The 10 Best Wooden Train Sets

This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in November of 2018. Few toys evoke a sense of nostalgia quite like a wooden train set. In addition to providing hours of fun, building a track for their toy locomotives can help little ones develop fine motor skills while promoting creativity and imagination. Our list includes options with a variety of themes that are sure to delight kids of all ages, and some even come with convenient containers for storage. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in November of 2018. Few toys evoke a sense of nostalgia quite like a wooden train set. In addition to providing hours of fun, building a track for their toy locomotives can help little ones develop fine motor skills while promoting creativity and imagination. Our list includes options with a variety of themes that are sure to delight kids of all ages, and some even come with convenient containers for storage. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Melissa & Doug Railway

Kids will be entertained for hours with the Melissa & Doug Railway (about $93), which has over 130 pieces. The screws are set beneath the surface, so they won't cut or scratch little hands, and it includes instructions on how to set up different track configurations.

Smooth sanded finish
T-junction for changing course
Two magnetic cranes for moving cargo

2. Conductor Carl Starter

Constructed without connecting pegs, the Conductor Carl Starter (around $35) doesn't have any small pieces that can fall off and pose a choking hazard. In addition to twelve cars, it comes with a variety of houses, trees, and people, so youngsters can create their own little town.

Made from solid lotus and beech wood
Compatible with thomas and friends
Good value for the price

3. ToysOpoly Deluxe

Tested by a third-party lab, the ToysOpoly Deluxe (around $28) is certified nontoxic and free of lead, BPA, and phthalates. As an added bonus, it's packed in a decorative box that's ready for gift giving and doesn't even need to be wrapped.

Built from eco-friendly materials
Tracks are reversible
Money-back guarantee

4. Pidoko Kids Pirate

Encourage creativity and storytelling with the Pidoko Kids Pirate (around $44), which comes with everything your child needs to embark on an exciting nautical adventure, including a spooky haunted tunnel, sea creature figurines, and, of course, a ship.

Gender-neutral color scheme
Two magnetic fishing poles
Bonus treasure map puzzle

5. Bigjigs Rail Fairy Town

Add some magic to your tots' playtime with the Bigjigs Rail Fairy Town (around $87), with its pastel engine shed, hot pink bridge, and purple helipad. All the pieces are color coordinated, so little ones can build the prettiest landscapes their imaginations can dream up.

Decorative trees and mushrooms
Suitable for ages three and up
Expansion packs sold separately

6. On Track USA Figure 8

The On Track USA Figure 8 (about $28) comes with twelve curved sections, allowing for a variety of different configurations. The plastic tub gives you a convenient place to keep all the pieces, so they won't get lost, and has a built-in handle for easy carrying.

Lead-free construction
Cute farm animal figurines
Makes a great starter set

7. Kidzzy Toys Magnetic

If you already have a track and just want some additional accessories for your child to play with, take a look at the Kidzzy Toys Magnetic (about $29), which includes twelve cars along with nine removable animals and dinosaurs to ride in them.

Detailed decorations
Sturdy box for storage
Compatible with most railway systems

8. KidKraft 61-piece

The KidKraft 61-piece (appx. $36) features a moving crane sitting atop a molded mountain that doubles as a lid for the included storage bucket. Smiling workers, a quarry, and a functioning bulldozer complete this cute construction site.

Sturdy and durable
Detailed instructions for assembly
Track may not lie completely flat

9. Brio Beginner

Brightly colored, the Brio Beginner (appx. $34) will catch your toddler's eye with its rainbow bridge, rattle wagon, and starter ramps that make it easy to get the cars onto the track. Designed for younger ages, it can help to develop hand-eye coordination in kids 18 months and older.

Sustainably sourced
Tested for safety
Pricey for a small set

10. Thomas & Friends Race Day Relay

Featuring everyone's favorite cartoon steam locomotive, the Thomas & Friends Race Day Relay (around $189) includes a lever kids can pull to launch the engine over the drawbridge on his way to push the cargo across the finish line, where a cheering crowd and trophy await.

Pop-up checkered flags
Encourages problem-solving skills
Has a lot of plastic components

Last updated by Gabrielle Taylor

Originally from a tiny town in Virginia, Gabrielle moved to Los Angeles for a marketing internship at a well-known Hollywood public relations firm and was shocked to find that she loves the West Coast. She spent two years as a writer and editor for a large DIY/tutorial startup, where she wrote extensively about technology, security, lifestyle, and home improvement. A self-professed skincare nerd, she’s well-versed in numerous ingredients and methods, including both Western and Asian products. She is an avid home cook who has whiled away thousands of hours cooking and obsessively researching all things related to food and food science. Her time in the kitchen has also had the curious side effect of making her an expert at fending off attempted food thievery by her lazy boxer dog.

Thanks for reading the fine print. About the Wiki: We don't accept sponsorships, free goods, samples, promotional products, or other benefits from any of the product brands featured on this page, except in cases where those brands are manufactured by the retailer to which we are linking. For more information on our rankings, please read about us, linked below. The Wiki is a participant in associate programs from Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, Target, and others, and may earn advertising fees when you use our links to these websites. These fees will not increase your purchase price, which will be the same as any direct visitor to the merchant’s website. If you believe that your product should be included in this review, you may contact us, but we cannot guarantee a response, even if you send us flowers.