Looking for DIY kids’ toys that will entertain and inspire creativity? Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or woodworking enthusiast, these 9 best woodworking plans for kids’ toys will help you create fun and educational toys that your little ones will love.

Building toys can be a fun way to spend quality time with your kids while crafting something they’ll cherish for years. From simple puzzles to intricate wooden playsets, these plans are perfect for every skill level, so let’s dive in and get building!

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🧸 1. Wooden Toy Train Set Plan-Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

Bring the excitement of trains to life with this wooden toy set.

📋 Overview

A wooden train set is a timeless favorite. This plan lets you build a full set of train tracks, cars, and accessories. Perfect for little ones who love trains, it’s a great project for a parent and child to work on together.

🧰 Tools & Materials

• Jigsaw

• Drill

• Screws and wood glue

• Sandpaper

• 1×4 and 2×2 lumber

🔨 Difficulty: Beginner

Estimated Time: 4–6 hours

📄 Get the Plan:

Download Wooden Toy Train Set Plan (PDF)

Wooden train sets are enduringly popular toys that offer endless possibilities for imaginative play. This project involves cutting out the train engine, cars, and track pieces from templates, sanding them smooth, and assembling them to create a functional and durable toy. The train set can be expanded with additional tracks and cars, providing a versatile and engaging play experience that can grow with the child. The project is suitable for beginners and offers a great way to introduce children to the world of trains and transportation.

Detailed Instructions:

• Materials: Use softwood for easy cutting and shaping.
• Cutting: Cut out the train engine, cars, and track pieces from the templates.
• Assembly: Sand and assemble each piece, ensuring smooth connections.
• Finishing: Paint the train and tracks with non-toxic paint for added fun.

Pros:

• Complete playset: Provides hours of entertainment.
• Customizable: Add more tracks and cars as desired.
• Educational: Enhances motor skills and coordination.

Cons:

• Detailed work: Requires precise cutting and assembly.

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🚗 2. DIY Wooden Toy Car-Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

Simple, sturdy, and fun to play with — a classic wooden car.

📋 Overview

This easy-to-make wooden toy car is a great project for younger kids. Build a set of these classic cars in different colors for endless fun on the playroom floor.

🧰 Tools & Materials

• Saw

• Drill

• Sandpaper

• 2x4s and 1x6s

🔨 Difficulty: Beginner

Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

📄 Get the Plan:

Download Wooden Toy Car Plan (PDF)

The plan includes easy-

to-follow instructions and templates. Wooden toy cars are timeless and durable, offering children a tangible connection to handmade craftsmanship. These toys encourage imaginative play and can be customized in countless ways to reflect a child’s personality. This project involves cutting out the car body, shaping the wheels, and assembling the parts to create a smooth-rolling vehicle. It’s a straightforward project that can be completed in a weekend, making it an excellent introduction to woodworking for young or novice woodworkers.

Detailed Instructions:

• Materials: Use softwood like pine or poplar for easy cutting and shaping.
• Cutting: Cut out the car body, wheels, and axles according to the provided templates.
• Assembly: Sand all edges smooth, then attach the wheels to the car body using dowels or wooden axles.
• Finishing: Apply a child-safe finish or paint for a colorful, durable toy.

Pros:

• Simple and quick: Ideal for beginners and young woodworkers.
• Customizable: Kids can paint or decorate their cars for a personal touch.
• Safe: Smooth edges and non-toxic finishes ensure safety.

Cons:

• Limited complexity: May not challenge more experienced woodworkers.

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🎲 3. Wooden Building Blocks-Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

Help your child develop creativity with these customizable building blocks.

📋 Overview

Building blocks are a fantastic way for kids to develop their motor skills and creativity. This simple plan uses basic wooden pieces to create a sturdy and safe set of building blocks.

