If you believe that play is important, and that it helps children grow and learn, then our list of the 30 best science toy stores in American is for you.

That’s because the following retailers believe passionately in the concept of play and that some of the best toys for children to play with are those related to science or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

You’ll not only be able to find science toys at the following 30 retailers, you’ll also be able to find knowledgeable and dedicated individuals who care about your kids and the quality of toys they play with.

Our list includes toy stores from 19 states. Some are in major cities, while others are found in small towns. Some of our entries are a single store while others have multiple locations. None of the following stores belong to a national chain.

All our selections carry well-made and educational toys that will expand your child’s imagination and provide them with countless hours of enjoyment.

Entering any of the 30 stores listed below will likely put a smile on your child’s face, and yours too.

Alabama

Homewood Toy & Hobby

2830 18th Street South

Birmingham, AL 35209

205-879-3986

http://www.homewoodtoy-hobby.com

Why kids love this store: Bright, colorful, fun

Why parents love this store: Huge selection of toys for every member of the family regardless of age

What’s sciencesy about this store: Science selection includes chemistry, optics, and zoology toys

Must have toy: BNF Quadcopter

Founded in 1950, the family-owned Homewood Toy & Hobby is the oldest toy store in the Birmingham area. They carry quality toys, and their affable staff knows the merchandize inside and out. If that wasn’t enough, HT&H has one of the largest selections of remote control vehicles in the county.

Arkansas

Dilly Dally’s Toy Store

The Shoppes at Pinnacle Hills

3301 Market Street, Suite 103

Rogers, AR 72758

479-273-5557

https://dillydallys.com

Why kids love this store: Lego and Crazy Aaron’s Puttyworld under one roof!

Why parents love this store: Educational toys, books, and games

What’s sciencesy about this store: Stocks science toys not found anywhere else in Arkansas

Must have toy: Gravity Maze

The family-owned Dilly Dally’s Toy Store offers kid coins, gift wrapping, personal shopping, monogramming, and curbside pickup. If you think finding and buying gifts for your kids is stressful, you need to visit Dilly Dally’s. They make shopping for the young people in your life fun and easy.

California

Cheeky Monkey Toys

640 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park, CA 94025-4503

650-328-7975

https://www.cheekymonkeytoys.com

Why kids love this store: Ten Wishes program is great for birthdays (see their website for more information)

Why parents love this store: Complimentary gift wrapping

What’s sciencesy about this store: Impressive selection of science toys

Must have toy: Fizzy Foamy Science Kit

Cheeky Monkey Toys carries products that are fun, interactive, and imaginative. What age do they specialize in? How about newborns to adults. Their awesome staff will answer all your toy questions as well as help you locate gifts that are age-appropriate for everyone on your shopping list. CMT opened in 1999.

The Dinosaur Farm

1510 Mission Street

South Pasadena, CA 91030

626-441-2767

http://www.dinosaurfarm.com

Why kids love this store: Dinosaurs!

Why parents love this store: Dinosaurs!

What’s sciencesy about this store: Dinosaurs!

Must have toy: Any of their dynamic dinosaur collectibles

Owner Dave Plenn should get a trophy. Why? When you operate a successful toy store that’s largely dedicated to dinosaurs you deserve some hardware. Obviously, the Dinosaur Farm is “not your ordinary toy store,” but they do carry more traditional toy store wares like art supplies, books, and infant toys.

Landis’ Labyrinth Toy Shop

140 North Larchmont Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90004

323-465-7998

http://www.landislabyrinth.com

Why kids love this store: Pogo sticks, Pokemon, and plenty Unicorn Snot!

Why parents love this store: Stocks current toys as well as classic toys

What’s sciencesy about this store: Science-related brands like Kid Galaxy, Blue Orange, and Alex Brands

Must have toy: Shrinky Dinks

Owner Devoney Wolfus has three built three terrific storefronts at Larchmont Village. One is this entry, Landis’ Labyrinth Classic Toy Shop. The other two are the Landis General Store and Landis’ Labyrinth Early Years. You should definitely visit all three.

