Best Kids' Play Trains & Trams of 2026

Jimmy Roof Avatar
Jimmy Roof
Last Updated: Jan 31, 2026

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Kids' Play Trains & Trams are a fun and exciting way for children to engage in imaginative play. These miniature trains and trams are designed with bright colors and realistic details that will capture the attention of any child. Kids can play conductor, engineer, or passenger as they push their trains around the tracks, making stops at different stations and picking up and dropping off their passengers. These play sets are not only entertaining, but they also help develop important skills such as hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and creativity. Kids' Play Trains & Trams are sure to provide hours of fun and imaginative play for children of all ages.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Wooden Train Track Set - 52 Pieces Cover #TOP 1
Wooden Train Track Set - 52 Pieces
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Thomas & Friends MINIS Toy Train Pack Cover #TOP 2
Thomas & Friends MINIS Toy Train Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Play22 Wooden Train Set Cover #TOP 3
Play22 Wooden Train Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Kids' Play Trains & Trams

#TOP 1

Wooden Train Track Set - 52 Pieces

LYSB005AW85YG-TOYS
Large
Wooden Train Track Set - 52 Pieces Cover
Wooden Train Track 52 Piece Set-18 Feet Of Track Expansion - 5 Distinct Pieces - 100% Compatible with All Major Brands Including Thomas Wooden Railway System: Screen Free Christmas Gift For Toddlers

This wooden train track set includes 52 premium wood pieces, including straight and curved track as well as curved switch track. The set is 100% compatible with all major toy train brands, including the Thomas Wooden Railway System, making it easy to expand your existing train track collection. Ideal for children and train enthusiasts alike, this set provides endless opportunities for imaginative play and learning.

What We Like
Compatible with major brands
Good quality materials
Affordable price
Easy track expansion
Secure packaging
What We Don't Like
Single-sided straight tracks
Some pieces fit a bit tight
#TOP 2

Thomas & Friends MINIS Toy Train Pack

THOMAS & FRIENDS
FGY79
Multicolor
Small
Thomas & Friends MINIS Toy Train Pack Cover
Thomas & Friends Toy Trains MINIS 20 Pack of Miniature Push-Along Engines & Railway Vehicles for Pretend Play Preschool Kids Ages 3+ Years (Amazon Exclusive)

This Thomas & Friends MINIS Toy Train Pack is a great way to encourage imaginative play and storytelling for preschoolers. It includes 20 miniature train engines and railway vehicles, featuring never-before-seen themes. The engines can roll along any surface and can be connected to the Thomas Super Station. Kids can collect additional Thomas & Friends MINIS push-along train engines, sold separately.

What We Like
Well-made and durable
Perfect for travel
Great value
Fun collectible designs
Safe for toddlers
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
Some trains lack names
#TOP 3

Play22 Wooden Train Set

6006
Multicolor
1 Unit
Play22 Wooden Train Set Cover
Wooden Train Set 12 PCS - Train Toys Magnetic Set Includes 3 Engines - Toy Train Sets For Kids Toddler Boys And Girls - Compatible With All Major Brands - Original - By Play22

The Play22 Wooden Train Set is a 12-piece set that includes 3 engines and a variety of cars. It is made of sturdy wood and comes in a beautiful display and storage wooden gift box. It is a great educational tool to help children gain strong color recognition and motor skills. It is also ASTM F963 safety tested and lead-free, making it a great gift for kids.

What We Like
High-quality wooden material
Cute design
Perfect gift option
Sturdy construction
Convenient storage box
What We Don't Like
Minor car separation issue
#TOP 4

Thomas & Friends Fisher-Price Motorized and Die-Cast Train Set

THOMAS & FRIENDS
JHF10
Multicolor
Large
Thomas & Friends Fisher-Price Motorized and Die-Cast Train Set Cover
Thomas & Friends Toy Trains by Fisher-Price, 2 Large Die-Cast Engines & 3 Motorized Trains with Classic Characters, Includes Playmat (Amazon Exclusive)

The Thomas & Friends Train Set offers a fun and interactive play experience with five classic engines, including three battery-powered motorized trains and two large die-cast push-along engines. You can easily connect the engines together using the included plastic connectors, making it simple to create longer trains for more imaginative play. The motorized engines run on most Thomas & Friends tracks, giving you flexibility in how you set up your train routes. Plus, the included playmat lets you build adventures inspired by the Island of Sodor. This set is perfect for helping preschoolers develop fine motor skills while enjoying independent play.

