I grew up with a train-loving dad, so train toys have a special place in my heart. That’s why I jumped at the chance to bring the KidKraft Ride Around Town Train Table into my house for my youngest son (age 7, who is currently obsessed with cars) to enjoy. Read on to find out if got my boy hooked on the cars that go “choo choo”—and if the train tradition is safe for another generation of my family.
Setup: I think I can…
This train table was relatively easy to set up. The table arrives in several large pieces that can be put together in about 15 minutes. Essentially, you just have to screw the length, sides, and underneath support pieces (for the drawers and tabletop) together. Then, set down the two pieces that make up the tabletop and slide the drawers into place. It ends up measuring 48 by 33 by 15.5 inches. Laying out the track, including the bridge and elevated mountain pieces, was a cinch, too. The track loops over the map of the town illustrated on the tabletop. Then, the various figures, buildings, vehicles, and other pieces, such as animals, can be arranged along the sides of the track. Finally, in go the train cars. The whole process took a little over half an hour. The prescribed layout is pictured on the box, but after initially setting it up as instructed, my kids and I decided to try multiple other configurations, which added to the fun (particularly for older children). My kids enjoyed moving the track pieces around until we settled on an arrangement everyone approved of.
Design: Choo choo
The KidKraft Ride Around Train Set and Table is a great-looking toy. The table is made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is engineered from wood, as well as T molding, or plastic edging, and melamine. Within the train table, there are multiple scenes, including a farm, construction site, hospital, lake, and airport, all in which children can dream and play. The smooth, sturdy wood pieces are all finely decorated: Not only are there the requisite train cars (seven) but this toy includes an airplane, a helicopter, a boat, and two other vehicles, as well as six human figures and three animals. Excellent attention to detail went into this toy’s design, from the bright colors of the elaborate scenes, which cover the entire face of the train table, to the sweet faces on each of the farm animals.
Entertainment Value: What’s not to love?
The track is easy to work with and can be set up in multiple ways, which creates more opportunities for play. My son and his pals have now spent countless afternoons coming up with new play scenarios using the vehicles, animals, and people that populate this train set. There are more than enough pieces to go around, even with several kids playing. This reduces fighting over favored items (the elevated bridge, airport, and construction area with moving crane top this list) and makes it great for siblings and playdates. Additionally, the set is compatible with BRIO and Thomas & Friends pieces—some of which we have at home. My son was thrilled to give his other train toys a new track to ride.
Educational Value: Hours of imaginative play
All the pieces can be moved, built, and adjusted, helping kids to develop many skills, including spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination, all while the child imagines and plays. Building this set into different configurations also enhances a child’s real-world understanding of how pieces fit together, the forces of gravity, and general concepts in building a structure. Additionally, the town theme adds knowledge about how cities and the transportation system supporting them operate.
Age Range: 3 and up
This KidKraft train table is designed for kids ages 3 and up. I believe the optimal age is from around 4 to 9, and it has been quite a hit with my 7-year-old son. Because there are so many pieces, he can share the set with friends; there’s enough to go around. I wouldn’t recommend buying it for a child over the age of 9, though: Two of my older boys (ages 10 and 12) have enjoyed the toy, but mostly in terms of setting it up and then reconfiguring.
Ease of Cleaning: Nothing to it
This set is easy to maintain and clean. There are two storage bins that fit beneath the train table, so it’s a snap to corral the pieces, even for little ones. Any spills or debris that end up on the table or the pieces can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth.
Price: Slightly high but fair
The price of this train table is about $150, but it can be found for as low as $118; definitely shop around for the lowest cost at the time of purchase. However, I think anywhere within this range is a good deal. Compared with other train sets on the market, this one is very well made and detailed, with solid pieces that are built to last.
KidKraft Ride Around Town Train Table vs. Zonxie Wooden Train Track Set with Table
Both toys are designed for kids 3 and up and would be enjoyable for any train enthusiast, but the Zonxie set seems more appropriate for the preschool set, while the KidKraft one is more likely to keep elementary-aged kids engaged. The Zonxie train set also costs less, retailing at around $90. If the price is an issue, the Zonxie set is a decent option, especially for little conductors. However, to keep the fun going for years to come, I’d invest in the KidKraft model. This KidKraft Ride Around Town Train Table is a fantastic buy for any train-loving child. The 100 included pieces provide variety, so your little conductor-in-training will spend hours with this toy—and you’ll likely want to join in as switch operator, helicopter pilot, or farmhand to get in on the fun, too.
