Dinosaur Toys that Kids Will Love
Few things can spark a child’s imagination like dinosaurs. These prehistoric behemoths seem like something from a fantasy novel. The large size of some of these animals and their wild appearances have always captivated children. That’s why dinosaur toys have long been a staple in toy boxes. Learning about these creatures can be a fun and educational experience too. Here are 16 unique dinosaur toys that children are sure to love.
Melissa & Doug Giant Stuffed T-Rex
One thing about dinosaurs that always captures a child’s imagination is the immense size of some of these creatures. What better way to convey that massive size than with a large plush toy? This giant-sized stuffed T-Rex stands over two feet tall. It weighs in at just under 3 pounds. This T-Rex is made of a soft and high-quality polyester fabric. Younger kids will love to hug and snuggle with their dinosaur pal.
The anatomy of the T-Rex is basically correct and well proportioned. It comes in a striking, bold color scheme with blues, yellows and browns. There may be a lot of speculation on what color patterns a T-Rex really had, but on this one you get numerous spots and tiger stripes. It’s sure to stand out in any child’s toy collection. The stuffed T-Rex toy is rated as safe for children ages 3 and up.
Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Party Play Set
Collecting realistic dinosaur figures can be both fun and educational as a child learns about the different species. This nine-figure set can be a great starter pack on a child’s way to a large collection. It features nine miniature dinosaur figures to get the you started. Each figure is of a different species. All of them can stand on their own. Each one is approximately 2-3 inches high.
Every dinosaur is well sculpted and painted in bright colors to excite a child’s imagination. This set comes with a wooden case to store or carry the dinosaurs around in. The case design also makes it suitable as a display stand for the figures. The case is about 15-inches wide by 13.5-inches tall. The set was designed for children of age 3 and up.
Homofy Dinosaur Toys 192-Piece Race-Car Track
This fun playset combines a child’s love of both dinosaurs and cars into one fun package. You get a flexible track that can be put together in an endless number of ways. The track is flexible and can even easily be shifted around a bit after it’s constructed. Included are two battery-powered SUVs that can race around the track on their own. The cars are constructed of plastic and made to be rugged for some serious playtime.
Kids will be able to change the vehicle routes by controlling the Y-track piece that features a fork in the road. A turntable track piece lets the cars go in one way and exit in a another direction under their own power. You also get a number of plastic dinosaur figures and trees to complete the look of this set. Kids can use their natural creativity and design their own dinosaur theme parks.
TEMI Dinosaur Toys with Activity Play Mat
This dinosaur toy set comes with nine plastic figures and five trees. Each dinosaur figure is between 3- to 4-inches high and approximately 5- to 7.5-inches long. The figures come with a colorful play mat that measures in at 31.5-inches by 27.6-inches. The mat graphics depict a dinosaur-park theme.
One of the great things about this set is the size of the dinosaurs. The large figure sizes are great for tiny hands to grip onto. The size also means the playset will be less of a choking hazard. Children can set up the park just the way they want it and then enjoy hours of play with the colorful and sturdy dinosaur toys. The play mat is made of a sturdy fabric instead of the thin plastic mats you often find in similar playsets.
Ultimate Dino Dig Science Kit by Discover with Dr. Cool
This science kit is the perfect set for a potential future paleontologist. More than just another toy, this set has a lot of educational value in addition to offering hours of fun playtime. Plastic tools allow children to work at revealing a dinosaur skeleton in a “dig,” similar to how it’s done by the real pros. There’s a complete dinosaur skeleton to construct too, teaching the child about the anatomy of these fascinating animals.
This set also comes with an activity book that features numerous puzzles and challenges. Kids will also get three real fossils to allow them to cultivate a lifetime love of finding such treasures. Every set includes a real fossil of a dinosaur bone, a tooth and some prehistoric droppings. Best of all, this set can be enjoyed by multiple kids at the same time, as well as parents who want to lead their children along on their journey of discovery.
LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs set# 31058
LEGO sets have been a staple toy in the collection of children for decades. These colorful blocks can be used to foster a child’s creativity. Pieces from any given set are always compatible with other sets too. Each set can be built as intended with the included instructions, just like a model. A child may also use the blocks to come up with their own unique creations.
This set features 174 individual pieces. It’s designated as a 3-in-1 set because the pieces can be used to build three different dinosaur models. Kids will be able to make a T-Rex, a Triceratops and a Pterodactyl. The T-Rex stands at around 4-inches tall when completed. The Triceratops is around 3-inches tall and the Pterodactyl is around 7-inches long and 9-inches wide. This set is intended for kids aged 7 and up.
Discovery Kids Remote Control T-Rex
The Tyrannosaurus Rex is always a favorite among dinosaur lovers of all ages. Kids will enjoy taking direct control of one with this remote-controlled, lifelike T-Rex. This toy dinosaur features realistic proportions and a detailed sculpt that includes textured skin. A remote-control unit is designed to look like a stone tablet with big, prehistoric markings to designate the directions. The pictures and large buttons will make it easy to use for younger children.
