The Best Train Table Sets for Toddlers
- Gary B.
- UPDATED June 27, 2019
- in RC & toy vehicles
Best Overall
KidKraft
Waterfall Train Table
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
KidKraft Waterfall Train Table
Upgrade Choice
KidKraft Ride Around Train Table
Best Budget Buy
Maxim Wooden Train Set
How to Pick the Best "Train Table Set" for toddlers
There are many choices for consumers when looking for train table sets. Some are just a hard surface on which to play trains that lays flat on the floor. At the other end are vast cityscapes with flyovers, bridges, construction sets, and municipal buildings.
1. Recommended Age
Paying attention to the ages recommended by the manufacturer is important. You don’t have to agree with the recommendation, however. Most of the train set providers set the bottom of the age limit to 2 or 3 years. The recommendation might be fine for you but may not be. If your 2-year-old is in the middle of a molar eruption and puts everything into his mouth and chews, it might be best to wait a bit longer. Also, they throw things a lot when they’re cranky. On the other hand, there is no upper age limit. You might find a new hobby.
2. Accessories
The sets run the gamut, from no accessories to more than 100. The accessories are usually wood or plastic in the same set. There might be the bare basics, or a set might contain other vehicles like ambulances, planes, and cars. There is nothing like knowing your kiddo. Some dig right in and have a ball with a big set of accessories. Other children will feel overwhelmed and want to run a train around the table.
One important thing to remember when purchasing any set for children: yes, the choking hazard. It might be wise to assemble the collection when your children aren’t around. You can take each accessory piece and run it through an inexpensive Choke Hazard Detector or just an empty toilet paper roll. If a toy can pass through the opening, it’s important to keep it away from kids less than three years old. You can always put the accessory away for the future.
3. Storage
If your child has a lot of accessories and train-track pieces, storage may play an important part in your decision about a play table. There are options for bins, large drawers, and even racks to hand train cars. It’s a good idea to anticipate the storage problems your first choice demands and then plan where you’ll put the umpteen dozen people, trees, cars, and unicorns.
4. Double-sided Tables
These tables are handy for anyone. One side is a graphic-laden expanse of train world. Flip it over, and you might have more train stuff or maybe just a regular play table. You can use that second side for art projects, clay molding, or games. There’s one thing to watch for, however. Be sure that you can flip the table over easily by yourself.
5. Table Dimensions
Size might not seem such a big deal when you’re picking out a train table, but it might be one of the most crucial factors. Some of these choices are very large in the context of the normal bedroom or playroom. If you have a big basement rec room, no worries. If your little one has an 8’ x 10’ bedroom, you need to be careful. It might be a good idea, once you’ve settled on a table set, to take a tape measure and check the planned space to be sure.
6. Weight
Can you lift this table? That’s the big question, isn’t it? I admit I’ve been slacking on my poses and planking lately. I’m not certain I could heft a 50-pound table hither and yon. It may not be an issue for you, but if you’re six months pregnant or just had knee surgery, you either want to get a table you won’t be expected to move around or something you can handle alone.
The Winners
Below are our reviews for 7 of the best imaginarium train tables we’ve found. There is probably a great table for every need in this group. Some are large and extensive; some are modest. Whatever your child would enjoy, we hope our reviews and awards will help you decide on what your best train table will be.
#1
KidKraft Waterfall Train Table
Best Overall
The KidKraft Waterfall Train Table set has enough room to entertain an entire playdate’s worth of kids. Dozens and dozens of wooden and plastic play pieces make sure everybody can have a turn at once. Three red bins hide under the table to store the play pieces. There is even a handy 1.5-inch lip around the table to keep toys in check. This table set might be a good choice for a family with siblings who are about the same age and who always want to play with the same toy at once.
- You'll love
- Large table for friends and siblings to play
- Plenty of set pieces, track, and people
Recommended Ages: 2 +
Accessories: 120 pieces
Storage: Yes
Double-sided: No
Table Dimensions: 48.8 x 34.4 x 16 inches
Weight: 47 pounds
#2
KidKraft Ride Around Train Table
Upgrade Choice / best imaginarium all in one train table
This combo trainset and table feature a multi-level bridge, a hospital with an ambulance, and an airport with a helipad. It even features a drive-through area in a construction zone. There are room and accessories enough to entertain several siblings or friends. Best of all, the KidKraft Ride Around Train Table all tucks away in the storage bin.
- You'll love
- Has both table and train set
- Built-in storage
Recommended Ages: 3 +
Accessories: 100 pieces
Storage: Yes
Double-sided: No
Table Dimensions: 47.8 x 34.2 x 16 inches
Weight: 43 pounds
#3
KidKraft Reversible Activity Table
Best Budget Buy
KidKraft’s 2-in-1 Reversible Activity Table is designed to spark the imagination of curious young ones. This gorgeous faux wood train table doubles as a discrete storage container, a raised play station, and a building block surface. Thoughtful details, like rounded corners and flush surfaces, tell us that the designers were focused on the safety and success of children.
