Top 10 Take Apart Toys (And Put Back Together!) in 2024 | For Kids Who Love To ‘Break’ Things!

Take-apart toys are a wonderful idea because they tap into the innate desire children have to destroy things!

While pulling items apart can seem like a nightmare from a parent’s perspective, this behavior is actually extremely productive.

Children of all ages learn how everyday objects work by taking them apart and putting them back together. Something as simple as taking a lid off of a Tupperware container is a great feat of discovery for a toddler!

Special take-apart toys are a great way to encourage this behavior in a more controlled environment.

For children with an obsession with taking things apart, the Top Race DIY Fire Truck Set is sure to provide hours of learning and entertainment. But there are plenty of take-apart toys out there to choose from, so finding the perfect set for your little one is only a few clicks away!

Best Take Apart Toys for Kids in 2024

Best Overall — Top Race DIY Fire Truck Set

As far as toys you can build and take apart go, the Top Race Remote Control DIY Fire Truck Set is fun and innovative for several reasons!

This kit includes 3 different fire truck models to assemble using the battery-powered drill. Once assembled, each fire truck can be converted into a remote controlled car using the drill’s power pack (the drill handle then doubles as a remote!).

The best part is, the game is perfectly balanced for the kids to enjoy it. It’s not too hard to make them frustrated, and has enough parts to keep them engaged.

However, do not expect the vehicle to move fast as the motor lacks power. It travels in a straight line and does not have turning abilities either.

Keep in mind that all 3 truck styles share common parts — only one can be fully assembled at a time. In total, this kit includes 54 individual pieces for assembly.

Best Premium Option — LEGO City Cargo Train

Let the kids enjoy their LEGO train adventure with this motorized remote controlled train and tracks set. This buildable toy train comes with authentic features and functions to make it more exciting for the kids.

Thai set has 1226 LEGO pieces that includes tracks, along with an armored truck, and a forklift. In addition, there are 6 minifigures and a remote control with Bluetooth. 

The train can be operated at 10 different speeds including forward and backward movements. In short, kids will have lots of fun assembling and operating it.

Some users mentioned that the previous cargo train models were more realistic. As expected, you get excellent quality and strict global standards for safety from LEGO. Besides, it is also compatible with other LEGO construction sets. So, the possibilities are endless.

This set is a bit pricey but offers excellent playability. Besides, it has the longest amount of train track than any other LEGO train set.

Best Budget Option — ToyVelt Take Apart Set

If you’re on the hunt for unique, educational toys for toddlers who like to take things apart, the ToyVelt Take Apart Toys Set is a great introductory kit!

Each set includes 3 take-apart vehicles — a train, an airplane, and a car — plus a screwdriver and wrench. While the highlight of this set is being about to take apart and rebuild each vehicle, they also make excellent “normal” toys.

The large pieces and bright colors are ideal for older toddlers and young school-age children. Overall, they offer excellent value for mechanically-inclined kids.

However, these take-apart toys aren’t designed to hold up to much abuse. Be prepared to upgrade to a heftier set of tinkering toys if these ones are a hit!

Best Bang for Your Buck — Think Gizmos Take Apart Racing Car

Not all budget take apart toys offer the right combination of fun and quality. From that aspect, this set from Think Gizmos offers excellent value at an affordable price. Small wonder it’s so popular!

This is a 27-piece set that also comes with a power drill, a power drill, screws, and batteries. The vehicles also have headlights and sound to make things more realistic. The components are made from ABS plastic and durability is not an issue.

While the car looks cool, the assembly is simple enough for the kids to manage on their own. Apart from creative thinking, that helps in building their confidence. The inclusion of extra screws and tires is a thoughtful addition as the loose pieces tend to get lost.

On the downside, turning the engine sounds off requires disassembly. Providing easy access to the on/off switch would have made it simpler.

Overall, for kids who are fascinated by cars, this is a perfect toy that works as an inexpensive introduction. Besides, plenty of customers praised the customer service of Think Gizmos.

Best for Toddlers — Battat Take-Apart Airplane

For children whose gross motor skills aren’t quite ready to handle a traditional screwdriver, a take-apart toy with a drill is often the best solution. The Battat Take-Apart Airplane is one of the best toys for toddlers just starting to tinker.

It looks a bit simplistic, but don’t let that fool you! With multiple bit styles, this take-apart airplane can help teach basic shapes and problem-solving. The battery-powered drill also turns both ways — right to tighten and left to loosen.

The airplane consists of 21 large plastic pieces that are easy for small hands to grasp. Once they are able to assemble and take apart this plane by themselves, they’ll be ready to graduate to more challenging toys!

All of this doesn’t mean it’s a perfect toy in all imaginable aspects, though. Even though kids love playing with the drill, it is not the most durable tool in the package. Some users found it to be underpowered too.

Best for Little Builders — Jyusmile 2-in-1 DIY Truck-Airplane Kit

Many young kids share a fascination with heavy-duty vehicles. If you know such a child, then the STEM Take-Apart Toy from Jyusmile may just be the perfect gift.

With 361+ pieces total, this take-apart toy is ideal for children who already know a thing or two about tinkering!

The best part is, the same kit can be used to build a construction truck and a propeller plane. The construction steps are clearly described and the children can work together as a team to develop their problem-solving skills.

While some of the connecting pieces are small, once completed this is a large truck that looks really cool. That gives the kids a sense of accomplishment when the project is completed. Also, the pieces hold up well even after long hours of playing.

