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21 Best Race Track Toys of 2024

Updated
These race track toys take playtime to another level.

Are you on a toy hunt for your child’s next birthday present? Do you want to make sure these toys also have educational value?

We’ve found the best race track toys to fill that role. These race tracks inspire roleplaying, encourage fine motor skills, and help children understand cause and effect. In fact, some of them are fantastic for helping your child with psychological and social development.

We’ve studied close to one hundred popular race track models to find the most durable, child-friendly, and affordable models for a wide range of scenarios. We have options for toddlers and big kids. Whether they love motorized vehicles or manual fun, solo play or group fun, emergency vehicles or smash-and-crash race cars, we’ll help you find the perfect set.

We’ll also take a look at why play is important, discuss what features to look for in race track toys, and review our top picks.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Ontel Magic Tracks
Best Light-Up Track
Ontel Magic Tracks
  • Glows in the dark
  • 10-foot speedway
  • Flexible race track
Product Image of the Hot Wheels Stunt Box
Best for Storage
Hot Wheels Stunt Box
  • Base included
  • Encourages problem solving
  • Easy cleanup & portability
Product Image of the Hot Wheels Criss Cross
Best for Speed
Hot Wheels Criss Cross
  • Powerful launch feature
  • Guaranteed satisfaction
  • Easy to use
Product Image of the Top Bright Wooden
Best for Toddlers
Top Bright Wooden
  • Passed tensile tests of ASTM
  • High-quality wood
  • Bright non-toxic water-based paint
Product Image of the Liberty Imports
Best for Police Chases
Liberty Imports
  • 2 battery-operated vehicles
  • Flashing LED lights
  • Endless combinations
Product Image of the Mickey and the Roadster
Best Disney Track
Mickey and the Roadster
  • Spinning finish-line flag
  • Launch 2 cars at once
  • Compatible with other Roadster Racers toys
Product Image of the Weprex Dinosaur Track
Best for Older Children
Weprex Dinosaur Track
  • Has car elevator
  • 33 inches tall
  • Hard-wearing plastic material
Product Image of the Inspiration Play
Easy to Set Up
Inspiration Play
  • Sets up in a flash
  • Fits almost any toy car brand
  • 45-inch durable plastic
Product Image of the Simplay3 Track Table
Best Award-WinningTrack
Simplay3 Track Table
  • Ready to use
  • Product of USA
  • Lightweight at 6.5 pounds
Product Image of the Fisher-Price TrackMaster
Best Water Track
Fisher-Price TrackMaster
  • Sea-themed designs
  • Motorized vehicles
  • Encourage physical & cognitive development


The Best Race Track Toys of 2024

Here are 21 great race track toys to consider.

Ontel Magic Tracks Xtreme

Best Light-Up Race Track

Don’t you love it when your child’s face lights up with excitement? With this set, your child’s face won’t be the only thing lighting up.

These glow-in-the-dark tracks are easy to assemble. All you have to do is bend, twist, and snap them together to create your own race track with many possible configurations. This is an excellent feature if your child normally gets bored playing with the same toys.

The set includes one LED race car and 200 colorful glowing track pieces. You can purchase additional accessories separately to add to your set, including tunnels, extra cars, emergency vehicles, and more.

Personal Experience

I've enjoyed playing with these Magic Tracks alongside my young grandson, and we both love the flexible, durable design that allows for endless creativity. The glow-in-the-dark feature adds a cool, fun element to our playtime, and while the car can be a bit noisy and challenging for little hands to catch, the excitement it brings makes it worthwhile.


Hot Wheels Track Builder Stunt Box

Best for Storage

As parents, we all know that keeping the house clean and tidy can be difficult. But this race track toy might make life a little bit easier. It comes with its own stunt box, where you can store everything away after playtime.

The set includes 15 track pieces with connectors, a two-way diverter, and two Hot Wheels cars. Our kids love that you can combine this set with other Hot Wheels sets to make endless track combinations. It also works well with most Hot Wheels or similar die-cast cars.

The tracks are easy to take apart and pack up to bring with you whether you’re going to grandma’s or on a family vacation. Plus, it’s a lot of creative fun for your kids.

