In search of the best toys for 4 year old boys? Look no further. Toys at this age vary greatly, but we’re here to point you in the right direction. What are you getting for your money?Taking all that into account, we provide you our favorite picks. If you’re interested mostly in educational benefits, check out our STEM toy guide.
Developmental Needs For 4 Year Old Boys
At this age, it’s important to continue focusing on social, cognitive and physical development skills. Physically, they’ll have greatly improved balance. This will allow them to peddle a tricycle or walk up stairs unassisted. Activities that flex and improve these skills are great for their confidence. We focus on toys that enhance these skills while being engaging and fun. Building and pretend play toys are also a great option. 4 Year old kids will be much more adept at handling small objects, following multi-part instruction and thinking creatively. Don’t be afraid of toys that incorporate more intricate tasks.
What Interest 4 Year Old Boys?
You will know better than us what interest this particular 4 year old boy. In general, kids are pretty open at this age. While they’re open to different hobbies, they may have gravitated toward a favorite niche. Focus on things they haven’t tried, as they will likely eventually lose interest in old favorites. Target toys that foster curiosity and teach knowledge through fun activities. This is most important. It is important to keep them engaged. They will play with toys no matter, but picking those which further key developmental skills is a huge value added. That was a key focus in picking our favorites. These are out top picks for toys for 4 year old boys.
Toys for 4 Year Old Boys – 2021 (Summary)
Top Pick – Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit
“You shouldn’t be afraid to introduce your kids to technology, as long as it’s done correctly. Osmo gets it right.”
Best – Learning – Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit
Best – Physical Activity – Pure Fun 3′ Trampoline
“It’s got quality construction, a small footprint and a balance bar for increased safety.”
Best – Budget Option – Click-A-Brick Animal Kingdom 30pc Building Set
“It’s an engaging construction activity that can also enhance problem solving and fine motor skills.”
Best – Value – Flybar Foam Pogo Jumper
“Equipped with soft-grip, adjustable handlebars and a soft base, it’s age appropriate and will enhance balance and motor skills.”
Toys for 4 Year Old Boys – Our Picks
Think Gizmo Take Apart Racing Car
What We Like:
- Utilizes key hand/finger skills + problem solving
- Extensive parts + batteries
It doesn’t have to be fun and games at all times, but it doesn’t hurt. 4 year old boys will have a blast building this Take Apart Racing Car and playing with their creation. As a plus, this type of STEM activity helps to improve cognitive ability. The 30 piece set includes 5 car (exterior) part, modification parts, tires, drill, drill bit, screws and necessary batteries. It also lights up and makes realistic car noises. For more STEM toys, check out our guide here.
Melissa & Doug Service Station Parking Garage
What We Like:
- Packed with functional features
- Quality & detailed design
The mundane is often much more to children, which is why they love pretend play toys. This nifty Two-Level Service Station is fully equipped with cars, a car elevator, a gate, parking spaces, a car wash and a gas pump. And these aren’t all for show. The elevator moves cars between floors and cars can slide through the wash station. Kids this age will love the imaginative play and its functional features.
Kidtastic Dinosaur Construction Play Set
What We Like:
- Great for group activity
- Developmental/STEM qualities
What kid doesn’t love Dinosaurs? This 106 piece Dinosaur Construction Play Set also doubles as a great STEM developmental toy. Build and take apart the 3 colorful dinosaurs using the 3 mini screwdrivers. Kids can follow simple instructions to build each dinosaur. That is great for cognitive/problem solving skills, but kids will also genuinely enjoy it. It’s one of our favorite toys for 4 year old boys, specifically for group play. Multiple dinosaurs and tools should allow for collaboration, which also has great social benefits.
Flybar Foam Pogo Jumper
What We Like:
- Challenging, yet safe
- Great quality (2 Year Warranty)
Guaranteed to garner excitement and be the life of play dates, It’s also an incredible value. A traditional pogo stick isn’t safe for children. Enter the Flybar Pogo Jumper. Equipped with soft-grip, adjustable handlebars and a soft base, it’s age appropriate and will enhance balance and motor skills. Kids of many ages can enjoy and it won’t damage floors/walls. We love that its a healthy activity that can be performed outdoors or indoors as a great alternative to screen time.
Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit
What We Like:
- Healthy screen learning
- Fun + developmental benefits
You shouldn’t be afraid to introduce your kids to technology, as long as it’s done correctly. Osmo gets it right. The Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit requires an iPad, but its games also incorporate physical objects, which is key for engagement and effectiveness. You’ll get 5 games to build numerous skills like math, critical thinking, problem solving, reading, vocabulary and drawing just to name a few. It has great STEM learning benefits, while being a ton of fun. There is Fire tablet version meant for slightly older ages. There’s even a companion app that allows parents to track their child’s progress.
Pure Fun 3′ Trampoline
What We Like:
- Safe & small design
- Great indoor physical activity
Helping burn energy is a huge plus in toys for 4 year old boys. Not all physical activity needs to be outside. With this 3 foot trampoline, feel free to use outdoors or inside the house. It’s got quality construction, a small footprint and a balance bar for increased safety. The springs are also covered by thick, decorative cover. They’ll be safe and have a blast with this one no matter the weather.
Learning Resources – Puzzle Globe
What We Like:
- Cool way to teach geography + more
- Develop cognitive and fine motor skill
The Learning Puzzle Globe provides a great opportunity to introduce geography to young kids. The spinning 3D Globe doubles as a puzzle with 6 continent pieces (Antarctica is a separate piece) that attach. The pieces include landmarks and animals from each respective country. Also included are continent labels and blank stickers. We love the potential of this product to help kids learn about spatial awareness in addition to oceans, places, animals, etc.
Toys For 4 Year Old Boys (2021) – Budget Options
Click-A-Brick Animal Kingdom 30pc Building Set
You won’t find similar STEM toys at this price point, which makes it a great budget option. Kids can work to snap together the small brick to create various 3D animals. It’s an engaging construction activity that can also enhance problem solving and fine motor skills. It’s also great group activity. All that value makes it one of our favorite options for budget toys for 4 year old boys.
Learning Resources U.S. Map Puzzle
While less comprehensive than the puzzle globe, this is still a great intro to geography. You’ll find all 50 US states and each has pictures that represent that part of the country (landmarks, foods, etc). The puzzle measures 19″ across and the pieces are magnetic. This makes the complete puzzle easy to display on a fridge or other magnetic surface.