The best train sets for 2 and 3 year olds - which one should I buy?
Buying a train set for a 2 or a 3 year old is definitely a good idea. Both my boys loved train sets at this age and older. However, it can be a minefield to choose one. There are dozens of different types from wooden train sets to Thomas trackmaster, from motorised sets to trains which you push along. Should you get one which they can spread out along the floor? Or maybe invest in a train table?
This article aims to guide you through the minefield of buying a train set for your 2 or 3 year old boy or girl. It gives advantages and disadvantages of various different types of sets. And there is input from my own children about things they liked and didn't like about train sets.
This article aims to guide you through the minefield of buying a train set for your 2 or 3 year old boy or girl. It gives advantages and disadvantages of various different types of sets. And there is input from my own children about things they liked and didn't like about train sets.
Wooden Train Sets
We bought a wooden train set for my eldest son when he was about 2 and 4 months and it was honestly one of the best toys with ever bought. For about a year he would ask to get the train set out everyday. He loved building different configurations (at first with me and then later on his own) and pushing the trains along.
When my second little boy came along he also loved the wooden train set. I would get it out and they would both play with it. At age 3 he was more imaginative when playing with the train set then my oldest boy who preferred the building side of creating an elaborate track. My youngest son would give all the trains names and personalities and they would all talk to each other.
When my second little boy came along he also loved the wooden train set. I would get it out and they would both play with it. At age 3 he was more imaginative when playing with the train set then my oldest boy who preferred the building side of creating an elaborate track. My youngest son would give all the trains names and personalities and they would all talk to each other.
My youngest son age 3 playing with trains on his wooden train track
I am a big fan of wooden train sets. They are great for honing fine motor skills when you build the tracks. They are great for honing creative skills. You can build a new track every time. Where should a tunnel go? Where can I put the bridge? They are also great for imaginative little minds to facilitate imaginative play.
Another good thing about wooden train sets is that you can buy a standard set to begin with. If your child shows an interest, you can then add to the set on subsequent birthdays and at Christmas. There are always different accessories and track pieces you can get which are fun to play with.
Another good thing about wooden train sets is that you can buy a standard set to begin with. If your child shows an interest, you can then add to the set on subsequent birthdays and at Christmas. There are always different accessories and track pieces you can get which are fun to play with.
So what are the downsides of a wooden track?
Despite being a big fan there are some downsides. The track can be spread out all over the floor so you need to have a little space (although its fun to make track go round sofas and under tables!). It can be a pain to tidy and pick up, track pieces have a habit of going hiding under those tables too. I have two big baskets that i put all the track in and it’is not too much hassle. Its a good job to get everybody helping out tidying at the end of the day. You could get a train table to lay the track out on, which are great but obviously there is less space to build those creative layouts.
Another downside is that sometimes little ones can get frustrated when the track doesn't fit together properly and they need adult help. The younger they are the more help they will need putting the tracks together . However, this is kind of part of the learning process of fitting things together and is inevitable with lots of train tracks. To minimize this, look for a track with good reviews. Read the reviews to make sure that there isn't too much frustration.
Another option is to buy a wooden train track which is fixed to a train table.
* Please note we get a small commission for purchases made through links in this article
Another downside is that sometimes little ones can get frustrated when the track doesn't fit together properly and they need adult help. The younger they are the more help they will need putting the tracks together . However, this is kind of part of the learning process of fitting things together and is inevitable with lots of train tracks. To minimize this, look for a track with good reviews. Read the reviews to make sure that there isn't too much frustration.
Another option is to buy a wooden train track which is fixed to a train table.
* Please note we get a small commission for purchases made through links in this article
Top Choices of Wooden Train Track
 