Personal Insight

When I bought this Hot Wheels track for my grandchildren, ages 4 and 2, they were absolutely thrilled. The setup was simple, and even the 4-year-old could slide the pieces together to create long lanes for racing. This track is quite flexible, which worried me at first as I thought it might bend too much under pressure, but it has proven to be durable and a great value. My grandchildren have spent countless hours enjoying this track, and it's fantastic that it can connect with other sets for endless creative possibilities.


Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash Motorized Track

Best for Speed

Looking for speed? This Hot Wheels criss-cross track won’t disappoint. This mega looper motorized car track requires 4 D batteries to operate the high-speed launcher, shooting cars into the track to race, smash, and crash with other vehicles.

It’s a thrilling game with lots of adventures within the track and loops. While a younger child might need a little help with product assembly, it could help develop an older child’s problem-solving skills.

Community Review

My experience with this Hot Wheels set has been a mix of excitement and frustration. The kid in me enjoys the fast action and thrilling crashes, while my parent side struggles with the noise and battery consumption. It's easy to assemble and provides hours of fun for children, but be prepared for the potential mess and not all cars being compatible. Despite its challenges, this Hot Wheels set has brought back nostalgic memories and encouraged family participation.


Top Bright Wooden Race Track

Best Race Track for Toddlers

This cute ramp toy was an instant hit with our toddlers. It has been thoroughly tested for safety to ensure it’s suitable for toddlers aged 1–2, but our preschool-aged children enjoyed playing with it also.

It’s great for developing focus, fine motor skills, and more. Children can set the cars in motion and watch them roll and flip down the track, depending on how they’re moved. Then they can park them in the parking lot up top.

The rainbow track and bright colors are stimulating, and the set encourages your child to play independently.

Individual Opinion

This simple car racing toy has quickly become a favorite among young kids, providing hours of entertainment as they watch the colorful cars zoom down the track. The easy-to-assemble design encourages hand-eye coordination and visual tracking, while the numbered lanes add a touch of educational value. However, be aware that the small size of the cars does pose a choking hazard, so adult supervision is required while playing. Despite this concern, the enjoyment and developmental benefits make it a popular choice for both children and their caregivers.


Liberty Imports Magic Speedway

Best Race Track Toy for Police Chases

If your child likes to create stories, you can encourage their imagination with this police-based track. The track design allows for hours of imaginative play as your child creates multiple scenarios, high-speed chases, and entertaining crashes.

The set includes 142 colorful tracks that are easy for little hands to connect. It also comes with two motorized emergency vehicles and many accessories, including bridges, cross tracks, traffic signs, and more.

First-Hand Impression

I recently bought this toy for my 3-year-old nephew, and it has been a fantastic addition to our existing track collection. The bridge, corner turn, gate, and cobble strip are sturdy and provide endless fun for kids of all ages. However, the white clip-on streetlights sometimes lean over and block the cars' paths. The track is durable and easy for my 5-year-old niece to assemble, allowing her creativity to shine through in her track designs. Unfortunately, we had some difficulty changing batteries in the cars, but once we figured it out, it became much easier. Despite a few minor setbacks, my kids have enjoyed playing with this track more than any other toy I've ever bought.


Mickey and the Roadster Racers

Best Disney Race Track

Is your child a Mickey Mouse fan? Hot dog! Bring some Disney magic to your home with this race track.

This unique set encourages socialization. Kids can race their cars to the finish line with the two competing tracks. Although only one Mickey Mouse car is included with the set, you can purchase additional character cars. Your child can also connect this raceway to other Mickey Mouse Roadster tracks for endless play ideas.

Personal Experience

I'm impressed with the durability and sturdiness of this toy, even after being stepped on multiple times. The track was easy to set up and works well with other Mickey tracks, but I found that it doesn't connect seamlessly with other Roadsters sets. While it comes with one car, I recommend purchasing an additional car pack to maximize the fun of this two-car ramp/track.


Theo Klein Bosch Car Park

Best for Creativity

We love the multiple levels on this tow that allow room for others to join in on the fun. It helps children of all ages think creatively and make decisions. Will they use the exit ramp, wash the car, or visit the gas station?

This toy is great for encouraging imagination and roleplay. It’s easy to use a wide range of car bands with the track so siblings or friends can enjoy this car park together.

