Since tanks were first produced in 1915, they’ve captured the imagination of kids everywhere.
We found the 28 best toy tanks to encourage imagination and pretend play. From the best RC tanks for adults or teens to action figure sets and even sets perfect for multiple age ranges, you can find the right tank for the next holiday or birthday right here.
Take a look and start shopping!
Best Toy Tanks for Kids
For the same price point, your child can either enjoy the Boley Defender Army Tank Playset which comes with 13 pieces of realistic military equipment that lights up and makes sounds, or the Military Base Set that includes 47 pieces to build an entire military base as well as a playmat to set up the base.
Boley Defender Army Tank Playset
Boley’s Defender Army Tank Playset provides hours of fun with a tank, figures, and even a sandbag barrier. It’s a definitely going to appeal to children as the set comes with an attention to detail.
Furthermore, the toys light up and make sounds, too. All this and the toys are safe with non-toxic material free of phthalates. Every safety standard you can imagine comes on the toys making it a perfect option for toys ages three and up.
The set includes realistic colors in camouflage and measures 10 inches by 5 inches. Also, the set includes thirteen pieces ready to give kids hours of playtime.
TimMee Bulldog Tank Playset
The TimMee Bulldog Tank Playset is ready to go into battle with a tank and multiple armed and trained soldiers. Decked out in olive green, the soldiers are committed to encouraging your child to use their imagination. Even the tank comes with a weapon ready to destroy the opposition.
Next, the thirteen-piece set works best for children over the age of five years old as the pieces are small, and some of them are pointy. With the 10.25-inch tank, kids can enjoy a mission based on SWAT police from the late 1970s.
The set even comes with stickers in a patriotic theme, ready to go on the vehicle. Now kids can set the pieces up, knock them down, and start over again as they are made of stiff plastic.
Military Toy Tank Play Set
Kids will adore the Military Toy Tank Play Set because of the realistic detail and tons of accessories. The set includes 42 pieces including a bridge, tank, motorcycle, jet board, action figures, equipment, and fences. With a futuristic design, it’s great for kids not interested in the past.
It’s time for role-play with this set ready for army missions and other covert operations. Each figure fits into a vehicle of its own and is ready to work! The set is good for your child, too!
With imaginative play, the toy set can encourage cognitive development, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and more. All this and the toys are non-toxic and perfect for kids ages three and up. Also, it’s great for multiple kids to play together with.
WWII Gray German King Tiger Tank
The WWII Gray German King Tiger Tank comes in two colors and it’s a simple tank with attention to detail. Pick from gray or tan and enjoy a fun tank ready to simulate battle. It’s small, too, and measures 10 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches for a 1:32 scale.
Next, the tanks are stiff, durable, and made of polypropylene plastic. It’s a replica of a tank used to invade Normandy during WWII with historical accuracy. Give this to kids ages five years and up.
Army Toys Truck Set
Kids ages three and up will enjoy the Army Toys Truck Set by Cobefy. The set comes with over forty different pieces including a tank and a missile truck. You also get a friction transport truck and tons of accessories.
Children can build an entire military base with this set ready to carry out protocol. Sadly, the does not come with a storage container, so you will need to purchase one separately. Otherwise, the camouflage painted set comes with moving pieces and tons of details.
Let this set inspire your child’s imagination and improve their hand-eye coordination. Moreover, fun toy sets without lights or sounds inspire pretend play and keep their eyes safe from blue screens. All this and the toys are made of safe plastic without rough edges.
47 Pieces Military Base Set
Not only do you get a toy tank with the 47 Pieces Military Base Set, but also a base! The set includes 47 pieces including tanks, planes, cars, a base, towers, weapons, and more. Sadly, it does not include storage but the vast majority of the pieces are large enough your child would probably rather keep them set up.
Boys can set up an entire army of instruments ready to take on the enemy. Gather up some army men too to increase the ground forces and keep the battle localized too. However, the men might want to stay off the mat lest they get run over by the tanks!
Last, the playmat is roomy at 25 x 25 inches, giving boys and girls a place to set up their arsenals. This is large enough for a couple of boys to play together. Gift this set to boys ages three years and up; also suitable for adult boys who still play with toys.