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This set is excellent value. It features 100 wooden tracks and supports and over 30 accessories which include trains, a suspension bridge, trestle bridge, a five-way switch, and a roundhouse engine shed where the engines can park when not in use and lots more. It has lots of scope for imaginative and creative play.
The trains are magnetic. My eldest son used to love magnetic trains from about age 2. He used to love fixing them together and pulling them apart. They used to fascinate him and keep him occupied for ages. |
excellent Value Wooden train set
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This is an excellent value, affordable 100 piece wooden train set, perfect for spreading out on the floor.
It includes 6 different layout plans to copy. The set features 32 track pieces, 2 bridge risers, 4 trains, 7 cars and the rest are houses, signs and trees. It's made of beech wood and is compatible with other train sets including brio and Thomas too. |
Train Tables
There are two types of train table you can get. They either have a track fixed to the train table or there is a clear table top where you build the track.
Advantages of a train table
Having a train table keeps all the train tracks off the floor, so no tripping over the train track. If you get a big enough train table it can accommodate 2 or 3 children playing on it at once which makes them a good toy to play with when little friend come around or if you have siblings.
Many train tables features storage such as bins underneath the table where you can throw in all the trains and track when you have finished for a quick and easy clean up.
Many train tables features storage such as bins underneath the table where you can throw in all the trains and track when you have finished for a quick and easy clean up.
A Train Table with a Fixed Track
The advantage of having a train table with a fixed track is that adult don't need to spend ages fixing the train tracks when they have broken during your childs play. I think this makes them a particularly good option for younger children (around the 2 year old mark). They can move the trains along the tracks and under the bridges. They can become immersed in imaginative play and not great frustrated when the tracks break.
You also don’the have to spend ages clearing up bits of track that have fallen on the floor.
On the downside, the track can't be moved into different configurations. So this cuts down on some of the creative play.
You also don’the have to spend ages clearing up bits of track that have fallen on the floor.
On the downside, the track can't be moved into different configurations. So this cuts down on some of the creative play.
A Train Table With No Fixed Track
Obviously a table with no fixed track means that kids can arrange a different track each time they use it which add another element of play. The table can also be used for other activities such as drawing or legos.
zonxie wooden Train Set and Table
  
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This is an affordable option of train table with a 90 piece woden play set. The 90 pieces play set includes train tracks and lots for imaginative play including wooden figures, a helicopter, police car, and magnetically connected train.
The wooden set is made of child friendly and durable beech. The table is big enough for more than one child to play with, so great if you have siblings or more than one child round to play. This is a great train table but could be used for other play purposes as well. For example, legos. |
Thomas Trackmaster Sets
Another popular train track set with both 2 and 3 year olds are the Thomas trackmaster sets. These are plastic train tracks which have a motorised train that runs around the track. There are several versions of the train track and each one is different. Many encourage interactive play where the kids have to do something like reset a piece of the track so that Thomas won't be derailed on his journey.
These are fun train tracks especially for Thomas fans. 2 and 3 year olds will enjoy watching Thomas go around and have fun participating in the interactive opportunities. If you buy more then one of these tracks they all connect together, so you can have lots of fun filling in the house with them.
On the downside, these tracks are hard to put together for little ones so will almost definitely need quite a bit of adult interaction in their play which isn't necessarily a bad thing. They also take up quite a lot of space so you will have to think where you are going to lay it out.
I think the Thomas trackmaster sets look fun. However, I don't think they have the same longevity as the wooden sets. They’re fun to look at and play with for a while but the novelty wears off. My eldest son is now 8 and he will still play with the wooden train set when I get it out for his younger brother. In fact so do I!
These are fun train tracks especially for Thomas fans. 2 and 3 year olds will enjoy watching Thomas go around and have fun participating in the interactive opportunities. If you buy more then one of these tracks they all connect together, so you can have lots of fun filling in the house with them.
On the downside, these tracks are hard to put together for little ones so will almost definitely need quite a bit of adult interaction in their play which isn't necessarily a bad thing. They also take up quite a lot of space so you will have to think where you are going to lay it out.
I think the Thomas trackmaster sets look fun. However, I don't think they have the same longevity as the wooden sets. They’re fun to look at and play with for a while but the novelty wears off. My eldest son is now 8 and he will still play with the wooden train set when I get it out for his younger brother. In fact so do I!
Fisher-Price Thomas The Train - TrackMaster boat and sea Set
  
