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Best Train Tables of 2023

Updated
Choo choo — the best train tables are rolling in.

Does your little one love trains, but you’re getting tired of having to pick up tracks from the floor? For the small conductor, a train table is the perfect playtime accessory.

It allows your child to get off the floor and straighten their backs while still having fun. And with any luck, you’ll no longer have to hold back your screams of pain as you step on wayward train pieces all over your floors.

These tables come in all shapes and sizes — some allow for free imagination, while others have a theme. We’ve reviewed the ten best train tables, so there’s one for every child.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Simplay3 Portable Carry and Go Kids Race Track Toy Car Train Table, 2-Sided No...
Best Carry & Go
Simplay3 Carry & Go
  • Lightweight
  • 2-in-1 table with railway and racetrack
  • Durable double-wall plastic construction
Product Image of the Wooden Train Set Table for Kids, Deluxe Had Painted Wooden Set with Tracks,...
Best Colorful
Hey! Play! Train Table
  • Durable solid wood
  • No electricity needed
  • Exciting playing surface
Product Image of the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Multi-Activity Play Table for Playroom - Kids...
Best for Imaginative Play
Melissa & Doug Wooden Activity
  • Lots of potential for play
  • Spacious surface and large drawer
  • High-quality, wooden materials
Product Image of the Little Tikes Real Wooden Train and Kids Table Set with Over 80 Multicolor Pieces...
Best Wooden
Little Tikes Wooden Set
  • Sturdy built and reliable brand
  • 80-piece set
  • Large surface
Product Image of the Amazon Basics Wooden Train Set and Interactive Play Table for Kids, 47.4 x 33.46...
Best with Set
Amazon Basics Train Set
  • 120-piece train set
  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Child-friendly height
Product Image of the KidKraft Ride Around Town Wooden Train Set and Table with Helicopter, Airplane,...
Best for the Aspiring Mayor
KidKraft Ride Around
  • Thorough set with four scenes included
  • With useful storage bin
  • Excellent height for seated children
Product Image of the KidKraft Metropolis Wooden Train Set & Table with 100 Pieces and Storage Drawer,...
Best for Older Kids
KidKraft Metropolis
  • 100 pieces included with the table
  • Vibrant colors and detailed pieces
  • Large play surface
Product Image of the Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad, 3 Trains, Truck,...
Best for Portability
Melissa & Doug Take-Along
  • 17-piece set
  • Built in tracks
  • Sturdy wood construction
Product Image of the KidKraft Double-Sided Wooden Train and Activity Table with Built-In Storage...
Best for 4-Year-Olds
KidKraft Wooden Play
  • Excellent for imaginative play
  • Tons of layout options
  • Spacious drawer for toy storage
Product Image of the KidKraft Transportation Station Wooden Train Set and Table with Airport,...
Best for 3-Year-Olds
KidKraft Transportation Station
  • More than just a train table
  • Great for smaller-sized rooms
  • Two sets of tracks


The Best Train Tables of 2023

1. Simplay3 Carry and Go Track Table

Best Carry and Go Train Table

Toddlers and young children love feeling independent, which is why a train table such as this one from Simplay3 is excellent. It’s lightweight, at 6.5 pounds.

The table is suitable for kids ages 3 and up. It features side handles so your child can carry it themselves.

It’s a two-in-one table — on one side, there’s a railroad for the train. When you flip it, it’s a racetrack for toy cars.

On the train track, the rails run in a figure eight. It features a scenic experience for the miniature passengers with a small lake and quarry. These are decals you and your child can use to decorate the table.

On the race car track, your child gets to navigate their trucks and cars through obstacles. The table is made of double-wall plastic, which is durable, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.

Photo of the Simplay3 Carry and Go Track Table

Pros

  • Lightweight and has handles to promote independent play.
  • Two-in-one table with a railway and racetrack.
  • Durable double-wall plastic construction.
  • No assembly required.

Cons

  • Quite bland — could use more colors.
  • More included decals would be better.

Product Specs

Material Plastic
Train included No
Dimensions 35.5 inches by 17.5 inches by 4 inches
Weight 6.5 pounds
Recommended age 3 years and up

2. Hey! Play! Wooden Train Set Table

Best Colorful Train Set

Your little one will enjoy hours of fun with this super bright and colorful train set. The table includes roadway, natural habitat and waterways for endless amounts of fun. You can completely customize the wooden train track and other accessories — like a bridge — over the awesome track. No two tracks will be the same!

If your little one would like, they can take the playing surface off the table and put it on the floor. This allows for even more space to play around with.

