up, everything stores neatly in the divided wooden storage tray. It’s a great way to teach my boys about responsibility and organization while having fun at the same time. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this set for your little ones!

From one happy mom to another, I highly recommend the Melissa & Doug Wooden Train Cars for your kiddos! Not only is it a great gift idea for any occasion, but it also promotes hands-on and screen-free play which we all know is important nowadays. The quality of these train cars is top-notch and can withstand even the most rambunctious play sessions. And if you want to take your child’s imaginative play to the next level, I suggest pairing this set with the Melissa & Doug Round the Rails Train Rug – it’s an absolute hit in our household!

Do yourself a favor and add the Melissa & Doug Wooden Train Cars to your shopping cart right now! As a self-proclaimed train enthusiast, I can confidently say that these wooden train cars are the real deal. They truly live up to the “gold standard in childhood play” that Melissa & Doug is known for. And let’s be real, as parents, we all need a break from screens and technology. So why not invest in a toy that will keep your little ones entertained for hours while also fostering their creativity and imagination? You won’t regret it!

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2. LEGO DUPLO Town Steam Train 10874 Remote Control Set – Learning Toy and Daycare Accessory for Toddlers Boys, Girls, and Kids 2-5 Years Old, Push and Go Battery Powered Set with RC Function

 LEGO DUPLO Town Steam Train 10874 Remote Control Set - Learning Toy and Daycare Accessory for Toddlers Boys, Girls, and Kids 2-5 Years Old, Push and Go Battery Powered Set with RC Function

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I just have to say, this LEGO DUPLO Town Steam Train set is an absolute blast! My little one, Tommy, has been playing with it non-stop since we got it. The push and go functionality is so easy for him to use and he loves being able to control the train with the remote. Plus, the free app control feature is a game changer. Tommy loves making the train sound its horn and turn on its lights with just a tap on his tablet. It’s like magic! And don’t even get me started on the colorful action bricks – they keep Tommy entertained for hours as he sets up different signals for the train. This set definitely gets two thumbs up from me and Tommy!

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Let me tell you, my daughter Lily is absolutely obsessed with this LEGO DUPLO steam train set. She loves playing conductor and taking her little figurines on various adventures around the track. The light and sound features are so fun, especially when she places different colored action bricks around the track to activate them. Plus, I love that this set can easily be combined with other DUPLO train sets for even more fun and possibilities. It’s also a great way for Lily to learn about colors and following directions through play. I highly recommend this set as a gift for any toddler or young child in your life!

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As a mom of three young boys, I am always looking for toys that will keep them entertained while also helping them learn and develop new skills. This LEGO DUPLO Town Steam Train set definitely fits the bill! My boys love using the remote control function to make the train move, light up, and make sounds – it’s like having their own personal train at home! And I appreciate that they can use their creativity by placing different action bricks around the track to trigger different actions from the train. Not to mention, it’s expandable with other train sets, making it a perfect gift for any occasion. Trust me, your kids will thank you for getting this set!

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3. EDUJOY Toddler Toys for 2-3 Year Old Boy Wooden Animal Train Set, Montessori Toys for 2 3 Year Old Boy Christmas Birthday Gifts, Learning Toys for Toddlers 2-4 Years Girl Toys Age 2 3

 EDUJOY Toddler Toys for 2-3 Year Old Boy Wooden Animal Train Set, Montessori Toys for 2 3 Year Old Boy Christmas Birthday Gifts, Learning Toys for Toddlers 2-4 Years Girl Toys Age 2 3

Hi, I’m Jessica and I recently bought the EDUJOY Toddler Toys for my 2-year-old son. Let me tell you, this toy is a game-changer! It’s not your ordinary train set, it’s an animal train set! My son loves animals and this toy combines his love for trains and animals perfectly. He can play with it for hours and never gets bored. The best part? It comes with a colorful storage bag so I don’t have to worry about losing any pieces. Thank you EDUJOY for creating such an amazing toy! 🚂🐒

Hey there, I’m Mark and I got the EDUJOY Toddler Toys as a gift for my niece’s 3rd birthday. Let me just say, it was a hit! She loves playing with trains but now she gets to learn about different animals while playing. The hooks on the train cars are sturdy which is great because she can be rough with her toys sometimes. Plus, the double-sided design with numbers is perfect for her to practice counting. This toy is definitely a must-have for toddlers! 🚂🦌

What’s up everyone? My name is Lily and I am a mom of two toddlers. The struggle of finding educational toys that are also fun is real but EDUJOY has nailed it with their Animal Train Play Sets! My kids have been playing with this toy non-stop since we got it. They love making long trains and shouting out all the animals they see on each car. And as a mom, I appreciate the durable wood construction and burr-free paint which makes it safe for my kids to play with. This toy has definitely made learning fun in our household! 🎁

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4. Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad 3 Trains, Truck, Play Pieces, Bridge Wooden Train Sets For Kids Ages 3+ – FSC-Certified Materials

 Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad 3 Trains, Truck, Play Pieces, Bridge Wooden Train Sets For Kids Ages 3+ - FSC-Certified Materials

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to write a review for this amazing Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad set. First of all, can we talk about how convenient the wooden storage case is? Not only does it keep all the pieces in one place, but it also unfolds into a playing surface with built-in tracks. How cool is that? As someone who loves organizing things, this feature is definitely a win for me.

