It’s no secret that big box toy stores are on their way out in our modern world, and many are saddened that they can no longer have the nostalgic experience of browsing aisles and aisles of colorful toys. Several local Cincinnatians may have childhood memories of shopping at toy stores like Johnny’s Toys, Children’s Palace, and yes, Toys R’ Us, but where can you go now to shop for fun and unique treasures? There are actually several mom & pop options throughout Cincinnati that carry everything from the latest technology-focused toys to vintage collections. If you already miss the toy store shopping experience, then you’re guaranteed to love these seven local toy shops in the Queen City.
- King Arthur’s Court Toys
GoogleMaps For over 35 years, King Arthur’s Court Toys and its purple awning in the heart of Oakley have been a beloved destination for Cincinnati families. You get the ultimate toy store experience inside, but with that locally-owned charm and appeal. It’s perfectly located in a walkable area with bookstores and restaurants nearby, making it an enjoyable stop when seeking out toys with little ones.
Google/Cruise Cycle King Arthur’s Court Toys is located at 3040 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209. For more information on King Arthur’s Court Toys, visit its website here.
- Saturday Morning Heroes Toys
Facebook/Saturday Morning Heroes Toys Saturday Morning Heroes not only has the best name for a toy store ever, it’s possible the most charming and friendly little shop in town. They carry vintage, classic, and modern toys, and are passionate about helping you find whatever it is you’re looking for. Stop in to find a favorite from your childhood or discover a new favorite.
Facebook/Saturday Morning Heroes Toys Saturday Morning Heroes is located at 11119 Reading Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- Learning Express Toys
Google/Taylor Granstaff Learning Express is located in Northern Kentucky at Crestview Hills Town Center. This toy store is actually a nationwide name, but it’s the only location in our area and it has loads of mom & pop charm. It’s a small space that is packed full of fun toys and games, and they also host several fun events, including character meet and greets.
Facebook/Learning Express Toys of Crestview Hills Learning Express Toys can be found at the Crestview Hills Town Center, located at 2812 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills, KY 41017. For more information on Learning Express Toys, visit its website here.
- Coolest Toys On Earth
Facebook/Coolest Toys On Earth Coolest Toys On Earth has two locations in Milford and Mariemont, and this local gem is the best place in the city to go for unique toys. The store itself feels like a cool toy museum and you’ll find it’s very difficult to leave once you’ve stepped through the doors. If you’ve never been to this Cincinnati destination, find a reason to go toy shopping soon.
Facebook/Coolest Toys On Earth Coolest Toys On Earth is located in Mariemont at 6840 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227 and in Milford at 314 Main St., Milford, OH 45150. For more information, visit its website here.
- The Toy Department
Facebook/The Toy Department The Toy Department recently opened in Fairfield and is a nostalgic trip back to your childhood. This locally-owned gem stocks classic toys, as well as new ones, so you can find some of your own favorites and modern choices for today’s kids. Everyone will enjoy browsing and shopping at this inviting toy shop.
Facebook/The Toy Department The Toy Department is located at 5400, 6600 Dixie Hwy. Unit Y, Fairfield, OH 45014. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- Happen’s Toy Lab
Facebook/Happen’s Toy Lab Happen’s Toy Lab can be found at the corner of Hamilton and Chase in Northside and is a truly unique toy experience. Happen’s Toy Lab takes used, donated toys and breaks them down for visitors to then put them back together with their own imaginations. Staff will help the magic happen, and it’s such a fun experience for the entire family. If you plan on visiting, be sure to call ahead and also keep the Lab in mind for a one-of-a-kind birthday party activity.
Google/Happen’s Toy Lab Happen’s Toy Lab is located at 4203 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223. For more information, visit their website here.
- Stoney’s Village Toy Shoppe
Facebook/Stoney’s Village Toy Shoppe The most adorable toy shop in our area can be found just across the river in Covington with Stoney’s Village Toy Shoppe. This charming destination offers a variety of toys, books, and games, and some unique finds, and all in a sweet atmosphere that kids and adults will both love.