We love that there are no batteries, electronics or tools. It’s old-fashioned and straightforward for endless play no matter where you are.

Photo of the Hey! Play! Wooden Train Set Table

Pros

  • It’s made with durable solid wood for years of play.
  • No electronics so you can play with this anywhere, even during a power cut.
  • Exciting playing surface to keep your child occupied.
  • Completely customizable tracks, so your little one can build it dozens of different ways.

Cons

  • The pieces don’t fit that well, so they may come apart during play.
  • Many customers claimed the wooden pieces were scratched or dented upon arrival.

Product Specs

Material Wood and nylon
Train included Yes
Dimensions 32.5 inches by 23.5 inches by 15.75 inches
Weight 25.4 pounds
Recommended age 4 years and up

3. Melissa & Doug Wooden Multi-Activity Play Table

Best Train Table for Imaginative Play

This table from Melissa & Doug is great for children of all ages. It’s a multi-activity table, meant to be used for train tracks, arts, block play, puzzles, and dolls.

Melissa & Doug always use high-quality, wooden materials, and this table is no exception. It’s made of top-notch wood, coated in a white finish with a green deck.

The table is spacious, so there’s room for several children to play at once without it feeling overcrowded. It’s suitable for kids aged 3 to 8.

You’ll appreciate the big drawer included — it’s perfect for storing away toys. Once your little one is ready to play again, they can take out everything by themselves. You’ll have to purchase the train and track set separately, however.

Photo of the Melissa & Doug Wooden Multi-Activity Play Table

Pros

  • Lots of potential for play.
  • Spacious surface and large drawer.
  • Good materials.
  • A breeze to keep clean.

Cons

  • Train set is sold separately.
  • The table isn’t high, so children have to kneel when playing.

Product Specs

Material Wood
Train included No
Dimensions 16 inches by 32.5 inches by 50 inches
Weight 59.8 pounds
Recommended age 3 to 8 years

4. Little Tikes Wooden Train Table

Best Wooden Train Table

If you’re looking for a sturdy, wooden train table for your active child, then take a peek at this. Little Tikes’ table is both durable and fun.

The table is designed so children can let their imagination run free. It’s suited with robust legs that can hold your child’s weight, should they decide to hop onboard.

It’s built with a drawer just below the train table for easy cleanup with messes. The table does require some assembly, but most parents said it was a breeze.

Photo of the Little Tikes Wooden Train Table

Pros

  • Sturdy built and reliable brand.
  • Suitable for various activities.
  • Large surface with room for complete train sets.
  • Straightforward to assemble.

Cons

  • It’s more expensive than other options.

Product Specs

Material Wood
Train included Yes
Dimensions 25.5 inches by 30.75 inches by 13.5 inches
Weight 27 pounds
Recommended age 3 years and up

5. Amazon Basics 120-piece Wooden Train Set

Best Train Table with Set

If you’re searching for a complete set with a table included, we’ve found it. This table from Amazon Basics provides your child with everything needed for some wholesome train fun. It’s suitable for children ages 3 and up.

In the bundle, your child gets a set of 120 pieces to complete the look, all made of wood and easy to assemble. These include items such as tracks, a police station, a bridge, a school, and cars, as well as others.

The tabletop is embellished with roads, trees, and a small farm to spark the imagination. Then your little one can put the tracks and mini-city wherever they please, promoting creativity, coordination, and motor skills.

Photo of the Amazon Basics 120-piece Wooden Train Set

Pros

  • All-inclusive bundle with a table and an 120-piece train set.
  • Affordable for most budgets.
  • Promotes traits such as coordination and motor skills.
  • Child-friendly materials.

Cons

  • Some wish the parts included were numbered for a breeze in assembling.

Product Specs

Material Wood
Train included Yes
Dimensions 47 inches by 34 inches by 16 inches
Weight 41 pounds
Recommended age 3 years and up

6. KidKraft Ride Around Town Train Set and Table

Best Train Table for the Aspiring Mayor

Do you have a natural-born leader on your hands? If your child wants to run their own city, then this train table from KidKraft is a good pick. It’s a complete set with a table and a mini-city.

In the set, your child gets four scenes — an airport, construction site, farm, and a sleepy town. They can ride their train over and under bridges, while the helicopter flies overhead — it’s fun.

What’s more, the table is large, so there’s ample room for more kids to play together. The set also allows children to get creative — the tracks don’t have to follow the instructions. They can create a different layout for each playtime.

Once your child has finished playing, they can stack all the pieces neatly in the included storage box. It sits conveniently underneath the table.

