Remember when you were a kid and the toy store was basically Disneyland?
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re about to embark on a whimsical journey through Minnesota’s toy store wonderland that’ll make your inner child do cartwheels!
1. Kiddywampus (Hopkins)
Imagine if a rainbow and a creativity explosion had a baby – that’s Kiddywampus for you!
This Hopkins gem 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 not just a toy store; it’s a full-blown “inspired place for kids” where imagination runs wilder than a sugar-fueled toddler.
From toys to parties to classes, this place has more going on than a circus on caffeine.
The best part?
You can actually play with the toys before buying them.
It’s like test-driving a car, but way more fun and with 100% less haggling over cup holders.
2. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store (St. Paul)
All aboard the nostalgia express!
Choo Choo Bob’s is the kind of place that’ll make you wish you were three feet tall again.
This St. Paul staple is a train lover’s paradise, whether you’re 5 or 95.
The moment you step in, you’re transported to a world where Thomas the Tank Engine is basically royalty.
The store is packed tighter than a sardine can with every train-related toy imaginable.
And let’s not forget the giant train set that’ll hypnotize you faster than you can say “conductor.”
It’s like being inside a model train museum, except you can actually touch stuff without setting off alarms.
3. Mischief Toy Store (St. Paul)
With a name like Mischief, you know you’re in for some serious fun.
This St. Paul treasure trove is where good behavior goes to die and awesome memories are born.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to pull a Tom Hanks in “Big” and dance on a giant piano (spoiler alert: they might not have one, but a girl can dream).
Mischief is packed with toys that are equal parts educational and entertaining.
It’s like if Bill Nye the Science Guy and a stand-up comedian had a toy store baby.
From board games that’ll make your brain do backflips to craft kits that’ll turn your living room into a glitter bomb site, this place has it all.
4. Brickmania (Minneapolis)
Calling all LEGO fanatics!
Brickmania in Minneapolis is where plastic bricks go to become legends.
This place is so cool, even your teenager might put down their phone for a hot minute (no promises, though).
Brickmania specializes in custom LEGO kits that’ll make your childhood creations look like, well, child’s play.
We’re talking intricate military vehicles, historical landmarks, and spaceships that are more detailed than your last work presentation.
It’s like walking into a miniature world where everything is awesome (and yes, that song will be stuck in your head for days).
5. Hub Hobby Center (Richfield)
Hub Hobby Center in Richfield is like the Swiss Army knife of toy stores – it’s got a little bit of everything, and it’s all awesome.
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This place has been around longer than some of us have been alive, and it’s aged like a fine wine (or a really cool vintage toy car).
From model trains to remote-controlled planes, from paint-by-numbers to puzzles that’ll make your eyes cross, Hub Hobby has it all.
It’s the kind of store where you walk in looking for one thing and leave three hours later with a new hobby and significantly lighter wallet.
But hey, who needs groceries when you’ve got a new model rocket to build, right?
6. Pinwheels and Play Toys (Minneapolis)
Pinwheels and Play Toys in Minneapolis is like that cool aunt who always knows the best games and never tells you to eat your vegetables.
This charming little shop is bursting with character and toys that’ll make you say, “Where was this when I was a kid?”
The store is a treasure trove of unique, often handcrafted toys that you won’t find in your run-of-the-mill big box store.
It’s the kind of place where wooden toys reign supreme and imagination is the only battery required.
Plus, their window displays are so enchanting, you might just forget you’re on a sidewalk in Minneapolis and not in some magical toy fairy land.
7. Kremer’s Toy and Hobby (Albertville)
Kremer’s Toy and Hobby in Albertville is like the Tardis of toy stores – it looks normal on the outside, but step inside and it’s bigger than you could ever imagine.
This family-owned gem has been delighting kids (and kids at heart) for generations.
From classic board games to the latest gadgets, Kremer’s has more variety than a box of assorted chocolates.
It’s the kind of place where you can find a toy for your toddler, a model car for your dad, and a jigsaw puzzle for grandma all in one trip.
It’s like a family reunion, but with less awkward small talk and more cool stuff.
8. Midwest Vintage Toys (Rochester)
Last but not least, we’ve got Midwest Vintage Toys in Rochester, the holy grail for toy collectors and nostalgia junkies.
This place is like a time machine that runs on pure childhood memories and the occasional AA battery.
Walking into Midwest Vintage Toys is like stumbling into your coolest friend’s attic, if that attic was organized by professional elves with a penchant for action figures.
From rare collectibles to retro video games, this store has more blast-from-the-past moments than a VH1 special.
It’s the kind of place where you might find that one toy you’ve been searching for since 1987, or discover a new old favorite you never knew you needed.
So there you have it, folks – eight magical toy stores that prove Minnesota is basically the North Pole of the Midwest.
Let the journey unfold!
This map is your guide to every twist, turn, and unforgettable stop ahead.
Now go forth and play!