Colorado

Timbuk Toys

Lowry Town Center

200 Quebec Street, Suite 600-121

Denver, CO 80230

303-366-1755

https://www.timbuktoys.com

Why kids love this store: Cool music, art, and dance programs

Why parents love this store: Knowledgeable and passionate staff

What’s sciencesy about this store: Even kids who aren’t into science want toys from Timbuk

Must have toy: HEXBUG Battlebots Arena

While Timbuk Toys has four locations, they are not a chain. They are owned by one woman and managed by bona fide “toy experts.” Regardless of which location you visit (two in Denver, one in Highlands Ranch, and another in Lakewood), you’ll find a toy store that believes in imagination, joy, and learning.

The Wizard’s Chest

451 Broadway

Denver, CO 80203

303-321-4304

http://wizardschest.com

Why kids love this store: Encouraged to play before their parents buy

Why parents love this store: It’s a destination where they can feel young again

What’s sciencesy about this store: Science toys for scientists of all ages

Must have toy: Ultimate Laser Lab

It might be odd to include a toy store named “The Wizard’s Chest” on a list of the best “science toy stores.” After all, magic and science are opposites. Yet, when you’re making a rundown of the best toy stores in the U.S., you must include this Mile-High institution. It also helps that their selection of science toys is magical.

Illinois

MOORE Toys & Gadgets

107 East Front Street

Wheaton, IL 60187

630-480-4285

http://mooretoys.com

Why kids love this store: Perfect place for birthday parties

Why parents love this store: Local haunt that sells quality toys

What’s sciencesy about this store: A sense of discovery is found in just about every toy they vend

Must have toy: Geckobot

MOORE Toys & Gadgets has a wide range of games to rent. This allows families to check out a game before they buy. How cool is that? Some of the games available to rent include Math Explosion, Gigamons, and Circuit Maze. Visit their website for more information.

Indiana

Mass Ave Toys

1057 East 54th Street Studio J

Indianapolis, IN 46220

317-955-8697

https://www.massavetoys.com

Why kids love this store: Owl Puke (and yes, it’s really owl puke)

Why parents love this store: It’s cute but sophisticated, fun but intelligent

What’s sciencesy about this store: Remote Control Machines, solar system mobile, and The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science

Must have toy: Hoberman Rainbow Sphere

Owner Natalie Canull opened Mass Ave Toys in 2006 on Massachusetts Avenue (hence the name). She moved into her new digs in early 2017. Canull’s award-winning toy store specializes in science toys, gifts, gadgets, and fun stuff that you won’t find in those big, vapid box stores.

Massachusetts

A2Z Science & Learning Store

57 King Street

Northampton, MA 01060

413-586-1611

https://a2zscience.com

Why kids love this store: Free yo-yo classes

Why parents love this store: Shelves are stocked with toys that educate, inform, and/or enlighten

What’s sciencesy about this store: Carries minerals and fossils

Must have toy: Braintopia

A2Z Science & Learning Store bills itself as “The Store with a lot of Really Neat Stuff!” We totally agree. This is also a toy store that takes the yo-yo very serious. We agree with that too. When you visit A2Z, make sure you say hello to Cookie, the toy store’s resident cat.

Boing! JP’s Toy Shop

667 Centre Street

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

617-522-7800

https://www.boingtoys.com

Why kids love this store: Kindness Club (see store’s website for more information)

Why parents love this store: Friendly and knowledgeable staff; store is clean, safe, and inviting

What’s sciencesy about this store: Selection of science toys produces smiles and smart kids

Must have toy: Aqua Dragons Underwater World Boxed Kit

Owner Kim Mitchell has turned Boing! JP’s Toy Shop into a pillar of the community. Her commitment to Jamaica Plain is what makes shopping at Boing! smile inducing and civically satisfying. It also helps that her store has tons of toys and her staff are customer service superstars.

Eureka Puzzles and Games

1349 Beacon Street

Brookline, MA 02446

617-738-7352

https://www.eurekapuzzles.com

Why kids love this store: Game nights, and during school vacations, game camps!