Personal Insight

I'm impressed with the durability of this toy car park, as my boys have enjoyed playing with it for years. However, the large number of stickers required for assembly can be tedious, and the ramps sometimes cause the cars to get stuck or misalign with the tracks. Despite these minor flaws, my kids continue to find it entertaining, particularly when their friends come over. The toy's size is also convenient for storage, as it can be easily disassembled.


Inspiration Play Tube Race Track

Easy to Set Up

This toy may not be the most advanced option, but kids love it and will spend hours finding unique ways to play with it. Your child will enjoy learning what angles to use to make the cars — or balls, marbles, and other small toys — run down the tube.

It only takes seconds to set up, without needing any tools or batteries, meaning your children can take pride in assembling it themselves. The simple design allows for pure, old-fashioned fun. It also comes in three pieces, which makes it simple to store away or pack and take with you.

Community Review

This simple yet entertaining toy has been a hit with my grandkids, especially when racing their cars down the tube. The clear middle section adds excitement as they can watch the cars in action, and the rubber ends help prevent slippage. However, the tube sections can be a bit loose and may require some adjustments to fit more snugly, but it's not a major issue.


Simplay3 Carry and Go Durable Track Table for Toy Cars

Best Award-Winning Race Track Toy

Hailed as the National Parenting Product Award Winner, this is not only a parent’s choice track but it will also be a winner in your child’s heart. Both sides of the track table act as a racing track for cars or trains.

No need to put the pieces together as it comes fully assembled. You only need to place the decals to your liking. The sturdy plastic makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor play. You don’t need any batteries to use this track, and it’s lightweight at only 6.5 pounds, which is a great bonus when you’re traveling.

Individual Opinion

I recently purchased this track for my 2.5-year-old, and I must say, it has been a hit! This sturdy, well-made toy keeps him entertained for hours, flipping between the train side and the dirt track for his cars and trucks. Both my toddler and his older sibling enjoy playing with it, thanks to the variety of textures and features. The only downside is that the stickers don't seem to be of the best quality, but overall, this track has been a fantastic addition to our playtime.


Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends TrackMaster

Best Water Racing Track

Races don’t only take place on the road; they can happen at sea too. This unique toy allows Thomas the Tank Engine to roll into the docks and onto the ship for various creative play scenarios.

There are different colors, movements, and textures along the way. The motorized vehicles require batteries, but they last a long time. And the track is easy to assemble in order to set sail.

First-Hand Impression

I recently purchased this Trackmaster set for my kids, and it's been a solid addition to their collection. The set is a decent size and comes with a good amount of prong-snap track, as well as a battery-free boat that runs off the train wheels. However, the blue water track uses a puzzle piece style connection, which can come apart easily on uneven surfaces. While the boat can only carry a single engine, my kids have had a blast with Thomas going from boat to land and taking adventures throughout the house.


Construction Race Tracks Set

Best BPA-Free Race Track Toy

We all worry about our kids and what ends up in their mouths. But the best thing about this toy is that it’s made from non-toxic and BPA-free plastic.

With over 236 track pieces, you can encourage your child to think about creative ways to assemble colorful roads. They can also position a hanging bridge, a roadblock, multiple traffic signs, and other accessories.

Personal Experience

For those looking to entertain young children, this magic track set has been a popular choice as a gift. The track sections can be disassembled, which can be both a drawback and a source of fun for kids who enjoy taking things apart. However, be prepared to spend some time snapping them back together if they are unable to do it themselves. It's worth noting that the trucks may require some minor adjustments, such as fixing a misplaced switch, for optimal performance. While the set is not the sturdiest and the batteries in the cars may not last long, it still provides hours of creative fun for children at an affordable price.


Wesprex Dinosaur Track Toy Set

Best Race Track Toy for Older Children

You can step back into the Jurassic period for some fun with this one. The flexible tracks are great for creating endless routes to dodge dinosaurs. It lets your child’s imagination run wild.

Furthermore, the set is easy to take apart, which is fantastic if you’re on the go or trying to teach your little ones how to clean up after themselves.

Personal Insight

As a gift for my young grandson, this dino track has been a huge hit. Although the track width is not compatible with glow track cars, the overall quality and durability is impressive. My grandson enjoys endless hours of play, easily assembling the track with minimal guidance. The quiet cars, fun tunnels, and automatic car-turning features make this toy a fantastic and engaging choice for children aged 3 to 9.


