The 6 Best Toys For 3-Year-Old-Boys

Key Points

• The #1 item on our list of toys for 3-year-old boys is the KidKraft Ride Around Town Wooden Train Set.

• We searched the web and various websites to find the best fun and engaging toys for 3-year-old boys.

• At this age, it is as important to educate your child and help them to develop as it is to keep them appropriately entertained, and the toys we picked for this list really fit the bill.

• When it comes to buying toys for 3-year-old boys, you should follow the guidelines of development for the age group. The milestones at 3 years old include a better ability to walk and navigate surroundings, the ability to catch and throw balls, jump up and down, and draw shapes, among others. Find toys that help them to improve these essential skills. 

Entertainment and Education Are Equally Important

Your little boy is growing so fast! Now that your child is likely past the crawling stage, they are walking, and they’re saying a handful of words, it is time to reward them with a fun toy. You really need to be involved in their development at this time because they will start to grow into their own. You can reward them and encourage positive behaviors by making smart toy purchases.

At 3 years old, children will start to develop many movement milestones, including the ability to kick balls, go up and down stairs, and move forward and backward with ease. On a cognitive level, your 3-year-old should be able to follow simple commands, correctly identify shapes and colors, and engage in fantasy play. These are small milestones that can make a big difference as your child continues to grow older.

When you buy toys, you need to look for things they like, but you also need to prioritize education. Find toys that help them to engage in fantasy play and that utilize shapes and colors. The more they play, the more they will learn. Also, find toys that allow them to play with siblings and friends, as those relationships are important as well.

We believe that we have found six toys that will entertain and educate your child. They include toys that use shapes, characters, and fantasy play, and there’s bound to be something that your little guy will love.

Top Pics: The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old-Boys

After reviewing many different toys on the market, we found the six best toys for 4-year-olds. The toys listed below are fun, and they provide extra stimulation for kids that need it.

#1 Best Overall: KidKraft Ride Around Town Wooden Train Set

Truly one of the best toys for 3-year-old boys, this massive train set from KidKraft offers hours of fun with over 100 trains and accessories.

This large and expansive train set sits on a high-quality table that is the perfect height for your young son. Perfect for kids 3-8 years of age, this set comes with over 100 pieces, which include the train track, multiple train parts, plus a toy helicopter, plane, and a moveable crane. This set is also compatible with the Brio and Thomas and Friends wooden train sets that are sold separately.

The set also includes many figurines, including farmers, construction workers, and doctor characters that can populate the background. The train rides on a wooden track. Kids can build the track to their preferences. The pieces fit together with simple tongue-and-groove connections that are easy for 3-year-olds to use.

In addition to being a lot of fun, the set also teaches your kid valuable lessons. It teaches lessons about creativity and imagination. It also helps kids to improve their coordination, dexterity, and basic skill recognition. Plus, the constant movement boosts physical activity. Children also learn problem-solving as they fit the track together so the train can ride properly.

This set is incredibly well crafted and made with care. Each piece is hand-painted, and it is incredibly realistic. It is also backed by a 90-day warranty. If your kids love trains, then get them this set.

Pros and Cons of the KidKraft Ride Around Town Wooden Train Set

2. Best of the Toys for 3 Year Old Boys That Love To Create and Draw: Crayola Light Up Activity Board

Kids that love to create and color will adore this Crayola Light Up Activity Board that helps them learn their shapes while they have a blast.

Crayola has done it again with their light-up board that comes with three ultra-clean washable markers, 22 fun shape clings, and “complete the scene” transparency sheets and instructions that give your kids plenty of ideas for fun shapes and pictures to draw.

We know how kids can get carried away with their markers. This set solves that issue by providing washable markers that easily come off of clothing and skin. You can also buy additional Crayola markers and refills so the fun can continue throughout the day.

While it is fun, this toy is also great for your child’s growth and development. It teaches them about shapes, colors, and how mixing them together can make new shapes. Playing with the light board can also improve their dexterity and problem-solving skills. 

Best of all, the toy works in almost any atmosphere, even at night. The set is designed to glow in the dark for an extra special light show. Once they are done with this art project, the board can be easily erased with a damp cloth. This is a great gift for birthdays and holidays.

Pros and Cons of the Crayola Light Up Activity Board

3. Best of the Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys That Love Cars and Motion: PAW Patrol Rescue Mission Wooden Dashboard 

Fans of cars and Paw Patrol will love this PAW Patrol Rescue Mission Wooden Dashboard from Melissa & Doug that has a steering wheel and tons of lights and sounds.

Many boys love cars, trucks, and the idea of driving at this age. Many youngsters also love the popular cartoon Paw Patrol. They can combine both of their passions with this awesome rescue mission wooden dashboard.

This toy has it all. There is the realistic steering wheel, a key that turns, a shifter, a scrolling GPS, and tons of cool sound effects and dashboard lights. It also has turn signals, a horn, and a siren.

The idea behind the toy is that your children can insert three different double-sided mission cards that will tell them where they need to drive and what they need to do. In addition to being a lot of fun, the dashboard also teaches your kids about teamwork, humor, and adventure. As they tackle the adventure of the day, they also develop social, emotional, and developmental skills.

This is a great toy that your kids can bring with them on trips. There are hundreds of combinations to try, and there is always something new to explore. Plus, it is bilingual. The main character, Ryder, gives instructions in either English, Spanish, or French.