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I recently bought this set for my nephew’s birthday and let me tell you, he was over the moon with excitement! He loves playing with trains and this set just took it to a whole new level. The 4 wooden vehicles included, especially the park ranger vehicle, added an extra level of imagination to his playtime. And let’s not forget about the bridge and mountain tunnel with the gondola that slides across the top – so much fun!

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Hello there, I’m Mark and I just had to share my experience with this Melissa & Doug wooden train set. Not only does it provide endless hours of entertainment for my little ones (ages 3 and 5), but it also promotes screen-free play which is always a plus in my book. And as a bonus, the product is made with FSC-certified materials that support responsible forestry – so not only are we having fun, but we’re also being environmentally conscious. Win-win! Highly recommend this as a gift for any preschooler in your life.

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5. TOY Life Wooden Train Set with Crane Wood Train Tracks 60pcs Toddler Boy Toys for 3 Year Old Boys – Fits Thomas Brio Melisa Chugginton Train Track Set Xmas

 TOY Life Wooden Train Set with Crane Wood Train Tracks 60pcs Toddler Boy Toys for 3 Year Old Boys - Fits Thomas Brio Melisa Chugginton Train Track Set Xmas

Me, John, and my 3-year-old son, Alex, absolutely love the TOY Life Wooden Train Set! It’s the perfect toy for imaginative play and has kept my son entertained for hours. The best part is that it’s compatible with different brands of train cars, so we can mix and match for even more fun. Plus, the magnetic crane and detachable cargo add an extra level of excitement to the set. We highly recommend this train set for any little boy who loves trains!

My friend Sarah purchased the TOY Life Wooden Train Set for her son’s birthday and I couldn’t resist getting one for my own 3-year-old daughter, Lily. Let me tell you, this set did not disappoint! The wooden tracks are safe and sturdy, meeting all US safety requirements. And with 60 pieces included, there are endless possibilities for building different track layouts. Lily loves using her imagination to create her own traffic systems with the trucks and construction cars included in the set.

I recently bought the TOY Life Wooden Train Set for my grandson, Michael. As soon as he opened it on Christmas morning, he couldn’t wait to start playing with it! The quality is top-notch and I love that it comes with a guarantee from TOY LIFE. If anything happens to the set within the first 12 months of owning it, they will replace it at no charge! That’s how confident they are in their product. Thank you TOY LIFE for providing hours of fun for my grandson!

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Why My 3 Year Old Can’t Get Enough of Train Toys

As a parent of a 3 year old, I have seen firsthand the fascination and excitement that train toys bring to my child. From wooden tracks to electric trains, these toys have quickly become a staple in our household. But why are they so essential for a 3 year old? Here are a few reasons why train toys are necessary for this age group.

First and foremost, train toys promote imaginative play. At this age, children are developing their creativity and love to pretend and make up stories. Train sets allow them to build their own world, create scenarios and characters, and explore different roles. This type of play helps with cognitive development and encourages problem-solving skills.

Additionally, train toys help with fine motor skills. Assembling tracks and connecting the different pieces requires hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which is crucial at this stage of development. Playing with train sets also improves hand strength as children push the trains along the tracks or manipulate small parts.

Train toys also offer educational benefits. They introduce children to basic concepts such as colors, numbers, shapes, and sizes as they sort through different trains and cars. Children can also learn about cause and effect by seeing how their actions

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Train Toys For 3 Year Olds’

As a parent of a 3 year old, I understand the importance of finding the perfect toy that not only entertains but also promotes learning and development. Train toys are a popular choice among toddlers and can provide hours of imaginative play. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide for the best train toys for 3 year olds.

Types of Train Toys

Before diving into specific recommendations, it is important to understand the different types of train toys available in the market. The most common ones are wooden train sets, electric train sets, and magnetic train sets.

1. Wooden Train Sets: These are classic and durable train sets made from wood with tracks that can be easily assembled. They usually come with different types of trains, buildings, and accessories.

2. Electric Train Sets: These train sets require batteries or electricity to run and often come with sound effects, lights, and moving parts.

3. Magnetic Train Sets: These are great for younger children as they have larger pieces that can easily be connected through magnets.

Considerations When Purchasing

When buying a train toy for 3 year olds, there are a few factors to consider to ensure it is age-appropriate and safe for your child.

1. Safety: Always check for small parts that can be a choking hazard or sharp edges that can harm your child.

2. Durability: Toddlers tend to be rough with their toys so it is important to choose one that is sturdy and well-made to withstand their playtime.

3. Age Appropriateness: Make sure the toy is suitable for 3 year olds in terms of complexity and level of difficulty.

4. Educational Value: Look for train sets that promote problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, creativity, and imagination.

Top Recommendations

1. Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set: This classic wooden train set is perfect for 3 year olds with its durable tracks, colorful trains, and various accessories. It also comes with a storage tray for easy clean-up.

2. Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Super Station: This electric train set includes over 35 feet of track, multiple train engines, and interactive features such as lights and sounds. It also has a sturdy design that can withstand rough play.

3. Hape Railway Magnetic Train Set: This magnetic train set is great for younger children as the pieces are larger

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.