Why parents love this store: Eureka believes that toys should stimulate the mind and the spirit

What’s sciencesy about this store: Stocks around “500 items directly related to Science”

Must have toy: Code Gamer

Eureka Puzzles and Games is not afraid to sell toys that confound, perplex, and challenge. Of course, every science toy they offer is super fun. Eureka also carries thousands of puzzles and games. When you visit, make sure you keep your schedule wide open. You’ll lose track of time looking through all their cool stuff.

Maryland

Fair Day’s Play

7050 Carroll Avenue Suite 102

Takoma Park, MD 20912

301-270-4999

http://www.fairdaysplay.com

Why kids love this store: Tons of toys to try

Why parents love this store: Owner Lisa Ripkin has a background in child psychology

What’s sciencesy about this store: Wide range of science-related books for young readers

Must have toy: Any one of their amazing science kits

Fair Day’s Play believes play is very important. It’s more than just the opposite of work. They view play as a creative process. To that end, FDP’s dedicated cadre helps customers find toys that fit their child’s age and interests. If you can’t find the toy you want at Fair Day’s Play, they’ll special order it for you.

Maine

Rainbow Toys

The Shops at Falmouth Village

240 US Route 1

Falmouth, ME 04105

207-781-4265

https://www.rainbowtoysme.com

Why kids love this store: Atmosphere is designed specifically for them

Why parents love this store: Carries traditional toys as well as the hottest new toys

What’s sciencesy about this store: They create an environment where it’s fun to learn

Must have toy: Bug Vacuum Set

Juliette and Karl Steinbach have owned and operated Rainbow Toys since 1996. They’ve managed to thrive for more than two decades because they sincerely care about their customers, community, and employees. Oh yeah, they also know just about everything there is to know about toys.

Minnesota

Explorations Teaching Aid/Toy Store

2322 Mountain Shadow Drive

Duluth, MN 55811

218-722-1651

http://explorationstoystore.com

Why kids love this store: Can preview the latest games on their game table

Why parents love this store: Experienced staff, huge selection of quality toy brands

What’s sciencesy about this store: Ant farms, butterfly gardens, rock tumblers

Must have toy: Thames and Kosmos Biology Tk2 Scope

The goal of Explorations Teaching Aid/Toy Store is for kids to enjoy their toys and for parents to enjoy their kids as they enjoy their toys. That’s why they stock more than 10,000 products. Besides science and science-related toys, Explorations peddles books, puppets, and arts & crafts. They are also Duluth’s premier kite dealer.

Missouri

Brookside Toy and Science

330 West 63rd Street

Kansas City, Mo 64113

816-523-4501

http://www.brooksidetoyandscience.com

Why kids love this store: Real-life alligator heads!

Why parents love this store: Has been offering timeless toys since 1964

What’s sciencesy about this store: They are “your science fair headquarters”

Must have toy: Estes Model Rockets

Kids who visit Brookside Toy and Science usually say it’s “the best toy store ever.” Parents say the same thing, but their comments are due to BTS’ expert staff and gigantic selection. Brookside’s shelves are packed with a cornucopia of science kits. They can also set up your kids if they want to start collecting bugs.

Imagination Toys

9737 Clayton Road

St Louis, MO 63124

1-888-250-TOYS (8697)

https://www.imagination-toys.com

Why kids love this store: They have the hottest new toys as well as all the classics

Why parents love this store: Free gift wrapping

What’s sciencesy about this store: Science section enjoys a prominent position

Must have toy: Geosafari Jr. Bug Viewer

Imagination Toys offers the “highest quality educational, developmental and creative toys.” Their 4,000 square feet of retail space also contains puzzles, games, and award-winning books. You can relax when your kids play with their products. Imagination Toys is serious about safety and closely monitors all play stations.

New Hampshire

G. Willikers! Toy Shop

13 Market Street

Portsmouth, NH 03801

603-436-7746

http://www.gwillikers.com

Why kids love this store: Lots of toys to play with and fun events to attend

Why parents love this store: Elite customer service, wide selection of quality toys, gives back to their community

What’s sciencesy about this store: Embraces all kinds of technology including green technology

Must have toy: Snap Circuits Electricity KitsG. Willikers! Toy Shop’s inventory of science toys is massive. Their favorite toys are “open-ended.” In other words, children are free to create without having to adhere to default endings. G. Willikers also believes that playing with toys helps children understand their world. G. Willikers came into this world in 1978.