What We Like
Excellent build quality
Bright and attractive colors
Fun themed train collection
Great value for price
Perfect gift for young kids
What We Don't Like
Limited track compatibility
Different train scales
#TOP 5

BRIO World 33592 Mighty Red Action Locomotive

33592
Large
BRIO World 33592 Mighty Red Action Locomotive Cover
BRIO World Mighty Red Action Locomotive - Battery-operated Toy Train for Wooden Track - Motorized Train with Light & Sound - Compatible with All BRIO Railway Sets - Interactive Play - Kids Ages 3 & Up

Introduce your child to the world of trains with the BRIO Mighty Red Locomotive. This battery-operated toy train features front and rear lights, as well as buttons for forward, stop, and reverse. With its 'choo-choo' sound effects and free wheel movement option, your child will have endless fun playing with this locomotive. The BRIO Mighty Red Locomotive is compatible with all other BRIO railway tracks and vehicles, allowing your child to expand their railway play as they grow. Playing with train sets helps children develop important skills such as spatial awareness and fine motor skills. Rest assured, this toy train has undergone rigorous safety testing to ensure it is safe for your child to play with.

What We Like
Strong motor power
Works with most wooden tracks
Durable plastic body
Freewheel mode option
Fun lights and sounds
What We Don't Like
Batteries drain a bit quickly
Challenging on sharp curves
#TOP 6

LEGO City Downtown Streetcar and Station Set 60423

6470812
Multicolor
LEGO City Downtown Streetcar and Station Set 60423 Cover
LEGO City Downtown Streetcar and Station Train Set - Kids Toy Train Building Set for Pretend Play & Imagination, Ages 7+ - Gift Ideas for Boys & Girls Birthdays - 60423

The LEGO City Streetcar Set lets you build a fun streetcar and a detailed station, perfect for kids 7 and up who enjoy trolley cars and toy trains. Inside the box, you'll find all the pieces needed to create a streetcar with seating and double doors, plus a station featuring a passenger platform and a coffee shop, making your playtime more immersive. This set includes six minifigures and a guide dog, giving you plenty of characters for imaginative stories. Plus, with accessories like a wheelchair, coffee cup, newspaper, phone, and ticket, you can bring your city scenes to life and enjoy creative pretend play.

What We Like
High build quality
Easy assembly instructions
Encourages imaginative play
Great for various ages
Fun modular design
What We Don't Like
Tracks sold separately
Needs motor for operation
#TOP 7

Hot Bee Steam Electric Train Set for Toddlers

19052C-2
Hot Bee Steam Electric Train Set for Toddlers Cover
Hot Bee Train Set for Toddlers with Steam - Light Up & Sound Choo Choo Train, Electric Train Set for Toddlers 2-4, Magnetic Connection Train Toys, Birthday Gifts for Boys Girls 3 4 5 6

The Hot Bee Toddler Train Set offers a fun and creative playtime experience with its colorful electric train and additional vehicles like a dump truck and fire truck. You can build different oval track layouts, helping your child develop problem-solving skills and encouraging imaginative storytelling as each car performs unique actions. The train also features safe, odorless steam that puffs from the engine when water is added, along with cheerful music and bright lights for an engaging sensory experience. Plus, the magnetic connectors make it easy for little hands to join the cars, making playtime both simple and enjoyable.

What We Like
Interactive steam feature
Sturdy and well made
Easy for kids to use
Engaging and colorful design
Quiet or musical operation
What We Don't Like
Occasional track or power issues
#TOP 8

Thomas & Friends Emily Motorized Toy Train

THOMAS & FRIENDS
HHN41
Multicolor
9.24 inches
Thomas & Friends Emily Motorized Toy Train Cover
Thomas & Friends Motorized Toy Train Emily Battery-Powered Engine with Tender for Pretend Play Preschool Kids Ages 3+ Years​

The Thomas & Friends Emily Train is a fun, battery-powered toy that lets you bring the character Emily to life from the popular series. With a simple switch on top, you can easily set Emily and her tender moving, making playtime more exciting. This motorized train works with most Thomas & Friends tracks, so you can expand your railway adventures without hassle (wood tracks excluded). Plus, it comes with connectors that let you attach other engines or cars, giving you the freedom to build your own train set and create endless stories.

