Nothing beats revving those engines and racing around the home with your first remote control car. Whether taking your favorite toys for a spin or trying to break the land speed record, there are plenty of ways to play with RC cars that stimulate the imagination and offer hours of fun.
Despite their tender years, toddlers are at a stage of immense curiosity, so introducing them to remote-controlled cars is sure to go down with wonder and amazement. Of course, they may not be able to grasp driving their new toy straight away, so it’s essential to look for an option with simple controls that are easier to learn.
With plenty of RC cars aimed at younger kids, we’ve cherry-picked 12 epic options to have your toddler racing around in no time. We’ve included options across various styles, from dinosaurs to horse-drawn carriages, plus plenty of classic cars to choose from, so you can find the perfect set of wheels to start their journey out on the open road.
The Top 3 Remote Control Cars for Toddlers
With tons of speedy RC cars to choose from, we’ve collated 12 of the best options to help you find the perfect toy for your little boy or girl. We made sure to include a range of vehicles that cover different styles, difficulty levels and budgets, so check out the full list below.
1. Best Overall: CatToysOfficial Construction Junior Crew Lil’ Movers Remote Control Truck
This mega RC dump truck is sure to be a showstopper toy, measuring up at 10.5″ long and coming in Cat’s signature yellow colorway. The truck also features working headlights, a tippable bucket and jumbo wheels to help tackle any terrain, all of which give this RC toy a more realistic feel without compromising on fun features to play with.
| Recommended age: 36 months and above |
This is an excellent option for younger toddlers as it helps to foster imaginative play and hone cognitive development as they drive around the home to complete their construction jobs. It also comes with a simple-to-use steering wheel controller that can be stowed away in the truck in-between play times.
What We Love:
❤️ Robust and quality feel as you would expect from a dumper truck
❤️ The dumper compartment is great for stowing toys or the controller in between uses
❤️ Two-button controller makes it intuitive to use
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Would be great if the dumper bed was remotely operated too
💔 Moves surprisingly fast, so can be difficult to keep it on track
| 💡 No job is too big when you have two trucks on the case, so double up the fun with this Cat Construction Loader. |
2. My First Cartoon RC Race Car Remote Control Toy
This zippy little race car will make a tremendous introductory remote control toy for toddlers. It features interactive flashing lights and revving sound effects that keep them engaged for longer. Plus, it has three separate figures who can take turns racing in the car.
| Recommended age: 18 months and above |
Each of the components in this set is made from toxin-free ABS plastic and has been designed to include rounded edges with no small, loose parts to ensure a safe and happy playtime for toddlers and tots alike. The steering wheel is in keeping with the red and green colors of the car, and it is simple to operate thanks to its two-button, forward and reverse controls.
What We Love:
❤️ Quick little race car that is easy to control
❤️ Sounds effects, including car horn and race revs, make a great impression
❤️ Comes with different characters to play and race with
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Struggles to gain top speed on thicker carpets or loose ground
💔 Figures can be tricky to switch in or out without adult assistance
| 💡 If you’re looking for twice as much RC fun, then this Racing and Police Car two-pack offers great value for money. |
3. Best for Younger Kids: Brio 30388 R/C Race Car
If your toddler feels the need for speed, this realistic sports car is their ultimate option. Made from impact-resistant plastic, its quality build will handle a few bumps along the way without resulting in any damage. While it’s super cool design is sure to capture the imagination thanks to its streamlined chassis and racing red colorway.
| Recommended age: 2 years and above |
Despite its aerodynamic and speedy appearance, this RC race car is easy to control and will provide hours of fun. The well-made controller allows for greater car movement without becoming too confusing for younger drivers, offering a full range of motion through its tactile red and yellow buttons.
What We Love:
❤️ Classic design with a realistic racing driver in the hot seat
❤️ Controller will help improve agility, and spacial awareness
❤️ Runs well on a range of different surfaces
What We Don’t Love:
💔 On the pricier side
💔 Would be great if it included a rechargeable battery
4. My First RC Cartoon Train
If your little one is loco for locomotives, then this remote control train is the perfect toy for them. With a classic steam engine appearance and eye-catching color palette, this is certain to capture the imagination of any toddler. Not to mention, you’ll find a host of engaging features in-built, such as choo-choo sound effects, musical tunes, and even flashing headlights too.
| Recommended age: 18 months and above |
The train itself is super simple to operate, with one button to drive forwards and the other to turn left or reverse if at a standstill. The controls are mounted to a fun steering wheel that kids can relate to while it fits comfortably in their hands. Moreover, each part in this RC train set is made from tried and tested, toxin-free materials for added peace of mind.