BluTrack 15-Foot Starter Set

Best for Adaptability

With countless configurations, this race track toy may entertain your kid for hours. The track is flexible, which means your child can bend and twist it any way they want. They can use it to create loops, ramps, and jumps.

Plus, it’s designed to be durable for lots of excitement indoors and outdoors. The plastic track fits most toy cars and includes a suction cup so your child can attach it to various surfaces for endless creative play ideas.

Community Review

I recently purchased this track for my kids, and it quickly became a hit with everyone from my 2-year-old to my 7-year-old, as well as some adults. This track is durable, easy to set up, and has provided countless hours of entertainment. Its flexibility allows for creative play and easy storage when not in use, as it simply rolls up. Although we experienced a minor issue with the suction cup, I was able to fix it with some heavy-duty tape.


Hot Wheels Versus Track Set

Best Track for Duos

For a classic take on racing, this track fits the bill. There are multiple ways your child can customize the tracks and jumps, which will test their creativity.

In addition, they can enjoy both side-by-side and head-to-head racing with a friend. This set even comes with a clamp to hold your tablet in place while you record all the action.

Individual Opinion

I've had a blast with this Hot Wheels Versus Track set, especially since it's compatible with Legos and easily connects to other Hot Wheels sets. The adjustable ramps provide various options for racing and crashing, and the included tablet stand is a fantastic bonus for recording the action. Although it can be a bit complicated for younger kids to maneuver, it truly offers endless fun and creativity for both children and adults alike.


Hot Wheels 4-Lane Race Track

Best Track for Group Play

Friendly competition, anyone? There are four lanes for high-speed fun on this track, which can fold up easily when it’s time to stop playing.

It’s easy to assemble, and the launcher is simple to operate and have fun with. While four players can join at once, only one makes it to the finish line, as the lanes become narrower the closer it gets to the end.

First-Hand Impression

Best purchase I've made in a while, this wall calendar features hilarious images of the Trailer Park Boys and even includes their birthdays for an extra touch of humor. During my time using it, I've found the size and quality to be just as advertised, making it easy to read and enjoy. I do wish it included more action scenes, but overall, it's been a fantastic addition to my daily routine and a great conversation starter.


ToyVelt Dinosaur Toys Race Track Toy

Best for Storytelling

Kids have big imaginations, but we say the bigger, the better. This set lets your child build their own roads and set up dinosaurs for their story. It even comes with a coloring book and crayons. So when your child isn’t building the tracks, they can be thinking about them while they work on their artistic skills.

Some moms may find the battery-operated vehicle annoying, but it can be fascinating for kids to watch and understand movement.

Personal Experience

My experience with this toy has been nothing but positive, as my kids and even my grandkids have enjoyed playing with it over the years. The updated version keeps the fun going with automatic trucks rolling around on the track, requiring just one AA battery each. However, it's worth noting that the toy is smaller than it appears in the advertisement, but it's still great for young children. It's easy to assemble and disassemble, and its versatility allows for endless imaginative play.


Dinosaur Race Track

Best Eco-Friendly

The best feature of this race track set is that the tracks and toys are made from eco-friendly materials. This makes it non-toxic and safe for your little tot.

The all-inclusive and highly affordable set includes 144 track pieces, dinosaur cars with glowing eyes, several positionable dino toys, and many track enhancers, such as bridges, gates, and more.

Personal Insight

Best toy I've bought for my 2-year-old grandson in a while! This race track was super easy to assemble, and he's been playing with it non-stop for the past three months. There was a minor issue with one of the cars being damaged, but we substituted it with a Hot Wheels mini car, and it worked perfectly. The dinosaur doesn't stand up on its own and sometimes gets stuck in the gate, but my grandson doesn't seem to mind.


Fisher-Price Disney Mickey’s Wild Tire

Best for Young Daredevils

This toy is easy to assemble and a cinch to store away at the end of playtime. Could it be possible to have a tidy house after all?

If your child loves Mickey Mouse, they can hit the “Goofy gas launcher” and see how fast he goes around the loop-de-loop. Time to defy gravity — Disney style.

We love that this set doesn’t require batteries, allowing your child to power the play and preventing frustration.

