Ever wished you could time-travel back to your childhood?
Well, grab your inner child by the hand, because we’re about to embark on a whimsical journey through Minnesota’s toy store wonderland!
1. Kiddywampus (Hopkins)
Imagine a place where creativity runs wild and imagination knows no bounds.
That’s Kiddywampus for you!
This vibrant toy store in Hopkins is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of fun.
The moment you lay eyes on that colorful storefront, you know you’re in for a treat.
Inside, it’s a treasure trove of educational toys, art supplies, and hands-on activities that’ll make any kid (or kid-at-heart) squeal with delight.
But here’s the kicker – Kiddywampus isn’t just about buying toys.
Oh no, they’ve taken it up a notch with their classes and play areas.
It’s like they’ve bottled up pure joy and sprinkled it all over the place.
And let’s talk about that name for a second.
Kiddywampus.
Say it out loud.
It’s fun, right?
It’s the kind of word that makes you smile just by saying it.
Kind of like “discombobulated” but way more cheerful.
2. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store (St. Paul)
All aboard the nostalgia express!
Next stop: Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store in St. Paul.
If you’ve ever dreamed of conducting your own miniature railway empire, this is your Grand Central Station.
The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world where trains rule supreme.
The walls are adorned with railway signs, the shelves are stocked with every type of train you could imagine, and the air is filled with the excited chatter of train enthusiasts both young and old.
But the real showstopper?
The incredible train layouts scattered throughout the store.
It’s like a miniature world come to life, complete with tiny trees, minuscule people, and of course, trains chugging along their merry way.
You half expect to see a tiny conductor shouting “All aboard!” from one of the windows.
3. Mischief Toy Store (St. Paul)
With a name like Mischief, you know you’re in for some fun.
This St. Paul gem is the kind of place that makes you want to cause a little trouble – in the best possible way, of course.
The store’s exterior is a riot of color, with its name spelled out in a rainbow of hues.
It’s like the building itself is saying, “Come on in, we’ve got shenanigans aplenty!”
And boy, do they deliver.
Inside, it’s a wonderland of unique toys, games, and gadgets that you won’t find in your run-of-the-mill big box store.
Want a unicorn-shaped watering can?
They’ve got it.
How about a build-your-own robot kit?
Yep, that too.
It’s the kind of place where you walk in looking for a birthday gift and walk out with a trunk full of treasures you didn’t even know you needed.
4. Brickmania (Minneapolis)
Calling all LEGO lovers!
Brickmania in Minneapolis is your personal brick-built paradise.
This place takes LEGO to a whole new level – we’re talking epic historical battle scenes, intricate cityscapes, and vehicles so detailed you’d swear they could drive right off the shelf.
The store is a feast for the eyes, with massive LEGO creations displayed everywhere you look.
That fighter jet hanging from the ceiling?
Yep, it’s made of LEGO.
The life-sized soldier standing guard?
LEGO too.
It’s like walking into a museum where everything is made of those beloved plastic bricks.
But Brickmania isn’t just about admiring – it’s about creating too.
They offer custom LEGO kits that let you build your own slice of history.
Want to recreate the D-Day landing or build a World War II tank?
They’ve got you covered.
It’s educational, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect excuse to play with LEGO well into adulthood.
5. Hub Hobby Center (Richfield)
If hobbies were a buffet, Hub Hobby Center would be an all-you-can-eat extravaganza.
This Richfield institution has been feeding the hobby habits of Minnesotans for decades, and boy, do they know how to satisfy a craving for creativity.
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From the outside, it might not look like much – just another storefront in a strip mall.
But step inside, and you’re transported to a world where imagination reigns supreme.
Model trains chug along intricate landscapes, remote-controlled planes hang from the ceiling, and shelves upon shelves of miniature paint pots promise hours of detailed crafting.
But the real magic of Hub Hobby Center lies in its ability to cater to every niche interest under the sun.
Whether you’re into building miniature battleships, painting fantasy figurines, or constructing elaborate doll houses, they’ve got the supplies and the expertise to help you bring your vision to life.
6. Pinwheels and Play Toys (Minneapolis)
Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis, Pinwheels and Play Toys is like a warm hug for your inner child.
The moment you spot that cheery storefront with its whimsical window displays, you know you’re in for a treat.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a riot of color and a symphony of childhood delights.
The shelves are stocked with toys that spark imagination, encourage learning, and most importantly, bring joy.
From classic wooden blocks to cutting-edge STEM kits, they’ve got something for every little (or big) dreamer.
But what really sets Pinwheels and Play apart is their commitment to good old-fashioned fun.
In an age of screens and digital everything, this store is a refreshing reminder of the simple joys of hands-on play.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours exploring, testing out toys, and rediscovering the magic of play.
7. Kremer’s Toy and Hobby (Albertville)
Kremer’s Toy and Hobby in Albertville is like the Swiss Army knife of toy stores – it’s got a little bit of everything, and it’s all awesome.
From the outside, it might look unassuming, but don’t let that fool you.
This place is a treasure trove of fun waiting to be discovered.
Step inside, and you’re immediately struck by the sheer variety of toys and hobby supplies.
Model cars, board games, science kits, art supplies – you name it, they’ve probably got it.
It’s like someone took all the best parts of childhood and crammed them into one store.
But what really makes Kremer’s special is its old-school charm.
In an age of online shopping and impersonal big box stores, Kremer’s feels like a throwback to a simpler time.
The staff knows their stuff, and they’re always ready with a recommendation or a bit of hobby advice.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours browsing, chatting, and reliving your childhood memories.
8. Midwest Vintage Toys (Rochester)
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got Midwest Vintage Toys in Rochester.
This place is like a time machine disguised as a toy store.
Step inside, and you’re instantly transported back to the golden age of toys.
The shelves are lined with action figures from decades past, vintage board games that’ll make you nostalgic for family game nights, and collectibles that’ll have you saying “I remember those!” every few seconds.
It’s a paradise for collectors, a wonderland for the nostalgic, and a history lesson in pop culture all rolled into one.
But Midwest Vintage Toys isn’t just about looking back – it’s about preserving the magic of play for future generations.
Whether you’re searching for a piece of your childhood or introducing your kids to the classics, this store has something for everyone.
So there you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of Minnesota’s most magical toy stores.
Whether you’re 5 or 105, these places are guaranteed to bring out your inner child.
Adventure is calling!
Use this map to steer your road trip in the right direction—and maybe discover a surprise or two along the way.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some LEGOs to build and a train set to conductor!