Imagine a place where time stands still, and your inner child runs free.

Welcome to Minnesota’s enchanting toy stores, where wonder awaits around every corner and playtime knows no age limit.

1. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store (St. Paul)

All aboard the nostalgia express!

Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store in St. Paul is a locomotive lover’s paradise that’ll have you whistling with delight.

The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world where miniature trains rule and imagination is the only ticket you need.

The store’s facade, with its bold blue signage and inviting windows, is like a siren call to train enthusiasts of all ages.

Inside, it’s a wonderland of tracks, trains, and trinkets that would make even the most seasoned conductor’s heart skip a beat.

From intricate model train sets to whimsical train-themed toys, this place has enough to keep you chugging along for hours.

And let’s not forget the staff – they’re not just salespeople, they’re conductors of fun, ready to share their encyclopedic knowledge of all things locomotive.

Whether you’re a seasoned model train aficionado or just someone who gets a kick out of saying “choo choo,” this store is your one-way ticket to joy.

Just be warned: you might leave with a sudden urge to wear a conductor’s hat and shout “All aboard!” at random intervals.

2. Kiddywampus (Hopkins)

If Dr. Seuss and Mary Poppins teamed up to create a toy store, Kiddywampus in Hopkins would be the result.

This isn’t just a store; it’s a vibrant, colorful explosion of creativity that’ll have your imagination doing cartwheels.

The storefront, with its cheerful rainbow lettering, is like a beacon of fun in the heart of Hopkins.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and activities that’ll make you wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled into Wonderland.

Kiddywampus isn’t just about selling toys; it’s about inspiring play and learning.

With areas dedicated to art, science, and imaginative play, it’s like a hands-on museum where “Don’t touch” signs are strictly forbidden.

From finger paints to science kits, there’s something here to spark curiosity in every young mind (and let’s face it, in us not-so-young minds too).

The best part?

Kiddywampus hosts classes and events, turning the store into a community hub of giggles, gasps, and “aha!” moments.

It’s the kind of place where you come for a toy and leave with a head full of ideas and hands itching to create.

Just a word of caution: you might find yourself suddenly inspired to rename your pet “Flibbertigibbet” or paint your living room in rainbow stripes.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

3. Mischief Toy Store (St. Paul)

Mischief Toy Store in St. Paul is exactly what it sounds like – a haven for the playfully rebellious, the creatively curious, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of putting whoopee cushions on every chair in the house.

The store’s exterior, with its colorful “Mischief” sign and whimsical decorations, is like a wink and a nudge to passersby.

It’s as if it’s saying, “Psst… want to have some fun?”

And boy, does it deliver on that promise!

Step inside, and you’re greeted by shelves upon shelves of toys that aren’t just fun – they’re downright mischievous.

From classic pranks to mind-bending puzzles, from quirky board games to toys that defy categorization, this place is a treasure trove for the young at heart.

But Mischief isn’t just about silly fun (although there’s plenty of that).

It’s also a champion of educational toys, brain teasers, and games that’ll have you scratching your head in the best possible way.

It’s the kind of store where you might come in looking for a birthday gift and leave with a newfound passion for solving Rubik’s cubes blindfolded.

The staff at Mischief are like toy sommeliers, ready to pair you with the perfect plaything to match your personality.

Whether you’re shopping for a budding scientist, a future comedian, or just someone who appreciates a good laugh, they’ve got you covered.

Fair warning: a visit to Mischief might result in an irresistible urge to challenge strangers to impromptu staring contests or to start collecting rubber chickens.

But hey, life’s too short not to embrace your inner trickster, right?

4. Brickmania (Minneapolis)

Calling all master builders and brick enthusiasts!

Brickmania in Minneapolis is where LEGO dreams come to life – and then some.

This isn’t just a store; it’s a brick-built wonderland that’ll have you questioning why you ever stopped playing with LEGO in the first place.