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This Trackmaster set features a rolling boat, Thomas, trackmaster tracks, "water tracks" (that look like water is on them).
A motorised Thomas powers a rolling ship around the dock. Thomas can also power the boat off the track too for extra play. The boat rolls back and forth like a real ship on the ocean. |
It's great for little kids to watch and it is older kids to put together by themselves.
This is just one example, are lots more trackmaster sets for kids to choose from.
This is just one example, are lots more trackmaster sets for kids to choose from.
Lego Duplo Train Sets
I’m a big lego fan and I love the lego duplo train sets as well. There is so much play value in the lego duplo sets. They are recommended for ages 2 to 5, so are great for both 2 and 3 year olds. My 8 year old son still has fun playing with duplo on occasion so its a toy that will last for years.
First the building blocks give lots of opportunities to construct different things around your track or you could just use them to build creations on their own. You can build the track in different configurations if you have enough of it in the set that you buy. You can always add more lego duplo and train tracks to your set, if you get more for Christmas or birthdays. The trains are motorised and uses a push button start which is great for young kids to start and stop the trains without adult help.
I like the duplo lego trains, they offer lots of opportunities for creativity and imaginative play.
The downside is that for young children you will need to help them build the tracks but they should have fun pressing the start button and watching the trains go around.
First the building blocks give lots of opportunities to construct different things around your track or you could just use them to build creations on their own. You can build the track in different configurations if you have enough of it in the set that you buy. You can always add more lego duplo and train tracks to your set, if you get more for Christmas or birthdays. The trains are motorised and uses a push button start which is great for young kids to start and stop the trains without adult help.
I like the duplo lego trains, they offer lots of opportunities for creativity and imaginative play.
The downside is that for young children you will need to help them build the tracks but they should have fun pressing the start button and watching the trains go around.
lego duplo stem train set
  
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This an awesome 1st train set with some innovative ideas with extra play value.
The chunky lego duplo pieces make it a great first train set to have a go at building independently when kids are ready. The train has a push and go motor, so once the track is built just push the train and it will go along the track. The set also includes active bricks which teach cause and effect. Put a brick along the track to see what happens. For example, the red brick stops the train, the green brick makes it go in reverse and the yellow brick makes a sound. |
For extra fun download the optional app. This will allow little drivers to be in control of the train through remote control. Super fun!
Lego Duplo Deluxe Train Set
  
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Lego duplo fans will adore this impressive cargo train set.
There are 105 pieces in total which include 2 cargo wagons, a harbour, boat, cafe, 2 cranes, action bricks, 24 track pieces, 3 duplo figures and a remote control app. There are tons of creative and imaginative play opportunties. The action bricks make the train sound its horn, turns lights on and off, change direction and more. It's easy for young kids to play with. A gentle push forwards or backwards sends the train on its way. |
More Train set ideas
Find below lots of options of more trains sets for 2 and 3 year olds.
Best for Younger children - Vtech Train Set
  
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This Vtech train set is another cool option of train set for younger children.
There's lots of ways to play with the set. You encourage creativity by building the train track together. Then little ones will enjoy push cars around the track. The train is electronic so will go around the track on it's own as well. There's sing along songs to be enjoyed too and the track focuses on teaching the letter "t" for train. |
There's lots of other interactive features to enhance play as well. As the train chug rounds it hits smart point locations where different phrases are activated. This is great for learning new vocabulary. You can also hear phrases in other languages too.
They'll also build motor skills by lifting the gates and moving the switch tracks. The tracks can also be connected to other Vtech Go Go Smart Wheels tracks.
It's a great toddler train set with lots of options to play.
They'll also build motor skills by lifting the gates and moving the switch tracks. The tracks can also be connected to other Vtech Go Go Smart Wheels tracks.
It's a great toddler train set with lots of options to play.
top Quality - Brio Train set
  
