Train table vs. trains on the floor vs. ?

lms_bride · November 2010

We're thinking about a train set or train table for Tyler for Christmas. Anyone have one or both of these? I am trying to understand how the train table works. It comes with all the tracks and trains, right? And then what you have is it, meaning you can't add to it? Versus a train system for the floor (like Thomas or Geotrax, etc) you could keep adding to it right? Also, my parents were thinking of getting him a race car track set, so then that seems a bit redundant. If you have experience with any of these, please share. Thanks!

DevonPow · November 2010

We have the Melissa and Doug train table and train set. They usually do not come together - you buy a table and you buy the train set. You can always add more tracks and what not as you go - the table is basically for ease of play (so you don;t knock it over all the time), storage (our has a drawer that holds all the extra tracks and trains) and to keep it off the floor. Having train tracks all over the floor is a massive pain in the butt. Although, DS loves to make new/giant tracks on the floor and use his table for other things, we just need to move it each might when he does that. WE got him his train set/table for his 2nd birthday and he has literally played with it every single day since then - best gift ever.

Stacyc625 · November 2010

you usually buy the table and the train set separately.

DH built a smaller train table version for DD. however it serves multiple purposes- he has the table top interchangeable with a lego board top, and a smooth table top for art projects and coloring etc. So I don't feel as bad as taking up the room. it has storage underneath for the trains and we keep a baby lock on one of the drawers for the art supplies.

littlemermaid · November 2010

My son had the Thomas the Tank Engine table. Track & train cars are not included. He loved it, but it is expensive to keep buying the pieces to make different configurations. My husband and son did have many great years with it. We have since handed it down to a relative since my son is out of that phase. A lot of our friends just bought the generic version that Costco sells around the holidays. Some of the generic tables do come with track and train cars.

MrsBalletStar05 · November 2010

I think a train table would be nicer and easier to play with, but more expensive and takes up more room.

tabi_ja · November 2010

We opted for a train set for the floor. We are really pressed for space, and a table just took up too much room. With a regular train set, we can pick it up and put it away when we're done playing with it. It gets a little redundant, but it works for us.

MKNola · November 2010

The train table is SO worth it in my opinion. My DS liked to play with trains on the floor, but plays with them so much more now that we have a train table.

We have the Imaginarium table from Toys R Us and it came with lots of track and trains. It's completely compatible with the Thomas Wooden Railway too. The Imaginarium tracks are great quality as well.

Here's the link to the one we have:

https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3931028

It comes with everything you see on it.

lilone_06 · November 2010

tabi_ja:
We opted for a train set for the floor. We are really pressed for space, and a table just took up too much room. With a regular train set, we can pick it up and put it away when we're done playing with it. It gets a little redundant, but it works for us.

This is us, too.

BUT my sister has the Imaginarium one and it get so much more use, since already set up! Although, DD's is very novel because we don't play with it all the time, so it's sort of special to her.

Want a personalized experience?

Train table vs. trains on the floor vs. ?

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