New York

Kidding Around

60 West 15th Street

New York, NY

212-645-6337

https://kiddingaroundtoys.com

Why kids love this store: Wooden model of the Staten Island Ferry

Why parents love this store: Huge selection of $5 (and under) toys

What’s sciencesy about this store: Big supply of science toys and a staff who knows that supply

Must have toy: Mountain of Doom Volcano Kit

Kidding Around doesn’t kid around when it comes to service and value. Their expertise and hard work has earned them praise from kids, parents, and the press. Can’t make it to West 15th street? They have two other locations: one at Grand Central Terminal in New York and another in Montclair, New Jersey.

Oregon

iSpark Toys

925 Northeast Orenco Station Loop

Hillsboro, OR 97124

503-207-6570

https://www.isparktoys.com

Why kids love this store: Can play with toys before mom and dad buys them

Why parents love this store: Owner knows and cares about kids, science, and learning

What’s sciencesy about this store: STEM toys comprise a majority of their inventory

Must have toy: Happy Atoms

iSpark Toys started when a mother wanted to buy fun and engaging products for her offspring. Realizing there wasn’t such a place, she founded iSpark Toys. Today, her store sells commodities that help kids create, build, and dream. In addition to science toys, iSpark offers robotics, coding, and engineering toys.

Piccolo Mondo Toys

Bethany Village Centre

4768 Northwest Bethany Boulevard, #C5

Portland, OR 97229

503-617-0250

https://www.piccolomondotoys.com

Why kids love this store: Always has the newest and awesomest toys

Why parents love this store: Believes in education and strongly supports local schools

What’s sciencesy about this store: Sells toys that are innovated and cater to the imagination

Must have toy: Test Tube Adventures

The family-owned Piccolo Mondo Toys has two Oregon locations. Besides their store in Portland, they also have a shop in Beaverton. “Piccolo Mondo” means “Small World” in Italian. Every month, PM features toys and books from a different country. It’s a great way for your kids to learn more about other cultures.

Pennsylvania

Spectrum Scientifics

4403 Main Street

Philadelphia, PA 19127

267-297-0423

http://www.spectrum-scientifics.com

Why kids love this store: Cool science toys and cool science equipment

Why parents love this store: Staff is passionate about science

What’s sciencesy about this store: Every square inch—also sells telescopes, minerals, and magnets.

Must have toy: Tornado Tube

Located in the Manayunk neighborhood, Spectrum Scientifics is Philadelphia’s go-to-retailer for science toys and science equipment. Don’t let that last part deter you from visiting. Your child will thoroughly enjoy their visit to Spectrum. Their toys will cement, or further inspire, your progeny’s fascination with science.

South Carolina

Wonder Works

624 Long Point Road

Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

(843) 849-6757

https://wonderworkstoys.com

Why kids love this store: Thousands of toys to sample and try

Why parents love this store: Wonder Works supports toys that are locally created

What’s sciencesy about this store: Carries products that promote science and foster creativity

Must have toy: Talking Microscope

Christine Osborne and Dan Morrisey founded Wonder Works in 1990. Today, their one store has turned into four (the other three are in Charleston). Wonder Works is widely regarded as one of the best toy stores in the South. Their claim to fame is always being the first store to stock the “coolest new specialty toy items.”

Texas

Fundamentally Toys

2401 Rice Boulevard

Houston, TX 77005

713-524-4400

http://www.fundamentallytoys.com

Why kids love this store: It’s humongous and frequently hosts cool events

Why parents love this store: Specializes in toys that hold a child’s interest

What’s sciencesy about this store: Oodles of terrific STEM toys in their coveted Science Center

Must have toy: Dig It Up! Dinosaur Eggs

Fundamentally Toys opened in 1995 and moved to their current location in 2011. Billed as a “full-service, specialty toy store,” FT wants children to learn, grown, and have loads of fun. Their highly-regarded Spark program promotes toys that offer value to both parents and kids (see their websites for more information).

Terra Toys

2438 Anderson Lane

Austin TX, 78757

512-445-4498

http://www.terratoys.com

Why kids love this store: Bright, colorful, lots of candy

Why parents love this store: Espresso bar

What’s sciencesy about this store: Stocks fun, challenging, and educational toys

Must have toy: Solar Mechanic Science Kit

The products inside Terra Toys are beautiful, classic, and fun. It’s a magical place to visit if you’re young or young at heart. Their sales staff is second to none and they’re happy to help you pinpoint the perfect toy. Besides the aforementioned espresso bar, Terra Toys also houses an art gallery.

The Toy Maven

6025 Royal Lane #225

Dallas, TX 75230

214-265-9971

http://www.thetoymaven.com

Why kids love this store: Staff always makes them feel celebrated

Why parents love this store: Texas-size selection of toys, welcoming atmosphere, all the top brands

What’s sciencesy about this store: Bevy of toys that enrich and entertain young minds

Must have toy: VorteX 3.0, a Techno Gears Marble Mania machine

A “maven” is a trusted expert. No toy store has a more appropriate name than The Toy Maven in Dallas, Texas. They are toy experts you can trust. Their justly adopted motto is “Bringing the Finest Toys to All Girls and Boys.” The Toy Maven’s second haven is in Southlake.

Toy Werks

923 North Loop 1604 East, #106

San Antonio, TX 78232

210-490-7171

https://www.mytoywerks.com

Why kids love this store: Plenty of toys to test drive

Why parents love this store: Cordial staff who’s adroit in selecting toys for tots

What’s sciencesy about this store: San Antonio’s largest selection of science kits

Must have toy: 14-in-1 Educational Solar Robot

There are three things you need to know about Toy Werks. One, they are family owned and operated. Two, they are a “real toy store.” And three, regardless of your age, it’s difficult to leave their store. Their shelves are teeming with volumes of cool stuff including books, crafts, dolls, stuffed animals, and science kits.

Virginia

Kinder Haus Toys

1220 North Fillmore

Arlington, VA 22201

703-527-5929

http://www.kinderhaus.com

Why kids love this store: They have everything from books to puppets

Why parents love this store: “Service, selection, and style”

What’s sciencesy about this store: Entire store caters to a child’s intellect and imagination

Must have toy: Kidz Labs Balancing Robot

Sue Pyatt and her family have owned Kinder Haus Toys since 1982. They like to think of themselves as an old-fashion toy store. Besides their assortment of educational toys, KHT also stocks books, clothes, and sporting goods. Their toys, many of which are made from wood, don’t take batteries. They run on imagination.

Washington

Math ‘n’ Stuff

8926 Roosevelt Way Northeast

Seattle, WA 98115

206-522-8891

http://mathnificent.com/Math-N-StuffStore

Why kids love this store: Lots of science and math things to see, touch, and enjoy

Why parents love this store: Educational toys galore

What’s sciencesy about this store: Everything!

Must have toy: Chem C2000

The owner of Math ‘n’ Stuff identifies as a “Math Evangelist.” That’s music to the ears of parents looking to get their offspring excited about numbers. Be warned, Math ‘n’ Stuff is packed to the rafters. Don’t be surprised if you can’t see everything during your first visit. Oh yeah, they carry Magic: The Gathering!

Top Ten Toys

120 North 85th Street

Seattle, WA 98103

206-782-0098

http://www.toptentoys.com

Why kids love this store: Bundles of classic and unique toys to appraise

Why parents love this store: Low-violence policy—that means you won’t find toy guns or swords (unless they’re miniature and part of a themed set)

What’s sciencesy about this store: Toy selection is science-oriented, ecological, multicultural, and imaginative

Must have toy: K’Nex

You can’t have a list of the top 30 toy stores in the U.S. and not include the largest one in the Pacific Northwest. Top Ten Toys’ mission is “keeping healthy play alive.” This highly touted retailer also deals in wooden toys, classic toys, and collectible toys. TTT opened in 1987 and they currently boast more than 25,000 toys.

You owe it to yourself to check out some of the great places mentioned above.

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