The Ten Best Toy Stores in North America: Where Wonder Comes to Play
- Ian
- Oct 2
- 7 min read
Whenever my family travel to a new location we always seek out three types of stores: books stores, record stores, and toy stores. It is always so fun to explore a new place and see what kinds of shops like this they have. We have found many wonderful places in all three categories but today's blog is about the toy stores.
In an age of digital entertainment and online shopping, there's something magical about stepping into a physical toy store. The tactile experience of picking up a toy, the excitement of discovery around every corner, and the infectious joy that fills these spaces make them special destinations for families. From century-old institutions to modern wonderlands, North America is home to some truly spectacular toy stores that continue to capture imaginations and create lasting memories.
Here are ten of the most remarkable toy stores across the continent, each offering its own unique blend of wonder, nostalgia, and play. They range from the chain styles to some of the more independent and unique stores.
The granddaddy of American toy stores, FAO Schwarz has been capturing imaginations since 1862. Even though we've been in the store dozens of times with our daughter no trip to NYC would be complete without taking her there at least once. Founded in Baltimore in 1870 (in 1862 it was known as The Toy Bazaar) the store eventually migrated to New York where it remained.
After a brief closure, this iconic destination reopened in 2018 at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, continuing its legacy of oversized teddy bears, the famous floor piano that some may remember from the movie "Big", and exclusive toys you can't find anywhere else.
The store's theatrical displays and knowledgeable toy soldiers make every visit feel like stepping into a fairy tale. Beyond the classic experiences, the new location features the Jellycat Diner with exclusive menu items and the FAO-Abulous Boutique for custom beauty experiences.
I was rather amused by the Jellycat Diner as the majority of the customers were women in their 30's. This experience must be booked ahead and it is recommended that you book at least 4 weeks in advance (currently fully booked through October 4th) and it'll set you back anywhere from $70-140 USD.
Another spot we seem to visit every trip is the Lego store. The massive LEGO Store at 636 Fifth Avenue offers an immersive experience across 7,175 square feet and two floors. This flagship location features the innovative new retail format with unique digital and physical experiences, including the world-first Brick Lab that brings walls, floors, and ceilings to life with light, sound, and music.
The store showcases massive LEGO sculptures of New York landmarks, a Pick-A-Brick wall where customers can fill cups with loose LEGO pieces, and exclusive sets only available at LEGO stores. Take a seat in the lego cab complete with Captain America and Thor overhead for a perfect photo memento. Build-and-test stations let visitors try before they buy, while the interactive Tree of Discovery made from 880,000 LEGO elements serves as the store's centerpiece.
More than just a merchandise outlet, the Times Square Disney Store at 1540 Broadway creates an immersive experience across three floors that brings Disney magic to life. The store features character-themed merchandise including Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses, Star Wars, and Marvel collections, along with exclusive New York City products. Multi-level displays and exclusive collectibles make this a pilgrimage site for Disney fans of all ages, transporting visitors directly into their favorite Disney stories.
That being said, it is not a location that we go to any longer. I try to avoid Times Square now when we visit as it is just too crowded and noisy but if you are a first timer there then you should go there at least once. In addition to Disney there is the popular M&M's store there where they have a "Mood Analyzer" that uses your image to determine your mood and suggest a color of the candy that suits your mood. Silly but fun.
The original Build-A-Bear Workshop in St. Louis remains the crown jewel of this beloved franchise, with locations at Union Station and the Saint Louis Galleria. The company continues to thrive, with CEO Sharon Price John reporting plans to open at least 50 new stores in 2025, focusing on tourist destinations and premium mall locations.
The emotional connection children form while creating their personalized stuffed animals makes this more than just shopping—it's memory-making. The St. Louis locations offer exclusive options, special workshops, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into how these cuddly companions come to life. Not having been to this location I can say that even the smaller ones we've been to are very popular and we have made a few personalized stuffies at their locations.
Canada's premier toy retailer, Mastermind Toys operates 47 locations coast to coast across the country, with a beautiful new flagship store recently opened in Pickering. Under new leadership, the company has undergone a retail revamp focusing on strong curation, innovation, quality, artistic creativity, and developmental value.
