Best RC Cars for Kids 2023
With children having so many entertainment options nowadays, it’s a testament to remote-control cars that they are rising in popularity. Advancements in technology have ensured these toys are more exciting and engaging than ever before. And, with licensed cars from popular franchises available, children can enjoy the thrill of controlling their favorite vehicles in real life.
However, RC cars also contribute to developing essential skills in youngsters. These include teamwork, problem-solving, and social skills when playing with friends or family. In addition, controlling the vehicles builds motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.
Here are some of the best RC cars for kids you could buy today.
1. LEGO Technic RC Tracked Racer 42065
There are many benefits to giving your child a Lego-Technic RC car set. First of all, building them develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Imaginations are also set alight, while Lego Technics is an excellent introduction to engineering concepts.
Sets like the Lego-Technic RC Tracked Racer will also develop hand-eye coordination. It’s a fully motorized 380-piece vehicle that drives in all directions and performs 360-degree turns. This formidable tracked racer can overcome large obstacles, while you could also rebuild it into an off-road truck. Children can experiment with different terrains and test the car and their driving skills to the limits. It’s the perfect toy to challenge kids around nine and up and keep them entertained and learning for hours.
While Lego isn’t the cheapest toy brand on the market, the sets are collectible and timeless. All Lego sets are compatible with each other, and you can build up huge collections over time. Kids can also develop teamwork and collaboration skills when constructing sets together while competing against other Lego RC cars is a thrilling playtime experience.
2. Spin Master Launch and Defend Batmobile
Kids from four and up can let their imaginations run wild with this 1/16 scale Batmobile that comes with a 4-inch Batman for fighting crime in Gotham City. It features a spring-loaded ejector seat that you can use with any other 4-inch action figure. It’s perfect for young superhero fans and is the ideal birthday gift for fans of the Caped Crusader.
Your child can control the vehicle up to 250 feet away, while up to six other kids can join in with their RC cars thanks to the 2.4GHz frequency. Controlling the vehicle is simple, allowing youngsters to develop hand-eye coordination skills with ease. One joystick on the controller moves it forward and backward, while you can make left and right turns on the other. However, the fun doesn’t end there; press the red button on the controller to launch The Dark Knight out of the cockpit to take down the Joker and his henchmen.
Features include authentic Batman styling, rubber tire treads, aerodynamic wings, and a front bumper to protect your furniture at home. It’s aesthetically pleasing and will even satisfy older fans and collectors on the lookout for awesome bat-gadgets.
3. Air Hogs Super-Soft, Flippin’ Frenzy, 360 Tornado Action RC Car
For kids from four years old whose primary wish is for an RC car that performs flips and tricks, the Air Hogs Flippin’ Frenzy is an ideal choice. It features rotating arms that allow rolls and rotations while performing incredible stunts. It’s easy to control and get the hang of, and you can even switch from red to a sleek blue sports-car design.
It consists of durable, lightweight materials, while the tires are made from soft foam, which is particularly pleasing for parents. Furniture and fixtures are safe from harm as your child learns to bash and perform with 360-degree spinning-tornado action. This vehicle will likely capture any parent’s interest, too, as they will probably want to join in on the fun with their children.
For such a package of extreme fun, it’s available at a very affordable price point. However, the controller does require a separate purchase of two AAA batteries to get the action underway. But, the vehicle has an integrated USB cable for charging the car and delivers 20–30 minutes of playing time from around a 45-minute charge.
4. Pretex Remote Control Police and Race Car 2-pack
For something for those children that are a little younger, the Pretex Police and Race Car 2-Pack is an ideal choice. They’re suitable for children as young as three. Although the manufacturer recommends it for ages up to ten, it is definitely a toy for younger children.
With fun and authentic sounds, removable action figures, and flashing headlights, kids will enjoy the worlds these cars take them to. Thanks to the wheel-shaped controller featuring just two simple buttons to go forward and back, they are also easy to control. It’s an excellent way for your youngsters to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness, among other skills.
They are made from safe, high-quality plastic, and kids can race them together thanks to the individual controllers. However, batteries are not included, with each car requiring three AAs and each controller needing two of the same.
5. Monster Jam Megalodon 1:6 RC Monster Truck
The Monster Jam Megalodon is something of a behemoth that will thrill kids from age four. Although, younger kids will require supervision and a little help due to the vehicle’s size and power. It’s an official replica of the fan-favorite Monster Jam truck and is a mammoth 2-feet long, 1/6-scale monster. In fact, it’s the biggest Monster Jam RC truck ever made.
It comes with authentic graphics, huge BKT tires, massive shocks, and a suspension that replicates the real thing. It moves in any direction, and obstacles are easy to overcome while the tires’ rubber treads provide outstanding traction. The 2.4GHz dual-joystick controller is also easy to use and has a good range of 250 feet. All in all, playing with this toy will help develop your kids' essential motor skills while being enormous fun at the same time.
6. VATOS STEM 2-in-1 Tech RC Car Building Kit
It’s not only Lego that you can turn to for a high-quality STEM RC-car building kit. This 2-in-1 construction set from Vatos is another top-notch option for developing skills in children. This model is an RC racing car that kids can rebuild into an off-road truck. It’s an excellent option for parents who want to spend quality time with their children, while kids can develop teamwork and communication skills when building together. On top of this, children can also hone problem-solving and hand-eye coordination skills while having a blast.
It’s a 335-piece vehicle suitable for children from six years old. Although these pieces are sometimes small (children under three must not play with the toy), they consist of safe and durable ABS plastic. This quality plastic makes the components flexible, ensuring the car can perform a variety of maneuvers once built. However, the range is a bit limited at 50 meters, although it does run on a 2.4GHz frequency, meaning kids can enjoy playing together with multiple RC cars.
7. Super Mario Kart 8 Anti-Gravity Mini RC Racer
Young Super Mario fans will adore this Mario-Kart-inspired mini remote-controlled racer. It’s perfect for children from eight years old and above, but the durable and safe plastic construction with no small parts means that even younger kids can enjoy it under supervision. While it may be a bit loud, it’s certain to keep your young ones engaged, and they’ll have a blast testing their skills with it.
The controls are incredibly intuitive, with dual joysticks and straightforward mode-switching buttons. Your kids can switch from Race Mode to Anti-Gravity Mode, allowing them to perform exciting flips and tricks, including drifting, wheelies, and 360-degree spinning.
While the car and controller do require a total of eight AA batteries, the impressive performance of this mini racer is sure to keep your kids entertained for hours on end. And with Luigi also available for purchase, your kids can double the fun and challenge their friends to exciting races and stunts.
Q: What Age Is Appropriate for Using Remote Control Cars?
Remote control cars are available for all ages, but generally, using them starts at around three years old. Simple and safe toys are available for this age group, while more complex and powerful cars are available for older ages.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation when buying any toy, especially for young children. An RC car containing small parts can be a choking hazard, and you should never give one to children under three.
Q: Why Are RC Cars Good for Kids?
Aside from developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination, RC cars can get children playing together. They can learn how to socialize and communicate effectively while building teamwork skills and spending less time glued to a TV or computer screen.
