Satisfy their need for speed with picks from LEGO, Disney Junior, and more
ByAlesandra Dubin
Updated on November 27, 2023
Medically reviewed byTyra Tennyson Francis, MD
Fact checked byRich Scherr
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Remote control cars can be a thrill for kids of all ages. They give younger kids the chance to operate their very own machine for the first time (no license necessary) and practice fine motor skills while they’re at it. Bigger kids can get deeper into the hobby, even building their own remote control cars capable of serious speed and stunts. When choosing the best remote control car for your kid, pick one based on age appropriateness, battery type and life, and durability. In order to select the best remote control cars for kids, we studied dozens of popular, high-quality RC cars at the top of their respective categories and those with unique features that distinguish them in a crowded marketplace. Moreover, we spoke with a pediatrician and reviewed toy safety information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Lastly, a family physician on our Review Board reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding toy safety and age-appropriate play. Our list of the best remote control cars includes picks for every age, from toddlers to teens, and budget. Our Top Picks Best for Toddlers: Best for Siblings: Prextex Police Car and Race Car Radio Control Toys at Amazon ($24) Best Monster Truck: Best for Speed: Best Sports Car: Best for Off-Roading: Best Water-Resistant: DC Comics Batman All-Terrain Batmobile Remote Control Vehicle at Amazon ($44) In This Article Our Picks How We Selected Remote Control Cars What to Look for in a Remote Control Car FAQ Pros 360-degree rotation capability Anti-crash rubber tires 4-wheel drive Cons Short battery life This 360-degree rotating vehicle moves forward, back, left, and right and even does tumbling flips. It comes with two rechargeable batteries (for about 22 minutes of play each). This fan-favorite pick is outfitted with two motors as well as LED lights for bright, exciting play in the light or dark. Designed with anti-crash durable tires, this kids' remote control car is great at the beach and over grass—and just about as all-terrain as it gets. Pros Easy to operate Durable for toddler play Sleep mode Cons Requires many batteries Suitable for ages 2 and up, this classic race car is made with impact-resistant plastic and smooth edges for safe play. The remote control has a 50-foot range, giving your little one plenty of room to race and experiment, and it features four big buttons that are intuitive and kids can easily manipulate. This Brio remote control car does require a lot of batteries (seven AA), but to help save energy, it is equipped with a sleep mode that turns the car off after five minutes of inactivity—a very helpful feature for little ones with short attention spans. Pros Comes with two cars and remote controls Sound effects and lights Removable action figures Cons Only moves in two directions Two kids can play together with this set of two remote control cars—one police car and one race car—with removable action figures included. The controllers are shaped like a steering wheel, and small hands can comfortably hold them, but they only have two buttons: forward and left turn. The cars also have visual and sound effects, including honking sounds, police sirens, and flashing headlights. Pros Large Rechargeable Lightweight, all-terrain foam wheels Cons Styrofoam tires (puncture easily with sharp objects) Even if no one in your household knows a thing about real-life monster trucks, this toy version of the Monster Jam beast is going to be a huge blast. It’s a whopping 2 feet long but surprisingly light and easy to control—so while the size will impress and entertain older drivers, little ones (ages 4 and up) can get in on the fun. While the tires are styrofoam, they feature treads that allow it to maneuver over lots of different terrain types (just not actual water, despite that oceanic name). Parents will also appreciate that the truck operates on a rechargeable battery, with a USB cord tucked into a compartment. The remote does require two AAA batteries that are not included but once powered, its range is up to 250 feet. The 12 Best Ride-On Toys for Indoor and Outdoor Adventures Pros Ideal for budding engineers 2-in-1 design Turns 360 degrees Cons Poor traction With this 324-piece LEGO kit, kids (and adults) can build their own remote-controlled stunt race car. This vehicle means business: It’s built for rough terrain and capable of popping wheelies and executing serious turns. This toy requires some advanced focus; it's for hobbyists ages 9 and up. Pros Super fast Rechargeable batteries for truck included Cons Motor may get hot Older kids and hobbyists will love this high-speed remote control truck that can reach up to about 25 miles per hour and has amazing off-roading capabilities. Independent suspension, metal shocks, large tires, and newly designed treads help this powerful truck grip and drive over concrete as well as grass, mud, and sand. The nylon chassis is durable and collision-resistant. Rechargeable batteries are included for more than 40 minutes of play (20 minutes per battery). The controller has a range of 263 feet. According to the manufacturer, the motor has the power to perform 21.500 revolutions