Most kids develop an interest in drums and drumming at some stage in their lives. While many parents and grandparents think of drum sets as noise makers, the truth is that these toys and musical instruments are actually an excellent educational toy teaching children early math skills such as counting and fractions, helping them to understand rhythm, helping to improve your child’s overall brain development as well providing exercise for various parts of the body.
Considering the educational value of these instruments and the fact that they can help children develop a lifelong love for music we have compiled this list of the best drum sets for kids.
Our List of Wonderful Drum Sets for Kids
Vtech KidiBeats Kids’ Drum Set
Summary
This drum set for toddlers comes with 3 light up drum pads and cymbals. Toddlers can play along with 9 different melodies that teach letters, numbers and music. There are 4 different modes of play to keep your child entertained and interested.
Pros
- Volume control so parents won’t get too annoyed
- Offers child different learning opportunities as well as introducing them to music
Cons
- Can’t just play the drums without the music
Recommended Age
This toy is suitable for children ages 18 months and up
What Makes This Stand Out?
This toy drum set is not just some drums for the child to bang on, there is also learning songs and different modes of play to keep the toddler entertained and engaged.
WolVol Electric Big Drum Set
Summary
This Drum set for younger children allows a child to play the drums all by themselves, play music that is on the set, or use the microphone to sing a song. This toy has bright lights and is colorful and comes with a stool so your toddler can jam for as long as they would like.
Pros
- Nice set that is easy to assemble
- Children are introduced to music and can create their own beats and even songs
Cons
- Some sets come with missing or broken pieces
Recommended Age
Best suited for children ages 2 to 5
What Makes This Stand Out?
The bright colors of this along with the many options for children to listen to and play music as well as sing songs they know or make up. This is a great toy for kids who love music.
Mendini 3 Piece Drum Set by Cecilia
Summary
This one comes with a Tom, Snare, bass drum and cymbals along with the drumsticks and stool. It also comes in a choice of several colors.
Pros
- Decent sound for a child’s set
- Sized for younger children
Cons
- Drums keep sliding
Recommended Age
These are recommended for children ages 3 through 6
What Makes This Stand Out?
The set comes in several great colors and is sized perfectly for smaller children.
Mendini 5 Piece Set by Cecilia
Summary
This junior drum set is for serious beginner drummers who are too small for a standard size set. This item includes a bass drum with stand, two different size tom toms, a floor tom, a snare drum, and Hi hat and crash cymbals, cymbals and an adjustable drum throne.
Pros
- Good sound and quality
- Should last a child for a number of years
Cons
- Poor directions for assembly
Recommended Age
These are recommended for children ages 4 through 7 or 8
What Makes This Stand Out?
This set of drums, while not the best quality, are good enough to allow children to practice while learning to play.
Music Alley 3 Piece Set
Summary
This set is a scaled down version of a standard adult set made from wood, metal and tuneable skins. This set comes with an adjustable drum seat making these drums ideal for beginner drummers.
Pros
- Good sound
- Good quality for a decent price
Cons
- Screws are poor quality
Recommended Age
Best suited for children ages 3 through 8
What Makes This Stand Out?
Parents like that this is not a child’s toy, but an actual instrument on which their young child can begin to learn about drumming and music in general.
Ashthorpe 5 Piece Junior Set
Summary
This is a complete beginner set for children that is designed for them to learn about music in general and drums specifically. This set is perfect for lessons and practice and is designed for a child’s smaller size.
Pros
- Sturdy and solid set
- Decent sound quality
Cons
- Very poor assembly instructions
Recommended Age
This instrument is recommended for children ages 3 through 12 years old
What Makes This Stand Out?
Your child gets everything they need to begin learning how to play the drums for a fairly decent price. In addition, this instrument will grow with your child serving them for several years before they need a better set.
Bongo Drums
Summary
This set of Bongo drums comes in 6 and 7 inch size with a hickory shell an animal hides tops (the hides are ethically sourced.) These drums are fun to play.
Pros
- Amazing sound
- Great craftsmanship
Cons
- Some consumers state they got used drums
Recommended Age
These Bongo drums are suitable for children ages 3 through adult
What Makes This Stand Out?
Different from more traditional sets, these bongo drums are great for creating a beat, playing at a beach and have a lovely sound to them.
Eastar 14 Inch Kid’s Drum
Summary
This set comes with a bass, snare and tom drum as well as cymbals and a seat. It also comes with both children and adult drum sticks. These instruments also come in a range of different colors.
Pros
- Decent sound to both drums and cymbal
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Came with some of the parts missing
Recommended Age
This is recommended for children 3 to 6 years of age
What Makes This Stand Out?
This instrument set comes in several colors and is designed for young children allowing them to practice and learn to play the drums.
Eastar 22 Inch Drum Kit Adult Junior Teen
Summary
This is a full size set designed for teens who are looking to play drums. The set comes with 5 drums, cymbals, drum throne, and strand.
Pros
- Drum shells and hardware is good quality
- Great set for beginners
Cons
- Some sets came with broken parts
Recommended Age
This set is recommended for children 10 years and up
What Makes This Set Stand Out?
This is a full size set that is great for beginners, but can also be upgraded as a person becomes more experienced and proficient at playing.
Remo Bongo Drums
Summary
Designed to hold up under heavy use these 5 and 6 inch bongo drums are designed to be used by younger children. These types of drums are great for children to learn to follow a beat and for their creativity.
Pros
- Great sound
- Durable
Cons
- Not the sound some people want
Recommended Age
These bongo drums are suited for older infants 7 months and up to about a 5 year old
What Makes This Set Stand Out?
This set is cute and is designed for young children. The artwork on the drums is attractive and attention getting.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Drum Sets for Juniors
Set Reasonable Expectations
A really good costs anywhere from around $900.00 and up with mid-range sets costing around $700.00, so when buying a drum set for juniors remember that they are priced to be affordable for kids just learning to play. This means that these sets won’t be made from the highest quality materials. By keeping your expectations reasonable you will be better able to choose the right set of drums for your child.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Recommendations
If you are purchasing a set of drums because you want your child to take lessons then it may be a good idea to talk to a music teacher and get a recommendation for the best option for your child to practice on. Explain to them the price you can afford and then get a recommendation based on price from someone who actually plays drums.
Consider Your Child’s Enjoyment
Remember if you are purchasing this instrument for a young child, that they may be just looking to have some fun and not planning on making playing the drums a lifelong commitment. While you want the product you purchase to be durable enough for the child to enjoy it, it doesn’t have to be top of the line in order for your child to reap the benefits.
Conclusion to the Best Kids Drums
We hope that this Buyer’s guide and list of the best drum sets for juniors serves as an aid in helping you buy an instrument that your child will enjoy.