Their commitment to educational toys and hands-on play experiences, including regular in-store events and demonstrations, creates community gathering spaces that extend far beyond simple retail. Their Play Experts blend fun with fundamentals, guiding families to toys and gifts that nurture every child's development.
This toy store just keeps winning awards! LARK Toys has been recognized by USA Today, Travel+Leisure, WCCO and Reader's Digest as being among the world's greatest toy stores. With over 20,000 square feet to explore, it's one of the largest independent specialty toy stores in the country, featuring a hand-carved wooden carousel, LARK-made wooden toys, miniature llamas, café with handmade fudge, and an 18-hole outdoor mini-golf course.
The family-owned business combines a store, amusement park, mini golf course, treat shop, museum, and zoo all in one magical location. Dive in to the nostalgia when you take a stroll down their memory lane and view the antique toys they have situated throughout the store in displays.
The original American Girl Place in Chicago remains the ultimate destination for fans of these iconic dolls, located at 835 North Michigan Avenue in Water Tower Place. Beyond shopping, the two-level experience includes the café with Treat Seats for dolls, the salon for matching hairstyles, doll ear piercing and nail services, birthday party packages, and the Styled by You experience for creating personalized dolls.
The attention to detail and immersive storytelling make this store a unique cultural experience that extends far beyond traditional retail. I've not been in to this store as I would let my wife take our daughter in there while I did some other shopping but the experience is great for those young enough who love playing with dolls.
Established in 1994, The Dinosaur Farm prides itself on being "Not Your Ordinary Toy Store" and has been named Best Independent Toy Store in Southern California by L.A. Parent and featured on Forbes' 10 Amazing Toy Stores. Visitors sneak past a giant inflatable T-Rex at the entrance to discover phenomenal dinosaur figures, dig kits, educational books, and everything a young paleontologist could want. While specializing in dinosaur-themed merchandise, the store also carries a broader selection of quality toys and educational materials.
For almost thirty years, this New York-based chain has proudly built its business around outstanding quality, value, and customer service. With multiple locations throughout Manhattan, Kidding Around has mastered the art of the neighborhood toy store, offering carefully selected toys that encourage creativity and learning. Their knowledgeable staff and focus on developmental play make them a favorite among parents seeking quality over quantity, proving that you don't need massive scale to create wonder. Sending a message to FAO perhaps?
Toy Joy - Austin, Texas
According to Toy Joy, they have been "Keeping Austin Fun Since 1987" and were voted "World's Best Toy Store" by USA Today and Travel+Leisure. Now with four locations around Austin, this independently owned store carries an interesting variety of nostalgic toys, collectible figurines and novelties. The store perfectly captures Austin's quirky, creative spirit while offering something for adults who want to travel back in time to their childhood. It's a place where all ages can safely explore their playful side. If you fancy something sweet they also have ice cream and make their own fudge!
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What Makes The Best Toy Stores Special?
The best toy stores share several key characteristics that set them apart from ordinary retail spaces. They prioritize experience over mere transaction, creating environments where discovery and play happen naturally. Knowledgeable staff who understand both toys and child development help guide families toward meaningful purchases rather than impulse buys.
The physical nature of these stores also provides something that online shopping simply cannot: the ability to touch, test, and truly understand a toy before bringing it home. In an increasingly digital world, this tactile experience becomes even more precious and necessary.
Supporting Independent Retailers
Many of these stores are family-owned businesses that have weathered economic challenges, changing retail landscapes, and even global pandemics. They've survived because they offer something irreplaceable: genuine expertise, community connection, and curated experiences that can't be replicated online. When you shop at these stores you're supporting local economies, preserving community spaces, and ensuring that future generations will have these magical destinations to discover.
Before visiting any of these stores, it's worth checking their websites for special events, workshops, or seasonal activities. Many offer birthday party packages, educational workshops, and exclusive experiences that can turn a simple shopping trip into an unforgettable adventure.
As we navigate an evolving retail landscape, these ten toy stores demonstrate that physical retail spaces still have a vital role to play in our communities. They serve as gathering places, discovery zones, and repositories of wonder that continue to spark imagination in children and adults alike. In a world that often feels too serious, these magical spaces remind us all of the importance of play.
Happy Travels!
Note: As an affiliate of Booking.com, Fournseven digital art, and GoWithGuide US, I may receive compensation for qualified purchases.