15 awesome remote-controlled toys

Ages 3+

A remote-controlled Zamboni is the perfect gift for mini hockey fans. The NHL My First RC Zamboni is operated by a two-button controller designed with young kids in mind, and comes with more than 20 NHL stickers for decorating.

$35, indigo.ca

Ages 8+

Mario goes beyond the screen with this RC car that can reach speeds of up to 20 km/h, and if you’re turning a corner, the Mario figure leans in the direction of the turn to help the car keep its centre of gravity. Wet surfaces are no challenge for this plumber and his famous race kart, as this RC car’s wheels are designed to be water resistant.

$95, toysrus.ca

Ages 8+

This set comes with two decks, a transferable power axle that kits out the deck with RC power, and a remote with turbo boost that gives you extra zip for when you’re trying out tricks on one of the Hexbug RC ramps or half pipes (sold separately).

$20, mastermindtoys.com

Ages 5+

Kids with a silly streak will love this version of Spin Master’s Zoomer Dino since it laughs, burps and farts (and growls when you pull its tail)! Jester’s nose sensors allow him to be controlled with kids’ hands, but there’s a remote control option, too (the controller also lets you record his movements so kids can share the tricks and moves they've trained their dino to do).

$100, indigo.ca

Ages 10+

This classic Star Wars ship, which can be flown indoors or outdoors, is packed with features to make flying a dream. It’s designed with impact-resistant foam, so it can handle a few minor bashes, LED lights and sound effects, four quad propellers to give it extra power, a gyro-stabilization feature that helps make each flight a smooth one and it has a hyperspace-drive mode, which means it gets a short boost of speed when you press this button on the remote. Plus, the 2.4 GHz communication means that it can fly as far as 200 feet away from the controller.

$150, toysrus.ca

Ages 6+

Kids who are into creepy crawlies will love this remote-controlled arachnid with light-up eyes. Its furry texture and independent leg movements will have everyone thinking it's the real deal as it scurries across the room. All the better to scare people with!

$37, mastermindtoys.com

Ages 5+

If your kid was charmed by BB-8 in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, then this radio-controlled version of the Astromech droid will be a hit, especially if you have a Rey fan at home. Hasbro’s BB-8 rolls around in five different directions, while making droid sounds just like the ones in the movie.

$80, toysrus.ca

Ages 6+

Add some zip to your kid’s compatible Playmobil vehicles, like their Fire Engine with Lights and Sounds with this upgrade that converts them into radio-controlled toys. The controller has three speeds and communicates at 2.4GHz. Another option is the Playmobil RC Underwater Motor (sold separately, $55), which lets you convert some Playmobil boats into watercraft that zoom with RC power.

$64, indigo.ca

Ages 3+

It’s hard to find RC toys that suit the littlest hands, but preschoolers will have a blast with this car-and-wheel set with a simple-to-operate controller. When the car is inside the wheel it can make the wheel move forward, backwards or do a 360-degree spin; the car can also do flips inside the wheel, which helps it change direction. The racer also works as a standalone RC toy, too.

$50, walmart.ca

Ages 6+

Add some action to vehicles made with magnetic Magformers shapes with this set that throws RC fun into the mix with remote-controlled wheels which can be clipped onto kids’ creations. Included are 10 different types of shapes, several sets of wheels and an RC remote. The wheels work with all other Magformers set.

$150, indigo.ca

Ages 6+

The Project Mc² H₂0 Remote Control Car is a science lesson and toy car in one that’s connected to the S.T.E.A.M.-themed Netflix show about four smart girls who love science. Kids add water to the tank to start and run the car (the water completes an electrical circuit). Water also adds some extra-realistic action by creating steam that comes out of the car’s tailpipes.

$80, toysrus.ca

Ages 5+

Designed to look like Darth Vader’s helmet, this RC car makes Vader-like sounds as it zooms around (while red light sabres on the car’s side light up at the same time, too). The controller that operates this dark side–vehicle has a range of 50 feet.

$40, indigo.ca

Ages 3+

All aboard! Thrill your train-loving preschooler with this one-button remote-controlled Thomas engine. This “really-useful” RC toy works with most of the Fisher-Price TrackMaster sets, which are sold separately.

$25, toysrus.ca

Ages 3+

This remote-controlled fishy, which comes in four different colours, can swim at three different speeds in three different directions, at the surface and underwater. And, if you get two of them, kids can control them both by switching the channel on the remote. 

$28, indigo.ca

Ages: 12 months to 5 years

This toddler-friendly RC car flashes its light, plays music and make sounds as it zips around. The racer is also designed to work with the Go! Go! Smart Wheels Ultimate RC Speedway, which is sold separately. This track has four action zones for the racer to activate and responds with phrases and sounds when it speeds over certain parts of the speedway.

$18, toysrus.ca

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