Introducing toys to your toddler that allow for open-ended play and growth in imagination will help them develop over time. Toy airplanes come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and are a timeless toy that will keep your child engaged for extended periods of time.
The best toy planes can grow with your child as their imagination expands and their motor skills develop.
We’ve gathered a list of the best toy planes for your toddler making sure to keep safety and value in mind.
Best Toy Planes for Young Toddlers
The Green Toys Airplane & Board Book is a toy made 100% from recycled plastic milk jugs, and is made from a USA company known for environment friendly toys plus for sturdiness and durability. The Chunky Friction Airplane Toys are made from durable plastic and metal materials with propellers that move with friction.
Green Toys Airplane & Board Book
The Green Toys Airplane is a large chunky style airplane designed 100% from recycled plastic milk jugs. The plastic does not contain BPA, phthalates, or PV, and has the added benefit of helping to lower our carbon footprint by being made entirely out of recycled plastic.
Toddlers will enjoy the propeller that spins and wheels that turn. The wings are rounded so you don’t need to worry about any sharp edges or corners as your toddler flies this plane around the house. There is a seat for a pilot, but one is not included.
Green Toys is a company known not only for their environmentally friendly toys but also for their sturdy and durable material. You can play with this plane indoors or outdoors without having to worry about it breaking, fading, or falling apart.
An added benefit is the included board book, A is for Airplane. A sturdy book for toddlers utilizing the alphabet to highlight various transportation vehicles. This set would make the perfect gift for a plane loving toddler.
Pros
- Plane is made entirely out of recycled plastic milk jugs and packaging is fully Earth-safe, the companies message of waste reduction is evident
- Large size but lightweight, perfect for smaller toddler hands to manipulate and navigate
- No flashy lights, sounds or electronics, leaves more room for open-ended play
- Super sturdy plastic withstands rough play and being tossed around by toddlers
- Quality board book is included for additional learning and fun
Cons
- Comes with a seat for a pilot, but no additional toys or people included
ZMZS Friction Powered Plane Toys
The ZMZS Friction Powered Plane Toys are a great push plane option for younger toddlers. These cartoon-like planes are specifically designed with 12-18month toddlers in mind. The chunkier style plane allows toddlers to balance and push them forward without the frustration of them easily falling over.
There are three planes in this set, giving your toddlers a small variety to choose from. The bright colors and moving parts will engage a toddler’s senses without overstimulating them with flashing lights and loud noises.
Choose from a helicopter with spinning propellers, airplane with wings that move up and down, or an airliner with tails that move back and forth. We think all three of these options make great toy planes for toddlers.
Pros
- No flashy lights, sounds or electronics, leaves more room for open-ended play
- Designed with younger toddlers in mind, perfect for starting at 12-18 months
- Three choices with different moving parts
Cons
- Cartoon style, not realistic airplane
ArtCreativity Chunky Friction Airplane Toys
The ArtCreativity Chunky Friction Airplane Toys are a great choice for younger toddlers. Each pack comes with six planes that are fully assembled. Each plane is colorful (colors may vary) and features moving wings and propellers when they’re in motion.
The friction wheels mean you just have to push the plane forward on a flat surface for it to continue to propel itself, likely creating happy squeals of delight from your toddler. Made from hard, durable plastic, you do not need to worry about small or loose parts, which makes it an excellent choice for young toddlers.
Each plane measures 3″L x 3.5″W x 2.25″H. Parents say these little airplane toys are sturdy and perfect for little hands to play with.
Pros
- No assembly required, no small parts, perfect for young toddlers
- Comes with six planes
- Propellers and wings move when planes are in motion
- Friction-powered
Cons
- Color and design assortment may vary
Best Toy Planes for Older Toddlers
Similar in price, the LEGO DUPLO Town Airport includes 29 pieces to build an airplane, airport, boarding gate, and air traffic control tower as well as 3 passengers; whereas the Super Wings Transform-a-Bot Airport Vehicle Playset is a 15 piece collector set that are transformers, changing from vehicles into robots.
LEGO DUPLO Town Airport
The LEGO DUPLO Town Airport is a fantastic beginner LEGO set that encompasses everything an airplane loving toddler could desire.
This set includes 29 pieces from which you can build an airplane, airport building with luggage slide, suitcase, boarding gate, and revolving traffic control tower. It also includes three passengers that can fit inside the plane.
DUPLOs are great for fine motor control as your toddler learns to stack and build, and they are compatible with any other DUPLO for extended play. This set is a great addition to extending the imaginative play, and we like that it can be constructed and deconstructed however your toddler chooses.