This RC dinosaur toy features sounds as well as movement. The T-Rex can walk forward in a realistic manner and also roars at the touch of a button. You’ll need two AA batteries for the dinosaur and three AAA batteries for the controller. This toy is meant for children age 6 and up.
ZipBin Dinosaur Collector Toy Box & Play Set
This 2-in-1 item doubles as a play mat and a toy box for a child’s dinosaur-toy collection. Two 5-inch dinosaurs are included to help get your collection started. The dinosaur figures offer detailed sculpts and colorful paint jobs. They are crafted from a sturdy plastic. The toy box is about 13.5-inches wide, 12-inches deep and 8-inches high. It can fit approximately 160 dinosaur figures of the size that this set comes with.
When not in use as a storage bin, the box can be let down and used as a play mat. Colorful graphics depict a prehistoric landscape filled with vegetation, bodies of water and volcanoes. Kids will enjoy hours of imaginative play and then be able to pack everything neatly away.
Top Trumps Dinosaurs Collector’s Tin Card Game
This Top Trumps card game is both educational and fun. It can be played by multiple people at the same time for some group entertainment. Parents can even get in on the action and help their children to learn interesting facts about dinosaurs. Competitive play makes it fun to learn something new. Young dinosaur experts will enjoy showing off their knowledge too.
The cards are made of sturdy materials for years of use. Each features colorful graphics to showcase these amazing prehistoric animals. A plastic collector’s case is included so that you can store and carry the cards with you anywhere you go. The case is shaped and designed to look like a menacing dinosaur eyeball.
Qurious Dinos Roaring Card Game
This flash-card game is fun for the whole family. The set contains 62 cards. They are made of a thick stock and laminated so that they can last for years of heavy use. The cards include double-sided game cards, a rule-sets card and word-score cards. Also included is ten colorful dinosaur stickers.
This card set comes in an attractive and sturdy collector’s tin. The cards can be used to play three different games. There’s a Match game, a Memory game and Roaring Power Dinos. Up to seven players can enjoy this game at the same time. This educational toy can help teach children letter recognition, word building, and cause and effect concepts. It can help children to build memory and logic skills as well.
Untamed T-Rex by Fingerlings
This is an interactive, colorful finger puppet of a T-Rex named Ironjaw. These toys are collectible and come in various colors and styles. These little guys clip onto your finger and then react to sounds, motions and touch. They operate in two different modes called “tamed,” and “untamed.” In tamed mode, the dinosaurs will purr and nuzzle your finger like a loyal pet. In untamed mode, this T-Rex will roar and hiss and chomp his teeth.
These dinosaurs greet you with a unique call when first turned on. In all, they feature over 40 sound effects and animations from the typical dinosaur roar to the more outrageous passing of dinosaur gas. Batteries are included with each Untamed Fingerling. These are designed for children between the ages of 5 to 15.
LEGO Juniors Jurassic World T-Rex Breakout set# 10758
This LEGO Juniors set was designed to be easier to build than a standard set. It is intended for children between the ages of 4 to 7. The set contains a total of 150 pieces. This includes three LEGO people figures, a baby dinosaur figure and a large T-Rex figure. As always, every brick from this set is compatible with all other LEGO sets and pieces.
This set is based on the popular Jurassic World film. The figures include Claire along with a guard and scientist. Pieces allow the building of a Jurassic World truck, a science station where dinosaurs are created and a wall and gate to keep those giant lizards at bay.
LEGO Jurassic World T-Rex Tracker set# 75918
This set by LEGO is also based on the blockbuster Jurassic World film. The build difficulty here is for older children than the last set. LEGO rates it for kids age 7 to 12. The pack comes with Hoskins, Acu and Vet figures along with the always popular LEGO T-Rex toy. The giant tracker vehicle contains a cage for the T-Rex to be held and transported in.
Each figure has a number of weapons, scientific instruments and other accessories to use. There are even pieces for a second vehicle in the set. You can build a motorcycle for the figures to ride. This set should provide hours of fun. The great thing about LEGO sets is that after the fun of the build is over, kids still get to play with the figures, buildings and vehicles like conventional toys.
Jurassic World Chomp ‘n Roar Mask Velociraptor “Blue” by Jurassic World Toys
Jurassic World, its sequel, and the previous Jurassic Park movies have done a lot to ignite a love of dinosaurs in multiple generations of kids. This Velociraptor mask is based on the popular character named Blue from the recent movies. The mask is the perfect accessory for some role-playing fun. The sculpt features a realistic skin texture, intimidating teeth and lifelike eyes.
Eye and nose openings are built into the mask for good visibility and uninhibited breathing. An adjustable strap ensures a good fit for most kids. The chin strap allows children to control the opening and closing of the dinosaur’s mouth as they play. Electronic sound effects provide roaring sounds based on the position of the mouth.