Army Men Action Figures Military Base Set
Gift the Army Men Action Figures Military Base Set to kids who want to set up an entire army. It comes with a great price, however, the toy tanks don’t move.
However, the set does include four army men color and tons of fun accessories to fuel the fun. Another cute touch is each army color comes with a flag so each kid can handle the army for the country of their choice. The toys are safe and durable, too, with non-toxic plastic.
Everything comes in a zippered storage bag. From sandbags to tents and barbed wire, boys get everything they need to lead a battalion. All with realistic detail, ready to enhance the fun.
Elite Force M113 Desert Armored Vehicle
The Force M113 Desert Armored Vehicle looks amazing and comes with a well-equipped soldier to command the tank. At just 1/18 scale, it won’t steal the play room. Furthermore, the figure is posable and comes with a removable helmet.
Next, the toy is action-packed and ready for pretend play with two hatches for the figurine. It’s highly detailed, too, adding to realistic play. Moreover, it comes with tons of accessories.
Get the tank, posable figure, removable helmet, machine guns, utility pack, and of course the tank. It’s best for children ages four and up. Keep in mind, though, that the tank does not move on its own and doesn’t roll at all.
Best Toy Tanks for Teenagers
When comparing these two tanks, the Elite Desert Force Armored Military Tank has a score of 2 1/2 stars for quality and durability on the Amazon reviews; whereas the Spade Tank has a 5 star rating from the Amazon customers.
Elite Desert Force Armored Military Tank
The Elite Desert Force Armored Military Tank is a fun set ready to make your child’s imagination soar. First, the military set is made of super-strong, high-quality BPA-free plastic, and a ton of detail. Second, the set comes with a bunch of accessories.
Not only do kids get a tank, but they also get figurines, weapons, and a shield. The soldiers are posable and add to the imaginative play. Moreover, the tank has a 360-degree rotating gun turret and machine gun.
It measures over 12 inches making it great for play. Kids will love the desert colors perfect for battle in the sand.
Kids ages 13 and up can have a blast simulating military operations. If they like the set, you can add more pieces from the same brand to increase the pretend play.
TAMIYA Toy Spade Tank
Although the TAMIYA 300032411 Toy – Spade Tank costs a little more money, it’s highly realistic and perfect for tank enthusiasts. It’s scaled at 1:35 and measures 145 mm. Also, it comes with rubber tred.
Mind you, this is a spade tank, not one with the revolving tires like some kids want. However, it does come with a shooting slot and figurine soldier.
Save this toy for kids ages 14 and up as it’s not meant for little kids. It’s huge too at 15 x 9.7 x 2.3 inches. Teens will love the attention to detail and fun accessories.
Best Die-Cast Toy Tanks
While these two sets both include 6 different military vehicles, the Nunkitoy Die-cast Military Vehicles measure at 2.7″ for each vehicle, however, the Diecast Military Vehicles are each approximately 1.64″ making them much smaller.
Nunkitoy Die-Cast Military Vehicles
The Nunkitoy Die-cast Military Vehicles gives more fun to kids as it comes with a tank and five other vehicles. All of the vehicles are army green and ready to enhance pretend play. Each toy is made of plastic and zinc alloy, both of which are non-toxic and odor-free.
Moreover, the die-cast set includes a tank, jeep, panzer, light anti-air vehicle, attack helicopter, and scout helicopter. Each measure about 2.7 inches, perfect for little hands.
Do not give these toys to children under three years old as it has smaller parts that can cause a choking hazard. The vehicles have moving parts too, which increases the fun, but the tank doesn’t move.
Pull Back Die-Cast Military Vehicles
For a very small price, you can give children ages three and up to eight mini military tanks with the Pull Back Diecast Military Vehicles. The toys are easy to use, simply pull the toy back and then let go! Now the toys propel forward and delight children.
Some of the parts move on each of the adorable tanks, and they are pocket size for easy transport. Moreover, they are made of metal and ABS plastic, making them safe. The set even comes with three random army men to increase the fun of these metal toy tanks.
Finally, the realistic-looking color scheme looks great with the chunky, rounded shapes perfect for little hands. Little boys and girls will spend hours playing with these fun toys, and they barely take up any space at all!