What We Love:
❤️ Awesome alternative to the standard RC car
❤️ Sound effects and music add to the playful experience
❤️ Durable build quality to withstand rough play
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Basic controls can make it harder to complete tight turns or avoid obstacles
💔 May not appeal to older children
5. Best Budget Option: Kid Galaxy My First RC Baja Buggy
If, as many toddlers do, your little one likes to get a feel for their new toys by testing the build quality and giving the durability a baptism of fire, then this unique remote control car will meet the challenges of playtime head on, thanks to its soft and squidgy body. This original design, along with the easy-to-use, two-button controller, make this option perfect for younger toddlers who might be receiving their first RC toy.
| Recommended age: 24 months and above |
As the winner of the “Oppenheim Platinum Best Toy Award” for the most innovative, engaging new toy of the year, this option is certain to keep the smile on your toddler’s face for hours on end, while it’s hot pink, surfer chic aesthetic is certain to catch the eye.
What We Love:
❤️ Soft materials make for a safer playtime
❤️ Award-winning innovative design
❤️ Works well on hardwood flooring, tiles and carpet alike
What We Don’t Love:
💔 If two cars are used at the same time, it can interfere with the controls.
💔 Would be even better if the car was a little larger
6. Blippi Racecar Remote Controlled Vehicle
Embark on an educational road trip adventure with Blippi at the wheel. This fun RC car features the well-loved character Blippi, who makes the perfect companion as he shares common phases and sounds from the show. You can watch Blippi’s head wobble as you drive, making driving on the open road seem even more realistic!
| Recommended age: 34 months and above |
If your kids love Blippi, then this option is sure to be an immediate hit featuring the iconic color palette and unmistakable character from the show. While parents will be kept happy thanks to the car’s safety-conscious design and hardwearing materials, which will keep this car in action for longer.
What We Love:
❤️ Well-known character that kids will love to play with
❤️ Easy to use controller that will sit in littler hands nicely
❤️ Extensive sound effects taken from the show to elevate playtime
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Would be great if you could take the Blippi figure out of the car too
💔 On the smaller side
| 💡 Have your little one look the part as they play with this Blippi Dress Up set and RC Car combo. |
7. Best for Older Kids: Batman Transforming Batmobile Remote Control Car
Race to the rescue with Batman at the helm in this super cool transforming Batmobile. Whether in its sport or action mode, this car is ready for speedy action. It has a mini Batman figure and features a foam disc shooting weapon, sound effects and lights for increased playability.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Not many RC options will offer such varied play as this transforming Batmobile. Made with quality in mind, this toy effortlessly transforms from the classic RC car mode, which will race around the home, to its battle mode for epic showdowns with villains, making this an option sure to offer hours of creative play.
What We Love:
❤️ Robust quality toy that challenges motor skills and fosters imaginative play
❤️ Seamlessly transitions from car to battle mode
❤️ A great option for toddlers and older kids alike, providing extra longevity
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Batman figure is super small in comparison to car
💔 Would be cool if the battle mode featured remote control operation
| 💡 For the biggest Batman fans, supercharge playtime with this Wheelie-fun Turbo Boost Batmobile. |
8. Little Tikes T-Rex Strike Remote Control Chompin’ Dinosaur Toy
This remote control car is any Dinosaur lover’s dream! With a menacing T-Rex as the car body, fully functioning to remotely control as it drives, spins and even chomps its jaws, offering unrivaled motion and control. It’s the only option on our list with realistic roaring sound effects.
| Recommended age: 36 months and above |
Despite having more advanced features to operate, this toy couldn’t be easier to control. The handset is the perfect size for little hands and offers simple, intuitive buttons to help them get to grips with their new toy. As you’d expect from Little Tikes, this option is well-made from safe and secure materials to provide a fun playtime that’ll last well into the future.
What We Love:
❤️ Offers awesome remote-controlled movement, including biting jaws and swinging tail
❤️ Roaring sound effects make this super fun and more engaging
❤️ Controller is easy to use yet still helps develop cognitive function
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Not the best option for mini-motor-enthusiasts
💔 Doesn’t drive quite as fast as other RC cars
9. Disney Junior Minnie Mouse Roadster RC Car with Polka Dots
It’s time to spin with a true Disney icon. Hop in the car with Minnie as you cruise the town with the sunroof down. But don’t be deceived by this RC’s cute appearance; it can still race as fast as the best of them and handles like a dream thanks to the simple yet effective controls.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
In true Minnie Mouse fashion, this option is a celebration of all things pink, with matching polka dots on the car and Minnies outfit. However, the clever design goes beyond its color scheme, with both fun and realistic features, plus smooth, rounded edges to avoid any nasty bumps or collisions.
What We Love:
❤️ RC car includes an iconic character that kids will know and love
❤️ Easy to learn and intuitive to operate
❤️ Fun design that all kids will love
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Not the best option for homes with shaggy carpets
💔 Would be awesome if it was a little bigger
10. PAW Patrol, Chase Remote Control Police Cruiser
Everyone’s favorite Police officer, Chase from PAW Patrol, is at this RC car’s wheel and ready to answer any emergency call. The design of this toy is just like the police cruiser found in the show, so it will catch the eye of any keen PAW Patrol fan’s eye and set the stage for an action-packed, imaginative playtime.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Despite being a speedy emergency response vehicle, this RC car is a great option for novice drivers, thanks to the simple two-button controller. As you’d expect from any true police cruiser, though, you’ll find that this RC toy is robust enough to handle the rougher side of play without damage.
