Road trip stop: The 5 best toy stores in America

Road trip stop: The 5 best toy stores in America
J.A. Hagl
J.A. Hagl Apr 14 | 2017

Inside even the grouchiest of us all, there is a kid inside of us that needs to come out and play occasionally. FAO Schwarz, the oldest and one of the largest toy stores in America, closed its doors in 2015. But there are still spectacular toy stores for your kids and the little kid inside of you.

1. Playthings Etc.

Playthings Etc.

It not hard to see why Playthings Etc. is billed the World’s Coolest Toy Store. Shaped like a stealth bomber, the store contains over 3,000 toys in a space-age atmosphere. Best thing about the store? You can play with anything in the store before you leave. Employees will demonstrate toys for you, too. Playthings focuses on puzzles, games and unique toys that you can’t find anywhere else. Opened Monday-Saturday from 10 am-8 pm. 2483 William Flynn Hwy, Butler, PA

2. Toy Joy

Arielle Solomon/Flickr

A classic Austin spot, Toy Joy is a literally a floor-to-celling experience. Collectibles, nostalgic pieces, unique, Japanese or themed—there’s a toy for anyone and everyone. Voted The Worlds best toy store by Travel & Leisure, Toy Joy keeps Austin fun. Opened Monday-Thursday 10am-9pm. Friday and Saturdays 10 am-10 pm. 403 W 2nd St, Austin, TX

3. Lark Toys

Lark Toys

With over 20,000 square feet dedicated to fun at Minnesota-based, Lark Toys it is one of the largest independent specialty toy stores. Along with toys, books and games, the property has a handcrafted carousel, 18-hole mini golf, mini llamas, and a candy and ice cream shop. It’s the shop to make any child or adult happy. Summer hours are 10 am-6pm everyday. 63604 170th Ave, Kellogg, MN

4. Charles Ro Supply Company

Chris Devers/Flickr

Is a model train store or is it a model train? The largest Lionel dealer in the world, the store started off as a beauty supply shop and salons where Charles Ro sold used Lionel trains in 1972. The father and son duo eventually begin operating a model train shop full-time. Along with the classic Lionel trains, large-scale trains for outdoor usage are sold. Opened Monday-Thursday and Saturday 9am-5pm. Fridays 9am-9pm. 662 Cross St # 1, Malden, MA

5. The Dinosaur Farm

Hometown Pasdena

What kid doesn’t have a dinosaur phase? Located in South Pasadena, the Dinosaur Farm is a one stop shop for all things dinosaurs, whether you are five or 45. The store carries books, clothes, puzzles, inflatables (!), toys and even décor. Opened Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm. Sundays from 11 am-5pm.1510 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA