Learn about what toys Victorian children played with and how the Industrial Revolution changed playtime forever!
During the Victorian Era, there were many new ideas and improvements in how goods were made and sold. This included toys for children. As factories became more common during the Industrial Revolution, toys could be produced in large numbers, which meant more children were able to own them.
At a time when there were no televisions, video games, or electronic devices, children were entertained by simpler activities and toys. Many toys were designed to encourage imagination and play.
Want your child to go further? Our Victorians pack has a story, magazine and activities
One popular toy was the doll's house, which allowed children to create and play with miniature homes and furniture. However, these were often expensive and were usually owned by children from wealthier families. Many girls also played with dolls, which were sometimes made from wood, cloth, or porcelain.
Boys often played with toy trains, wooden boats, spinning tops, marbles, and hoops that could be rolled along the ground with a stick. Board games and puzzles were also becoming more common during the Victorian period.
By the end of Queen Victoria's long reign, even more toys were being produced. One example was the introduction of toy soldiers in the early 1890s, which soon became very popular with children. These toys showed how factories were able to produce new types of toys and make them available to more families than ever before.