What We Love:
❤️ Just like the police cruiser from the show
❤️ Features everyone’s favorite police officer, Chase
❤️ Made from quality materials that will stand the test of time
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Chase’s figure is fitted into the car
💔 Requires 5 x AAA batteries
| 💡 Race to any rescue with Marshall and his RC fire truck too. |
11. Jada Toys Disney Princess Cinderella Horse-Drawn Carriage
With this unique RC carriage, you’ll have to roll out the red carpet as playtime becomes a royal procession. Featuring the iconic Disney Princess, Cinderella, this toy will provide new, imaginative ways to play. Your toddler can create endless stories and scenarios to explore with one of their favorite fairytale characters.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
The toy has beautifully ornate detail fitting for a royal horse-drawn carriage. It may not hit the same high speeds as some of the other options on this list, but it does offer a great entry-level experience with RC toys, thanks to its simple controls and smooth drive.
What We Love:
❤️ Unique take on the classic RC car allowing for more imaginative play
❤️ Features a firm favorite character that Disney fans will love
❤️ Easy to learn and fun to play with
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Neither the horse or Cinderella figures can be removed
💔 Not the speediest of RC cars
12. Spidey and His Amazing Friends Web Crawler RC
Get your toddler’s spidey senses tingling with this epic RC car featuring everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood superhero. This option features the eye-catching design of the Web Crawler vehicle, as seen in the hit show, that is bound to keep your toddler entertained for hours on end.
| Recommended age: 34 months and above |
This RC car is a great option for kids that love to embark on crime-fighting adventures when they play, providing the perfect speedy vehicle to get to the scene in record time. This option also offers a greater range of motion, with four-way control, to help them dodge obstacles and steer more smoothly.
What We Love:
❤️ Super fun design with iconic colors and rounded edges
❤️ Provides greater control over the car with four-way control
❤️ Less battery intensive than other options and comes with the initial set included
What We Don’t Love:
💔 No additional features such as lights or sound effects
💔 Spidey figure is fixed into the car
Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Control Cars for Toddlers
🙋 Can a toddler use a remote control car?
There are hundreds and thousands of options on the market today, so it’s important to find an RC car suitable for younger drivers.
The first thing to look for is an option with simple controls. You may have noticed that most of the RC cars we’ve included allow for just two modes of control; driving the car forward and turning. This will prevent your toddler from being overwhelmed and allow them to figure out the cause and effect of the controls much easier.
Secondly, you’ll want to choose an option that appeals to your child. Toddlers are naturally inquisitive, so they will be fascinated by the car’s movement and want to try it for themselves. But opting for a toy that they resonate with or recognize will keep their attention for longer and keep them returning for more.
🙋 What age is good for remote control cars?
You may wonder at what age a toddler is ready to sit in the driver’s seat and take the wheel.
Well, this will depend on the RC vehicle you opt for, but if you choose a simple toy with easy-to-grasp controls, they can start playing with remote control cars from around 18 months and upward, with perhaps more help required to be on hand at the beginning.
Although you shouldn’t expect them to master the craft immediately, starting your kids off young can bring plenty of benefits to their development, helping them understand cause and effect and hone their hand-eye coordination.
As your little one gets older, they can continue to develop these skills and further their interest in RC vehicles with more complex and faster models, offering plenty of fun for years to come.
🙋 Why are remote control toys good for kids?
Let’s face it, remote control cars are heaps of fun. You may even find yourself getting in on the action to test your abilities and teach your toddler a thing or two about driving.
But beyond the thrill of hitting top speed, navigating obstacles and maybe even taking a jump or two, kids can learn a lot from playing with RC cars.
At a younger age, these toys will help develop cognitive function as they learn the controls and see the results unfold. This will then, in turn, help to develop spatial awareness and reasoning, allowing them to think more about their actions and the world around them.
Once your kids have nailed the basics, they will start to let their imagination run wild, creating varied scenarios for the RC car and weaving it into playtime more and more. These types of toys can also be a great way to get your kids playing outdoors and even help them understand the value of their belongings and the need to take greater care to look after them.
So… What RC Car Should I Get?
As no two nippers are the same, we can’t recommend just one toy, especially since there are many great options.
To help you narrow the selection down, we’ve found 12 of the best RC toys, with options that feature kids’ favorite characters, such as Chase or Minnie, while other options take a fresh take on the classic RC car, such as this epic T-Rex that dinosaur lovers will go wild for. Of course, if your toddler is crazy about cars, then you may wish to go for the purist option, such as this top-quality toy from Brio that is certain to bring a smile to any kid’s face.
As always, we love to hear which RC car you opted for, and if you found a great option for toddlers that isn’t on our list, please let us know so we can share it with our other readers.