Photo of the KidKraft Ride Around Town Train Set and Table

Pros

  • Thorough set with four scenes included.
  • Large surface with room for several children.
  • Useful storage bin included.
  • Excellent height for seated children.

Cons

  • The houses and animals are rather small.
  • The train tracks are only one-sided, which restricts how you can place them.

Product Specs

Material Wood
Train included Yes
Dimensions 49 inches by 34 inches by 16 inches
Weight 43 pounds
Recommended age 3 to 12 years

7. KidKraft Metropolis Train Table & Set

Best Train Table for Older Kids

Let your child’s imagination soar with this metropolitan-inspired train table from KidKraft. It has everything your kiddo needs for hours of imaginative play.

The table comes with a bundle consisting of 100 pieces, decked out in colorful hues. Contents include magnetic three-car trains, capable of gliding above the city on the elevated tracks. There’s also a double-decker suspension bridge, tall mountains, a police station, and boats.

Your child can build the city how they like, or follow the included instructions. The play surface on the table sports vibrant colors to kickstart the imagination. It’s smooth and a breeze to keep clean — when finished playing, everything is stored in the included box.

Photo of the KidKraft Metropolis Train Table & Set

Pros

  • One hundred pieces included with the table.
  • Vibrant colors and detailed pieces.
  • Large play surface, allowing for multiple friends.
  • Storage bin included for easy cleanup.

Cons

  • The tracks come apart too easily.

Product Specs

Material Wood
Train included Yes
Dimensions 46.9 inches by 32.9 inches by 26.8 inches
Weight 81 pounds
Recommended age 3 to 12 years

8. Melissa & Doug Take-Along Railroad

Best Portable Train Table

If your little one wants to bring the train toy with you without any trouble assembling it, this product is what you will be needing.

Its built-in design is perfect to take along with you during vacations or short trips. You no longer need a table for it because the product in itself will serve as the table plus the train track.

Everything comes in the box — the tracks, train set, and accessories. Your little one enjoys the scenic view and mountainous part, transporting cannons and goods.

Photo of the Melissa & Doug Take-Along Railroad

Pros

  • Affordable.
  • Variety of options to choose from.
  • Very portable.
  • Sturdy wood construction and fantastic finish.

Cons

  • Needs a flat surface to work well.

Product Specs

Material Wood
Train included Yes
Dimensions 2.75 inches by 15.38 inches by 10.75 inches
Weight 0.05 pounds
Recommended age 3 and up

9. KidKraft Double-Sided Wooden Train and Activity Table

Best Train Table for 4-Year-Olds

The Wooden Play Table by KidKraft is excellent for the child with a vivid imagination. It’s simple — in the best way.

It’s a basic wooden table with a scenic picture on the deck, displaying a parking lot, green area, and beach. A train set isn’t included, but it’s compatible with nearly any kit.

The free space of the deck allows for endless layouts. Your child can construct as they please and take the miniature passengers on a trip to the shore.

The tabletop is double-sided, meaning you can flip it over for other activities. The table is large and includes a roomy drawer for storage.

Photo of the KidKraft Double-Sided Wooden Train and Activity Table

Pros

  • Excellent for imaginative play.
  • Tons of layout options.
  • Double-sided tabletop.
  • Spacious drawer for toy storage.

Cons

  • Train set not included.
  • Scratches quickly.

Product Specs

Material Wood
Train included No
Dimensions 47.6 inches by 31.6 inches by 15.8 inches
Weight 40 pounds
Recommended age 3 to 8 years

10. KidKraft Transportation Station Train Set

Best Train Table for 3-Year-Olds

The perfect play station for a 3-year-old is one that combines trains, airports, and a construction vehicle. KidKraft included it all in this train table and set.

It’s a little boy’s dream bundle. They can drive the train around town, taking people to and from the airport. Then stop by the construction site to pick up the workers after a long day.

They’ll love the bulldozer and the moving crane that lifts cargo around the site. Your little one can fly the helicopter or airplane, then land on the helipad and landing strip. People can rush down the escalator to catch the train — It’s fun, and there’s room for a friend.

Photo of the KidKraft Transportation Station Train Set

Pros

  • Much more than just a train table.
  • Great for smaller-sized rooms.
  • There are two sets of tracks.

Cons

  • Not the biggest — two kids maximum.
  • Only one train is included despite the picture showing two.