While the table ships flat, the wood-like Formica comes together quickly and easily. While the kit includes 200 blocks and a 30-piece train set, but it can be used to enhance nearly any play activity.
The top of the table can be removed and flipped. The large storage bin under the lid holds all the included playthings and then some. The building surface is compatible with Legos.
Overall, this is a well-crafted toy that sets the stage for screen-free entertainment. While the wooden train set is quite simple, it’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
- You'll love
- Includes a train set and building blocks
- Built-in storage
Dimensions: 28.5″ x 24″ x 3.25″
Material: Formica top, wood train set, plastic blocks, composite table
Additional Accessories: 200 building blocks, 30-piece train set
Recommended Age Range: 36 months to 8 years
Storage: Yes
#4
KidKraft Wooden Play Table Train
Best Imaginarium Wooden Train Table
This table is a wooden table for play or arts & crafts. Flip the table over, and you have a basic train scene. Turn it over again, and there is an arts and craft surface. This would be a good table for children who already have an extensive collection of trains and scenery. If your children need a good, sturdy table to use with their toys and trains, the Kraft Wooden Play Table Train
- You'll love
- Double-sided for expanded play
- Built-in storage
Recommended Ages: 3 +
Accessories: No
Storage: Yes
Double-sided: Yes
Table Dimensions: 47.6 x 31.6 x 15.8 inches
Weight: 40 pounds
#5
Thomas Fisher Price Railway Playtable
Best Imaginarium Wooden Train Table
The Thomas Fisher Price Railway Playtable is a double-sided board featuring graphics from Thomas & Friends that a fan of the show will appreciate. When he moves her train set around the board, he will be able to imagine better which of Thomas’s locations are coming up at the next stop. The table is compatible with all Thomas & Friends product line. If Johnny or Susie is really into the Thomas & Friends show and have lots of Thomas toys, this could be the hit of a gift-giving occasion.
- You'll love
- Totally Thomas compatible
- Two-sided graphics
Recommended Ages: 3 +
Accessories: No
Storage: No
Double-sided: Yes
Table Dimensions: 5.5 x 53.5 x 18.5 inches
Weight: 22 pounds
#6
KidKraft Transportation Station Train
Another combination table and train, the KidKraft Transportation Station Train set has two tracks. One is long and winding that a child can put together. The second is a stationary plastic track affixed to the table. Set includes a moving working crane, airport with plane, train, and bulldozer. The airport even has escalators and a helipad. This set might be good for kids with a more general interest in transportation than just trains.
- You'll love
- Comes with train set
- Airport and helipad
Recommended Ages: 3 +
Accessories: 58 pieces
Storage: No
Double-sided: No
Table Dimensions: 34.2 x 26.8 x 26.2 inches
Weight: 24.2 pounds
#7
Bigjigs Rail Magical Wooden Train Set
Best pink train table
Well, we’ve seen it all now. Alice’s birthday is just around the corner, and I think I’ve spotted a great gift for grandpa to buy. The pink table, Bigjigs Rail Magical Wooden Train Set is a little girl’s imaginary fairy tale kingdom with a train set. Not only that, but there are carriages, a unicorn, and even fairies themselves. Naturally, there is quite a lot of pink going on. If your little girl is shy about liking brother’s train set so much, here is a way to choo-choo away without judgment. Plus, it’s pink!
- You'll love
- Fit for a princess
- Unique accessories
Recommended Ages: 3 +
Accessories: 59 pieces
Storage: No
Double-sided: No
Table Dimensions: 28.7 x 40.4 x 12.6 inches
Weight: 31 pounds
DIY, Craft and Décor: Ideas for Train Table Sets
Accessorize!
There’s no need to settle on the accessories the manufacturer includes in the train table set. Your kids will love making their own creations. Clay that hardens in air or homemade modeling dough can make some awesome monsters to attack the town.
Cut and Paste!
Save magazines and one rainy day, the whole family can cut out small pictures of autos, trucks, scenery, or whatever strikes your fancies. Paste the photos onto cardboard, then cut around the edges. If you choose some pictures of people, glue them onto craft sticks or tongue depressors – automatic puppet!
Mobile-ity!
Well, we’ve seen it all now. Alice’s birthday is just around the corner, and I think I’ve spotted a great gift for grandpa to buy. The pink table is a little girl’s imaginary fairy tale kingdom with a train set. Not only that, but there are carriages, a unicorn, and even fairies themselves. Naturally, there is quite a lot of pink going on. If your little girl is shy about liking brother’s train set so much, here is a way to choo-choo away without judgment. Plus, it’s pink!
Quick Decision
KidKraft Waterfall Train Table – Best Overall
A large and impressive train set that would thrill any child.
Bigjigs Rail Magical Wooden Train Set – Best pink train table
For sheer imagination and creativity, in addition to finally paying attention to the girls.
Maxim Wooden Train Set
Just a table – a beautiful, graphically Thomas & Friends-centered table.
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Hannah H.
Hannah is both a parent and a freelance journalist and author. You go, girl! She is an impeccable wordsmith and her warm and witty outlook on life makes her pieces a joy to read.
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