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When only the best will do, you absolutley must get a Brio train set.
These sets are the excellent quality. The pieces fit together perfectly and the wood comes from 100% FSC-certified wood from sustainably managed forests. The sets are tough and build to last. This set features 87 playing pieces. It comes complete with road and rail tracks, stations, bridges, cargo cranes, container ship, truck, bus, play figures and more |
Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Super Station
  
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This is an awesome altertnative to the Thomast trackmaster sets which is made my Fisher Prices, so you know the design and quality of this will be excellent,
The track looks impressive once built in the configuration featured. It can be built into 4 different configurations altogher so there are options for creative play. The configurations are different sizes, so you can adapt the train track to fit in the sized space you have available. |
You can remove the legs to make the micro layouts fit small spaces.
The set is compatible with trackmaster sets and can hold up to 100 engines (sold separately).
The set is large when fully built. This allows several kids to play with it at once but obviously it will take up a lot of space.
The set is compatible with trackmaster sets and can hold up to 100 engines (sold separately).
The set is large when fully built. This allows several kids to play with it at once but obviously it will take up a lot of space.
Step2 Deluxe Canyon Road Train & Track Table
  
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The Step 2 deluxe canyon road train table has been around for years, and it's still going strong so has really stood the test of time.
My eldest son used to play with this at a play group we went to. (This was around 10 years ago now). It was definitely a favorite with him and all the other kids. There table can accomodate playing with trains and cars. You can use the train which comes with the table or use your own trains and cars. |
There is a lid which goes on the top and enables the train table to be used as for drawing or other activities.
It's the perfect height for little ones to play with.
It's the perfect height for little ones to play with.
Other Things to consider When buying a train set
There are many things you should consider when buying a train set. Here is a round up of some factors you may not have thought of.
Space, size and storage
Building large train tracks can use up a lot of space. The advantage with wooden train sets among others is that you can build them on tables or around furniture when needed. It can be harder to do this with some of the plastic sets especially as they need to be built in set configurations.
Another thing to thing about is storage. It is really good to have a storage container where you can just throw the track in when play has been completed for the day.
Another thing to thing about is storage. It is really good to have a storage container where you can just throw the track in when play has been completed for the day.
Skills and learning
There is lots of educational value with almost all train sets. The skills learned with vary with different sets.
Building tracks from scratch will help develop problem solving skills and develop fine motor skills.
Tracks such as the Vtech have sounds, songs. phrases and vocabulary which will enhance language development.
Train tables which accomodate more than one child can encourage children to play side by side and as they grow older with their friends and siblings which is excellent news for social development and learning skills such as sharing.
Building tracks from scratch will help develop problem solving skills and develop fine motor skills.
Tracks such as the Vtech have sounds, songs. phrases and vocabulary which will enhance language development.
Train tables which accomodate more than one child can encourage children to play side by side and as they grow older with their friends and siblings which is excellent news for social development and learning skills such as sharing.
Longevity
Some sets have a limited lifespan when it comes to play value and kids may outgrow them more quickly. For example, the Vtech sets tend to be excellent for the 5 and under age group but kids will outgrow them after this. Wooden train tracks can be played with for many years. Kids of 7 and even 8 may still enjoy getting the wooden train set out and buildng tracks.
Ways to Play with Different age groups
Even if you buy a large train track set, younger kids may do better if you just start off with a few pieces and build smaller tracks. 2 year olds will most likely need some input from parents to build tracks.
As they get older and their confidence and motor skills develop, they will become more independent and creative in their play and will most likely appreciate larger sets to play with.
As they get older and their confidence and motor skills develop, they will become more independent and creative in their play and will most likely appreciate larger sets to play with.
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