· play tents and amp tunnels · 13 min read
Best Pop Up Train 2023 - Top Picks for Kids [Reviews]
Discover the top-rated pop up trains for kids. We've curated a list of the best options, taking into account factors like durability, design, and customer reviews. Find the perfect train for play and adventure today!
Are you looking for an exciting and engaging way to keep your kids entertained? Pop up trains are a fantastic choice for imaginative play and adventure. With so many options available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. That's why we've done the research and gathered the best pop up trains on the market, taking into account durability, design, ease of use, and customer reviews. Whether your child is a train enthusiast or just loves to use their imagination, we have the perfect pop up train for you.
Overview

PROS
- Spacious and easy to assemble pop-up tent, creating an imaginative play space for kids.
- Features the beloved Thomas the Train character, making playtime more captivating.
CONS
- May require adult assistance for setup.
- Not suitable for outdoor use.
Pop into the magical world of Thomas & Friends with this engaging pop-up play tent! Designed for young train enthusiasts, this tent offers a spacious and enchanting play area where kids can embark on adventures alongside their favorite character.
The vibrant Thomas the Train graphics on the tent bring the beloved engine to life, sparking imagination and encouraging pretend play. The tent's easy pop-up design makes it a breeze to assemble, allowing for quick and convenient playtime setup. However, adult assistance may be required for initial setup. Though not intended for outdoor use, the tent provides a cozy and imaginative play space indoors.

PROS
- Spacious and portable design offers ample play area both indoors and outdoors.
- Fabric construction ensures durability and easy cleaning for extended playtime.
CONS
- Assembly requires a bit of effort, especially for younger children or first-time users.
Immerse your little ones in a world of imagination with Liberty Imports' Kids Pop Up Play Tent in the shape of a train! This foldable indoor and outdoor playhouse is meticulously designed for both convenience and durability. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it effortless to transport and store, while the sturdy fabric material guarantees longevity, simplifying cleanup after exuberant play sessions.
The spacious interior offers ample room for imaginative adventures, fostering social interaction and creativity among toddlers, boys, and girls. Watch as they embark on imaginative journeys, transforming this play tent into a bustling train station, a secret hideaway, or a magical castle. The train-inspired design adds an extra touch of whimsy, igniting their curiosity and inspiring endless hours of imaginative play.

PROS
- Easy and quick setup without tools, perfect for indoor or outdoor play
- Spacious interior with two entrances, providing ample room for imaginative adventures
- Bright and colorful graphics featuring the iconic Hogwarts Express train design, immersing kids in the magical world of Harry Potter
CONS
- May not withstand strong winds outdoors, so it's best suited for calm environments
- Requires some adult supervision for young children when playing
Embark on an enchanting journey with the officially licensed Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Pop-Up Train Play Tent! Perfect for imaginative wizards and witches, this vibrant playhouse transforms any space into a magical wonderland.
Unfold the compact tent with ease and let the Hogwarts Express take center stage in your child's imagination. Its spacious interior, complete with two entrances, provides ample room for imaginative play, adventure, and secret meetings. The eye-catching graphics featuring the beloved Hogwarts Express train create an immersive and magical ambiance.
With its user-friendly design, assembling the play tent is a breeze. Simply pop it up and watch as the Hogwarts Express comes to life, ready to whisk kids away to a world of wizardry. The playhouse is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, providing a touch of magic to backyard playdates or indoor adventures on rainy days. Note that while the tent is durable, it may sway in strong winds and is best enjoyed in calmer environments.
Let your little wizards and witches cast spells, engage in imaginative play, and create unforgettable memories with the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Pop-Up Train Play Tent. Its enchanting design, spacious interior, and ease of use make it a perfect gift for any aspiring young witch or wizard.

PROS
- Interactive pop-up animals engage and delight young minds
- Durable construction withstands playful explorations
- Bright colors and fun melodies captivate attention
CONS
- May require adult assistance to assemble
- Animal sounds can be repetitive
The VTech Roll & Surprise Animal Train is a captivating companion for toddlers, inviting them to embark on an exciting animal-themed adventure. As the train rolls along, adorable pop-up animals emerge from their compartments, surprising little ones with their cheerful faces and friendly greetings. The sturdy construction ensures durability, allowing for endless hours of imaginative play.
The train comes alive with a symphony of bright colors and lively melodies, stimulating both visual and auditory development. Young engineers will delight in assembling the train, fostering problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. While some reviewers note the potential need for adult assistance during assembly, the process is generally straightforward and adds to the overall enjoyment. Although the animal sounds can become repetitive over time, the train's numerous interactive features and engaging design make it a worthwhile addition to any toddler's toy collection.

PROS
- Intricate 3D steam train pop-ups evoke a nostalgic charm.
- Perfect Father's Day, birthday, or anniversary card for train enthusiasts and dads.
CONS
- May require gentle handling to preserve the delicate pop-ups.
- Card size might limit space for extensive handwritten messages.
Behold a masterpiece that transports you to a bygone era, the Steam Train 3D Pop-Up Birthday Card! As you open its pages, a majestic steam train emerges before your eyes in intricate three-dimensional glory. The vintage design captures the allure of classic locomotives, complete with a billowing smokestack and gleaming wheels. This pop-up card is more than just a greeting; it's a work of art that will leave a lasting impression.
Meticulously crafted with sturdy paper and precise engineering, this card is a testament to craftsmanship. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the wheels that seem to turn to the engine's detailed interior. Whether you're commemorating a special occasion with a train-loving dad or simply seeking a unique and memorable way to express your sentiments, this pop-up card is a perfect choice. Its nostalgic charm and superior quality will undoubtedly make it a cherished keepsake for years to come.

