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13 Best Toy Fire Trucks for Kids of 2024

Updated
Fire up your child's imagination and development with the best toy fire trucks.

Most of us probably had a toy fire truck at some point in our lives. They’re one of those timeless toys that pass through generations of boys and girls.

However, these days, toy fire trucks come in various shapes, sizes, and sophistication levels, not just for different age groups but also for different outcomes. So, whether you’re seeking to advance your child’s coordination skills or just want to introduce them to different civic institutions — you can find a fire truck to help you.

We’ve researched and rounded up all the best toy fire trucks. We’ve covered options that encourage imaginative play, offer noise and water features (and those that don’t!), and various levels of technology. We’re here to help you find the perfect fire truck based on your child’s needs.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the KidKraft Fire Station
Best Fire Truck Set
KidKraft Fire Station
  • Sturdy wood construction
  • Step-by-step assembly instructions
  • Brilliantly illustrated panels
Product Image of the Lego City Ladder
For Lego Lovers
Lego City Ladder
  • With stud-shooter function
  • 214 pieces
  • Includes 2 firefighter minifigures
Product Image of the Green Toys
Best for Babies
Green Toys
  • Made of recycled plastic milk containers
  • No metal axles
  • Free from harsh chemicals
Product Image of the Vebo Motorized Fire Truck
Best for Toddlers
Vebo Motorized Fire Truck
  • 15 inches
  • Engine and rescue sounds
  • Ladder rotates 360 degrees
Product Image of the Melissa & Doug Wooden Fire Truck With 3 Firefighter Play Figures - Fire Truck...
Best Classic Design
Melissa & Doug
  • High-quality wood
  • For ages 2-6 years
  • Very affordable
Product Image of the Prextex Car Fire Truck
Best with Remote Control
Prextex Car Fire Truck
  • Remote controlled
  • Realistic siren sounds
  • Ladder that rotates manually
Product Image of the Toy Chest Nyc
Best for Active Babies
Toy Chest Nyc
  • Non-toxic finish
  • Playful, hands-on learning
  • Includes fire response tools
Product Image of the Top Race Take-Apart Fire Truck
Best for Future Engineers
Top Race Take-Apart Fire Truck
  • Improves concentration and creativity
  • Operates with remote
  • Develops fine motor skills
Product Image of the Funerica Toy
Longest Ladder Truck
Funerica Toy
  • Entertaining
  • Realistic sounds
  • Educational creative play
Product Image of the Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Toy Helping Others Fire Truck with Music...
Best for Imaginative Play
Little People Truck
  • Hones mental acuity
  • Multifarious design
  • Lower price point


The Best Toy Fire Trucks of 2024

Here are 13 great fire truck toys to consider.

KidKraft Fire Station Set

Best Fire Truck Set

If your child loves imaginative play, this set can help them create a world all about firefighting. The 15-piece set is made entirely of wood and includes firefighters, a fire engine, a kitchen set, and a helicopter.

Your child can park the truck inside the fire station by opening and closing the garage doors. It can also be rolled around separately to “respond” when needed. When on its own, the fire engine has durable tires that allow it to roll on any surface. Designed for ages three and up.

Personal Experience

From the moment I gifted this firehouse playset to my grandchildren, it became the center of their imaginative play. My grandson eagerly put out pretend fires in the dollhouse, while my granddaughter hosted cookouts and pool parties for the firemen. The lazy Susan platform is a fantastic feature, allowing easy access to all areas of the firehouse with just a spin. Although the instructions could use some improvements for easier assembly, the overall quality and sturdiness of the playset is impressive. The firemen figures may be a bit stiff at first, but with a little bending, they become more flexible for play, and my grandchildren love incorporating their other fire trucks and characters into their firehouse adventures.


Lego City Ladder Truck

For Lego Lovers

Designed for children aged five and older, this Lego package can be your child’s first masterpiece. It has 214 pieces, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. But it is a great parent-child activity to do together.

Once assembled, the ladder can be rotated and extended. The hose can also be unraveled and attached to the characters. The set comes with two firefighter figurines and fake fire.

