[ Site Index ]

Dr. Toy: Train Adventures


Trains have always fascinated children. Playing with trains offers a lot of learning. Children like to read about and play with small trains. The real ones are exciting to watch. Take a trip on a train so that your child can expand their experiences of travel and appreciation of the train.

This hobby can last a lifetime. Train collecting is one of the biggest hobbies. There are some train museums and many train clubs put on exhibits of miniature trains and layouts. Go to a miniature train store to see the variety and find out additional information. You and your child will be fascinated.

Trains have found their way into childrenŐs literature and toys. There are good videos about trains that provide lots of information Thomas the Tank Engine is a big favorite for TV, videos, books and miniature sets. Find some books in the library on trains so your child can learn more. Read a train story to your child.

Combine arts and crafts with your childŐs train hobby. They can draw and paint scenery for their train layouts. Older children can use paper mache˘. They can also create play buildings from paper and cardboard to go with other small structures on their play train layouts.

Two great train sets to appeal to your train enthusiast were selected from among Dr. ToyŐs Best ChildrenŐs Products:.

Fantasy Train - LGB of America (7-12, $199.95) 800-669-0607 Enter the world of trains with this high quality G scale toy train set that can be set up to cover 4 1/2 feet of track. This starter set includes everything the young train collector will want and there is plenty to learn as the child's fantasy play continues.

Sesame Street Wooden Railway - Strombecker/Tootsietoy (3-6, $49.99) 800-944-TOYS(8697) This is a great product and one that Cookie Monster would love to show off. Included is a suspension bridge, train and tracks, signs plus your child's favorite Sesame Street characters. Compatible with Brio train tracks and other playsets, the child can build a whole town around the tracks. The train cars hold together with magnets.

Dr. Toy responds to grandparent who is visiting grandchild for the first time and wants to bring practical gift. Dr. Toy suggests you find out what is on the new babyŐs wish list by asking parents. If they do not have a musical mobile for the crib you might start with that, or a tape recorder and a selection of baby song tapes. Another great choice is the first teddy bear, washable, soft, a perfect touch. Just being loving grandparents is the babyŐs greatest gift.

(c) l995, 1996, 1997 Stevanne Auerbach, PhD San Francisco, CA.
This article may not under any circumstances be resold or redistributed for compensation of any kind without prior written permission from the author.




Index Best '96 Best '95 Best Vacation '96 Dr. Toy's Rx.

Web Work:
Web Weavers