LEGO Jurassic World Indoraptor Rampage at Lockwood Estate set# 75930
This massive LEGO set contains a whopping 1019 pieces. It is based on the Jurassic World movies and contains several figures of the characters from these films. This set could easily take hours to complete. As always, once the building is done, the fun has just started as you now have a complete play set. Creative children can even use the pieces to build their own designs.
This set features six mini figures. Included are memorable movie characters like Claire and Owen. You also get the Velociraptor, Blue, and the villanous Indoraptor. Pieces allow children to build Owen’s motorcycle along with the giant Lockwood Estate building.
Schleich Triceratops Toy Figurine
Last on our list is a good old-fashioned favorite. Schleich makes ultra-realistic dinosaur figures for the serious fan and collector. These pieces make great toys for little kids to bang around and play with while also making fine display pieces in an older child’s bedroom.
Here we have the always popular Triceratops. This figure is extremely detailed with lifelike skin texture and well-sculpted appointments such as the eyes, toenails and mouth. It has a subdued and realistic paint scheme with a muted brown highlighted by brighter reds. Schleich figures make great standalone display pieces and are also great for creating period-accurate dioramas.
Dinosaur Toys Buying Guide
Dinosaur toys have been popular for ages. Kids love learning about these fascinating creatures from a bygone age. It can be fun for them to imagine and recreate what life might have been like for these beasts. The great thing about dinosaur toys is that they can also be used to introduce scientific facts and history to children. They may even foster a lifelong love of learning and an interest in science.
Dinosaur toys come in so many varieties that you can usually find something for any taste. They can be found at just about any price point too. Everyone wants what’s best for their children. When shopping for toys, there can be a lot of things to consider. Here is a brief guide to help you to find the best dinosaur-themed toys that your kids are sure to love.
Safety First!
The first thing to always consider is safety. You want to make sure that any toys you buy are age appropriate for your child. Toys will generally have a recommended age range listed on the packaging from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that you know your children better than anyone. Just because a package says it’s okay for a 3 year old, there may still be some hazards to look out for.
Small parts are one of the main concerns for younger children as they can present choking hazards. There are guidelines that toy manufacturers must meet when it comes to small parts and package labeling. If you have a child who is older but still tends to chew on toys, make sure to inspect their toys for small parts or pieces that may break off or come loose.
Sharp edges are also a potential risk. Many dinosaurs had sharp talons and teeth. Many of them had spikes and sharp plates and other forms of self defense. Be on the lookout for hard plastics that make these details and potential accident waiting to happen. Make sure these details are made of a softer, pliable material that won’t hurt of stepped on.
As a general rule, you should buy newer toys from brands that have a good reputation. Laws prevent most cases of toxic materials finding their way into children’s toys today, but you might still come across something dangerous if you purchase second-hand or vintage toys.
Quality
Toys can get pricey and be quite the investment. You’ll want to make sure that you’re buying a sturdy product that will stand the test of time. Kids can be rough with their toys. This is especially true of dinosaur toys that often inspire spirited play as children reenact fierce battles.
This is another category in which name brands with a high reputation comes in play. This is not to say that only expensive or trendy brands will do, but if the toy looks cheap and you haven’t heard of the brand, chances are it won’t make it past the first week of rough play.
As your kids get older, you can even start introducing them to the idea of collecting and displaying their dinosaur toys. Long after the fun of bashing them together wears off, older children may still enjoy learning about the different dinosaurs and collecting higher-quality figures of them. Hunting for new figures to add to the collection can be a fun event in itself. You’ll want to find some quality products to invest in.
Educational Value
The educational value of a toy is something often overlooked. If you can find a toy that your child enjoys that also helps them to learn and grow, it’s a win for everyone. There are dinosaur games and toys geared directly towards teaching facts to your children. There are even kits meant to spark an interest in paleontology.
When it comes to dinosaur toys, even simple figures can be used as an education tool. Parents can foster a love of learning about different types of dinosaurs as the child collects toys that depict the different species.
Keep in mind that creativity and the use of a child’s imagination is also a part of educational value. Anything that sparks imagination and leads a child to creative play is a part of healthy growing and development. Even the most basic dinosaur toys can be good for this.
The Fun Factor
Kids can often have a lot of fun with simple things. Toys don’t always need to be overly complex. Some of the best toys involve the use of the imagination as children create their own pretend worlds and scenarios. Some toys may be based on one gimmick or action feature. This can seem neat at first, but the novelty may soon wear off. There’s not much fun to be had by using that one action feature over and over again.
Toys that encourage group play are ideal if you have more than one child in the home. They can encourage sharing and social development as well as just being fun to play with. A good toy must be right for your child’s individual age, development stage and personality. Parents know their own children best. By playing with your children and observing their alone playtime, you will get a good handle on what kind of toys will be challenging, interesting and just plain old fun for them.