🧰 Tools & Materials

• Saw

• Sandpaper

• 1x2s and 1x3s

🔨 Difficulty: Beginner

Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

📄 Get the Plan:

Download Wooden Building Blocks Plan (PDF)

This plan is

perfect for beginners and involves creating various shapes and sizes of blocks. Building blocks are essential toys that help children develop spatial awareness, creativity, and fine motor skills. This project involves cutting the wood into cubes, rectangles, and cylinders, sanding them smooth, and optionally painting or finishing them. Wooden building blocks can be used to construct a wide range of structures and are suitable for children of all ages, making them a versatile and enduring addition to any toy box.

Detailed Instructions:

• Materials: Use hardwood like maple or beech for durability.
• Cutting: Cut the wood into various shapes and sizes, such as cubes, rectangles, and cylinders.
• Sanding: Sand all edges and surfaces smooth to prevent splinters.
• Finishing: Paint the blocks with non-toxic paint and apply a child-safe finish.

Pros:

• Water play: Ideal for bathtubs, pools, and ponds.
• Simple design: Easy to construct and customize.
• Educational: Introduces basic principles of buoyancy and physics.

Cons:

• Weather sensitivity: Requires careful finishing to ensure waterproofing.

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📚 4. Wooden Toy Puzzle-Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

Craft a fun and educational puzzle that will challenge your child’s mind.

📋 Overview

Wooden puzzles are not only great for fun but also for developing a child’s problem-solving skills. This plan will help you craft a simple puzzle with interlocking pieces.

🧰 Tools & Materials

• Jigsaw

• Drill

• Sandpaper

• Plywood or MDF

🔨 Difficulty: Intermediate

Estimated Time: 4 hours

📄 Get the Plan:

Download Wooden Toy Puzzle Plan (PDF)

This plan includes various

shapes and difficulty levels, making it suitable for children of different ages. Puzzles help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. This project involves cutting out interlocking pieces from a block of wood, sanding them smooth, and optionally painting or finishing them. Wooden puzzles can be tailored to different themes, such as animals, letters, or geometric shapes, providing a versatile and engaging toy that will entertain and educate children for hours.

Detailed Instructions:

• Materials: Choose hardwood like maple or oak for durability.
• Cutting: Use a scroll saw to cut out puzzle pieces from a single block of wood.
• Sanding: Sand all pieces smooth to ensure they fit together seamlessly.
• Finishing: Apply a non-toxic finish to protect the wood and add a professional touch.

Pros:

• Educational: Enhances problem-solving and cognitive skills.
• Customizable: Create puzzles of different shapes and themes.
• Durable: Hardwood ensures the puzzle will last.

Cons:

• Requires precision: Accurate cutting is necessary for pieces to fit properly.

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🎨 5. Wooden Toy Drum-Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

Create a musical toy that will make your child groove and tap along!

📋 Overview

This simple yet fun wooden toy drum is perfect for young children exploring rhythm and sound. With a few supplies, you can make a vibrant drum that’s sure to keep kids entertained.

🧰 Tools & Materials

• Saw

• Drill

• Wood glue

• Paint (for decoration)

🔨 Difficulty: Beginner

Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

📄 Get the Plan:

Download Wooden Toy Drum Plan (PDF)

This plan includes instructions for crafting various drum components, such as the bass drum, snare drum, and tom-toms. A wooden drum set can help develop rhythm, coordination, and an appreciation for music. This project involves cutting out drum shells from plywood, assembling the drums, and adding drumheads and hardware. The drum set can be painted or decorated to match the child’s preferences, offering a unique and engaging toy that encourages musical exploration.

Detailed Instructions:

• Materials: Use plywood for the drum shells and drumheads.
• Cutting: Cut out the drum shells and other components from the templates.
• Assembly: Assemble the drum shells, add drumheads and hardware, and ensure proper tuning.
• Finishing: Paint or decorate the drum set to match your child’s style.

Pros:

• Musical play: Encourages rhythm and musical exploration.
• Customizable: Personalize the drum set with colors and designs.
• Educational: Enhances coordination and auditory skills.

Cons:

• Complex construction: Requires careful assembly and tuning.

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🐻 6. Wooden Animal Toys-Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

Bring your child’s imagination to life with these cute wooden animal figurines.