PROS
- Spacious interior provides ample room for imaginative play
- Pop-up design allows for quick and easy setup and takedown
- Includes an engineer certificate to encourage imaginative roleplay
CONS
- Materials may not be as durable as other tents on the market
All aboard the Big Train Tent! This child-sized pop-up play tent is perfect for imaginative adventurers. With its spacious interior and bright colors, kids will love creating their own train-themed adventures. The tent is also easy to set up and take down, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor play.
One of the best features of this tent is the included engineer certificate. This certificate encourages imaginative roleplay and helps kids to feel like real train engineers. They can use the tent as their train engine, complete with a steering wheel and sound effects. The certificate also includes a fun train-themed activity sheet, which provides even more ways for kids to engage with the tent.

PROS
- Interactive animal train with over 30 sing-along songs, melodies and phrases
- Brightly colored pop-up shapes and animals stimulate visual development
CONS
- Battery powered (requires 4 AA batteries)
- Recommended for ages 6 months and up
The VTech Pop and Sing Alphabet Train is a colorful and interactive toy that helps little ones learn the alphabet, numbers, and animals. The train has a cheerful design with bright colors and friendly animal faces. It also features pop-up shapes and animals that encourage visual development.
The train plays over 30 sing-along songs, melodies, and phrases, making it a great way for kids to learn while having fun. The songs are catchy and educational, and they help kids learn about letters, numbers, and animals. The train also has a variety of buttons and levers that kids can press to activate different sounds and actions.

PROS
- Vibrant and engaging pop-up illustrations that captivate young minds
- Interactive sounds that bring the train ride to life, fostering imagination and sensory development
CONS
- Durability might be a concern with frequent use
- Pages may tear easily if handled roughly
Embark on a vibrant and interactive journey with 'My Best Pop-Up Noisy Train Book.' This captivating book is designed to engage your little ones with its mesmerizing pop-up trains and exciting sound effects. Each page bursts with colorful illustrations that depict various train scenarios, from bustling stations to scenic landscapes.
The book's main highlight lies in its interactive sound feature. With a gentle press, kids can trigger realistic train sounds, bringing the pages to life. This sensory stimulation not only enhances the reading experience but also fosters imaginative play and encourages curiosity. The pop-up elements add an extra layer of engagement, allowing kids to interact with the trains and explore the world of railways.

PROS
- Delightful 3D train pop-up design adds a touch of whimsy to birthday celebrations.
- Premium quality cardstock ensures durability and a lasting keepsake.
CONS
- Intricate design may require careful handling to prevent damage.
- Pop-up mechanism might be delicate and needs gentle use.
Unleash the magic of birthdays with GREETING ART's Happy Birthday Train Pop Up Card. This enchanting card features a vibrant and intricate 3D train that pops up upon opening. The train design captures the essence of excitement and joy, making it perfect for kids, boys, men, grandkids, friends, daughters, and sons. Crafted from premium quality cardstock, this card ensures durability and becomes a cherished keepsake.
The intricate details and vibrant colors of the pop-up train will undoubtedly captivate the recipient's heart. Its unique design adds an element of whimsy to any birthday celebration. Whether displayed on a mantle or shared as a heartwarming gift, this pop-up card is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its combination of thoughtful design and premium materials, GREETING ART's Happy Birthday Train Pop Up Card is an exceptional choice for spreading joy and creating unforgettable birthday memories.

PROS
- Interactive pop-ups bring the railroad to life for young readers.
- Engaging text and captivating illustrations hold kids' attention from cover to cover.
CONS
- Some pop-ups may be delicate and require careful handling.
- The book's size may make it difficult for younger children to hold and manipulate.
Embark on an extraordinary railroad adventure with "Trains: A Pop-Up Railroad Book"! This captivating book transports young readers to a world of steam engines, boxcars, and bustling train stations, all brought to life through interactive pop-ups.
With each turn of the page, kids can explore different aspects of the railroad system, from the chugging of a locomotive to the intricate workings of a switching yard. The engaging text and vibrant illustrations work together to create a truly immersive experience. However, it's essential to note that some pop-ups may require careful handling due to their delicate nature, and the book's larger size might make it challenging for smaller hands to manage.
In this article, we have explored the top pop up trains for kids, providing detailed reviews and highlighting their unique features. We have also included a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision based on your child's age, preferences, and budget. So, whether you're looking for a compact train for indoor play or a larger model for outdoor adventures, our guide will help you find the best pop up train for your little one. Remember to consider factors such as durability, design, ease of use, and customer reviews to ensure you choose a train that will provide hours of fun and imaginative play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of pop up trains for kids?
Pop up trains offer numerous benefits for kids, including encouraging imaginative play, fostering creativity, and developing motor skills. They provide a safe and dedicated space for kids to engage in pretend play and create their own adventures. Additionally, pop up trains can help improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities.
What factors should I consider when choosing a pop up train?
When choosing a pop up train for your child, consider factors such as durability, size, design, and age appropriateness. Ensure the train is made of high-quality materials that can withstand rough play and is suitable for your child's age and developmental stage. Also, consider the size of the train and the available space you have for play.
Are pop up trains easy to set up and store?
Yes, pop up trains are generally easy to set up and store. They typically come with simple instructions for quick assembly and disassembly. When not in use, most pop up trains can be folded down into a compact size for easy storage, making them convenient for both indoor and outdoor play.
Can pop up trains be used both indoors and outdoors?
Yes, many pop up trains are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. They are made with durable materials that can withstand different weather conditions. However, it's always advisable to check the product description or manufacturer's recommendations to ensure the specific train you choose is suitable for outdoor use.
What are some popular brands of pop up trains?
Some popular brands of pop up trains include Thomas & Friends, Liberty Imports, Harry Potter, and VTech. These brands offer a range of pop up trains in different sizes, designs, and themes, catering to the preferences and needs of different children.