Community Review

My experience with this racetrack has been nothing but positive, as it provides hours of entertainment for my niece, nephews, and even my own kids. Assembly and operation are fairly simple, but it's important to ensure the track is perfectly aligned to avoid any accidents. I found that some cars work better on the track than others, with Horace being the most successful in completing the loop. Although it may take a bit of strength for younger kids to operate the sling, once they figure it out, this toy becomes an instant favorite.


Fisher-Price Sit 'n Stand Skyway

Best Convertible Race Track Toy

Let’s be honest; children like to push the boundaries. But now you can encourage it when it comes to this fun racing toy. Your toddler can have a blast watching the wheeled vehicle go down the ramps and loops of the skyway. Or they can configure it to become a roadway.

Kids love that the set is like two in one, and it fits with a wide range of Little People cars you can purchase to add to the fun.

Individual Opinion

Best toy track I've ever bought for my grandson, as he's absolutely thrilled with the various car options and the interactive car wash feature. The assembly process was a bit challenging with 21 screws, but the clear instructions and numbered parts made it manageable within 20 minutes. The versatile design allowing vertical or horizontal play is a great space-saving feature, and the larger back-wheeled cars work best on the tracks.


VTech Go! Police Station Playset

Best Educational Option

Does your kid want to be a police officer when they grow up? This toy is more about tuning their fine motor skills than racing.

Your child can learn about the importance of emergency responders as they save the day with their police car. The battery-operated musical vehicle toy teaches letter recognition and includes fun songs about the role of a police officer.

Your child can set the track up in multiple ways and with various accessories to make for a fun traveling experience.

First-Hand Impression

These Smart Wheels sets have provided hours of interactive play for both kids and adults, with vibrant colors and pieces that click together easily. The police station set is a favorite, and the additional cars with special sensors make various noises when driven over certain parts of the tracks, adding to the fun. However, the track does have a tendency to come apart, and some Go Go cars may not fit in certain areas like the elevator. Despite these minor issues, the sets encourage imaginative and creative play, reminiscent of the old Hot Wheels sets. Many users have expressed their enjoyment and plan to expand their collection with more sets and cars in the future.


Fisher-Price Thomas & Percy’s Race Set

Best Train Race Track

Thomas and Percy race head-to-head, letting you bond with your child through play. The toy trains are motorized for excitement, with separate tracks to see who can win.

There are also bridges and curves along the way, adding excitement and extra setup opportunities.

Personal Experience

I recently purchased this Trackmaster set for my kids, and it's been a solid addition to their collection. The set is a decent size and comes with a good amount of prong-snap track, as well as a battery-free boat that runs off the train wheels. However, the blue water track uses a puzzle piece style connection, which can come apart easily on uneven surfaces. While the boat can only carry a single engine, my kids have had a blast with Thomas going from boat to land and taking adventures throughout the house.

Types of Race Track Toys

There are many different race track toys to fuel your child’s imagination. The most common types include manual, motorized, and “launcher” styles.

Manual

Manual race cars are the most commonly used type. Your child will enjoy pushing the car around and creating a scenario on the tracks in any shape or form they like. This can suit young and older children alike.

Motorized

These race track toys generally involve the cars being powered along the tracks by batteries. This can be a good option for inquisitive younger kids who love to watch the motion.

Launcher

Launching race track toys are all about high speed and daring moves. Often, this can include racing or performing stunts. It might be a good option if your child likes high-paced play and enjoys socializing with other children.

How to Choose a Race Track Toy

These are some of the criteria we looked for when choosing the best race track toys.

Number of Track Configurations

Especially for older children, being able to arrange and rearrange their race tracks might keep them entertained and encourage decision-making skills and cause-and-effect understanding.

Indoors or Outdoors

Playtime is more versatile when race track toys can be used both inside and outside. Depending on the durability of the toy and what outdoor surfaces are available, your child can play in the sun or indoors on the carpet.

Storage Friendly

Race track toys that can be taken apart are easier to store. Some toys even include a trunk or box that helps keep everything organized.

Programmed Songs and Sounds

When a race track toy has sounds and music, younger children may be more interested in engaging with it. Music may also stimulate curiosity and encourage a focus on play.


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Headshot of Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Reviewed by

Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN, is a pediatric intensive care nurse at Children's Hospital of New York for the past 14 years. Jennifer also has extensive experience teaching Maternity and Obstetric Nursing, as well as Pediatrics Nursing.