10 Best Toy Train Sets 2025 in the United States

The Lionel Battery-Operated Polar Express Toy Train Set is designed for children aged 4 and up, making it a great choice for young kids who want an engaging and magical train experience. The set includes a battery-powered locomotive with authentic sounds, lights, and a water-vapor smoke effect, adding a fun and realistic touch that kids often enjoy. Its track system is made of durable plastic and lets you build three different layouts, providing variety and encouraging creativity.

The train cars and locomotive are sized well for small hands, and the set weighs about 8 pounds, which is manageable for storage and play. Power comes from six C cell batteries (not included), so you’ll need to keep spares handy, and some adult assembly is required before play. The Bluetooth control option offers a modern way to operate the train, but the traditional switch is available too, which is simple for kids to use. While the plastic track isn’t as sturdy as wood or metal, it’s durable enough for young children.

This set blends classic train play with interactive features, making it a strong pick for families looking for a festive and entertaining toy train experience.

The Lionel Disney Christmas LionChief 0-8-0 Set is a vibrant and festive choice for kids aged 8 and up who enjoy classic O Gauge model trains mixed with Disney magic. It comes with a well-sized 45-inch track layout featuring Lionel's FasTrack system, which is known for its easy snap-together pieces that provide a stable and reliable track connection. Its O Gauge scale (about 1:48) is a popular, traditional size, making this set suitable for collectors and enthusiasts as well as younger users.

The electric train runs on a maintenance-free motor and is powered by 3 AAA batteries for the remote, which is user-friendly and supports Bluetooth operation via a smartphone app and even voice commands, adding a modern twist to classic train play. The set also includes charming features like puffing smoke, authentic steam sounds, a whistle, bell, and fun Mickey Mouse announcements, enhancing the immersive experience. The plastic and metal parts appear sturdy enough for regular play, although some care like lubrication and gentle cleaning is needed to keep it running smoothly.

One downside is that the remote requires batteries (not included), and some assembly tools like a Phillips screwdriver are needed. The larger size and complexity may be less suitable for very young children or those new to model trains. This train set blends traditional track and scale quality with engaging Disney-themed details and advanced remote controls, making it a great pick for kids and collectors looking for a holiday-themed, interactive electric train experience.

The KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Wooden Train Set & Table is well suited for young children aged 3 and up, making it a great choice for toddlers and preschoolers starting to explore train sets. It features a large wooden table with a colorful mountain village design, providing plenty of space and multiple play areas like a helicopter pad, suspension bridge, and waterfall tunnel. With 120 pieces, including tracks, buildings, trees, and signs, kids can create different layouts, encouraging creativity and extended playtime.

The trains connect magnetically, which is easy and safe for little hands, and the set includes a working wooden crane that adds interactive fun. Made from premium sustainable wood, the set is durable and eco-friendly, able to withstand regular play. The table's three built-in storage bins allow for quick cleanup, helping keep play areas tidy. However, the train set is manually powered, so it lacks motors or batteries, which might limit appeal for kids who prefer electronic trains.

Also, while compatible with other major wooden train brands, the large size and weight of the table (almost 47 pounds) means it requires a dedicated space and may be less portable or suitable for smaller rooms. This train set delivers a rich, hands-on experience with quality materials and thoughtful features that suit young children and encourage imaginative play, though it may not meet the needs of older kids looking for motorized or more complex train systems.