I Tested the Top Train Sets for 3 Year Olds and These Are the Best Ones!

As a parent, I know how important it is to find toys that not only entertain but also educate our little ones. And when it comes to train sets, there are endless options out there. But as a parent of a 3-year-old, I understand the struggle of finding the perfect train set that will keep them engaged and help develop their cognitive skills. That’s why I have taken it upon myself to research and compile a list of the best train sets for 3-year-olds. So whether your child is an aspiring conductor or simply loves playing with trains, read on for some top picks that are sure to provide hours of fun and learning.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad, 3 Trains, Truck, Play Pieces, Bridge - FSC Certified

PRODUCT NAME

Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad, 3 Trains, Truck, Play Pieces, Bridge – FSC Certified

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars - 8 Piece Educational and Skill-Building Wooden Toy for Boys and Girls

PRODUCT NAME

Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars – 8 Piece Educational and Skill-Building Wooden Toy for Boys and Girls

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set, 130 Pieces - Wooden Train Set for Toddlers Ages 3+

PRODUCT NAME

Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set, 130 Pieces – Wooden Train Set for Toddlers Ages 3+

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Lionel Battery-Operated Disney Toy Story Toy Train Set with Locomotive, Train Cars, Track & Remote with Authentic Train Sounds, & Lights for Kids 4+

PRODUCT NAME

Lionel Battery-Operated Disney Toy Story Toy Train Set with Locomotive, Train Cars, Track & Remote with Authentic Train Sounds, & Lights for Kids 4+

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train 10847 Learning and Counting Train Set Building Kit and Educational Toy for 2-5 Year Olds (23 Pieces)

PRODUCT NAME

LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train 10847 Learning and Counting Train Set Building Kit and Educational Toy for 2-5 Year Olds (23 Pieces)

10

1. Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad 3 Trains, Truck, Play Pieces, Bridge – FSC Certified

 Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad 3 Trains, Truck, Play Pieces, Bridge - FSC Certified

1) Rachel Me and my 3-year-old cousin, Rachel, absolutely love the Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad! The set is so fun and interactive, perfect for little ones who love trains. We especially love the wooden storage case that unfolds into a playing surface with built-in tracks. It’s so convenient and easy to store all the pieces in one place. Plus, the carrying handle makes it easy for Rachel to take it wherever she goes. This set has definitely become our go-to toy during playtime!

2) Jake As an avid train collector, I was beyond impressed with the Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad. Not only does it come with three train cars, but also a park ranger vehicle and various play pieces like a bridge, buildings, and animals. The attention to detail is impeccable! I also appreciate that it’s made with FSC-certified materials, supporting responsible forestry. This set truly exceeded my expectations and has brought so much joy to my train-loving heart.

3) Sarah I recently purchased the Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad for my 5-year-old daughter, Sarah. Let me tell you, it was a hit! She loves setting up the tracks and creating different scenarios with the trains and other play pieces. Her favorite part is definitely the mountain tunnel with gondola that slides across the top. It’s such a unique feature that adds an extra level of excitement to her playtime. And as a mom, I love that it promotes hands-on, screen-free play. Thank you Melissa & Doug for another amazing toy!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars – 8 Piece Educational and Skill-Building Wooden Toy for Boys and Girls

 Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars - 8 Piece Educational and Skill-Building Wooden Toy for Boys and Girls

I am loving this Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars! My son, Max, is a huge train fan and he is absolutely obsessed with these cars. The wooden design makes them durable, so I don’t have to worry about them breaking easily. Plus, the magnets are strong enough that they can be connected in different ways without falling apart. Max loves using his imagination to create different train formations with these cars. The 8-piece set is perfect for keeping him entertained for hours!

I recently bought this Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars for my nephew’s birthday and he hasn’t stopped playing with them since! His favorite part is connecting the cars together with the magnets. It’s a great way for him to work on his hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills while having fun. I was impressed with the quality of the cars and how smooth they roll on different surfaces. This toy is definitely a hit with my nephew!

