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CAMP Store – Multiple Locations

110 5th Avenue at 16th Street

The first CAMP store opened in 2018 in Flatiron, featuring a giant, interactive play zone full of wonder and fun. The space reinvents itself every season to keep things fresh, collaborating with beloved children's franchises like "Encanto" and "Bluey." Part cool, curated toy store, part interactive play zone, peek behind a secret door to find interactive experiences, a dedicated space for crafts and "maker" projects, and more. The stores occasionally put on performances and special events, so check to see what's happening at your local outpost. Some experiences, like Cosmic CAMP come at a cost, but there's plenty of free fun to be had, too.  

M&M's World – Midtown West

1600 Broadway between 48th and 49th Streets
Kids and chocolate lovers alike won't have an easy time leaving this store. There is M&M merchandise galore, a two-story wall of colorful candies, and a 21-foot Miss Green M&M Statue of Liberty. You can spend money quite quickly, but you can also wander around without feeling the pressure to purchase one single M&M (though kudos if you can resist). Stop to take some photos with M&M mascots. Plus, the staff is happy to let kids play, so let them unleash all that sugar energy before you get home.

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Take your favorite doll in for a check up at the doll at American Girl Place Hospital. Photo courtesy of the store

American Girl Place – Midtown West

75 Rockefeller Plaza
This Rockefeller Center spot is an American Girl fan's dream come true. The 38,000-square-foot store is sure to be a destination for lovers of these iconic dolls for years to come. The store serves lots of treats for kids (matching makeovers!) and adults (plush benches!) alike. There are plenty of opportunities for kids to cuddle, accessorize, and show off the doll of their choice. The location also has options for dining, hosting birthdays, and events. Plus, if you stay at a hotel partner of the American Girl Place, the hotel will provide a little doll-sized bed for your stay, so the whole family sleeps in comfort!

Harry Potter New York – Flatiron

935 Broadway
Stride right through the doors of this uber-popular Wizarding World attraction, which, despite its popularity with tourists and residents alike, rarely have lengthy lines. Once inside, spend your time spotting cool props from the wildly popular movies, peruse a wall of wands that rivals Olivanders, stage a duel, step into Hagrid's shoes, apparate to the Ministry of Magic via an old-school phone booth, shop for Chocolate Frogs, and more! There's plenty of eye candy and even a butterbeer bar!

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There are a handful of small play areas in the Times Square Disney Store. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Disney Store – Times Square

1540 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets
We visited the Disney Store when it first opened and, despite the intense merchandising, we were impressed. It's certainly cheaper than a trip to Orlando! If you've got a princess or "Cars" fan on your hands, you won't want to miss this one. Go on a quest to find many Mickey and Minnie displays throughout the store or visit the Imagination Theater for some hands-on fun. Star Wars fans can take pictures with a full-size Stormtrooper. 

Macy's Toys "R" Us – Herald Square

151 West 34th Street

Although it's not nearly as impressive as the old Toys "R" Us Times Square spot, the franchise still lives on. Located on the seventh floor of the flagship Macy's store in Herald Square, the Toys "R" Us section is still a gem to visit. There are plenty of hands-on activities and toys for kids to play with and spaces to sit for the parents while the kids frolic. It might be small, but there's plenty to see, including a large model of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and some whimsical depictions of the iconic mascot of the toy store, Geoffrey the Giraffe.

Barnes & Noble – Union Square

33 East 17th Street
The Union Square branch of this chain bookstore has a children's area on the second floor with an ever-popular train table, as well as kiddie chairs and tables. This particular chain carries an impressive selection of toys, games, and educational kits as part of its "science center." The massive bookstore also frequently hosts special events, including occasional children's author talks and signings.

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The dazzling FAO Schwarz is a mind-blowing toy store experience. Photo by Jody Mercier

FAO Schwarz – Midtown West

30 Rockefeller Plaza 
This 20,000-square-foot store opened in 2018 reinventing the iconic brand and bringing back some of our favorite features, including the dance-on piano, the iconic clock tower, and the life-sized toy soldiers guarding the doors. They're a perfect picture opportunity! While there will be plenty of toys to purchase, the focus here goes beyond stacks of toys on the shelves. In-store experiences—like magic shows, a pretend grocery store, and more—encourage families to enjoy some playtime together.

The Home Depot – Multiple Locations

Check the website for locations

Yes, believe it or not, the home goods and renovation stores also host children's workshops every month! Plan your home goods shopping trip for 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month and check out the free workshop hosted across all the Home Depot's locations. The stores teach kids small DIY and home renovation skills by letting them (safely) get hands on with tools and learn essential life skills. (The store even has a virtual home on the popular children's game Roblox!). Note that although these events are free, advance registration is required.

Queens Center – Flushing, Queens

90-15 Queens Boulevard
Queens parents don't have to venture into the city to find the best toy stores. They're all conveniently located in one place at the Queens Center in Flushing. The Disney Store is perfect for little ones who can spend some time in an interactive area with a movie screen. Build-A-Bear-Workshop is also a few steps away, where hundreds of (un)stuffed animals await. Beware: They may want to take a special one home.

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Kids can build while you shop, or just take a breather, at the NYC Lego stores. Photo by Mommy Poppins

The Lego Store – Rockefeller Center & Flatiron

636 Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets
200 Fifth Avenue at 23rd Street
While both locations have the popular Mini Master Builder Bar and a wall of bricks (where you can find that long-ago lost piece), the Flatiron location also has a Lego Lounge, with seating surrounding a model of the Flatiron District and several Lego-themed books to read on the cushy sofas. It's also much easier to navigate with a stroller. Fans can also design and print their very own custom Lego minifigure and more, all while exploring Lego recreations of iconic NYC locations.

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The Nintendo Store offers consoles with free gaming. Photo by Sara Marentette

Nintendo New York – Midtown West

10 Rockefeller Plaza, 48th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
Nintendo's flagship store got a revamp in 2016 with a fresh name and fresh features. A 15-foot gaming screen is the centerpiece of the store, and there's plenty of play space with multiple Nintendo Switch and 3DS stations throughout the two-floor, 10,000-square-foot Mario mecca. Playing is encouraged, and the store will often have hands-on demos of new and upcoming titles.

Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. – Park Slope, Brooklyn

372 5th Avenue
Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. is a unique place that doubles as a store and a learning center. Walking inside, you can feel like a real superhero. The storefront sells all the superhero essentials like capes and masks (which everyone is invited to try on), as well as novelty items like detection kits and invisible paint for those top-secret missions. It's a place where imagination comes to life, sure to make even adults feel like kids again. The back of the store houses a volunteer-run organization that offers free writing classes and tutoring for kids. Proceeds from the store support the learning center. 

Originally published in 2012; this post is updated annually.