📋 Overview

Kids love animals, and these wooden animal toys are not only fun to make but also help them develop social and imaginative skills. Build a variety of animals from simple wood pieces.

🧰 Tools & Materials

• Jigsaw

• Drill

• Sandpaper

• 2x4s and 1x2s

🔨 Difficulty: Intermediate

Estimated Time: 3–5 hours

📄 Get the Plan:

Download Wooden Animal Toys Plan (PDF)

Overview: Creating wooden animals is a fun and

engaging project for kids. This plan includes instructions for building various animal shapes, such as elephants, giraffes, and lions. Wooden animals can be used for imaginative play, room decoration, or as part of a themed collection. This project involves cutting out animal shapes from templates, sanding the pieces smooth, and painting or finishing them to bring the animals to life. These wooden toys not only enhance creativity but also provide educational value, helping kids learn about different animals and their characteristics.

Detailed Instructions:

• Materials: Use softwood for easy cutting and shaping.
• Cutting: Cut out the animal shapes from the templates, including any additional features like ears or tails.
• Assembly: Sand all edges smooth to ensure safety. Attach any additional features securely.
• Finishing: Paint the animals with non-toxic paint and apply a child-safe finish.

Pros:

• Simple design: Easy to construct and customize.
• Imaginative play: Encourages creativity and storytelling.
• Safe: Smooth edges and non-toxic finishes ensure safety.

Cons:

• Limited complexity: May not challenge more experienced woodworkers.

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7. 🏠Dollhouse Plan-Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

Craft a miniature home full of charm and imagination.

📋 Overview

A wooden dollhouse is a magical project that encourages imaginative play. This DIY plan guides you through building a two or three-story dollhouse with customizable rooms, windows, and even stairs. It’s perfect for creating cherished childhood memories or giving as a handmade gift.

🧰 Tools & Materials

• Circular saw or jigsaw

• Drill

• Wood glue and nails

• Sandpaper

• Plywood sheets (¼” or ½”)

• Decorative trim (optional)

• Non-toxic paint or wood finish

🔨 Difficulty: Advanced

Estimated Time: 1–2 days (depending on detail)

📄 Get the Plan:

Download Wooden Dollhouse Plan (PDF)

This plan

includes detailed room layouts and assembly instructions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. Dollhouses encourage imaginative play, allowing children to create stories and scenarios with their miniature furniture and figures. This project involves cutting out the walls, floors, and roof sections from plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), assembling the house, and adding decorative touches. The finished dollhouse can be customized with paint, wallpaper, and furniture to create a unique and personalized toy that will captivate children’s imaginations.

Detailed Instructions:

• Materials: Use plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for the structure.
• Cutting: Cut out walls, floors, and roof sections according to the plans.
• Assembly: Assemble the house, secure the parts with glue and nails, and ensure stability.
• Finishing: Paint or decorate the dollhouse to match your child’s preferences.

Pros:

• Creative play: Encourages imaginative play and storytelling.
• Customizable: Decorate and furnish according to your child’s style.
• Detailed instructions: Step-by-step guidance ensures a successful build.

Cons:

• Requires space: Ensure you have enough room to work and store the finished product.

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8. ✈️ Wooden Toy Plane Pan-Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

Let your child’s imagination soar with this classic wooden airplane.

📋 Overview

A wooden toy airplane is a simple but adventurous toy that inspires dreams of flying. This plan includes wings, a tail, and a rounded nose, all crafted from softwood or plywood. Perfect for pretend play and display alike!

🧰 Tools & Materials

• Jigsaw or scroll saw

• Drill

• Sandpaper

• Wood glue

• 1×2 or 1×4 softwood

• Wooden dowels (for propeller or wheels)

• Paint (optional)

🔨 Difficulty: Beginner

Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

📄 Get the Plan:

Download Wooden Toy Plane Plan (PDF)

 This plan includes detailed

instructions for building a simple, functional wooden airplane that can be used for play or decoration. Wooden airplanes help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while offering a fun, interactive toy. The project involves cutting out the airplane’s body, wings, and tail from templates, assembling the pieces, and painting or decorating the plane. The finished airplane can be a cherished toy or a great addition to a child’s room decor.