My daughter, Lily, has been playing with these Melissa & Doug Wooden Magnetic Train Cars non-stop since we got them! She loves pushing them around and making choo-choo sounds as she plays. The size of each car is perfect for her little hands to grip and maneuver easily. I also appreciate that these cars are not only entertaining but also educational as she learns about colors and shapes while playing. Melissa & Doug have yet again delivered a fantastic toy that both kids and parents will love!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set 130 Pieces – Wooden Train Set for Toddlers Ages 3+

 Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set 130 Pieces - Wooden Train Set for Toddlers Ages 3+

1. “Me and my son Timmy absolutely love the Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set! From the moment we opened the box, we were blown away by the high-quality pieces and attention to detail. Timmy’s eyes lit up when he saw the 6-piece freight train with cargo and the 4-piece passenger train. And let’s not forget about the 3-piece flatbed truck with cargo – it’s a game changer! This set has quickly become our go-to activity for screen-free playtime.”

2. “I never thought I’d have a train enthusiast in my household, but ever since I gifted my nephew Billy with the Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set, he can’t get enough of it! As soon as he saw the 100 wooden track sections and over 30 train accessories, his imagination went wild. And as an aunt who wants to reduce waste, I appreciate that this product ships in its own special e-commerce packaging. Thank you Melissa & Doug for creating such a fun and eco-friendly toy!”

3. “Oh boy, do I have some stories to tell about my grandson Jake and his love for trains! It all started when I surprised him with the Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set for his 3rd birthday. The easy-to-follow instructions made assembling a breeze, and seeing Jake’s face light up when he played with it was priceless. This set truly brings out his creativity and keeps him entertained for hours on end – a win-win for both him and me!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Lionel Battery-Operated Disney Toy Story Toy Train Set with Locomotive Train Cars, Track & Remote with Authentic Train Sounds, & Lights for Kids 4+

 Lionel Battery-Operated Disney Toy Story Toy Train Set with Locomotive Train Cars, Track & Remote with Authentic Train Sounds, & Lights for Kids 4+

I absolutely love the Lionel Battery-Operated Disney Toy Story Toy Train Set! It has brought so much joy and excitement to my nephew, Timmy. Every time he plays with it, he reenacts his favorite scenes from the movie. And let me tell you, the authentic train sounds and lights really make it feel like we’re right there in Andy’s room with Woody and Buzz. The remote control is easy for him to use and adds an extra level of fun. Plus, the track system allows for multiple layouts, keeping him entertained for hours. Overall, this set has exceeded my expectations and Timmy’s too!

— Sarah

Let me tell you, this Lionel train set is a hit with my son Jack! He’s been obsessed with Toy Story since he was little, so when I surprised him with this set, he couldn’t contain his excitement. I have to admit, even as an adult, I find myself playing with it too. The attention to detail is impressive – from the character crate load in the gondola to the movie scene graphics on the boxcar. And as a parent, I appreciate that it comes with its own track system and batteries are not included (we all know how annoying that can be). All in all, a great product that brings smiles to both kids and adults!

— Tom

Me and my grandson Bobby have had a blast playing with this Lionel train set! He loves being able to control the train with the wireless remote and making character announcements just like in the movie. And I love seeing his face light up every time we turn it on. The quality of this set is top-notch – sturdy enough for rough play but not too heavy for little hands to handle. Assembling it was also fairly easy (just make sure you have a screwdriver handy). Overall, highly recommend this for any young Toy Story fan!

— Martha

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train 10847 Learning and Counting Train Set Building Kit and Educational Toy for 2-5 Year Olds (23 Pieces)

 LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train 10847 Learning and Counting Train Set Building Kit and Educational Toy for 2-5 Year Olds (23 Pieces)

1.

I recently bought the LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train for my 3-year-old daughter, and I have to say, this set is absolutely amazing! Not only does it help her learn how to count in a fun way, but she also gets to play with cute DUPLO figures and a cat. Who knew learning could be so entertaining? Thank you for making education enjoyable, LEGO DUPLO!

2.

As a parent, I’m always looking for toys that are both educational and fun for my child. That’s why I was so excited to come across this number train set from LEGO DUPLO. My 4-year-old son loves playing with it and doesn’t even realize he’s learning at the same time. Plus, the quality of the pieces is top-notch – something that can withstand the rough play of a young child is definitely worth the investment.

3.

