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The set includes 12 acrylic paints and two brushes for your paleontologist-turned-artist to decorate the dinos before creating a prehistoric scene, complete with artificial grass, a virgin forest (like those from pre-human times), and two display boxes. Even better, the boat can float, so kids bring the toy in the bath or play with it while using a water table for a more creative experience. According to a 2016 study published in JAMA Pediatrics, electronic toys—talking farms, baby laptops, baby cellphones, for example—were associated with decreased quantity and quality of language input compared with books or toys that don’t make noise. No, you can’t grow your own dinosaur. ( Jurassic Park scientists tried that, and it didn’t go as planned.) But with the Dino World Terrarium Kit, kids can create their own miniature garden (with dino figurines) and watch it grow. Users are impressed with this set’s versatility. For example, for a 3-in-1 set, each dinosaur requires its own build, while other multi-use sets might have a main build and then smaller add-ons or adjustments.
We found that our 3 year old son, who is at the minimum age for these Take Apart Dinosaurs, was far more interested in sliding the dinosaurs around on the floor than actually taking them apart and rebuilding them. Thankfully, we anticipated that might happen, so we did a little prep work before introducing him to this toy. We kept four dinosaurs in the box and brought out just one matching pair. Then, we took one apart and left one intact so he could see what he would be building. That first build was really fun and kept him totally engaged. However, once it was built, he had no interest in taking apart any other dinosaurs. The ToyVelt Take Apart Dinosaur set is a good choice for any child who loves to tinker or is in a major dinosaur phase. For the younger crowd, it’s best as a parent-led activity, but for older kids, these dinos could provide hours of entertainment.The manufacturer suggests this product is for kids over the age of 3. Our son didn’t have any safety issues with the small pieces. However, the screws are tiny, so if your child still likes to put things in their mouth, make sure you watch them closely while playing with this toy. Also, for the younger set, anticipate this being a parent-led activity rather than a free play toy (at least until they get the hang of it). Editor's Note (September 2023): This product review was originally written and published in 2019. To make sure we are still recommending the best products for your needs, we recently reviewed this story to make sure it is still accurate and that we stand by what we wrote. Despite newer models and options being available, we still feel confident that this product is one of the best choices, and therefore have included it in The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds. Plus, quiet toys are easier on parents’ and caregivers’ ears. That’s not to say toys that make noise or have screens are a hard no. “Believe me, as a parent, [I agree] there is a place for these,” says Nuernberger. “Just make sure you’re interacting with your child. For example, you can narrate what they’re doing and expand on what the toy is doing or saying.” How We Selected Is there anything for which Lego doesn’t have a set? This 910-piece kit is a challenge for older kids but makes for a good rainy- or snowy-day family activity. It’s unique, too, in the fact that it features dinosaur bones versus the “living” animal, for a museum-style display.
And as for that T-Rex that says rawr, here’s good news for parents and caregivers: When it comes to speech and language development for younger kids, toys that make noise are not the best option. Yes, you heard us right. This set features two raptors attempting to escape the reigns of enemy explorers. A little dark—not to mention anachronistic—but kiddos can rescue the dinosaurs and trap the hunters in the cage.The dinosaurs and the tools don’t feel incredibly sturdy…so we aren’t sure if these dinosaurs will ever secure hand-me-down status.
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