Personal Insight

Great addition to my son's Lego collection, this firetruck kit offers easy-to-follow instructions and engaging features like a retractable ladder and wind-up fire hose. My 5-year-old was able to assemble it on his own in less than an hour, and has enjoyed disassembling and reassembling it multiple times since. The kit includes male and female firefighter figures, a fire extinguisher, and an oil barrel with flames, giving plenty of opportunities for imaginative play. Although the shooting mechanism on the fire extinguisher is simple for little fingers to use, be cautious when rotating the ladder as it can detach from its base.


Green Toys Fire Truck

Great Choice for Babies

This truck is a safe and age-appropriate way to introduce fire trucks to your baby. Designed for kids ages one and older, it’s free of phthalates, BPA and PVCs. It also meets FDA food standards, so you won’t have to worry about your child licking it.

The truck comes with three ladders — two of which are removable — and the top one can rotate 360 degrees. At only 1.4 pounds, it’s easy for your baby to carry and push around. Because it’s dishwasher safe, you’ll be able to keep it clean and germ-free.

Community Review

Best toy fire truck I've ever bought for my little one! This fire truck is not only safe and age-appropriate, but also free of harmful chemicals like phthalates, BPA, and PVCs, making it perfect for kids aged one and up. My child loves playing with the three ladders, especially since two are removable and the top one can rotate 360 degrees. Weighing only 1 pound, it's super easy for my baby to carry and push around during playtime. Plus, it's dishwasher safe, so keeping it clean and germ-free is a breeze!


Vebo Motorized Fire Truck

Best Fire Truck for Toddlers

The Vebo fire truck is decorated with extreme detail to look exactly like a real fire truck. On top of the truck, the ladder can be rotated to mimic an actual rescue process.

Designed for ages two and up, your toddler can push the buttons to make the truck move forward. It also makes engine and rescue sounds, in addition to music, thanks to the included AA batteries.

Individual Opinion

From personal experience, this fire truck toy has both pros and cons. My grandson absolutely loved it, but the water tank is quite small and requires constant refilling using a syringe or similar tool. The truck is made of durable material and even comes with batteries included. However, the water hose doesn't work very well and the toy is not as sturdy as expected, with breakable headlights. Additionally, the directions on the box were small and difficult to read. Despite these issues, the sounds, lights, and overall design still managed to entertain my young family members.


Melissa & Doug Wooden Fire Truck

Great Classic Design

This wooden fire truck is a great option for those who want to reduce their children’s exposure to chemical off-gassing. It comes with a truck and three firefighters — all made of high-quality wood.

On the back of the truck is a lifting ladder that can move as your child wants. In the front portion, they can roll out a yellow hose to pretend to put out a fire. Designed for children from three to five years old, this truck can help your child count with figurines and learn to play imaginatively.

First-Hand Impression

I recently purchased this wooden fire truck toy for my son, and he absolutely loves it! The three included firefighters with holes to hold the hose add a fun, interactive element to playtime. He enjoys moving the ladder up and down, and driving the truck around our home. Although the hose is a bit short, I appreciate the safety measure taken for younger children.


Prextex RC Car Fire Truck

Best Toddler’s Remote Control

If your toddler is ready to experiment with technology, this remote-controlled fire truck is a wonderful introduction, recommended for children over 36 months. Using a simple, easy-to-handle remote control, your child can move the truck backward and forward.

A toy fireman sits in the driver’s seat of the 14-inch-long fire truck. The truck also includes honking sounds and flashing headlights — you have been warned! You also have an option to turn off and on the sound by pushing the red button within the fire truck.

Personal Experience

I'm thrilled with how much my grandkids enjoy playing with this firetruck, as it has features like turn signals, backup lights, and even sirens that can be turned off while keeping the lights on. The truck is made of plastic and the ladder did break after a couple of days, but I was able to fix it. It's a fantastic value for the price, with details like opening doors, adjustable windows, and flashing lights that kids adore. My two-year-old grandson had no problems operating it, and it made the perfect gift for him. However, be cautious with the remote as it can break easily if not handled gently.


