Finding toys for a four year old can be both exciting and challenging. At this age, children are brimming with curiosity, eager to explore their world, and developing essential skills like problem-solving, creativity, and fine motor coordination. That’s why selecting cool toys for four year olds better to strike the right balance between fun and educational value.

From early STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys that encourage exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math concepts to imaginative playsets and art kits, the best toys captivate their attention while nurturing their growing minds. Explore our list of 20 cool toys for four-year-olds that combine fun and learning, ensuring hours of joy and meaningful play for your little one.

20 Cool Toys for 4-Year-Olds

Looking for the perfect gift for a curious and creative 4-year-old? Whether they love to build, imagine, or explore, these 20 cool toys offer fun ways to learn, play, and grow, all while sparking joy and developing essential skills. Read on!

1. A Simple Introduction to Coding

Coding Critters Go-Pets Dipper the Narwhal introduces preschoolers to foundational coding skills, such as sequencing and problem-solving, engagingly and interactively. Kids rearrange puzzle-like track pieces to guide the battery-operated narwhal on simple missions, encouraging logical thinking through hands-on play and creativity. Since this toy is battery-operated, you might need to know how do you clean battery corrosion on toys to keep them running smoothly and extend their lifespan.

2. Dollhouse Staging

If you already own a wooden dollhouse, furniture sets, and accessories are great for expanding play. Room-themed sets like children’s bedrooms and nurseries, plus outdoor pieces such as patios and cars, let kids build richer stories and enjoy creative, imaginative play.

3. Life Lessons

Toys and books that emphasize kindness, community, and helpfulness make excellent choices for teaching values. Stories with friendly characters and engaging illustrations not only entertain but also help kids recognize acts of kindness and spark conversations about empathy. For instance, good educational toys for 4 year olds, like Find the Kind: The Biggest Day in Kindness History, foster these life skills in fun and meaningful ways.

4. Sketch Pad

A sketch pad like the Alilo 13.5-Inch LCD Writing Tablet transforms a black screen into a vivid, multicolored canvas, creating a magical drawing experience. Kids can draw with the included stylus or their fingers, producing bright, precise artwork. When they want a fresh start, a simple button clears the screen, making it perfect for endless creative fun.

5. Tool Kits for Kids

The Panda Brothers Montessori Screwdriver Board stands out from typical plastic kits by featuring real metal tools like screws, a screwdriver, wrench, and hex key. Using these tools helps enhance fine motor skills and build practical dexterity. Many kids enjoy pretending to work on real home projects, building confidence and useful skills.

6. Sticky Fingers

One popular choice for sticker-loving kids is Fashion Angels 1000+ Stickers for Kids. This compact book is packed with easy-to-peel stickers, from playful emojis and pastel letters to quirky cats with glasses. Its design makes it ideal for travel, bringing joy to kids and surprising those around them with delightful sticker handouts.

7. Pretend Play Ice Cream Fun

The Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Drizzy Ice Cream Playset is one of the best toys for four year olds, letting kids create colorful, imaginative sundaes with creamy swirls, faux candies, sprinkles, and washable strawberry and chocolate drizzle. With multiple molds and recipe cards, it encourages creative pretend play that keeps children entertained for hours.

8. Cooperative Board Game

Board games like My First Castle Panic introduce young kids to strategy and teamwork through simple card trading and monster defense. This engaging game encourages communication, planning, and imaginative play, making it a hit for families looking to enjoy cooperative fun together.

9. Toddler-Friendly Dinosaur Dominoes

Mudpuppy Dinosaur Dominoes offer a simple, affordable, and replayable matching game designed for little hands. With big, sturdy cards featuring dots for counting on one side and themed pictures on the other, kids can build matching skills and practice counting with no reading required.

10. Bingo with a Zing

Zingo adds an exciting spin to traditional Bingo by swapping numbers for colorful images and words, helping kids enhance their vocabulary and concentration. This lively game combines excitement and learning, making it a favorite for both kids and parents. The simple mechanics and high-energy play keep it in regular rotation for family game nights.

11. Magnetic Dress-Up Fun

Petit Collage’s Make Believe Magnetic Dress Up offers creative play with over 35 mix-and-match costume options for magnetic bear and fox figures. The magnetic box serves as both a storage container and a play surface, making it an ideal toy for travel. Ideal as 4 year old girl toys, kids can dress up the animals and display them on wooden stands to showcase their imaginative creations.