Product Specs

Material Wood and plastic
Train included Yes
Dimensions 34.2 inches by 26.8 inches by 26.2 inches
Weight 24.2 pounds
Recommended age 3 to 8 years

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Material Train included Dimensions Weight Recommended age
Simplay3 Carry & Go Carry & Go Plastic No 35.5″ x 17.5″ x 4″ 6.5 lbs 3 years and up
Hey! Play! Wooden Colorful Wood and nylon Yes 32.5″ x 23.5″ x 15.75″ 25.4 lbs 4 years and up
Melissa & Doug Wooden Activity For Imaginative Play Wood No 16″ x 32.5″ x 50″ 59.8 lbs 3 – 8 years
Little Tikes Wooden Wood No 25.5″ x 30.75″ x 13.5″ 27 lbs 3 years and up
Amazon Wooden Train Set With Set Wood Yes 47″ x 34″ x 16″ 41 lbs 3 years and up
KidKraft Ride Around For the Aspiring Mayor Wood Yes 49″ x 34″ x 16″ 43 lbs 3 – 12 years
KidKraft Metropolis For Older Kids Wood Yes 46.9″ x 32.9″ x 26.8″ 81 lbs 3 – 12 years
Melissa & Doug Take-Along Portable Wood Yes 2.75″ x 15.38″ x 10.75″ inches 0.005 lbs 3 years and up
KidKraft Double-Sided Wooden Table For 4-Year-Olds Wood No 47.6″ x 31.6″ x 15.8″ 40 lbs 3 – 8 years
KidKraft Transportation Station For 3-Year-Olds Wood and plastic Yes 34.2″ x 26.8″ x 26.2″ 24.2 lbs 3 – 8 years

Educational Value of Train Tables

There are plenty of reasons why you should invest in a train table. For starters, it’s a great gift for your child’s enjoyment, but it also has an educational value.

While building their layout of tracks, they’ll have to use logic to fit everything together. Then they’re forced to ask themselves where to place the mountain, the station, or the bridge. If something doesn’t quite fit, it enhances their problem-solving skills.

Younger kids will also get to practice their fine motor skills (1). It may be challenging for them at first, piecing everything together, but soon they’ll develop the skills necessary to play independently.

How to Choose a Train Table

Included Features

Some train tables are round, and others are rectangular. Some are bare, while others include a load of accessories.

Tables that include a full set of trains and tracks are an excellent place to start. It eliminates the need for purchasing a separate bundle, and it’s ready to use from day one. Some sets provide other accessories such as buildings, cars, and helicopters.

However, make sure the quality of the included bundle is decent. Some are poorly made and won’t hold up for long.

There are also tables featuring a double-sided deck. These are fantastic if your toddler needs a place for other activities as well.

No matter what’s included, we recommend finding one that features a painted landscape. This helps kickstart the imagination, creating a path for the adventure your youngster is about to embark on.

Room for Creativity

No doubt your child will have to use their imagination when playing. However, some tables have set limits as to how far kids can take their creativity. Some don’t allow the user to create their own layouts, and they must follow instructions to a tee.

If train tracks are included, look for those that are double-sided. This allows for free roam as to how the layout should be, enhancing your child’s creative side (2). You may be surprised by their inventions.

Quality of Materials

Train tables have to be sturdy — children try to climb them or maneuver them around the home. Some manufacturers use plastic, and if choosing this type, look for one that uses a double-wall construction.

Most companies use wood, which is great for indoor use. The tables become a piece of furniture, durable enough to hold a small child who likes to climb.

If you’re searching for a table for the playhouse in your garden though, go for plastic. Wood will likely begin to mold after some time, which isn’t safe for your child.

Quality Control

A good way to ensure the quality is up to standards is by choosing a known and trusted brand. The best brands for train tables include KidKraft, Step2, and Melissa & Doug.

Size and Height

These are two crucial elements. Do you want your child to be able to stand while playing, or should they sit on the floor or in a chair?

Heights vary significantly — some tables are suitable for a 4- to 5-year-old to stand at comfortably. Others have short legs and are merely elevated enough so your child doesn’t have to build train tracks on the floor.

With the size, you want to find something that suits your home. Some wooden tables are rather large and heavy, meaning you can’t move it easily or store it away. Consider where you’ll be placing it and pick a fitting size.


All Aboard!

Playing with trains is great for developing and enhancing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving. The best train tables come with fun features, room for creativity, are the right size, and are made of quality materials. We recommend a wooden table with a double-sided deck.

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Headshot of Shannon Serpette

Edited by

Shannon Serpette

Shannon Serpette is an award-winning writer and editor, who regularly contributes to various newspapers, magazines, and websites. Shannon has been featured on Insider, Fatherly, SheKnows, and other high profile publications. As a mother of two, she loves to write about parenting issues and is dedicated to educating other parents at every stage of their child's development.