The Ride-On Adventures Showcase
Electric cruisers, CAT construction rigs, and pint-sized push cars for every young explorer
Every kid's favorite gift is good for them, too
Published
You’re probably thinking it right now about the kids in your life. “Wow, giving them an Electric Ride-On Train or a Mini Dump Truck would instantly make me their favorite grownup. But anything that much fun can’t also be good for kids, can it?”
We won’t deny that ride-ons provide an immediate nitro injection of childhood wonder and gratitude. Whether powered, pushed, or pedaled, vehicles will turbo-charge your popularity with your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew. (It may not do much for your popularity with their friends’ parents, after their kids plead for the thousandth time, “Why can’t I have one?”)
“Developing their skills in key areas”
The good news is that ride-on toys are also good for child development. Large motor play in early childhood has been found to improve everything from attention to brain function to academic performance, according to Michigan State University. (That’s “large motor play” as in motor skills, not vehicle motors, just to be clear - electric ride-ons have very small motors.)
The pretend-play aspect of ride-ons is also crucial. “Research shows that while kids have fun creating fantasy worlds and acting out stories they are developing their skills in key areas,” writes Dr. Kathryn L. Keough of the Child Mind Institute. “Kids who play pretend more often have stronger skills in a number of important areas,” including creativity, emotional skills, and executive functioning.
So feel free to give ride-ons without guilt. Especially at a time when kids spend so much time on screens, encouraging them to engage imaginatively with the world around them is the real gift. The only thing that could ruin it is word getting out among kids that ride-on toys are actually good for them. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us.