Detailed Instructions:

• Materials: Use lightweight wood like balsa or pine.
• Cutting: Cut out the airplane’s body, wings, and tail from the templates.
• Assembly: Sand and assemble the pieces, ensuring a smooth finish for better aerodynamics.
• Finishing: Paint or decorate the airplane to add personal touches.

Pros:

• Interactive play: Encourages imaginative play and creativity.
• Simple design: Easy to construct and customize.
• Educational: Teaches basic principles of flight and aerodynamics.

Cons:

• Limited complexity: May not challenge more advanced woodworkers.

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9. 🌀 Wooden Marble Run-Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

A mesmerizing toy that combines fun and physics!

📋 Overview

The wooden marble run is a fun and interactive toy that teaches kids about gravity, motion, and cause-and-effect. This plan lets you build multiple ramps, spirals, and drop zones that marbles can race through. It’s a project kids will enjoy helping with — and playing with for hours!

🧰 Tools & Materials

• Saw (for precision cutting)

• Drill

• Wood glue

• Sandpaper

• Hardwood strips or dowels

• Plywood base

• Marbles

🔨 Difficulty: Intermediate

Estimated Time: 4–6 hours

📄 Get the Plan:

Download Wooden Marble Run Plan (PDF)

 This plan includes

detailed instructions for building a marble run with multiple tracks and obstacles. Marble runs help develop problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills. The project involves cutting out track pieces from templates, assembling them to create a functional marble run, and adding features like ramps and loops. The marble run can be customized with different track configurations and decorations, making it a versatile and entertaining toy.

Detailed Instructions:

• Materials: Use softwood for easy cutting and shaping.
• Cutting: Cut out the tracks, supports, and base from the templates.
• Assembly: Sand and assemble the parts, ensuring smooth tracks for the marbles.
• Finishing: Paint the marble run with non-toxic paint for added fun.

Pros:

• Endless fun: Provides hours of entertainment.
• Educational: Enhances problem-solving and fine motor skills.
• Customizable: Add more tracks and features as desired.

Cons:

• Detailed work: Requires precise cutting and assembly.

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Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

When selecting woodworking plans for kids’ toys, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure you choose a project that will meet your needs and those of the child. Here’s an in-depth look at what to keep in mind:

1. Skill Level:

   • Assess Your Expertise: Start by evaluating your own woodworking skills. Beginners might prefer simpler projects that don’t require advanced techniques, such as basic wooden blocks, toy cars, or simple puzzles. These projects typically involve straightforward cuts and assembly, making them ideal for those just starting out. As you gain more confidence and experience, you might progress to more intricate projects like rocking horses, dollhouses, or wooden play kitchens, which require more advanced skills such as precise cutting, intricate joinery, and detailed finishing.
   • Project Complexity: Each project will have varying levels of complexity. Look for plans that clearly match your current skills and comfort level with woodworking tools and techniques. Ensure the plans provide detailed instructions and step-by-step guidance to help you successfully complete the project.

2. Materials:

   • Safe and Non-Toxic: It’s crucial to select materials that are safe for children. Choose non-toxic woods and finishes to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Softwoods like pine are easy to work with and are often a good choice for beginners due to their workability. Hardwoods like maple or oak are more durable and are better suited for projects that will undergo rough play or heavy use.
   • Durability and Suitability: Ensure that the materials you choose are durable enough to withstand the rigors of play. Verify that they can handle wear and tear while still being safe for children. For finishing, opt for non-toxic paints and sealants that are specifically labeled as safe for toys.

