We’re going to look at one of the most important toy purchases you’re ever going to make in your life – the train table. If you have children into trains, then you know how it can be. A train table makes a very special gift for your child, and is also a gift for you, after all, it helps keep all of those trains and wooden tracks organized.
I’ve been through this process, and I did research. So much research. I’ve put together this ultimate guide to train tables for kids to save you some time. No matter what your budget is, or what space you have, we’re about to help you find the perfect train table.
How to Choose a Train Table
When you’re looking to find the perfect train table, there’s a few main things to keep in mind. First and foremost is size. How much space do you have to work with? The good news is that train tables come in all different sizes, so you will be able to find one to fit in your space. Knowing the space you are going to use it in is the first step. Also consider if you are looking for a square table or a rectangular table.
Next on the list is storage. Some train tables have built in storage drawers, and some don’t have drawers, but have plenty of room underneath to store trains and wooden track. Decide if this is a key feature for you. You can also buy many storage accessories to go with your train table.
Another big thing to think about is aesthetics. Would you like the train table to be a certain color to blend in with your decor?
One more decision point is a train set. Do you want a set to come with the train table, or do you already have plenty of trains around.
Finally, is versatility. Some train tables have other features, like additional play surface types and creative compartments. The best thing to do to get a feel for these features is to take a look at many train tables, which we are about to do.
To sum it up, this is what you should think about when picking a train table:
- Size and shape
- Storage
- Aesthetics
- Versatility
- With or without train set
Now that we’ve covered what to keep in mind, let’s take a look at some great train tables. Don’t worry, I’ve made a list.
Now we’re going to take a deeper dive into each of these options.
Kid Kraft Train Tables
If you’ve never heard of Kid Kraft, they are known for wooden children toys, and they have many options when it comes to train tables, no matter what you are looking for. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Kid Kraft train tables.
Kid Kraft Adventure Town Railway
This is an all around great train table that comes with a train set, and storage bins. It has a natural wood finish, and size wise is 43.5″ x 31″ x 21.1″.
Kid Kraft Metropolis
If you’re looking for a train table that generally looks nice, this is the one with its espresso finish. It looks like a really nice piece of furniture, and comes with a train set. It also features a large storage drawer. It is 46.5″ x 32.75″ x 26.63″.
Kid Kraft Waterfall Mountain
This is one of my favorites not only because of its large size, but the three very large storage bins which are enough to house most collections. It also comes with a 120 piece train set. It’s dimensions are 48.75″ x 34.4″ x 16″
KidKraft Double-Sided Wooden Train and Activity Table
If you’re looking for a versatile table without a train set, this option from Kid Kraft is a strong contender. It has a reversible play surface, one side is for trains, and the other is a white board. It features a storage drawer and is 47.64″ x 31.57″ x 15.75″. It is also one of the most economical options with the largest size on this list.
KidKraft 2-in-1 Reversible Top Activity Table
The Kid Kraft 2 in 1 activity table is a combination of a train table and a lego table. It comes with both a train set and lego compatible pieces, all of which can be stored underneath the reversible play surface. It is one of the smaller tables on this list with dimensions of 25″ x 23.5″ x 16 inches. While it is shown here with a natural wood finish, this train table also comes in black.
Imaginarium Train Tables
Imaginarium is another top brand when it comes to wooden toys. If I remember correctly, years ago you used to find Imaginarium primarily at Toys R Us, however now they have a mostly online presence. We have several Imaginarium train sets that have worn extremely well.
Imaginarium Metro Line Train Table
Imaginarium Wooden Ready to Play Table
If you’re short on space, and looking for great storage options and a ton of features – this is the hands down winner. It comes with train set, animal figures, building blocks, puzzles, and even a chalk board set. This is an all in one play station that will please any child, and is great for small spaces because it is jam packed with so many play items, and 26″ x 26″ x 13″.
Imaginarium All in One Train Table
This is another great train table option by Imaginarium. While it does come with a train set, it does not come with any storage drawers. Personally, I don’t see this as a downside, because you can put storage bins under the table easily. It comes with 25 pieces of wood track, as well as some other train set features. It is 46.2″ x 23.7″ x 15.8″.
Brio Train Table
Brio makes exactly one model of train table. If you are new to the wooden train world, you may not have heard of Brio before, but if you’ve been here for a while, you know what I’m talking about.
This is the train table I decided to go with, despite the fact it does not have built in storage. It has plenty of room to store bins of trains and awesome accessories underneath, and it has transitioned from a train table to a play table and back again many times.
It has a great painted surface that leads to some great track conditions, and has worn well in the three years I have had it.
It really is the most minimalist train table around, and I really have been happy with it. It does not come with a train stet.
Melissa and Doug Train Table
The Melissa and Doug train table is another great minimalist option. Personally I do not like the built in sotrage, which is why this one did not meet my needs. Other than that, it is very similar to the Brio option.
Hape Train Tables
Hape is another wooden toy brand, but it may not be as well known as some of the others. I have no idea why, because Hape toys are great quality, a ton of fun, and they have some really great train sets.
Hape Railway Play and Stow Storage and Activity Table
If you’re looking for a multi use table with great storage, this is it. This table is also on the smaller side compared to some others on this list, and opens up for extra storage, as well as two levels of play with a fun painted surface. It’s dimensions are 34.4″ x 27.8″ x 15.7″
Hape All-in-1 Deluxe Train Table with Battery Powered Locomotive
This Hape train table wasn’t around when I was in the market, if it was it may have been the strongest contender. This train table is just plain cool, and I’ve never seen anything like it. Hape also makes amazing battery powered trains, and this comes with one. This train table comes with a set, and has a ton of storage space underneath the play surface. If you’re looking for an amazing gift to a child to get them started with trains, this is the one to get!
Picking Your Train Table for Kids
Picking a train table for your kids is a huge decision. There’s so many things to think about, and I hope I’ve helped you pick out the important things for you and your family.
Let’s take a look at these amazing options one more time:
It really comes down to your own preferences, like size, price, and storage bins. You’ll be able to find the perfect train table on this list for sure!