Military Vehicles Army Set
The Diecast Military Vehicles Army Toy Set = includes six military vehicles in Army green colors. Some of the vehicles say Army while others say Air Force for more realistic play. Moreover, some of the vehicles actually roll.
However, like with most tank toys, the tanks do not roll as the mechanism is difficult to simulate for play. Otherwise, kids will love the swinging joints and high-quality alloy and plastic. Also, each piece is scaled to 1:64, making the set tiny and perfect for indoor or outdoor play.
Finally, these toys are safe for kids ages three and up. Boys will love putting the vehicles in their pocket for on the go adventures.
TimMee Toy Tanks
With the TimMee Toy Tanks for Plastic Army Men, you get a three tank set ready to work with plastic army men. The set comes with stickers, too, perfect for decorating the olive green tanks.
Each tank measures 6.5 inches long and is scaled approximately 1:48. Mind you, the tanks do not roll, but they are tiny. They are perfect for outdoor play.
Military Truck with Soldiers Set
Give your child an entire arsenal with the 26 Pcs Military Truck with Soldier Men Set. It includes a storage truck, mini die-cast battle vehicles, and army men too. Kids will love having ten different army cars and even a couple of helicopters too to fuel their army.
The toys are push and go and can even come out of the front of the storage truck for more fun ways to play. Moreover, the set is small enough to make storage a breeze. Kids can even fit the cars in their pockets!
Despite the small size, children ages three and up can play with the toys. They are made of plastic and zinc alloy, both of which are safe so long as kids keep the toys out of their mouths! It’s time for a pretend army with the right equipment.
Best Remote Control Tanks
The German Tiger I Panzer Tank and the WW2 German Tiger Army Tank are both made of durable plastic material and are ready to operate right out of the box, however, the much less costly, DIY Wooden Remote Control Tank is a kit to build your own wooden tank before operating the off roader.
German Tiger I Panzer Tank
The Cheerwing 1:72 German Tiger I Panzer Tank gives kids a scale model truck ready to delight with a remote control. It comes with a rotating turret, recoil action when shooting, and working parts. The remote control moves the tank forward, backward, left, right, and makes sounds.
Despite all the functions, this is a tiny toy that fits in the palm of the hand. It measures just 3.54 x 1.97 x 1.57 making it a very portable toy. Also, it includes a built-in rechargeable battery, and it can play for about 10-15 minutes.
Don’t worry, it only takes an hour to charge, and the price is more than worthy of the short playtime. Trust us Experienced Mommies – most kids only have about a 15-minute attention span!
You will need batteries for the remote, and it’s recommended for kids ages 14 and up.
WW2 German Tiger Army Tank
Kids who like older style tanks will want the WW2 German Tiger Army Tank as it’s all gray and looks like it’s from one of the world wars. It’s scaled to 1:28 and comes with a remote control ready to increase the fun. Recharge it using a USB charger.
The product is made of plastic, and it’s for kids ages six years old and up. Overall, the product measures just 14.28 x 5.12 x 4.35 inches. It’s perfect for kids wanting an “Invincible Tank” from World War 2.
It does take a while to charge, 3 to 4 hours, and only plays for about 20 minutes but can go about 25 meters in that time. Add in a soldier and gun, and kids are set to play for a while using their imagination.
Abrams vs. Tiger Infrared Battle Tanks
The Abrams vs. Tiger Infrared Battle Tanks saves you money with two remote control battling tanks. If you want, you can buy up to 12 tanks to battle at the same time! Simply connect each transmitter one at a time, and you are ready to go.
With the set, you get a replica of the M1A2 Abrams USA main battle tank and a German Tiger. Each includes four LED indicators and has a demo play function too. Also, it includes realistic firing sounds and recoil with cannon fire sounds along with engine and gun sounds.
If you don’t want the sounds on, you can turn them off. Each tank measures around 11 inches, making them large enough to enjoy but not steal a ton of space. The large toy tanks heavy too and best for children ages 8 years and up.
12” Fighting Battle Tanks
Kids who like to battle with friends need the Haktoys RC 12” Fighting Battle Tanks. It’s a bit pricy, but offers a ton of fun features kids will love. Furthermore, the two remote controlled tanks are large at 12.5 x 4.5 x 4 inches.
