Most of us probably had a toy fire truck at some point in our lives. They’re one of those timeless toys that pass through generations of boys and girls.
However, these days, toy fire trucks come in various shapes, sizes, and sophistication levels, not just for different age groups but also for different outcomes. So, whether you’re seeking to advance your child’s coordination skills or just want to introduce them to different civic institutions — you can find a fire truck to help you.
We’ve researched and rounded up all the best toy fire trucks. We’ve covered options that encourage imaginative play, offer noise and water features (and those that don’t!), and various levels of technology. We’re here to help you find the perfect fire truck based on your child’s needs.
- Sturdy wood construction
- Step-by-step assembly instructions
- Brilliantly illustrated panels
- With stud-shooter function
- 214 pieces
- Includes 2 firefighter minifigures
- Made of recycled plastic milk containers
- No metal axles
- Free from harsh chemicals
- 15 inches
- Engine and rescue sounds
- Ladder rotates 360 degrees
- High-quality wood
- For ages 2-6 years
- Very affordable
- Remote controlled
- Realistic siren sounds
- Ladder that rotates manually
- Non-toxic finish
- Playful, hands-on learning
- Includes fire response tools
- Improves concentration and creativity
- Operates with remote
- Develops fine motor skills
- Entertaining
- Realistic sounds
- Educational creative play
- Hones mental acuity
- Multifarious design
- Lower price point
The Best Toy Fire Trucks of 2024
Here are 13 great fire truck toys to consider.
KidKraft Fire Station Set
Best Fire Truck Set
If your child loves imaginative play, this set can help them create a world all about firefighting. The 15-piece set is made entirely of wood and includes firefighters, a fire engine, a kitchen set, and a helicopter.
Your child can park the truck inside the fire station by opening and closing the garage doors. It can also be rolled around separately to “respond” when needed. When on its own, the fire engine has durable tires that allow it to roll on any surface. Designed for ages three and up.
User Experience
Lego City Ladder Truck
For Lego Lovers
Designed for children aged five and older, this Lego package can be your child’s first masterpiece. It has 214 pieces, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. But it is a great parent-child activity to do together.
Once assembled, the ladder can be rotated and extended. The hose can also be unraveled and attached to the characters. The set comes with two firefighter figurines and fake fire.
Personal Perspective
Green Toys Fire Truck
Great Choice for Babies
This truck is a safe and age-appropriate way to introduce fire trucks to your baby. Designed for kids ages one and older, it’s free of phthalates, BPA and PVCs. It also meets FDA food standards, so you won’t have to worry about your child licking it.
The truck comes with three ladders — two of which are removable — and the top one can rotate 360 degrees. At only 1.4 pounds, it’s easy for your baby to carry and push around. Because it’s dishwasher safe, you’ll be able to keep it clean and germ-free.
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Vebo Motorized Fire Truck
Best Fire Truck for Toddlers
The Vebo fire truck is decorated with extreme detail to look exactly like a real fire truck. On top of the truck, the ladder can be rotated to mimic an actual rescue process.
Designed for ages two and up, your toddler can push the buttons to make the truck move forward. It also makes engine and rescue sounds, in addition to music, thanks to the included AA batteries.
First-Hand Impression
Melissa & Doug Wooden Fire Truck
Great Classic Design
This wooden fire truck is a great option for those who want to reduce their children’s exposure to chemical off-gassing. It comes with a truck and three firefighters — all made of high-quality wood.
On the back of the truck is a lifting ladder that can move as your child wants. In the front portion, they can roll out a yellow hose to pretend to put out a fire. Designed for children from three to five years old, this truck can help your child count with figurines and learn to play imaginatively.
User Experience
Prextex RC Car Fire Truck
Best Toddler’s Remote Control
If your toddler is ready to experiment with technology, this remote-controlled fire truck is a wonderful introduction, recommended for children over 36 months. Using a simple, easy-to-handle remote control, your child can move the truck backward and forward.
A toy fireman sits in the driver’s seat of the 14-inch-long fire truck. The truck also includes honking sounds and flashing headlights — you have been warned! You also have an option to turn off and on the sound by pushing the red button within the fire truck.
Personal Perspective
Manhattan Toy Fire Truck
For Babies on the Move
Some older babies will happily sit on the floor and play with toys. If your child likes to sit and play, then this toy can be a great way to keep them occupied. This fire truck toy is designed for safe, hands-on play.
Aside from the firetruck, this set comes with a firefighter, extinguisher, axe, fire, fire hydrant, and water hose to increase your child’s coordination.