The store’s entrance, with its bold red “Brickmania” sign and tantalizing displays, is like a portal to a world where everything is awesome (and yes, that song will be stuck in your head for days).

Step inside, and you’re immediately surrounded by intricate LEGO creations that’ll make your jaw drop faster than a poorly built tower.

Brickmania specializes in custom military and historical LEGO kits, turning plastic bricks into miniature marvels of engineering and history.

From World War II tanks to space shuttles, these aren’t your average LEGO sets – they’re works of art that just happen to be made of interlocking plastic bricks.

But it’s not all about buying (although good luck leaving empty-handed).

Brickmania is also a hub for LEGO enthusiasts to gather, share ideas, and geek out over the latest brick-built creations.

The staff are like LEGO wizards, ready to offer tips, tricks, and maybe even reveal the secret to stepping on a LEGO brick without yelping in pain (spoiler alert: there isn’t one).

Whether you’re a seasoned AFOL (that’s “Adult Fan of LEGO” for the uninitiated) or someone who’s just rediscovering the joy of clicking bricks together, Brickmania is your new happy place.

Just don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself calculating the number of bricks needed to build a life-size replica of your house.

5. Hub Hobby Center (Richfield)

Buckle up, hobby enthusiasts!

Hub Hobby Center in Richfield is about to take you on a wild ride through the wonderful world of, well, everything.

This isn’t just a hobby shop; it’s a sprawling emporium of interests that’ll have you picking up new passions faster than you can say “I need another shelf for my collectibles.”

From the outside, Hub Hobby Center might look unassuming, but don’t let that fool you.

Step inside, and you’re immediately hit with a sensory overload that’s part toy store, part craft supply heaven, and all awesome.

It’s like someone took every hobby you’ve ever considered and crammed them into one glorious space.

Model trains?

Check.

Related: This 282-Acre Wonder at Minnesota’s Pipestone National Monument is a Labyrinth of Rock Formations to Explore

Related: This Stunning State Park in Minnesota is Like Stepping into an Andrew Wyeth Painting

Related: The Easy Half-Mile Hike in Minnesota that Leads You to this Gorgeous Secret Waterfall

Remote-controlled cars?

You bet.

Plastic model kits that’ll test your patience and your ability to decipher microscopic instructions?

They’ve got those in spades.

But that’s just scratching the surface.

From art supplies to science kits, from board games to puzzles, Hub Hobby Center is a one-stop shop for anyone who’s ever uttered the phrase “I’m bored.”

The staff at Hub Hobby are like walking encyclopedias of fun, ready to guide you through the intricacies of your chosen hobby or help you discover a new one.

Need advice on the best paint for your miniature army?

They’ve got you covered.

Wondering which remote-controlled car is least likely to end up in your neighbor’s pool?

They can help with that too.

Fair warning: a trip to Hub Hobby Center might result in you suddenly becoming an expert in obscure topics like the aerodynamics of paper airplanes or the history of 1/72 scale model tanks.

But hey, who doesn’t want to be the most interesting person at their next dinner party?

6. Pinwheels and Play Toys (Minneapolis)

Hold onto your whimsy, folks!

Pinwheels and Play Toys in Minneapolis is about to send your imagination into overdrive.

This charming little shop is like a pocket-sized Wonderland, tucked away in the heart of the city, just waiting to sprinkle a little magic into your day.

The storefront, with its cheerful blue awning and windows bursting with colorful displays, is like a beacon of joy on the street.

It’s the kind of place that makes you do a double-take and think, “Well, I simply must pop in there!”

And trust me, you won’t regret it.

Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in a world of whimsical toys, games, and trinkets that’ll make your inner child do a happy dance.

From classic wooden toys that’ll have you waxing nostalgic to cutting-edge gadgets that’ll make you say “Wow, they didn’t have these when I was a kid!”, Pinwheels and Play has something for every age and interest.

But what really sets this place apart is its commitment to toys that spark creativity and imagination.