One thing is, the smaller pieces can make this a choking hazard for toddlers. So, it is best to buy this for 6-year-olds and above.

Overall, a great take-apart STEM toy that offers excellent value, especially for kids who love building and construction toys.

Best for Pink Lovers — Educational Insights Design & Drill Sparklebot

Gender-neutral STEM toys are important for many reasons. But nearly all of these toys come in colors like blue, red, and yellow. The Educational Insights Design & Drill Sparklebot is a welcome option for anyone who likes the colors pink and purple!

This kit includes a plastic robot, colorful bolts, a screwdriver, and decorative stickers. The stickers and various bolts can be used to customize the robot’s appearance. Plus, decorative stickers are also included. (Just so you know if you notice glitter on the fridge!)

Keep in mind that while this take-apart toy is suggested for children ages 3 and up, older kids will find little value in it. Instead, this is a great starter STEM toy for preschoolers who are brand new to building and disassembling.

Best for Dinosaur Fanatics — Sanlebi Take Apart Dinosaur Toy

Nothing fits more into the make-believe world of kids like dinosaurs. That makes the Sanlebi Dinosaur Construct and Play Kit a great take-apart toy for any child in love with prehistoric life!

This set includes 3 toys — a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, and a Velociraptor. Attention to detail is evident in every building block. Made from ABS, the blocks are durable and have smooth edges to prevent any injuries. 

To make it more fun, the completed dinosaur models are flexible with movable jaws and limbs. The package also contains a two-way motor drill with dual drill bits. A small hand drill is also included. 

If your kid is crazy about dinosaurs, this is a great toy to boost creativity and enhance assembly skills.

Best for Learning STEM — iPlay, iLearn Large Truck Engine Toy

Many young kids share a fascination with heavy-duty vehicles. For them, this jumbo-sized truck engine could be the perfect gift.

Since a large segment of the iPlay design team consists of mothers, their toys are designed to make the kids curious and encourage creativity. Opening the hood of this truck and finding a realistic engine inside is a great way for a child to start learning about mechanical components.

There are 58 engine parts that can be removed or repaired. The model also comes with LED lights, actual engine sounds, and an oil dipstick to check oil levels. 

There’s also a steering wheel with a working horn that can be used to simulate real driving after assembly. Made from ABS, the parts are durable and well-designed. 

While simplified, the finished truck engine is realistic enough to teach children about how a life-sized engine functions. Apart from encouraging creativity, this toy also helps in boosting confidence.

Best Construction Robot — Laradola Transform

This take-apart toy can be used to assemble 5 pull back vehicles or a giant robot. That makes it a great toy to develop imagination and creativity.

The small parts come with magnets for easy assembly. There are light and sound effects too. With multiple vehicles, this toy is also great for a group of friends playing together.

Each component is made from ABS material which makes them durable. The edges are kept smooth to prevent any chance of injury.

The pieces also allow the kids to get creative and create their own models. Keep in mind, the robot does not move and is not battery-operated. Even so, the high fun factor of this toy makes this a great gift for kids who love construction vehicles.

What to Consider When Shopping for Take-Apart Toys

Age Range

Nearly all children’s toys, regardless of type, come labeled with a suggested age range.

While this information is purely a suggestion — after all, all children develop at different rates — it can be extremely helpful when shopping for a new take-apart toy!

Again, age ranges are just suggestions. As long as you are confident in their ability to safely play with a specific toy, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing a toy recommended for children slightly younger or older than your own.

On the other hand, these suggestions can save you from making the mistake of purchasing a take-apart toy designed for toddlers for a tween!

Size

The size of a take-apart toy plays a role in both its safety and difficulty level.

As a general rule, larger pieces are ideal for younger children. These pieces present less of a choking hazard. They are also much easier for toddlers to hold.

Meanwhile, older children can handle the responsibility and tactile difficulty of working with smaller pieces. 

Eventually, the goal is for the child to be confident working with “real” construction materials.

Don’t just look at the overall size of a take-apart toy before purchasing. The size of individual parts — e.g., screws, bolts, clamps, and even the tools themselves — is far more important!

Number of Parts

Along with the average size of the individual parts, you should also consider the total number of parts included with each toy.

While a large number of parts might seem beneficial when taking the toy apart, it can make putting the toy back together again very difficult!

More parts also mean a greater opportunity for things to get lost (especially in the case of take-apart toys for young children).

Subject Matter

From a specific type of vehicle to a favorite color, all children have their own special interests. Finding a take-apart toy featuring something your child loves is a great way to ensure they get the most out of the experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tinkering?

Tinkering — in the context of childhood development — is the exploration of how various materials can be assembled to create different objects. It is a natural evolution of simply taking everyday items apart to see what is inside.

Tinkering can take on many different forms. Left to their own devices, most children will practice tinkering using miscellaneous items found outside or around the home.

Take-apart toys offer a more structured version of tinkering that translates well into real-life applications like carpentry or electrical engineering. 

What are the benefits of tinkering play?

Tinkering engages a variety of STEAM-related skills, especially those adjacent to engineering. 

When done in a group, tinkering also builds communication skills and cooperation among children. 

Tinker-style play is often one of the first steps in learning how to use real tools to build items out of wood or other materials. But tinkering is extremely beneficial even when these skillsets aren’t the goal!

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API