What We Like
Easy assembly
Fun for train fans
Runs smoothly
Good price
Colorful and cute design
What We Don't Like
Limited track compatibility
Battery life could improve
#TOP 9

Thomas & Friends Diecast Construction Crew Train Set

THOMAS & FRIENDS
JBW26
Multicolor
1.6535 inches
Thomas & Friends Diecast Construction Crew Train Set Cover
Thomas & Friends Diecast Vehicle Set Construction Crew 5 Push-Along Toy Train Engines for Preschool Kids Ages 3+ Years

The Thomas & Friends Construction Set offers a fun way for kids to dive into construction-themed train play with five diecast metal vehicles. This set includes popular characters like Thomas, Percy, Diesel, Carly the Crane, and Sandy the Rail Speeder, all dressed up with cool construction designs to spark your child's imagination. The push-along trains work with any Thomas & Friends track, giving you the freedom to create endless railway adventures (track sold separately). This set is perfect for preschoolers aged 3 and up, helping them develop fine motor skills while encouraging creative storytelling during playtime.

What We Like
Durable construction
Fun for toddlers
Great value for money
Detailed design
Compatible with most tracks
What We Don't Like
Some parts may break off
Hooks a bit flimsy
#TOP 10

Thomas & Friends 80th Anniversary Die-Cast Train Set

THOMAS & FRIENDS
JFV72
Multicolor
7.28 inches
Thomas & Friends 80th Anniversary Die-Cast Train Set Cover
Thomas & Friends by Fisher-Price Collectible Toy Train, Small Die-Cast Mattel 80th Engine with Premium Deco & 2 Stock Cars with Red Crystal Cargo

The Thomas & Friends 80th Train celebrates a special milestone with a high-quality die-cast Thomas engine, making it a great collectible or play item. You’ll enjoy the two cargo cars carrying pretend red crystals, adding fun and imaginative play as you push the train along. The engine’s classic design keeps the timeless look you love, perfect for fans of all ages. Plus, the plastic connectors let you easily link the engine and cargo cars, and they work with other Thomas & Friends sets, so you can mix and match to create your own adventures.

What We Like
Durable metal engine
Attractive metallic paint
Collectible and affordable
Highly loved by kids
Easy assembly
What We Don't Like
Paint may rub off
Plastic cars less sturdy
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do kids play with trains?

Kids play with trains because it offers them various developmental benefits. Playing with trains helps children develop problem-solving skills and fine motor skills. It also encourages imaginative play and creativity, allowing children to create their own stories and scenarios.

2. Why does my autistic child like trains?

Trains can be particularly appealing to autistic children. The predictability, quietness, and sense of security that trains offer can be comforting for them. The structured and repetitive nature of trains may also provide a sense of order and familiarity, which can be soothing for autistic individuals.

3. Why are little boys obsessed with trains?

Many little boys show a strong interest in trains, and this can be attributed to biological factors. Studies have suggested that testosterone plays a role in boys' fascination with anything that is fast and has wheels. Trains, with their combination of movement and mechanical features, often become a favorite toy for boys who enjoy exploring and collecting toy trains.

4. Do children pay to ride the train?

In most cases, children under 5 years of age can ride the train for free. However, it is advisable to check with the specific train company to confirm their policy regarding children's fares.

Editor's Notes

During our kids' play trains & tram research, we found 24 kids' play trains & tram products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 156,589 customer reviews through our big data system to write the kids' play trains & trams list. We found that most customers choose kids' play trains & trams with an average price of $21.22.

The kids' play trains & trams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of kids' play trains & trams, including Right Track Toys, THOMAS & FRIENDS, Play22, BRIO, LEGO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,891 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jimmy Roof Avatar

Jimmy Roof is a toy designer who lives in Chicago with his family. He works in a big toy firm, so he is surrounded by toys every day. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in children's toys, baby products and preschool education. Jimmy Roof often publishes articles related to toys on key websites.

Kids' Play Trains & Trams Comparison Table

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#TOP10
Brand Right Track Toys THOMAS & FRIENDS Play22 THOMAS & FRIENDS BRIO LEGO Hot Bee THOMAS & FRIENDS THOMAS & FRIENDS THOMAS & FRIENDS
Item Weight 3.6 pounds 13.5 ounces 1.99 pounds 14.7 ounces 6.7 ounces 3.35 pounds 2.42 pounds 3.24 ounces 15 ounces 3.35 ounces
Manufacturer recommended age 3 years and up 3 years and up 3 years and up 3 years and up 36 months - 10 years 7 years and up 3 years and up 3 years and up 3 years and up 3 years and up
Release date - March 20, 2019 December 14, 2017 July 1, 2025 March 26, 2016 July 31, 2024 - June 1, 2022 November 1, 2024 March 1, 2025
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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