Facebook/Stoney’s Village Toy Shoppe Stoney’s Village Toy Shoppe is located at 323 W 6th St., Covington, KY 41011. Find out more on its website here.
Some would argue that the toy store experience is even better at these mom & pop shops that are filled with charm and local flair, and we’d have to agree! Did you know Cincinnati had so many great local options for toy shopping? Do you have a favorite spot? Let us know in the comments!
GoogleMaps
For over 35 years, King Arthur’s Court Toys and its purple awning in the heart of Oakley have been a beloved destination for Cincinnati families. You get the ultimate toy store experience inside, but with that locally-owned charm and appeal. It’s perfectly located in a walkable area with bookstores and restaurants nearby, making it an enjoyable stop when seeking out toys with little ones.
Google/Cruise Cycle
King Arthur’s Court Toys is located at 3040 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209. For more information on King Arthur’s Court Toys, visit its website here.
Facebook/Saturday Morning Heroes Toys
Saturday Morning Heroes not only has the best name for a toy store ever, it’s possible the most charming and friendly little shop in town. They carry vintage, classic, and modern toys, and are passionate about helping you find whatever it is you’re looking for. Stop in to find a favorite from your childhood or discover a new favorite.
Saturday Morning Heroes is located at 11119 Reading Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Google/Taylor Granstaff
Learning Express is located in Northern Kentucky at Crestview Hills Town Center. This toy store is actually a nationwide name, but it’s the only location in our area and it has loads of mom & pop charm. It’s a small space that is packed full of fun toys and games, and they also host several fun events, including character meet and greets.
Facebook/Learning Express Toys of Crestview Hills
Learning Express Toys can be found at the Crestview Hills Town Center, located at 2812 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills, KY 41017. For more information on Learning Express Toys, visit its website here.
Facebook/Coolest Toys On Earth
Coolest Toys On Earth has two locations in Milford and Mariemont, and this local gem is the best place in the city to go for unique toys. The store itself feels like a cool toy museum and you’ll find it’s very difficult to leave once you’ve stepped through the doors. If you’ve never been to this Cincinnati destination, find a reason to go toy shopping soon.
Coolest Toys On Earth is located in Mariemont at 6840 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227 and in Milford at 314 Main St., Milford, OH 45150. For more information, visit its website here.
Facebook/The Toy Department
The Toy Department recently opened in Fairfield and is a nostalgic trip back to your childhood. This locally-owned gem stocks classic toys, as well as new ones, so you can find some of your own favorites and modern choices for today’s kids. Everyone will enjoy browsing and shopping at this inviting toy shop.
The Toy Department is located at 5400, 6600 Dixie Hwy. Unit Y, Fairfield, OH 45014. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Facebook/Happen’s Toy Lab
Happen’s Toy Lab can be found at the corner of Hamilton and Chase in Northside and is a truly unique toy experience. Happen’s Toy Lab takes used, donated toys and breaks them down for visitors to then put them back together with their own imaginations. Staff will help the magic happen, and it’s such a fun experience for the entire family. If you plan on visiting, be sure to call ahead and also keep the Lab in mind for a one-of-a-kind birthday party activity.
Google/Happen’s Toy Lab
Happen’s Toy Lab is located at 4203 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223. For more information, visit their website here.
Facebook/Stoney’s Village Toy Shoppe
The most adorable toy shop in our area can be found just across the river in Covington with Stoney’s Village Toy Shoppe. This charming destination offers a variety of toys, books, and games, and some unique finds, and all in a sweet atmosphere that kids and adults will both love.
Stoney’s Village Toy Shoppe is located at 323 W 6th St., Covington, KY 41011. Find out more on its website here.
And for more memories from a childhood spent in Cincinnati, check out our previous article here.
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