3. Safety:

   • Smooth Edges: Safety is a top priority when crafting toys for kids. Ensure that the plans include steps for sanding all edges and corners smooth to prevent splinters and sharp edges. This is especially important for toys that will be handled frequently.
   • Non-Toxic Finishes: Apply finishes that are child-safe and non-toxic. Avoid using finishes that contain harmful chemicals, which can be hazardous if ingested or inhaled. Look for finishes specifically designed for children’s toys, ensuring they are compliant with safety standards.
   • Choking Hazards: Pay close attention to any small parts that might pose a choking hazard. Ensure that all components are securely attached and that there are no small, detachable pieces that could be swallowed. The plans should provide guidance on how to address these potential risks.

4. Functionality:

   • Play Value: Consider how the toy will be used and what educational or developmental benefits it might offer. Toys that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills are valuable. Look for designs that incorporate interactive features such as movable parts, puzzles, or building elements.
   • Age Appropriateness: Ensure the toy is suitable for the child’s age and developmental stage. For example, younger children might benefit from simpler toys with fewer moving parts, while older children might enjoy more complex projects that challenge their skills.

5. Aesthetics:

   • Visual Appeal: The appearance of the toy can significantly impact its enjoyment. Choose designs that are visually appealing and align with the child’s preferences. Consider themes or colors that the child likes, and explore options for customization, such as personalized decorations or paint schemes.
   • Customizability: Look for plans that allow for customization. Being able to modify the design or add personal touches can make the toy more special and enjoyable for the child. Personalization options might include painting, adding decals, or incorporating favorite colors or themes.

6. Durability:

   • Construction Techniques: Choose plans that include instructions for building durable toys. Look for detailed guidance on joinery techniques, such as dovetail or dowel joinery, which enhance the strength and longevity of the toy. Proper construction methods will ensure that the toy can withstand rough play and last for years.
   • Finishing and Maintenance: Ensure that the plans provide recommendations for applying finishes that protect the toy from wear and tear. Regular maintenance tips, such as how to repair or touch up the finish, can also extend the toy’s lifespan.

7. Budget:

   • Cost of Materials and Tools: Consider the cost of materials and any specialized tools required for the project. Some woodworking plans might involve more expensive materials or tools, so it’s important to budget accordingly. Research the costs associated with the project and ensure that it fits within your financial constraints.
   • Value for Money: Evaluate whether the project offers good value for the cost. Balance the expense with the quality and safety of the finished toy. Opt for plans that provide clear cost estimates and allow you to achieve a high-quality result without exceeding your budget.

By considering these factors, you can select woodworking plans that are well-suited to your skills, ensure the safety and enjoyment of the toys, and stay within your budget. This thoughtful approach will help you create toys that are not only fun and engaging but also safe and durable for kids.

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🎉 Ready to Build?

With these 12 amazing woodworking plans for kids’ toys, you’re all set to create unique, handcrafted toys that will provide endless fun and learning for your little ones.

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FAQs for the Best Woodworking Plans for Kids’ Toys

Q1: Are these woodworking plans suitable for beginners?

A1: Yes, many of the plans listed are designed to be suitable for beginners. Projects like wooden blocks or toy cars are straightforward and come with easy-to-follow instructions. For more advanced woodworkers, there are projects like rocking horses or dollhouses that offer a greater challenge.

Q2: What type of wood should I use for kids’ toys?

A2: Use safe, non-toxic woods like pine or maple. Softwoods are easier to work with, while hardwoods offer greater durability. Ensure the wood is free from harmful chemicals and finishes are child-safe.

Q3: How can I ensure the toys are safe for children?

A3: Follow safety guidelines by sanding all edges smooth, using non-toxic finishes, and avoiding small parts that could be a choking hazard. Carefully review the plans for safety features and make necessary adjustments.

Q4: Can I customize the woodworking plans to fit my preferences?

A4: Yes, many plans can be customized to suit your preferences. You can personalize designs with paint, decorations, or different materials to match the child’s interests and style.

Q5: Where can I find more woodworking plans for kids’ toys?

A5: Look for woodworking books, online forums, and woodworking websites that offer a variety of plans. Many of the projects listed in this guide include links to detailed instructions and additional resources.