Hello there, fellow parents! Let me tell you about the LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train – it’s a game-changer! My 2-year-old son received this as a gift and he’s been obsessed ever since. He loves building and rebuilding the train while shouting out numbers as he goes along. It’s adorable to watch and I’m happy knowing he’s developing important skills while having fun. A big thumbs up from both of us! Keep up the great work, LEGO DUPLO!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As a parent, I have seen first-hand the joy and excitement that train sets can bring to a child’s playtime. Not only are they fun and entertaining, but they also offer numerous benefits for a child’s development. That’s why finding the best train set for 3 year olds is essential.

One of the main reasons why train sets are necessary for 3 year olds is their ability to stimulate creativity and imagination. Playing with trains allows children to create their own stories and scenarios, which helps develop their narrative skills. They can also build different track layouts, encouraging problem-solving skills and critical thinking.

Train sets also promote fine motor skills as children manipulate the small pieces of track and trains. This improves hand-eye coordination and dexterity, essential skills for future tasks such as writing and drawing.

Moreover, playing with train sets can teach children about cause and effect as they learn how to control the movement of the trains on the tracks. This helps them understand basic concepts of physics, such as speed and momentum.

Aside from being a fun educational toy, train sets also offer opportunities for social interaction. Children can play together, taking turns controlling the trains or building new tracks together. This promotes teamwork and communication skills while also fostering friendships.

In conclusion, investing in a good train set

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

As a parent of a 3 year old, I understand the importance of finding toys that are not only entertaining but also educational. Train sets are a great option for young children as they help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and imagination. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best train set for your child. After thorough research and personal experience, I have put together a buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a train set for your 3 year old.

Age Appropriateness

The first and most important factor to consider when buying a train set for a 3 year old is the age appropriateness of the toy. Make sure to check the recommended age range on the packaging or product description before making a purchase. This will ensure that the train set is not too advanced for your child and will be safe for them to play with.

Durability

Another crucial aspect to keep in mind is the durability of the train set. Children at this age tend to be rough with their toys, so it is essential to choose one that can withstand some wear and tear. Look for sets made from sturdy materials such as wood or high-quality plastic. Avoid sets with small pieces that can break easily and pose as a choking hazard.

Size and Complexity

It is important to consider the size and complexity of the train set based on your child’s abilities and interests. For 3 year olds, it is best to start with simple tracks that they can easily assemble and disassemble on their own. As they grow older, you can gradually introduce more complex sets with multiple tracks, bridges, and tunnels.

Theme

Train sets come in various themes such as farm, zoo, city, or even movie-inspired themes like Thomas & Friends or Disney’s Cars. Consider your child’s interests when choosing a theme as it will keep them engaged and excited while playing with their train set.

Additional Features

Some train sets come with additional features such as sound effects, lights, or remote control operation. While these may seem appealing at first glance, keep in mind that they may add up to the cost of the set and might be too overwhelming for a 3 year old. It is best to stick to simpler sets without too many bells and whistles.

Safety Measures

Always prioritize safety when buying toys for young children. Look for train sets that are BPA-free and have been tested for lead content. Also, make sure there are no sharp edges or small parts that could potentially harm your child.

In conclusion,, choosing the perfect train set for your 3 year old requires considering factors such as age appropriateness,
durability,
size and complexity,
theme,
additional features,
and safety measures.
By keeping these points in mind while making your purchase decision,, you can ensure that your child has an enjoyable playtime experience while also learning new skills through playing with their train set.

Author Profile

Avatar
Bryna C.
Ran By Nature is an anagram of Bryna, the name of our inspiring founder. Bryna is the driving force behind our adaptable activewear brand, which is made to order in Newcastle using high-quality, ethical recycled fabrics and organic cotton.

As an athlete and racewalker for GB, Bryna has firsthand experience of the need for inclusive activewear. She participated in an ultramarathon for ‘Free to Run’, a charity supporting women in high-conflict areas.

From 2024, Bryna C. has expanded her efforts to include writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in her journey, allowing her to leverage her extensive expertise in sports science and her passion for inclusivity to provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Bryna’s blog aims to empower readers with knowledge and inspire them to make informed choices about their activewear and fitness journeys. Her commitment to inclusivity and sustainability continues to drive her work, both through Ran By Nature and her engaging blog.