Table of Contents

7 Best Toddler Pull Toys to Encourage Imaginative Play (2025 Reviews)

Toddlers, Kingsley and Aurora playing
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
By
Updated on

Introducing your toddler to toys that are both fun and functional is a great way to help support them in achieving new milestones. Pull toys are an amazing addition to any playroom due to their ability to promote both fine and gross motor skills. From improving dexterity, building hand-eye coordination, and fostering little ones’ imaginations, toddler pull toys are not only fun for little hands, but an important tool to help toddlers’ development.

From musical pull toys to pull toys that incorporate shape sorting and letter recognition, this selection of toddler pull toys will provide your little one with a myriad of learning opportunities.

The Best Toddler Pull Toys

  • 1. Hape Frog Pull-Along Wooden Frog

    (Best budget option — $)

    Why it’s great: The Hape Frog Pull-Along Wooden Frog opens and shuts its mouth as it’s pulled along, encouraging your little one to continue moving it. The wide, sturdy wheels prevent it from tipping over, making it the ideal companion for new walkers. The top portion is made from durable plastic while the bottom is made out of wood, ensuring it will last through the years.

    Keep in mind: The frog itself is under four inches tall and is smaller than some anticipated.

    Good for: Parents looking for a pull toy on a budget.

    Hape Frog Pull-Along Wooden Frog

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Green Toys Wagon

    (Best nontoxic option — $)

    Why it’s great: Free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC, and made from 100% recycled plastic, the Green Toys Wagon is a safe and user-friendly pull toy for your little ones, especially if they still occasionally mouth their toys. Without any metal axles or external coatings, paints, or dyes, this toy can be used both inside and outside. The chunky tires and low set bed allow your child to haul around all of their favorite items, encouraging long-term engagement and imaginative play.

    Keep in mind: The wagon pull toy handle is made of string that may cause the wagon to bump into your little one if traveling downhill.

    Good for: Parents who prefer their children play with nontoxic toys.

    Green Toys Wagon

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck

    (Best pull toy for color identifying — $)

    Why it’s great: The colorful balls that can be dropped into the cab of the truck, and come out the other side, make this pull toy (truck) loads of fun for your toddler. The three buttons play songs and phrases while also teaching colors and numbers. The back of the VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck can dump the balls, encouraging fine motor skills in your tot as they manipulate the different parts of the toy.

    Keep in mind: The batteries included are only for demo purposes. It’s recommended to put in new batteries for regular use.

    Good for: Parents who want a pull toy that also introduces color identification.

    VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Hape Walk-A-Long Snail Toddler Wooden Pull Toy

    (Best for shape recognition — $$)

    Why it’s great: The shell of the Hape Walk-A-Long Snail Toddler Wooden Pull Toy features three different shaped holes with corresponding blocks to help your little one identify various shapes. This pull toy is made from durable wood and finished with nontoxic, water-based paint. As your child pulls the snail forward, his shell spins and rocks the blocks inside, encouraging him or her to practice their mobility.

    Keep in mind: The snail shell can be taken off of the snail body for another way to play. It may be tricky getting the shell to stay put when the snail is being pulled around.

    Good for: Parents who want their toddlers to work on recognizing different shapes.

    Hape Walk-A-Long Snail Toddler Wooden Pull Toy

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • Asher And LyricOn An Important Side Note… Asher and I (pictured) feel it’s necessary to highlight the value of life insurance for parents with young kids. After extensive research, we discovered that parents can get insured for as little as $10 per month. We use Ladder Life who offers coverage up to $3M per parent (without a medical exam, just a few health questions) and you can apply 100% online.

    Get a quote in less than 30 seconds at LadderLife.com ➜

  • 5. VTech Pull and Sing Puppy

    (Best musical option — $$)

    Why it’s great: The cord of the VTech Pull and Sing Puppy activates its fun, endearing music. The colorful buttons promote fine motor skills while the light-up nose and moving legs captivate little ones. This puppy pull toy introduces several concepts, such as numbers, colors, and parts of the body. Designed for children from six months to three years old, this toy is sure to entertain them for years.

