Is there any toy better than a remote control car for keeping kids of all ages (including parents) entertained for hours?
Remote controlled cars are a timeless toy box essential and a much requested item on Christmas lists to Santa. Advances in technology have extended to advances in RC cars and your child will have endless fun with one of the great cars on our list.
When choosing a remote control car, the important things to consider are battery life, power supply and the type of driving your child will want to do. There are so many different cars available from off road stunt cars to ride-along RC cars or replica cars. Making sure you know what your child wants is important as buying a car that only goes forwards and backwards on floorboards will be a great remote controlled car for toddlers but won't be the right fit for your monster truck loving racer.
A car or remote that can be charged by USB is ideal to save you the hassle of buying batteries. You also want your child to be able to get the most out of the car with solid battery life. We've noticed that the 40 minute mark seems to be the average playing time, so anything beyond this will be an added bonus.
If you need more inspiration for ideas to keep your little thrill-seeker busy, why not check out our lists of the best paddling pools and outdoor play houses.
Kidadl's Top Pick
While all the toys on our list are highly recommended, if you're short on time, here's our top pick based on price, drive time and features.
1. LEGO Technic Remote Control Stunt Racer Toy Car
This is the best remote control car for kids from the best brand of remote controlled cars because it doubles as a building toy, giving your child the opportunity to play a role in bringing their remote control car to life. This model features large gripping tracks that will allow your child to do high speed wheelies and 360 degree turns on rough terrain. The building experience is designed to mimic real mechanisms allowing your child to have a tonne of fun while developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
2. Monster Jam RC 1:24 Grave Digger Monster Truck
Remote controlled monster trucks are all the rage and this one, an official monster jam truck replica featuring four wheel drive, will make your child feel like the real deal as they crash, bash and stunt their way around the race track. The remote control's 2.4 GHz frequency lets up to six cars be controlled in the same area making this monster truck perfect for group play.
Your child will be playing with style using this great remote control car from New Bright. A super detailed replica of the La Ferrari, this car will give your child full manoeuvrability and ensure hours of fun for your budding race car driver at a very affordable price. This is one of the best remote controlled cars for toddlers who are beginners to the world of RC cars.
4. BMW GT3 Replica 12V Powered Ride On Car With Remote Control
If you've got the budget handy, this awesome remote controlled ride along car is sure to be a hit with your child. A kid sized version of BMW's super successful touring car, this one will give your child a taste of life behind the wheel. It has loads of awesome features including a safety belt, horn, start button, USB slot for mp3 audio and LED lights. The car has a great battery life and includes foot operated acceleration. This car can be controlled remotely by adults to ensure the most enjoyable and safe ride.
Help Lightning McQueen win at the Piston Cup racetrack with this Disney edition remote control car. This car can travel up to seven miles per hour and has full manoeuvrability and a turbo function to help McQueen speed past the opposition.
Main Features
Price: £15.00
Age: 4+
3 x AA and 2 x AA Batteries required (not included)
6. Remote Control 'Batman' Launch And Defend Batmobile
Help defend Gotham City with this remote controlled Bat Mobile. Your child can cruise around Gotham at top speed and when the time comes, automatically launch Batman from the cockpit, ready to fight crime. The best part is that the car is USB rechargeable and can be operated from 75 meters away.
Main Features
Price: £39.99
Age: 4+
2 x AAA batteries needed for remote (not included)
This RC car will let your child defy gravity as it whizzes around the room, including up and down the walls. The remote is easy to control to keep your furniture safe from RC cars, however this car is not compatible with carpet.
Main Features
Price: £14.99
Age: 3+
10 - 12 minutes drive time
6 x AA batteries required for controller (not included)
8. Remote Control Laser Battle Hunters 2 Combat Vehicle Set
This set includes two remote controlled off road cars that are ready for combat, the perfect toy to satisfy two car loving kids. The built-in infrared cannon has two modes of play to keep users engaged and working towards victory as they play with these remote controlled cars.
Main Features
Price: £39.99
Age: 5+
30 minutes drive time.
Laser Battle Hunter requires 5x AA batteries each (not included)
Controllers required 2x AA batteries each (not included)
9. LEGO Technic App-Controlled Top Gear Rally Car RC Toy- 42109
This is another great, but more expensive, option from Lego that is operated by an app in your phone, meaning your child won't have to worry about operating a remote and you won't have to worry about batteries. This car comes with full driver functionality including reversing and steering. Your child will appreciate their racing car so much more after they make it from scratch.
Your child can help Ryan deliver all his pizzas on time with this great remote controlled toy made with infrared technology. Featuring a Ryan doll and full directional movement, this simple remote cntrolled car will provide lots of fun for your kids.
Main Features
Price: £30.00
Age: 3+
4 x AA and 2 x AAA batteries required (not included)
11. Remote Control Nintendo 'Mario Kart' Mini Anti-Gravity Racer
The classic Nintendo game comes to life with this great 'Mario Kart' RC car for kids. Your child will get to experiment with two driving modes, standard and anti-gravity, perfect for letting your child explore normal driving as well as tricks and stunts with the anti-gravity option.
12. Rastar La Ferrari Light And Door Radio Controlled Car
If your child is a car lover who has Ferrari posters all over their room, this RC car is the one to get. With lights, full manoeuvrability and two doors that can be opened manually, this car will have your child feeling like a real Ferrari owner without the price tag.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our articles on RC cars and want more ideas for ways to help keep your kids entertained, check out our list of the best robot toys and smart watches for kids.
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Bachelor of Communication specializing in Media Arts Production, Communication, and Media Studies
Hannah BowyerBachelor of Communication specializing in Media Arts Production, Communication, and Media Studies
A fitness enthusiast with a passion for helping people find their best selves, Hannah is a qualified personal trainer who is currently training to be a yoga instructor. She is also knowledgeable about mindfulness and meditation. Hannah has lived and worked in many different countries across Asia and the Americas over the last four years, and loves to write about her travels. Her dynamic nature is reflected in her love for running, whether it's towards a plane or a personal best.
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