Pros and Cons of the PAW Patrol Rescue Mission Wooden Dashboard 

4. Best of the Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys That Love to Sing and Play: Bluey Dance and Play 14″ Animated Plush

This soft and cuddly Bluey doll will be your 3-year-old’s new favorite bedtime companion. In addition to being exceptionally soft, she also sings and dances.

When your 3-year-old isn’t running around making friends with the neighborhood kids, he will be talking with this adorable Bluey plush. This amazing toy is incredibly animated as it dances and waves its arms and legs. The doll will randomly dance, hop on one leg, and wave her hands in the air.

This Bluey is also very active. It also says over 55 funny, adorable, and interesting phrases. Your kids can hear all of these amazing sound effects by simply pushing Bluey’s belly. Children will have a ball as they dance along with their favorite character. It is a great way for them to get exercise and work on their hand-eye coordination.

At 13-inches tall, this plush is the perfect height for hugging and cuddling. Although they are sold separately, there are also many other accessories that you can buy, from outfits to other plushies that provide your kids with endless fun. If you want the pair, you can also buy Bluey’s sister Bingo. All-in-all, these are great toys for your growing boy.

Pros and Cons of the Bluey Dance and Play 14″ Animated Plush

5. Best of the Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys That Love To Play Doctor: Melissa & Doug Wooden Get Well Doctor Activity Center

Kids who love to pretend and investigate the world around them will adore this Get Well Doctor Activity Center that comes with fun accessories.

At this age, it is important that you buy toys for 3-year-old boys that encourage them to play make-believe, and this doctor activity center is a great way to do that. This is a large and sturdy wooden multi-sided space that has an exam room, waiting room, sink, and reception room.

The set comes with a ton of accessories, including:

• 2 X-rays to display
• Blood pressure monitor with adjustable cuff
• Adjustable height bar
• Scale with movable weight
• Clock with movable hands
• Reversible diploma/window card
• Sanitizer pump
• Movable tool hooks and holders
• Sink

Despite the size, this is an incredibly realistic doctor’s office. Cool details include cool signage, a credit card reader with a card, a patient information file and holder, a wooden cell phone and holder, and a file return slot, among other items. 

This really is a very expansive set that your kids will simply adore. They can play alone or bring over siblings and friends and give them a pretend exam. Consider this toy if your kids are interested in doctors and hospitals.

Pros and Cons of the Melissa & Doug Wooden Get Well Doctor Activity Center

6. Best of the Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys That Boats and Make Believe: Disney Junior Adventure Pirate Ship

Combining all of their favorite Disney characters with an epic toy ship, this Mickey Mouse Funhouse Treasure Adventure Pirate Adventure is a must-have.

If your kids love the Disney characters as much as so many other children, then they will be thrilled over this set that features Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and three other famous figures as they go on an adventure on the high seas. In addition to being a ton of fun, this set was also nominated for Toy of the Year Finalist, NAPPA Award.

Inspired by the show, this set includes many fun accessories, including the detailed pirate ship, a spyglass, three water balls, treasure pieces, a treasure chest, a small row boat, and more. The toy also makes cool sound effects, and your kids will love to dance and sing along with the songs.

The Disney characters can engage in all kinds of activities, from sliding down the fun blue slide to shooting water balls out of the cannon. The back of the boat also swings open so you can store the little pieces inside so it doesn’t make a mess. 

Like the other toys on this list, this set will also teach your 3-year-old important developmental skills, including memory and fine motor skills. It also allows them to use their imagination and creativity to play make-believe. The set requires three AAA batteries.

Pros and Cons of the Disney Junior Adventure Pirate Ship

Criteria: How To Choose The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds

Since all toys for 3-year-olds will be unique in their own way, there are factors that you will want to watch for, and close attention to detail is crucial when shopping for this age group.

Here are the considerations to make when choosing a toy:

• Price
• Reviews
• Educational Factors

Price

Price will always be an important consideration regardless of the age of your child, but when you realize that your youngster may not be as careful with toys as you would like, then price should be an important consideration. Buy a quality product but make sure that you aren’t paying more than you need. Read the reviews to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.

Reviews

While you are reading the reviews, pay close attention to the quality of the product. Just like you, other parents are also fiercely protective of their kids, and they will tell you if the toy you are about to buy is not worth the money. They will tell you if there are any pieces that can easily break, how hard it is to assemble, and if the real item looks like it does in the pictures. Make it a point to read some five-star and one-star reviews so you can get both ends of the spectrum.

Educational Factors

As we mentioned, it is important that you find a toy that can aid in the development of your child. Movement is big at this age, as are shapes, colors, and pretend play. When you are looking at toys, find those that match your needs. If you are ever in doubt, do some more research or read the customer reviews. 

FAQs

Below are some of the commonly asked questions that parents ask when shopping for toys for 3-year-old boys.

Q. Are There Any Other Categories of Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys?

A. While we compiled six of the best toys for 3-year-old boys currently on the market, there are many other categories that boys may like, including kinetic sand, play-doh, themed play sets, ride-on toys, and costumes. Many kids also like to swim and play in the bath, so water toys may also be a good fit.

Q. What Other Types of Items Might 3-Year-Old Boys Enjoy?

A. While most young kids will prioritize toys, there are other items that your child may enjoy having. Items like posters, flashlights, and fun posters are good. You can also teach kids financial responsibility by having a wallet or piggy bank to carry around. A sleeping bag and other outdoor supplies could also be fun for a camping trip. Ask your kids what they like and buy something that fits their interests.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/AnaBGD.