12. Diner Role-Play Adventure

The Melissa & Doug Diner Restaurant Play Set brings imaginative play to life with props for a waiter, chef, and customer, including menus, cooking tools, and pretend food items. Kids will love taking orders, preparing meals, and creating a fun restaurant experience, making it perfect for creative role-playing scenarios.

13. Solar Rainbow Delight

The Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker, one of the hottest toys for 4 year olds, captivates young children by creating dazzling rainbows that dance across the room. Powered by sunlight, this gadget features a Swarovski crystal rotated by a solar-powered motor. Perfect for sparking joy and curiosity, it attaches easily to any sunny window with a suction cup.

14. Great Gears for STEM Fun

The Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Building Set provides endless opportunities for creative construction and problem-solving. With colorful gears, axles, and extenders, kids can design complex, movable structures while grasping the basics of machines. A favorite STEM toy, it inspires hands-on learning and imaginative play.

15. The Cyclone Pedal Toy

The Cyclone pedal toy quickly became a favorite outdoor plaything for many kids. Pedaled with the arms like a racing wheelchair, it’s durable and perfect for ages 3 to 5 and up. This makes it one of the best toys for five year olds who love active, adventurous play.

16. Marble Madness: Creative Tracks and Learning Fun

Marble runs like the Marble Genius Marble Run Extreme Set brings new excitement to a classic toy. This 300-piece kit includes funnels, spinning wheels, and clear tubes that easily connect on three sizable bases. Kids can build creative tracks and watch marbles race through twists and turns, learning about gravity, speed, and direction along the way. While some 4-year-olds might need a little help building, the fun of watching marbles spin is irresistible for all ages.

17. A Squiggly Seat for Active Kids

The KidsErgo Ergonomic Stool is a fun and functional seat that encourages kids to wiggle while building core strength and improving posture. Its squat, accordion-like design requires balance and concentration to stay upright, similar to sitting on an exercise ball. Made from durable, high-quality plastic and available in several colors, this chic stool fits perfectly in any room and supports kids up to 170 pounds. Lightweight and stylish, it’s a smart seating choice that both kids and parents appreciate.

18. Erupting Volcano Science Kit

The National Geographic Volcano Kit is perfect for curious kids who love hands-on science. This DIY set lets young scientists mold, paint, and erupt their very own volcano, complete with eruption powder for multiple eruptions and pop crystals that add exciting sound effects. The kit also includes volcanic rock specimens and a detailed learning guide, making it both a fun and educational experience.

19. Magnificent Magnets

Magna-Tiles are a longtime favorite among preschoolers, blending magnetic fun with creative play. The Classic 100-Piece Set includes colorful shapes for building castles, robots, and more. For added dimension, the Magna-Qubix 29-Piece Set features 3D pyramids, prisms, and cubes, perfect for imaginative builds like dinosaurs. Widely recommended in STEM toy guides, these sets support hands-on learning while keeping kids engaged and entertained.

20. Classic LEGO Creativity

This classic LEGO set comes with 484 pieces and a handy storage brick, perfect for kids aged 4 to 9 to build endless creations and let their imaginations soar. Kids can follow the idea book or explore free play, making it a versatile and engaging toy that encourages creativity and cooperative play.

Conclusion

The cool toys for four year olds in this list offer the perfect blend of fun and learning, ensuring that each playtime becomes an opportunity for growth. From engaging STEM kits to imaginative playsets and classic favourites, these options cater to a variety of interests and skills. Whether you’re looking to inspire creativity, spark curiosity, or encourage cooperative play, you’ll find a toy that fits perfectly.

FAQs

Which toy would be most appropriate for a 4-year-old child?

The best toys for a 4-year-old are versatile choices such as blocks, puzzles, and creative art supplies that encourage open-ended play. These toys spark imagination, encourage problem-solving, and grow with the child, ensuring fun and learning across developmental stages.

What does a 4-year-old like to play with?

Four-year-olds love toys that encourage exploration and creativity. They enjoy active play with wagons, balls, and bikes; imaginative role-play with dolls or dress-up clothes; puzzles; and arts and crafts like crayons or Play-Doh. Building blocks, toy vehicles, and simple board games are also favorites.

What are some budget-friendly toys for 4-year-olds?

Chalk for outdoor fun, water and cups for imaginative play, paper with safety scissors for creative cutting, balloons turned into silly faces or indoor volleyball, and classic paper with crayons to inspire endless artwork, simple items that keep kids entertained without breaking the bank.