Pros
- Compatible with any other DUPLOs for extended play
- Comes with 29 pieces for building and playing
- Encourages creative thinking and problem solving
Cons
- Very young toddlers can become frustrated when DUPLOs fall apart
Green Toys Helicopter
The Green Toys Helicopter is another great choice designed 100% from recycled plastic milk jugs. The plastic does not contain BPA, phthalates or PV, and has the added benefit of helping to lower your carbon footprint by being made entirely out of recycled plastic.
In addition to the helicopter, you get a little pilot bear, who fits inside the helicopter cockpit but does make this toy recommended for ages 2+. As with the other Green Toys, this helicopter is sturdy and durable and ready to stand up to rough continuous play.
Pros
- Plane is made entirely out of recycled plastic milk jugs and packaging is fully Earth-safe, the companies message of waste reduction is evident
- Large size but lightweight, perfect for smaller toddler hands to manipulate and navigate
- No flashy lights, sounds or electronics, leaves more room for open-ended play
Cons
- The bear doesn’t fit snugly into the seat, it can be frustrating for some toddlers that he will continuously fall out
Transport Cargo Airplane Play Set
The Transport Cargo Airplane Play Set is the ultimate bundle for a vehicle loving toddler. It comes not only with the large toy plane, but also a helicopter and four city cars. The plane itself is a good solid size, perfect for smaller toddler hands and fingers to manipulate without getting frustrated.
The hatch opens so that you can put cars inside and out and a removable circular landing pad for the helicopter. There is some assembly required, but once put together this is a sturdy toy plane that your little one is sure to enjoy. No electronics, sounds, or flashing lights so there is plenty of room for imagination to take off.
Pros
- Comes with multiple vehicles
- No flashy lights, sounds or electronics, leaves more room for open-ended play
Cons
- Some assembly required prior to use, stickers need to be put on, etc.
- Not recommended for children under age 3, geared towards older toddlers
Super Wings Transform-A-Bots World Airport Crew
The Super Wings Transform-A-Bots World Airport Crew is a collectors pack with 15 two inch toy figures.
These transform-a-bots are designed for older toddlers, ages 3+. If your toddler is a fan of Jett and the Super Wings, they will be head over heels for the 7 figures and 9 Transform-a-Bots. If your toddler doesn’t watch the show, there is still a lot of fun to be had!
These transformers actually transform, allowing your toddler to have fun changing them from airplane to robot and back again. The small size is perfect for little fingers to manipulate, and they would be a great toy to toss in a bag for a long car ride or plane trip, easy entertainment with no removable parts that could get lost.
Pros
- Large collectors pack that comes with 7 figures and 8 airplanes for extended play and options
- Small toys with no removable parts make them ideal for traveling
Cons
- Based on a TV Show, while they are still fun on their own, children who know the backstory of each plane will likely be more interested in them
- Geared towards older toddlers, younger toddlers may not be able to successfully transform each bot
Best Wooden Toy Planes For Toddlers
Both the Melissa & Doug Wooden Airplane Play Set and the BRIO Wooden Airplane Toy are made from durable wood, designed to last for years, do not require assembly, and do not have lights and sounds; however the Melissa & Doug Set is half the price of the BRIO Airplane Toy.
Melissa and Doug Wooden Airplane Set
The Melissa and Doug Wooden Airplane Set is a beautifully crafted wooden set that is sure to withstand the test of time. Wooden toys are super sturdy and less likely to break with years of hard play.
This set comes with one airplane, four wooden people, and four pieces of luggage. Your toddler will have fun filling the plane with people or supplies and zooming them around places. This is one of the best options we have found for being able to fill the airplane, and we know that will increase imaginative play over time.
Your child may choose to play with the airplane on its own, or take the passengers off on an adventure where they can role-play different scenarios. The open-ended options are limitless, making this set a wonderful choice for a toy plane for toddlers.
Pros
- Toys made from wood are super sturdy and made to last for years and years
- No assembly required
- Comes with passengers and luggage to increase play capacity
- No flashy lights, sounds or electronics, leaves more room for open-ended play
Cons
- Easy to clean, but you can’t just toss in the dishwasher like you can plastic toys
BRIO World Airplane
The BRIO World Airplane is a sturdy wooden airplane option that is compatible with other BRIO toys. Along with the airplane, you get two passengers a rolling stair cart and a suitcase, the perfect ensemble to begin rich imaginative play.
Your toddler can enjoy opening and closing the airplane hatch as passengers board and disembark, really getting the feel for an airplane ride. BRIO people fit nicely inside of the seats so you don’t have to worry about the frustration of people always falling out.
