“At six, most kids have started to build an ability to follow rules, so [they] can benefit [from] games with a mild increase in complexity and that requires an understanding of following steps as laid out by the rules,” according to Justin Schreiber, DO, MPH, board-certified pediatrician and child psychiatrist of Pennsylvania. He adds that the best toys for this age group offer “opportunities [for] imaginative play with peers,” are more complex and challenging, and offer opportunities to practice reading. We carefully looked at toy safety, age recommendations, ease of cleaning, material, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best toys for 6-year-old boys on the market. The pen also has a one-year warranty and there is a 24/7 customer support center if caregivers need some help troubleshooting problems. Price at time of publication: $50 The robot also has patrol mode that allows it to walk around without running into obstacles, it can sing, and it has a rechargeable battery (and comes with a USB cable). Price at time of publication: $35 When they’ve exhausted their energy, they can convert the toy into a ring toss game for some more low-key fun. Price at time of publication: $26 The deck of the scooter is covered in non-slip material and is designed for stability and safety. When it’s not being played with, this scooter folds in half for easy storage. Price at time of publication: $110 This set is great for kids as young as 3 and can be played indoors or outdoors, but it should be stored inside to avoid damage. It’s safe for kids as young as 4 years old, is made from durable materials, and has a rechargeable battery (the remote requires 2 AAA batteries, though). Price at time of publication: $34 It’s designed for kids between 6 and 12 years old, the car requires 3 AA batteries, and the controller requires 3 AAA batteries. Price at time of publication: $44 The set also includes 10 activity cards with instructions for making different marble runs, but there’s no telling how many cool paths kids can create on their own using their imaginations. Price at time of publication: $25 In addition to being set up like a couch, the Nugget can also transform into forts, slides, climbing adventures, and more. It’s a toy that’s designed for open-ended play and will be one that kids will come back to again and again. Price at time of publication: $229 Price at time of publication: $40 When the tent isn’t in use, it folds up into a compact carrying bag and weighs only 24 ounces. Price at time of publication: $60 for starry night Kids can play with this inside or outside and the target is easy to set up and tear down between uses. Price at time of publication: $35 The best part about LEGO toys, though, is that after your kiddo has finished the build and played with it, he can take everything apart and create something all his own using the same pieces. Price at time of publication: $40 This board is safe for kids as young as three, can hold kids weighing up to 110 pounds, and is made from strong, durable plastic. It’s a great toy for open-ended play or for kids who need to get a little bit of energy out. Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $12 The microscope magnifies images three times larger and it’s equipped with all kinds of adjustable features so that kids can get the perfect focus. In addition to the microscope and slides, this set also comes with a science guide that’s packed with hundreds of fun facts. Price at time of publication: $55 It’s made from high-quality materials, is easy to set up, and is a great way for kids to get outside and get some energy out. Price at time of publication: $110 The set also includes a Mario figure that has LED eyes with sensors, so he talks and reacts as he goes through the course. It’s an awesome set that brings together video games and LEGO builds. Price at time of publication: $60 They turn on and off easily with the wearable battery packs, and they come with four replacement batteries to keep the fun going longer. One note, these gloves use very small batteries that are not safe for kids under 3 years old. Price at time of publication: $19 Opting for toys that will have your 6-year-old thinking critically and problem-solving is great, but when you’re shopping be mindful of age-appropriateness. Selecting a toy or game that presents a challenge will likely be a lot of fun for a kid, but if it’s too challenging or too complex, they’ll probably get frustrated with it and it will end up collecting dust and never played with.
Imaginative Play
6-year-olds are in a sweet spot where they’re beginning to show interest in more big-kid activities, but they’re not completely out of the little-kid stage. An example of this is their continued love for imaginative play. Dr. Schreiber notes that in addition to imaginative play, they’re also more socially developed, so any toy that offers opportunities for them to play pretend with their friends will be a hit. He suggests toys or activities where “they can dress up or that allow them to act out situations, such as dolls, action figures, or playsets” are really good for this age group.
Collaborative Play
According to Dr. Schreiber, “toys that can be enjoyed with friends” are really good for 6-year-olds because they can help them “build friendships.” So, look for toys that can be played solo or with a group and are age-appropriate in complexity. From this age on, kids are going to continue to want to play with friends, so if you invest in toys and games that allow for collaborative play, they’ll likely be played with more often and for longer.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2 year old and a 5 year old. Over the years, she has researched and tested hundreds of children’s products including clothes, diapers, strollers, car seats, toys, and more, both for her writing as well as for personal use. When creating this list of recommendations, she considered the expert opinion of a pediatrician as well as the products’ quality, longevity, age-appropriateness, safety, and shopper reviews.
More Toys and Gifts for Kids
When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Newborn Baby Gifts The Best Unique Baby Gifts The Best Baby Gifts The Best Gifts for Baby Girls The Best Baby Boy Gifts The Best Infant Toys The Best Gifts for 2-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Month Olds The Best Toys for 4-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 6-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 8-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 9-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 15-Month-Olds The Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds The Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys The Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 5-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 6-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 7-Year-Old Girls The Best Toys for 7-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 8-Year-Old Boys The Best Toys for 9-Year-Olds The Best Toys for 10-year-Olds The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls The Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys The Best Gifts for 12-year-old Boys The Best Gifts for Teens The Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys The Black-Owned Gift Guide
