The Best Construction Themed Toys for All Ages and Interests

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There is something naturally appealing about big construction vehicles in the eyes of kids.  From young stackers to old techies, these construction toys are ready to roll to meet the needs of child of any age or interest.

Younger Toddlers
Melissa & Doug Stacking Construction Vehicles, $18 for four cars.  These cute set of cars are perfect for helping to learn dexterity kids as stack and play.  The interchangeable of the cars encourage creativity without intruding on play.  A compatible Emergency Vehicles Set and  Stacking Train are also available to complete the set.

Older Toddlers and Preschoolers
1. Woody Click – Construction Set -, approx. $80 for six cars with accessories.    Woody Click is an award winning series that takes the concept of building the construction vehicles one step further.  Within this series the cars, people and building are all interchangeable making this set a true build-your-own adventure experience.  Many different “expansion” packs are also available including police , a Fire Station, an ambuance/hospital, as well a house and farm.  To watch an animation of the toys click here.

2. Sprig Toys Eco-Truck Loader and  Eco-Truck Dump Truck, about $15 each. Looking for a toy to take outside and get dirty, then the Sprig cars are an excellent choice!  Not only are the eco-friendly, durable and hefty, they are made out of an wood-plastic composite and actually smell like wood!  The company makes an Eco-Truck Excavator as well, but I can’t recommend it as many parents have had a problem with the handle coming off.  Click here to see the trucks in action.

3.  Tuff Rumblin Dump Truck, price depends on availability. The Fisher Price Tuff

Rumblin’ series is just that, extremely tough (aka durable) and rumblin’ (they make a battery free rumbling sound when pushed).  The dump truck is my favorite as it is quite hefty, making it easy for kids push and or run behind them.  Pushing these trucks around the house, campground or the park has been a favorite activity for my kids as the rumbling sounds quickly gains and keeps their interest.  Unfortunately, the dump truck is hard to come by, so if you see one on craigslist or ebay be sure to snatch them up.  The front loader for the series however, is still widely available through ToysR’Us for $20, Fisher Price Tuff Rumblin’ Front Loader.

Grade School
1.  Playmobil Construction Series, sets vary from $10 to $90.  Playmobil’s construction series is new in 2009 and does not disappoint.  It includes all the basics including a dump truck, cement truck and excavator but also goes a step further and includes a warning sign with LED lights, a road construction crew and a large crane.  If you child is into the big trucks I would start there, otherwise the Take Along Construction Set is a good start as it includes everything a child needs to play in one compact case.   Click here to watch these toys on the move.

2.  Rokenbok, start up sets start at around $120.  Rokenbok is the ultimate toy for the construction enthusiast.  This award winning series combines RC cars with construction vehicles and places children behind the wheel of a working construction site.  The system works by allowing one controller to control up to 8 different construction vehicles, thereby allowing one child to dump rocks with a dump truck then pick them up with a front loader.  This system may seen complex, but it actually ingeniously simple.  To better understand how the system works, click here to watch a video.  As the video explains, to start your Rokenbok set your need to start with a starter kit.  To see an explanation of the different starter kits that are available click here.  Rokenbok also makes a junior starter kit for kids over the age of 4, which provide rails and guides to help drive the vehicles up and down ramps.  To see the many sides and possibilities of Rokenbok watch the video below.

Bottom Line: Can they build it?  Yes, they can with any of these construction toys!  Depending on your child’s age and interest level, you have plenty of options to make their day.

Price and Links to Purchase: Refer to prices and links above.