The 4 Best Dinosaur Toys for Kids Today

Written by Marisa Wilson
Updated: March 22, 2023
© Alexandra Morosanu/Shutterstock.com

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What kid doesn’t like dinosaur toys? With all the cartoons and fun facts about dinosaurs, it’s no surprise that most kids love them! There are thousands of toys, and while there are some excellent options, this list is researched to find the best ones for kids of all ages.

These toys are sure to be a hit among kids, from toddlers to older children. You’ll find inspiration and fun gift ideas for the kids in your life. Some of the toys mentioned are excellent choices for multiple kids or educational purposes, so stick around and become a dinosaur toy expert!

  1. Li'l-Gen Dinosaur Toys and Sound Book for Kids
    • An interactive sound book with a number of dinosaur sounds included.
    • 12 large dinosaur toys included in the set.
    • Fun dinosaur facts inside of the book.
    Check Amazon
  2. TEMI Dinosaur Toys for Kids 3-5 with Activity Play Mat
    • A set of dinosaur toys, with trees included.
    • Play mat for additional immersion included with the set.
    • The dinosaur toys in this set are advertised as hand-painted.
    Check Amazon
  3. W&O Dinosaur Discovery Kids Tent
    • A pop-up tent that allows children to immerse themselves in a prehistoric world.
    • Assembled with sturdy, fiberglass rods.
    • Can be purchased in a bundle of multiple tents to save money.
    Check Amazon
  4. LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs Build It Yourself Dinosaur Set
    • A LEGO set with pieces and instructions for building three different dinosaurs.
    • A pterodactyl, triceratops, and T-rex can be built.
    • Accessories found in the set include posable joints and head, claws, and an opening mouth.
    • The T-rex when built is just over 4 inches tall.
    Check Amazon

1. Best for Toddlers: Li’l-Gen Dinosaur Toys

If you’re looking for a fun and educational book for kids aged three to five, check out our #1 Best Overall choice: the Li’l-Gen Dinosaur Toys and Sound Book for Kids. This book contains information about everyone’s favorite prehistoric creatures, fun sound effects, and interactive toys to keep kids entertained. This dinosaur book is perfect for kids interested in dinosaurs or anyone who wants to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

When reading difficulties are identified in elementary school, they can be challenging to address. However, if reading is introduced during the toddler and preschool years, many reading issues can be avoided. What better way to make reading exciting than with a fun dinosaur book? Inside this book are colorful pictures, and to add to the fun, epic dinosaur noises are included! Kids love the dinosaur sounds and will play with them outside of reading time. The book also includes twelve dinosaur toys. 

Dinosaur toys included will help entertain kids as they learn. This is helpful if you have a toddler who likes to play with toys while you read to them. The dinosaur book and toys are safe for kids because they are made of long-lasting, non-toxic, and BPA-free materials. Your child will learn, discover, and develop their social and technical skills with the help of this set. They will have a lot of fun and learn from the lifelike toys and the accompanying sound book. Just be careful; the toddler may try to eat you with a plastic dinosaur!

Several reviewers said that the book was warped or otherwise damaged when they received it. And some buyers said that the dinosaur toys had a strong chemical smell.

Pros and Cons of the Li’l-Gen Dinosaur Toys and Sound Book for Kids

ProsCons
This set includes a book about dinosaurs featuring colorful pictures and epic dinosaur noises.Some reviewers said that the book was warped or otherwise damaged when they received it.
The set also includes 12 BPA-free, non-toxic, long-lasting plastic dinosaur toys.Several buyers said that the dinosaur toys had a strong chemical smell.
Best for Toddlers
Li'l-Gen Dinosaur Toys and Sound Book for Kids
  • An interactive sound book with a number of dinosaur sounds included.
  • 12 large dinosaur toys included in the set.
  • Fun dinosaur facts inside of the book.
Check Amazon

2. Best for three-to-five-year-olds: TEMI Dinosaur Toys

TEMI Dinosaur Toys are designed to allow children to exercise their imaginations through unstructured play. Unstructured play fosters a child’s brain’s healthy development. The brain’s neural connections are boosted and strengthened by it. We use these neural pathways in the brain when we are thinking. The lifelike dinosaur figures will inspire numerous hours of pretend play. Keep your children away from electronics and encourage them to use their imaginations. 