per minute, which may lead to overheating after long periods of strenuous use. The motor is equipped with a heat dissipation mechanism to prevent this, but allowing the truck to rest after 15 minutes of continuous play is recommended. The Best Kids’ Bikes That Will Foster a Lifelong Love of Riding Pros Sleek and stylish for play and display Lamborghini scaled replica Cons Can only drive on smooth surfaces This elegant toy is a 1/24 scale model of a Lambo Aventador SVJ. The car responds smoothly to its easy-to-control remote with a range of 80 feet. Simulating a powerful race car engine, this remote control toy goes up to 4 miles per hour with an independent suspension system to reduce friction and create a smoother ride. Pros Rechargeable batteries Available in three colors Dual motors Cons Slower speed The Rock Crawler is specially created for kiddos (and adults) who love off-roading. Thanks to its monster truck-like design, dual motors, high clearance, strong non-slip rubber tires, and shock absorbers, this remote control vehicle can tackle the most treacherous terrain, including grass, mud, and sand. It also comes with two rechargeable batteries that will each provide 45 minutes of playtime. Pros Rechargeable with USB cord Can skim on water Drive it up to 100 feet away Cons Doesn’t hold a charge for long This all-terrain Batmobile is ideal for land-to-water or even muddy play. Note that although it is water-resistant and can skim over water, it should not be submerged. You should also make sure the charging cable is securely stored in its compartment before taking the toy near the water. This car is compatible with 4-inch Batman action figures (not included) and is recommended for kids ages 4 and up. Use the 2.4GHz dual joystick controller to take it in any direction—from up to 100 feet away. The Best Beach Toys for Safe Sandy Fun, According to a Pediatrician Pros Easy for little kids to operate Cute design Cons Doesn’t perform well on carpet This simple 7-inch toy is easy to use right out of the box for kids ages 3 and up. The remote control has kid-friendly buttons, and all the pieces are easy for little hands to grip. Operate the SpiderMan remote control car with four controller functions: forward, backward, right, and left. Marvel fans can collect others in the series. We researched popular and highly rated products at the top of their respective categories. We looked for remote control cars in a range of price points and age groups, focusing on their durability, battery life, sturdiness, how easy they are to use, and value for the money. We also consulted with Rebekah Diamond, MD, a pediatric hospitalist in New York City and assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University, about the age appropriateness and safety considerations of remote control cars. Lastly, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on toy safety. How old should a child be to play with a remote control car? Various remote control cars are suited to a range of age groups, but Dr. Diamond recommends following the manufacturer's age recommendations. She adds that using toys like remote control cars requires fine motor ability, “so incorporating them into play, in moderation like all things, could benefit this type of development.” And it’s a good idea to experiment; “it often becomes clear if a toy is developmentally appropriate and engaging after some time trying it out,” she says. Are remote control cars safe for children? Remote control cars are generally safe for kids if age-appropriate and used according to instructions. Keep in mind that small spinning wheels can get caught on hair, so make sure your kiddos keep their remote control cars away from their long strands. Are remote control cars better than video games? Compared with screen content, remote control cars exist in the three-dimensional world—and this may be developmentally preferable for kids, depending on the context. “It’s important to think about how toys and games are used, if it’s a social activity, with what frequency, and what the game or toy might be promoting as part of play,” Dr. Diamond says. “I think, in general, playing physically with remote control toys often tends to be the more developmentally engaging activity, but so much depends on context.” How much do remote-controlled cars cost? Good-quality remote control cars for kids can cost between $30 and $150, depending on the type of vehicle, special features, type of battery it uses, and recommended age. A small basic remote control car for toddlers, such as the Spidey and His Amazing Friends Web Crawler ($30), will be on the lower end of the price range, while the LEGO Technic Remote-Controlled Stunt Racer Building Kit can cost over $140. Alesandra Dubin is a professional product reviewer in the parenting and lifestyle space. She’s also mom to boy-girl twins and has eight years of in-home, hands-on, kid-tested experience.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VW-Family-best-remote-control-cars-for-kids-6744737-36626a4f2aba4be897476a53a0d6c67d.jpg "The Best Remote Control Cars for Kids Of All Ages (1)")
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DC Comics Batman All-Terrain Batmobile Remote Control Vehicle
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Spidey and His Amazing Friends Remote Control Vehicle
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