Manhattan Toy Fire Truck

For Babies on the Move

Some older babies will happily sit on the floor and play with toys. If your child likes to sit and play, then this toy can be a great way to keep them occupied. This fire truck toy is designed for safe, hands-on play.

Aside from the firetruck, this set comes with a firefighter, extinguisher, axe, fire, fire hydrant, and water hose to increase your child’s coordination.

Personal Insight

My experience with this fire truck toy has been nothing but positive. Its sturdy wooden construction and maneuverable ladder make it perfect for little hands, as my 2.5-year-old can attest. Not only is the design simple and free of unnecessary lights or sounds, but the paintwork and coloring are also top-notch. I appreciate that this toy doesn't require batteries, allowing for endless entertainment and playtime.


Top Race Take Apart Fire Truck

For Future Engineers

This fire truck toy will encourage budding mechanical minds. Designed for ages three and up, your child can practice building the fire truck with the power tool construction kit.

Both the power drill and the transmitter are powered by four AA batteries (not included), while the car uses another set of batteries. To assemble the fire truck, tighten the loose parts. This kit is a 54-piece set.

Community Review

When I first introduced these toys to my young boys, their excitement was palpable, especially since they had recently seen real trucks in action. Assembling the trucks provided a fun, hands-on STEM activity that we could enjoy together. However, we encountered some minor issues with the remote control feature and the screws getting lost easily, which limited its playability. Despite these drawbacks, this toy offers a unique and engaging learning experience for children, helping to develop their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.


Funerica Toy Fire Truck

Longest Ladder Fire Truck

If your child loves to see how things work, this fire truck toy will provide plenty of entertainment. The truck itself is 10 inches long but has an extendable ladder that can reach nearly double its length. The ladder also rotates 360 degrees.

The truck features flashing lights and four different real-life sounds for kids that love noise and lights. It also comes with five fireman figurines, so your child and their friends can all play together. Recommended for ages three and over.

Individual Opinion

As a parent with a young child who adores Fireman Sam, I found this fire truck toy to be a fantastic alternative to purchasing the expensive official version from England. The included figurines closely resemble the characters from the show, and the lights, sounds, and tension mechanism on the wheels make it even more enjoyable for little ones. One minor issue is the lack of a stop catch on the ladder, causing the supports to come out of the sockets when raised too high, but despite this, the toy remains durable and well worth the money.


Little People Fire Truck

Best For Imaginative Play

If your toddler is crazy about fire trucks, you may want to take it to the next level. This toy will have your little one help in combating fire through the “little people”.

Built with realistic sound-effects, your young fire firefighter will surely appreciate extending help. The sprinkler moves in circles which is a fun feature for kids who really get into imaginative play.

First-Hand Impression

Best purchase for my 3-year-old grandson who adores this Little People airplane. The bright colors, adorable characters, and interactive features like spinning the little person at the end for sound effects make this toy perfect for young children, especially ages 1-3. My autistic student also enjoys playing with this school bus, proving its appeal to a diverse range of kids. However, the lack of volume control and potential for sharp edges on the back part are areas that could use improvement. Despite those minor drawbacks, my 8-year-old daughter still joins in on the fun with her younger sibling, making this toy a hit among various age groups.


Playskool Transformers Fire-Bot

Two-in-One Transformer

If your child is into transformers and fire engines, this toy will combine the best of both worlds. The toy starts as a fire truck, but your child can also transform it into a fire-bot action figure in one simple move.

Designed for ages three to seven, this toy can teach them the basics of how things are made and fit together. The water cannon is attached to the front of the truck and can be carried by the action bot to keep your kids pretend-shooting for hours.

Personal Experience

I recently purchased this Rescue Bots Transformer for my 4-year-old, and it has quickly become his favorite toy. The transformation process from fire truck to rescue bot is simple enough for him to navigate, and it's the perfect size for his little hands. While it may not be as durable as older models, it has held up well to my son's rough play and continues to provide hours of entertainment.