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Top Race Take Apart Fire Truck
For Future Engineers
This fire truck toy will encourage budding mechanical minds. Designed for ages three and up, your child can practice building the fire truck with the power tool construction kit.
Both the power drill and the transmitter are powered by four AA batteries (not included), while the car uses another set of batteries. To assemble the fire truck, tighten the loose parts. This kit is a 54-piece set.
First-Hand Impression
Funerica Toy Fire Truck
Longest Ladder Fire Truck
If your child loves to see how things work, this fire truck toy will provide plenty of entertainment. The truck itself is 10 inches long but has an extendable ladder that can reach nearly double its length. The ladder also rotates 360 degrees.
The truck features flashing lights and four different real-life sounds for kids that love noise and lights. It also comes with five fireman figurines, so your child and their friends can all play together. Recommended for ages three and over.
User Experience
Little People Fire Truck
Best For Imaginative Play
If your toddler is crazy about fire trucks, you may want to take it to the next level. This toy will have your little one help in combating fire through the “little people”.
Built with realistic sound-effects, your young fire firefighter will surely appreciate extending help. The sprinkler moves in circles which is a fun feature for kids who really get into imaginative play.
Personal Perspective
Playskool Transformers Fire-Bot
Two-in-One Transformer
If your child is into transformers and fire engines, this toy will combine the best of both worlds. The toy starts as a fire truck, but your child can also transform it into a fire-bot action figure in one simple move.
Designed for ages three to seven, this toy can teach them the basics of how things are made and fit together. The water cannon is attached to the front of the truck and can be carried by the action bot to keep your kids pretend-shooting for hours.
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Fire Truck Tent
Explore What's Inside
Active learning best happens during interaction with your toddler. Allow your child to experience pretend play while enjoying this fire truck-themed tent where he can spend his daily activities, such as playing or sleeping while inside this spacious playhouse that’s 45 inches long. Your little ones can even share this with their siblings or friends.
First-Hand Impression
Zets Electric Fire Truck
Fun at the Race Track
When your child is with friends, do they like to race cars? If so, why not throw a fire truck in the mix? This truck can provide tons of fun at play dates for kids older than three.
The realistic sirens and lights would contribute to interactive play for younger babies. The company also ensures a money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction.
User Experience
Choosing an Age-Appropriate Toy
Every child has different interests, capabilities, and developmental needs. Though fire trucks may seem like a niche product, they can actually fit into many different passions and hobbies.
Before you make a purchase, however, you may want to consider your child’s abilities to ensure the toy is a source of fun, not frustration.
1. Small Pieces
Some kids never even think about putting foreign objects in their mouths. Others seem to know exactly when you look away and are just waiting to taste those car keys. Either way, you probably have a good understanding of whether your child explores with their mouth or not.
If your child does this, it’s better to avoid toys with small pieces. Some fire trucks have removable wheels or small figurines associated with them. If your child tends to eat things or just put things in their mouths, this sort of toy will only cause you anxiety and could be dangerous.
Plush fire trucks or plastic trucks designed for ages three and under are less likely to contain small pieces (1). If you choose a plush fire truck for your infant, remember not to put your baby in their crib with it to sleep. On the other hand, Lego trucks should be avoided until your child gets a bit older.
2. Technology Level
Does your child like to take things apart and put them back together? Maybe they’re showing an interest in how things move. If so, you might want to consider a more technologically-advanced fire truck toy.
The most advanced fire trucks can introduce your child to the basics of engineering. That might be a lot for your five-month-old, though!
To avoid frustration or disinterest, you may want to start simple, with features like extendable ladders. As your child grows and makes the link between cause and effect, you can gradually move to remote-controlled trucks (2).
How to Choose a Toy Fire Truck
Fire trucks have a wide range of features and capabilities. Before purchasing a truck, consider what your child is interested in and what you’re willing to put up with.
Sets
Some trucks are sold separately, while others come as part of a set. If your child likes imaginative play, a set can be a great way to provide them with context. If the truck comes with a station, for example, you can use it as a tool to talk about work and buildings.
Not all kids like or are ready for imaginative play. Younger kids may just be interested in moving the truck along the living room floor.
Water and Noise Features
Some fire truck toys have features beyond just movement. Several products on the market have a working water pump, which can be fun on a hot summer’s day. Others make loud, life-like siren and honking noises.
These features can be difficult to turn off once your child knows they exist. If you’d rather keep these features out of your home, make sure the product you choose doesn’t have them.