Watch them invent their own worlds with the dinosaurs playing starring roles. Children build their confidence by acting out various scenarios and solutions. They establish their own rules and learn to abide by them or modify them as necessary. These are practical skills for navigating life and establishing connections with others.

It’s a fantastic educational toy that will help your kids learn how to cooperate with their friends or keep them creatively amused in their rooms! It includes nine dinosaur figures, a palm tree, an activity mat with room for two to four kids and a colorful carrying case for the toys. This is an easy way to teach kids to pick up after themselves and be responsible. They will love playing with this dinosaur set so much that they won’t realize how much they are learning. There are no small parts included, which makes it excellent for toddlers as well. This toy set is the whole package and is great for multiple kids to enjoy!

A few reviewers reported that the mat was tiny.

Pros and Cons of TEMI Dinosaur Toys

ProsCons
This set allows children to exercise their imagination through unstructured play.A few reviewers reported that the mat was tiny.
It includes nine dinosaurs, a palm tree, an activity mat with room for two to four kids and a carrying case for the toys.
There are no small parts, so it is suitable for toddlers as well.

Best for 3-5-year-olds
TEMI Dinosaur Toys for Kids 3-5 with Activity Play Mat
  • A set of dinosaur toys, with trees included.
  • Play mat for additional immersion included with the set.
  • The dinosaur toys in this set are advertised as hand-painted.
Check Amazon

3. Best for Sleepovers: W&O Dinosaur Discovery Kids Tent

The W&O Dinosaur Discovery Kids Tent uses strong and safe fiberglass rods, which won’t bend or snap, in contrast to other play tents. It is strong enough to withstand any epic dinosaur adventure thanks to its reinforced roof, floor pockets, and premium polyester construction. 

Six lifelike dinosaur sounds will be heard when you press the ROAR button inside this play tent, igniting their imagination. With its patented sound button, this dinosaur tent is ideal for your child’s intellectual and creative development. Your child will soon be flying with pterodactyls and running with velociraptors. If you find yourself constantly struggling to entertain multiple kids or you have sleepovers, this can help. 

Along with this awesome tent, they offer a free downloadable ebook full of fun information. You can read it to them while they snuggle up for a nap inside their new tent! Not only will this make an epic gift, but it’s also super easy to put together, so everyone wins. 

Several reviewers said that the tent tore shortly after setting it up.

Pros and Cons of the W&O Dinosaur Discovery Kids Tent

ProsCons
This tent utilizes strong, safe fiberglass rods that won’t bend or snap.Several reviewers said that the tent tore shortly after setting it up.
It features a reinforced roof, floor pockets, and premium polyester construction.
The ROAR button generates six lifelike dinosaur sounds when kids press it.
You can download a free ebook full of fun dinosaur information to read to your keds while they’re in their tent.
Best for Sleepovers
W&O Dinosaur Discovery Kids Tent
  • A pop-up tent that allows children to immerse themselves in a prehistoric world.
  • Assembled with sturdy, fiberglass rods.
  • Can be purchased in a bundle of multiple tents to save money.
Check Amazon

4. Best for Older Kids: LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs

This three-in-one LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs toy set can be used to create a pterodactyl, triceratops, and a T-rex. Each dinosaur toy will provide kids with hours of pretend play. 

LEGO teaches invaluable soft skills, such as creative thinking, teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving abilities, which influence how a child works and interacts with others. Another fantastic benefit is hand-eye coordination. Kids can feel confident in their building skills and knowledge to follow instructions. 

If your kid has anxiety or is always hyper, the best thing to do is get something that will occupy them. LEGOs are great for soothing and distracting kids. Parents can help their kids build these dinosaurs for quality time that doesn’t involve cartoons or screens. Kids will be happy to show you that all their hard work paid off by bringing you an epic LEGO dinosaur! 

One reviewer said that this set was way too advanced for a three-year-old to assemble.