Pros
- Toys made from wood are super sturdy and made to last for years and years
- No assembly required
- Comes with passengers, rolling stair cart, and luggage to increase play capacity
- No flashy lights, sounds or electronics, leaves more room for open-ended play
- Compatible with other BRIO toys for extended play opportunities
Cons
- Easy to clean, but you can’t just toss in the dishwasher like you can plastic toys
Best Plane Bath Toy for Toddlers
Green Toys Seaplane
The Green Toys Seaplane s another great choice designed 100% from recycled plastic milk jugs. We can stand behind the message Green Toys delivers by staying committed to providing quality toys for toddlers made from fully recycled, and safe, materials.
This plane is designed to float, so let your child take it in the bath or out to the pool for additional imaginary play. The propellor spins and the large pontoons make it perfect for a safe touchdown and landing.
Seaplanes are a less commonly seen plane, making them a great option for introducing your toddler to additional vehicles. If they love aviation then this land, sky, and water option is sure to amaze them.
Pros
- Plane is made entirely out of recycled plastic milk jugs and packaging is fully Earth-safe, the companies message of waste reduction is evident
- Large size but lightweight, perfect for smaller toddler hands to manipulate and navigate
- No flashy lights, sounds or electronics, leaves more room for open-ended play
Cons
- Comes with a seat for a pilot, but no additional toys or people included
- Some users find the size to be a little too large because of the oversized pontoons
Toy Planes Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| LEGO DUPLO Town Airport | 9.5 | 9.8 | 45.40 |
| BRIO World Airplane | 9.4 | 9.6 | 34.95 |
| Super Wings Transform-A-Bots World Airport Crew | 9.8 | 9.6 | 29.99 |
| Transport Cargo Airplane Play Set | 9.9 | 8.8 | 19.99 |
| Green Toys Airplane & Board Book | 9.7 | - | 19.95 |
| Melissa and Doug Wooden Airplane Set | 9.8 | 9.8 | 16.99 |
| Green Toys Helicopter | 9.8 | 9.6 | 15.99 |
| Green Toys Seaplane | 9.9 | 9.6 | 13.99 |
| ArtCreativity Chunky Friction Airplane Toys | 3.9 | 9.0 | - |
| ZMZS Friction Powered Plane Toys | - | 9.6 | - |
Toy Planes For Toddlers Buying Criteria
Age Range
Toddlers are typically defined as ages 1-3, which leaves a lot of room for development and capability. We took that age range into consideration when making recommendations for the best toy planes for toddlers.
Some of our recommendations are geared specifically for younger toddlers, under age 2, and their physical capabilities and some are geared specifically for older toddlers that will stretch their imagination and challenge their rapidly growing abilities. We recommended choosing toy airplanes that are age-appropriate, especially when taking choking hazards and safety into consideration, but also looking at airplanes for toddlers that can grow with your child as they develop over time.
Material and Quality
Toddlers spend much of their time tossing, bumping, dropping, and smashing their toys, so you want a sturdy material that will remain durable under these circumstances. The thicker plastic and wooden toys are high-quality materials that can stand up to hard play consistently for years on end as well as consistent cleaning.
We recommend spending a little extra money on high-quality toys that will last, rather than having to constantly replace less expensive options because they break.
Extra Features
Toys with songs, noises, and flashing lights all have their place, and extra features can be a selling point. If you decide to go for an option with these extra features, we recommended checking to see if there is an on/off switch or if they have to remain on all the time. Particularly songs and noises playing on a continuous loop may make you ready to shut them off pretty quickly.
Toy planes for toddlers that have fun lights can add an extra element to their play and would be especially fun to explore in a dark room.
FAQs About Toy Planes For Toddlers
What kind of toys planes should toddlers have?
Toddlers are typically defined by ages 1-3, so the correct answer can range. Our recommendations broken down by age are as follows:
Age 1: Young toddlers do not have full fine motor control. You might find that they can become frustrated if they have to build or balance additional pieces. We recommend easy push planes made from sturdy wood or plastic. Moveable parts can help keep your toddler engaged, and bright colors can help develop their senses. We like the ZMZS Friction Powered Plane Toys for toddlers starting at age 1.
Age 2: At age two children are starting to have concrete thoughts and are making real-world connections. Their fine motor skills are developing and they take pride in their ability to accomplish certain tasks. 2-year-olds are ready for building, which is why we recommend the LEGO DUPLO Town Airport as a great set.
Age 3: By age 3 children have an active imagination and enjoy playing out scenarios. We recommend a realistic-looking option such as Tuko Transport Cargo Airplane Car Toy Play Set that allows for extended play beyond just an airplane.
Is a toy plane with extra features better than a simple toy plane?
We do find that most “simple toys” offer more opportunities for open-ended play and imagination.
As a parent, you might find the songs and sounds loud and annoying after a while. If the batteries die, chances are your toddler will still stay engaged with a toy they really like, which means they aren’t necessary.
Special features like lights and take-off or landing noises can add an extra element making the toy planes for toddlers feel more realistic, which can be a really special experience.