Both tanks come with realistic designs and detailed exteriors. However, they use infrared frequency and should, therefore, be used indoors and not outdoors. Direct sunlight and cause signal loss.
The plastic toys come with batteries and can play for about 30 to 45 minutes before they need to be charged for about 90 minutes. Although, they don’t come with typical batteries and require special batteries instead. At least they are rechargeable. It’s a great gift for boys ages six years and up.
Remote Control Military Battle Tank
The Remote Control Military Battle Tank is a realistic toy that goes forward, backward, right, left, spins plus the turret can rotate, the muzzle can go up and down, and it shoots soft bullets.
It also includes simulated smoke function with LED searchlights and has sound effects.
It has 3 levels of accelerated speed and can climb a 40 degree gradients with its powerful motor and rubber tracks.
DIY Wooden Off-Road Tracked Tank
For a fun project, get your child the DIY Wooden Off-Road Tracked Tank. It’s a small buildable wooden tank that kids can build multiple times. The mechanical toy is also a STEM toy and it can inspire kids to learn engineering and tinkering too.
Do-it-yourself toys encourage creativity, and this option can be painted, add an engine, or let your kids explore their imaginations. Give this fun toy to children ages six years old and up.
Lastly, all of the pieces are wood and metal except for the wheels, which are plastic. It includes rubber bands to make the tracks for the wheels. It comes with a remote control to extend the fun!
Best Toy Tank Building Sets
The STEM model, Revell M4 Sherman Tank, includes 152 pieces and decals to build a tank with a movable turret, opening and closing hatches, a rotating cannon, and even two crew members; however, the Robot Building Blocks Kit is a set of 832 pieces that allows you to build a total of 19 different models, including a tank robot.
Revell 1:35 M4 Sherman Tank Model
Get a fun tank with the Revell 1:35 M4 Sherman Tank. It’s decent sized at 13.75 x 19.5 x 14 inches and it’s lightweight too. You should pick this option for the extreme detail and realistic appearance.
The tank comes with authentic waterslide decals and 152 pieces. Older children ages ten and up will love assembling this model tank and then using it to play military missions. Everything they love about this popular tank is at their fingertips and includes moving parts, too.
It comes with a movable turret, opening and closing hatches, a rotating cannon, and even two crew members. The set comes with illustrated instructions to help kids with this STEM kit, so they can learn and play.
COBI World of Tanks Panzer III
Kids who love building sets (like Legos) and tanks need the COBI World of Tanks Panzer III. It’s perfect for children ages 8 to 15 and even for adults too. With 900 blocks, the set will take a while to put together and makes it a STEM setting.
Boys and girls can learn to follow instructions and many other skills with a building set. Also, it comes with fun accessories, including binoculars, a German officer, stickers, and bodywork with pad printing. Simply follow the instructions to make the gray tank.
As for the Panzer III, it was a prototype, and the tank never made it to production. It’s a Russian vehicle ready to inspire awe in enthusiasts. The Cobi brand makes several different types to add to the collection.
COBI Historical Collection Kpfw VI Tiger II
Fans of the Kpfw VI Tiger II Tank need the COBI Historical Collection model. Although it’s pricy, it’s realistic and a STEM toy. The set comes with 530 piece including three soldier figurines.
One great benefit of this set is that the building blocks are compatible with other construction blocks like Legos. Moreover, it was the biggest and heaviest tank during World War II. The set is perfect for children ages 6 to 15 or adults looking for collectible or buildable sets.
Finally, the set comes with moving parts like trap doors and a rotating turret. Kids will love the authentic symbols of East Prussia.
PANLOS STEM Robot Tank Vehicles Kit
The PANLOS STEM Robot Tank Vehicles Kit is a STEM kit ready to delight children while they learn. First, though, you need to pick from four colors including green, red, yellow, and gray.
Second, the set includes 19 models total, including 832 pieces to let them build a flexible robot and tanks. It’s compatible with other building blocks brands and makes a great toy to learn from, along with building creativity and imagination. Moreover, each toy has two forms to increase the play experience.
The toy is safe for children ages six years old and up. Now boys can enjoy tanks, building, and more. It’s a great option for improving hand-eye coordination, cognitive ability, and so much more for years of fun.
