Are you ready to rev up your child’s playtime? Let me tell you about the ultimate toy that has captured the hearts of big and little kids alike – toy tow trucks! As a child, my brother and I would spend hours on end playing with these bad boys, picking up everything from pebbles to miniature cars in our make-believe rescue missions.
But it’s not just about the fun and games – toy tow trucks also have numerous educational benefits. For one, playing with small vehicles helps improve children’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, it encourages outdoor play and exploration, allowing kids to soak up some sunshine and fresh air while they’re at it. And when they’re sharing their toy tow trucks with friends, they’re also learning the valuable lesson of cooperation.
So, whether your child is a budding mechanic or just loves a good adventure, toy tow trucks are a must-have in their toy collection. Check out our top recommendations and watch your child’s imagination soar to new heights!
The Top Toy Tow Trucks for Kids
 | Dickie Toys 12 Inch Tow Truck | Check price at |
 | Big Daddy Police Wrecer Friction Powered Tow Truck | Check price at |
 | Bruder Man Tga Tow Truck with Cross Country Vehicle | Check price at |
 | Wader Basics Tow Truck | Check price at |
 | Speed Boat Transport Truck Toys | Check price at |
 | VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Tow Truck Lowest Price | Check price at |
 | TEMI Construction Toddler Truck Toys Set | Check price at |
 | DRIVEN by Battat Micro Tow Truck | Check price at |
 | PLAYMOBIL Tow Truck Playset | Check price at |
1. Tonka Steel Retro Tow Truck
If you had a toy tow truck as a kid, I bet it was a Tonka toy. Tonka is a trusted brand and their toys are exceedingly sturdy. The Tonka steel retro tow truck is no exception. It’s a nice bright yellow color. The truck is not too big for younger kids and should tow anything.
Ages: 3+
2. Dickie Toys 12 Inch Tow Truck
The colorful red and blue Dickie Toys 12-Inch Tow Truck looks like it can tow anything, so don’t be surprised if your toddler attempts to tow baskets, pets, and other household items, including the odd vehicle. This free-wheeling tow truck has a tow bar, manual winch, sliding hook, and, most importantly, lights and sound.
Ages: 3+
3. Big Daddy Police Wrecer Friction Powered Tow Truck
Unlike most tow trucks, the Big Daddy Police Wrecker Tow Truck has two arms with tow hooks and adjustable rope lengths that pull sideways. This police-style tow truck is the perfect gift for toddlers and young children who like police vehicles. I like that this super police wrecker is friction-powered and rolls when pushed, so you don’t need batteries. In addition, it strengthens sensory perception and hand-eye coordination, and the harder the child pushes, the faster the tow truck moves.
Age: 3+
4. Bruder Man Tga Tow Truck with Cross Country Vehicle
The Bruder Man Tga tow truck comes equipped with a cross-country vehicle for your child to rescue from some imaginary peril. The toy is manufactured from high-quality plastics and is made in Germany. An extra ‘light and sound’ component is available separately.
Ages: 3+
5. Wader Basics Tow Truck
The Wader Basics tow truck is, as the name suggests, a fantastic first tow truck for toddlers and preschool children. The toy is made from tough, brightly colored UV-resistant plastic, so it can be used outdoors as well as in the home. It is also very easy to clean, even after being used in the mud.
Ages: 1+
6. Speed Boat Transport Truck Toys
Boats also break down, and then you need the Speed Boat Transport Truck Toy with the big flatbed to transport the boat. With realistic lights, honking, and ignition, the tow truck is perfect for imaginative play; it requires a toddler’s imagination and skills to drive through traffic and launch the speed boat safely into the water. Luckily the tailgate can be raised and lowered for that purpose.
Made from non-toxic ABS plastic with smooth edges, the tow truck is safe for toddlers and preschoolers. I like the 2-in-1 toy for versatility and open-ended play; toddlers can use the tow truck to transport boats, detach the cab for separate fun, or race the speedboat. I believe it’s a wonderful gift for kids three years and up, and it’s also available in orange.
Ages: 3+
7. VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Tow Truck
The VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Tow Truck is a fun educational toy for younger children. It helps to teach toddlers and preschoolers the letter ‘T’, whilst encouraging imaginative play. Children can sing along to the melodies and listen to 40 unique phrases when they press the light-up driver button. Three AAA batteries are included.
Ages: 18 months +
8. TEMI Construction Toddler Truck Toys Set
The TEMI Construction Toddler Truck Toys Set is my top choice for kids; it features all the engineering vehicles you need for a construction site. Perfect for small hands, this construction carrier truck carries four vehicles, has a detachable trailer, and has lighting and sound effects, which all toddlers enjoy. In addition, I like the safety features, it’s made of ABS plastic and has smooth edges, and no batteries are needed to push the engineering vehicles forward and backward.
Ages: 3+
9. DRIVEN by Battat Micro Tow Truck
The DRIVEN by Battat Micro Tow Truck set includes the car to be towed. With realistic sounds and lights, the tow truck comes to the rescue. Check under the hood of the vehicle to determine if it needs to be towed.
Extend the truck bed to accommodate the towed car. Attach the pulley system to the car and load the car by pulling down the ramp.
The tow truck’s cab doors open to reveal a detailed interior, and the hood lifts, exposing the engine of the truck.
Ages: 4-10
10. PLAYMOBIL Tow Truck Playset
Whether it’s a flat tire or you’ve run out of gas, the PLAYMOBIL Tow Truck will rescue you. The 12-piece set includes a figurine that can bend and sit to help you change the tire. Accessories also include a gas can and tools to assist a stranded motorist.
If the car needs to be towed to the nearest auto repair shop, lower the tow boom and connect the winch hook to the car’s front bumper. The boom locks to tow the vehicle safely to the shop.
It’s a great toy tow truck for kids aged 4 and older; the smaller tools and accessories could be a choking hazard for toddlers and babies.
Ages: 4-10
11. Disney Pixar Cars – Mater
Most kids love the Disney Cars movie, so they will be very excited to play with a real-life Mater tow truck. It is a 1:55 scale model made from die-cast metal. This cute little toy tow truck has super realistic grilles and wheels, so it looks really authentic. If your child collects Disney/Pixar Cars vehicles, this is a great addition to the collection!
Ages: 3+
12. Fisher-Price Nickelodeon Blaze & the Monster Machines, Tow Truck Crusher
The Blaze & Monster Machine Tow Truck is an excellent addition to your kid’s collection. Crusher has transformed into a tow truck to try and win Blaze. Perform the stunts seen in the show and stay ahead of Blaze. A die-cast body, metal axles, and thick racing tires should give Crusher the rolling speed he needs to win Blaze.
It is durable and sturdy to outlast a toddler’s racing enthusiasm.
Ages: 3-7
13. LEGO DUPLO My First Tow Truck
Toy tow trucks are always fun, but building one from scratch is even more entertaining. This LEGO DUPLO tow truck set includes a buildable car and tow truck with a hook. The 11 pieces also include cute accessories like the traffic cone to encourage imaginative play. The set is easy to build, and the tow truck and car are the ideal sizes for little hands, the perfect gift for toddlers to preschoolers.
Ages: 18 months+
Let me know in the comments if your kids have their own favorite toy tow trucks – I’d love to hear your adventure stories.
Feature image adapted from image courtesy of Flickr, SGPhotography77.