Fire Truck Tent

Explore What's Inside

Active learning best happens during interaction with your toddler. Allow your child to experience pretend play while enjoying this fire truck-themed tent where he can spend his daily activities, such as playing or sleeping while inside this spacious playhouse that’s 45 inches long. Your little ones can even share this with their siblings or friends.

Personal Insight

For those looking for a simple, convenient, and compact play tent for their little ones, this tent is a fantastic choice. I found it incredibly easy to set up and take down, which is perfect for busy parents and small living spaces. The tent is spacious enough for a few kids to play in, but also has a small footprint, making it easy to store when not in use. The quality of the tent is impressive, with the fabric showing no signs of wear or tear after three months of use. The only minor issue was the optional rods for the side tray, which were not necessary and easily discarded without any impact on the tent's functionality.


Zets Electric Fire Truck

Fun at the Race Track

When your child is with friends, do they like to race cars? If so, why not throw a fire truck in the mix? This truck can provide tons of fun at play dates for kids older than three.

The realistic sirens and lights would contribute to interactive play for younger babies. The company also ensures a money-back guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction.

Community Review

My experience with this toy has been a mix of excitement and minor disappointment. The bright LED lights and self-moving feature definitely captured my child's attention and amusement. However, the quality of the toy could be improved, as it broke into pieces after being accidentally dropped. Additionally, the toy is quite loud and lacks buttons to control the sound and lights, which can be a bit overwhelming. Despite these drawbacks, my child still enjoys playing with the firetruck and its fun features.

Choosing an Age-Appropriate Toy

Every child has different interests, capabilities, and developmental needs. Though fire trucks may seem like a niche product, they can actually fit into many different passions and hobbies.

Before you make a purchase, however, you may want to consider your child’s abilities to ensure the toy is a source of fun, not frustration.

1. Small Pieces

Some kids never even think about putting foreign objects in their mouths. Others seem to know exactly when you look away and are just waiting to taste those car keys. Either way, you probably have a good understanding of whether your child explores with their mouth or not.

If your child does this, it’s better to avoid toys with small pieces. Some fire trucks have removable wheels or small figurines associated with them. If your child tends to eat things or just put things in their mouths, this sort of toy will only cause you anxiety and could be dangerous.

Plush fire trucks or plastic trucks designed for ages three and under are less likely to contain small pieces (1). If you choose a plush fire truck for your infant, remember not to put your baby in their crib with it to sleep. On the other hand, Lego trucks should be avoided until your child gets a bit older.

2. Technology Level

Does your child like to take things apart and put them back together? Maybe they’re showing an interest in how things move. If so, you might want to consider a more technologically-advanced fire truck toy.

The most advanced fire trucks can introduce your child to the basics of engineering. That might be a lot for your five-month-old, though!

To avoid frustration or disinterest, you may want to start simple, with features like extendable ladders. As your child grows and makes the link between cause and effect, you can gradually move to remote-controlled trucks (2).

How to Choose a Toy Fire Truck

Fire trucks have a wide range of features and capabilities. Before purchasing a truck, consider what your child is interested in and what you’re willing to put up with.

Sets

Some trucks are sold separately, while others come as part of a set. If your child likes imaginative play, a set can be a great way to provide them with context. If the truck comes with a station, for example, you can use it as a tool to talk about work and buildings.

Not all kids like or are ready for imaginative play. Younger kids may just be interested in moving the truck along the living room floor.

Water and Noise Features

Some fire truck toys have features beyond just movement. Several products on the market have a working water pump, which can be fun on a hot summer’s day. Others make loud, life-like siren and honking noises.

These features can be difficult to turn off once your child knows they exist. If you’d rather keep these features out of your home, make sure the product you choose doesn’t have them.


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Headshot of Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Reviewed by

Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN

Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN, is a pediatric intensive care nurse at Children's Hospital of New York for the past 14 years. Jennifer also has extensive experience teaching Maternity and Obstetric Nursing, as well as Pediatrics Nursing.