    Keep in mind: The cord is on the shorter side for safety reasons and may be a little challenging for taller children to pull the puppy around.

    Good for: Toddlers who thrive off of musical toys.

    VTech Pull and Sing Puppy

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Melissa & Doug First Play Wooden Rocking Farm Animals Pull Train

    (Best for early walkers — $)

    Why it’s great: Designed as a train set and pull toy in one, the Melissa & Doug First Play Wooden Rocking Farm Animals Pull Train is sure to spark your toddler’s imagination and ignite their creativity. The three linking cars with rocking farm passengers and durable pull string encourage your child’s fine and gross motor skills. The pleasing color palette and charming character designs are sure to amuse your little ones.

    Keep in mind: The wheels work best if the toy is pulled straight. The train can tip if taken around sharp corners.

    Good for: Toddlers who are learning how to walk.

    Melissa & Doug First Play Wooden Rocking Farm Animals Pull Train

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. World of Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Wood Pull Toy

    (Best reading companion — $)

    Why it’s great: Made from solid wood that is BPA and lead-free, the World of Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Wood Pull Toy is the ideal toy to match your little one’s library. The moveable body of this pull toy twists and turns like a real caterpillar while the bright, vibrant colors reflect the book by Eric Carle. His pull toy motivates your tot to explore their environment while encouraging them to make connections between the toys they play with and the books they read.

    Keep in mind: The different pieces of the caterpillar twist and turn and may require adult support to straighten them for younger users.

    Good for: Parents who want a pull toy that corresponds with their little one’s books.

    World of Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Wood Pull Toy

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

Hape Frog Pull-Along Wooden Frog

The Hape Frog Pull-Along Wooden Frog is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

Hape Frog Pull-Along Wooden Frog

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about Best Toddler Pull Toys

  • 1. What are the benefits of pull toys for toddlers?

    Toddler pull toys are a great tool to foster both gross and fine motor skills. Pull toys encourage little ones to move forward, either by walking or crawling. Pull toys provide an immediate reward, whether it’s simply the ability to wheel around, play music, or make a silly sound. Pull toys help improve dexterity, increase hand-eye coordination, and support their ability to balance.

  • 2. Which pull toy is best for my toddler?

    The best pull toy for your toddler is the one that caters to their skill levels and interests. A tot is more likely to interact with a pull toy that he or she connects with. An animal lover may enjoy a puppy pull toy, while others might prefer a musical toy or a dump truck with a pull string. If your child is just learning to walk, look for a pull toy that’s designed with stability in mind so it doesn’t constantly tip over as your little one works on perfecting his or her gross motor skills.

  • 3. What should I look for in a toddler pull toy?

    When buying a toddler pull toy, look for a toy that is made of durable, safe materials. Opt for a pull toy that does not have small parts that could fall off and become a choking hazard, or a string that’s too long and could be a strangulation hazard. Pull toys that are easy to clean with a damp cloth may also be beneficial if the toy is to be shared between children.

  • 4. How do I teach my toddler to use a pull toy?

    The easiest way to teach your toddler how to use a pull toy is to model the appropriate way to use the toy. Demonstrate how to use the toy on a suitable surface, such as hardwoods. Allow your child ample time to play and experiment on his or her own.

  • 5. How do I care for my toddler’s pull toy?

    Follow the directions on your specific pull toy when caring for your item. Most toys can be spot-treated with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Conclusion

Toddler pull toys are an engaging and captivating addition to your toddler’s playtime. From encouraging your children to walk and supporting them as they explore their environments, toddler pull toys can build little ones’ confidence and support their gross and fine motor development. With options that can help your child’s counting skills, provide musical entertainment, and sort shapes, these toddler pull toys offer a number of opportunities for your children to both learn and play.