You won’t find many battery-operated gizmos here – instead, you’ll discover toys that encourage open-ended play, problem-solving, and good old-fashioned fun.

The staff at Pinwheels and Play are like toy matchmakers, ready to pair you (or the lucky recipient of your gift) with the perfect plaything.

Whether you’re shopping for a newborn or a nonagenarian, they’ve got suggestions that’ll bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Just a word of caution: a visit to Pinwheels and Play might result in a sudden urge to start a puppet theater in your living room or challenge your coworkers to a marble race.

But hey, who says growing up means you have to stop playing?

7. Kremer’s Toy and Hobby (Albertville)

Buckle up, toy enthusiasts and hobby hoarders!

Kremer’s Toy and Hobby in Albertville is about to take you on a wild ride through a wonderland of playthings and pastimes.

This isn’t just a store; it’s a treasure trove of fun that’ll have you feeling like a kid in a… well, you know.

From the outside, Kremer’s might look like your average strip mall store, but don’t let that fool you.

Step through those doors, and you’re transported to a world where fun reigns supreme and “adulting” is strictly optional.

Inside, it’s like someone took every toy and hobby you’ve ever dreamed of and crammed them into one glorious space.

Model trains chug alongside remote-controlled cars, while puzzles and board games vie for your attention.

And let’s not forget the crafting section – it’s enough to make Martha Stewart weep with joy.

But Kremer’s isn’t just about quantity – it’s about quality too.

These folks know their stuff, and they’re passionate about helping you find the perfect toy or hobby to light up your life.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newbie, the staff are like friendly sherpas, ready to guide you through the mountain of merchandise.

And here’s the best part – Kremer’s isn’t just a store, it’s a community hub.

With events, workshops, and demos, it’s the kind of place where you might come in for a quick browse and leave three hours later, having made new friends and discovered a passion for underwater basket weaving (hey, stranger things have happened).

Just a word of warning: a visit to Kremer’s might result in you suddenly becoming the coolest aunt/uncle/grandparent in your family, or developing an inexplicable urge to build a miniature railway in your backyard.

But hey, there are worse problems to have, right?

8. Midwest Vintage Toys (Rochester)

Hold onto your Cabbage Patch Kids and dust off your Transformers, because Midwest Vintage Toys in Rochester is about to take you on a nostalgic journey that’ll have you reliving your childhood faster than you can say “Thundercats, ho!”

From the moment you step inside, it’s like you’ve stumbled into a time machine set to “awesome.”

The shelves are packed with toys from every era, from classic tin robots to neon-splashed 80s action figures.

It’s enough to make you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered onto the set of a retro movie.

But Midwest Vintage Toys isn’t just about looking at old toys behind glass cases (although there’s plenty of that too).

This place is a living, breathing museum of play, where you’re encouraged to touch, explore, and maybe even take home a piece of your childhood.

The staff are like toy historians, ready to regale you with tales of the great toy crazes of yesteryear.

Did you know that Furby was once so popular that it was banned from the NSA’s Maryland headquarters?

Neither did I, but the folks at Midwest Vintage Toys did, and they’re more than happy to share these nuggets of toy trivia.

Whether you’re a serious collector looking for that rare Mego figure to complete your set, or just someone who wants to show their kids what a real Gameboy looks like, Midwest Vintage Toys has got you covered.

It’s the kind of place where you might come in looking for a specific toy and leave with a bagful of memories (and maybe a sudden urge to dig out your old Pogs collection).

Just be warned: a visit to Midwest Vintage Toys might result in you suddenly remembering all the lyrics to cartoon theme songs you haven’t heard in decades, or developing an irresistible urge to challenge strangers to Tamagotchi battles.

But hey, that’s all part of the fun, right?

So there you have it, folks – eight magical toy stores that prove Minnesota isn’t just the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but also the Land of Endless Play.

Whether you’re 5 or 105, these shops are sure to spark joy and ignite your imagination.

Happy toy hunting!