Pros and Cons of the LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs

ProsCons
This LEGO set will allow your kids to create three different dinosaurs: pterodactyl, triceratops, and a T-rex.One reviewer said that this set was way too advanced for a three-year-old to assemble.
Building with LEGOS teaches children a wide variety of invaluable soft skills, improves hand-eye-coordination, and builds confidence.
LEGOS are an ideal toy to play with your kids instead of watching cartoons or screens.
Best for Older Kids
LEGO Creator Mighty Dinosaurs Build It Yourself Dinosaur Set
  • A LEGO set with pieces and instructions for building three different dinosaurs.
  • A pterodactyl, triceratops, and T-rex can be built.
  • Accessories found in the set include posable joints and head, claws, and an opening mouth.
  • The T-rex when built is just over 4 inches tall.
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best Dinosaur Toys: What to Look for

When picking the best dinosaur toys for kids, you want to ensure that they are safe for their age, educational, and high-quality so they last long. With so many great options for dinosaur toys available, it can be challenging to pick the best one for your kids. First, consider the age of your child. Some dinosaur toys are meant for younger children, while others are better suited for older kids. 

Make sure to pick a toy appropriate for your child’s age group. Toys for older kids may include small parts that can cause a younger child to choke. Second, look for educational toys. Many dinosaur toys come with accompanying books or apps that can teach your child about these fascinating creatures. Adding learning opportunities to playtime is beneficial in the short and long run. 

Third, choose high-quality toys that will withstand wear and tear. Look for well-made toys that are designed to last. Be mindful of the types of plastics it uses, and for younger kids, make sure there are safety features such as a battery compartment that uses screws. You don’t want your little one to get a hold of that! You can find the best dinosaur toy for your child by following these steps.

The Different Types of Dinosaur Toys: Pros and Cons Compared 

There are several types of dinosaur toys on the market, each with its own unique features. One popular option is interactive books, which allow children to learn about dinosaurs while also playing with them. Another popular choice is tents, which provide a fun and safe place for children to play.

Finally, many children enjoy playing with plastic figures, which can be found in various sizes and colors. No matter what type of dinosaur toy your child prefers, there is sure to be an option that will suit their needs. Let’s go over the pros and cons of each type of dinosaur toy.

Books that Make Sounds

ProsCons
Helps kids build vocabularyIt requires batteries
Relax before bedtime
Sounds make reading fun

Dinosaur Figures and Mats

ProsCons
Mats give a soft place to playN/A
Encourages kids to play in groupsN/A
Helps make independent play funN/A

Dinosaur Tents

ProsCons
Are fun for cozy spots N/A
Sparks the imagination
Provides a great reading spot

LEGOs

ProsCons
Builds hand-eye coordination Can be messy if left on the floor
Builds confidence 
Builds problem-solving skills 

Verified Review: User Experience

Some parents couldn’t believe how much their kids loved the Li’l-Gen Dinosaur book. Take this review, for example, which reads “My 2 1/2 yr old grandson loves this dinosaur set. I was amazed at the quality of everything in this set. The dinosaur toys are bright and colorful. He immediately went for the book and started trying to match the plastic dinosaur toys with the dinosaur pictures in the book.” Most of the reviews said similar things!

When it comes to some kids’ toys, adults often want to play too! This is true for the W&O Dinosaur Discovery Kids Tent. One mom said, “Super easy to put together. The rods are much better made than others I’ve bought in the past. They feel more kid proof…My boys love this tent, it’s actually very roomy. My sister and I fit inside of it while playing hide and seek with them, so perfect for all ages.” It’s always fun to find toys that adults can enjoy with their little ones!

About the Author

Creepy-crawly creatures enthrall Marisa. Aside from raising caterpillars, she has a collection of spiders as pets. The brown recluse is her favorite spider of all time. They're just misunderstood. You don't have to worry about squishing the creatures as her catching, and relocating abilities can safely move stray centipedes or snakes to a new location that's not your living room.

The 4 Best Dinosaur Toys for Kids Today FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What are some tips for buying dinosaur toys that play sounds?

When getting any toy that plays music or makes sounds, check to see what kind of batteries it takes. Even if batteries are included, grabbing an extra set is always helpful. If the sound of the toy is too loud, applying a washi or painter’s tape is helpful to dull it down a bit.

How can you tell if a toy is safe for kids?

Most toys will state the recommended age on the packaging. If you don’t see the age, check if small parts are included. If you’re looking for smaller kids, small pieces can cause choking.

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