Wolfbush Tank Building Bricks Toy
The Wolfbush 1386Pcs Tank Building Bricks Toy is a massive building set ready to inspire awe. It’s a perfect choice to help kids with motor skills, following instructions, and imagination development. With over 1,300 pieces, it will take a while to set up and then later it’s perfect for play.
Next, the tank uses safe plastic materials. It provides tons of educational value and inspires pretend play. Beyond the take, the set comes with fun accessories too.
The parts move, and the attention to detail is astounding. Bring the military home to children twelve years old and up for a cool building experience.
WW2 M4 Sherman Model Military Army Tank
As kids love building block sets, companies have complied and created what children want. The WW2 M4 Sherman Model Military Army Tank is the best of both worlds because it provides a toy tank and a building set. Even better, when assembled, the tank wheel track moves!
Other details include an engine cover, a tank engine, internal cockpit and cover, tank gun, spare tank wheel, and a rotating machine gun. With 726 pieces, the set is a challenge for children ages 12 years old and up.
Moreover, the building blocks are compatible with other name brand building blocks. However, the set doesn’t include toy figures, so your child will need an army to go with the tank.
5 in 1 Military Vehicle Transformer
Toddlers will love the 5 in 1 Military Vehicle Transformer because it’s fun and innovative. If your child likes transformers and tanks than this is the perfect gift. As a 5 in 1 toy, your child gets five times the fun.
The set includes a tank, missile, rocket, caravan, radar truck, and a robot. Moreover, the robot lights up and includes sounds which little kids adore. It’s easy to play with by disassembling and creating new toys, enhancing the fun.
Lastly, the toy includes a screwdriver perfect for little hands to help make this a STEM toy, too. It’s a smooth toy perfect for kids ages 3 to 8 years old. They can spend hours assembling and reassembling the toy set.
Toy Tanks Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
Buying Criteria for Toy Tanks
Type of Tank
Toy tanks come in a variety of styles, including remote-controlled, die-cast, plastic, building sets, and even model building kit options. Which is best depends on your child’s preferences.
For example, if your child loves Legos, you may want to consider a building set. However, if your child is more into realism, consider a model tank. Little kids will love sets with more pieces to inspire more play scenarios.
Almost anyone will love a remote control car because they are just plain fun! With a set of two, boys can race, and most kids love to turn everything into a competition.
Accessories
The more accessories, the more fun your child can have with a toy. Yes, more accessories mean more mess, but they also mean more creativity as they help to expand an imaginative world.
Also, accessories like army men, fences, and other military vehicles make the play more complex. With more complexity, the play can take longer and increase the potential to learn and start thinking differently.
Finally, accessories mean more toys so kids can play with other kids easier. That’s right; accessories can increase social interactions and help your child to learn to communicate with others better. All of these aspects lead to making most tank toys and sets STEM toys, although building sets come with even more advantages.
Authenticity
Most kids couldn’t care less about the authenticity of a toy because they just need a little fuel for their imagination. However, some kids are very specific and want a highly authentic toy.
If your child asks for a tank, then any tank will do. But if your child asks for a specific tank from WWII, then get the specific toy. Children who know specifics need specifics if it’s possible and in your budget to encourage growth.
FAQs About Toy Tanks
Should I get a single vehicle tank or a playset?
Playsets, in general, are better for little kids. It gives them more imaginative fuel and helps them to play with friends. Older children will probably want a more realistic vehicle and probably a building set. If possible, ask your child for more specifics or ask guided questions to find out what they want even if they don’t know what they want.
Is it better to pick a STEM set over a playset?
Honestly, no. STEM toys are great, but kids can learn from any toy. The point of toys should focus on fun first, and the learning will happen. If you think your child will enjoy the STEM toy for the fun aspects, then absolutely pick it.
What good is a STEM toy if your child doesn’t have any interest in it and will never play with the toy? Absolutely zero. Definitely take your child’s interests in before picking any toy.
Will a tank toy make my child violent?
No. During the formative years, kids are trying to figure out their interests. Both boys and girls usually want to play with toys that seem violent to determine a career path or to escape into a new world. Rarely does playing with violent toys lead to violence.
