Whether you’re shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts or simply reveling in nostalgia, the best toy stores in NYC have plenty to offer.
Our go-to spots for kiddos includes far more than stuffed animals and action figures: they up the ante with cool, interactive features, fun events, and of course, well-stocked shelves. No matter your little one’s interests, there’s something to scoop up — trust us.
When you’re out shopping or crafting a wishlist, make sure these NYC toy stores are on your radar.
1. FAO Schwarz
A legend in its own right, FAO Schwarz is the oldest toy store in the country and a beloved NYC attraction. Hearts broke upon learning about the store’s 5th Ave closure in 2015. But after a brief hiatus, a new flagship was brought to life in Rockefeller Center in 2018.
The multi-level space opens with a large display of stuffed animals, followed by dolls, games, a candy shop, a Jellycat “restaurant,” and so much more. Head up the winding staircase adjacent to the rocket ship to have a look at the Build-A-Bear Station, cool Funko pops, and the most iconic part of the store: the giant piano. Bring socks so you can test your skills on the mega keyboard mat.
📍 30 Rockefeller Center
2. LEGO
Although there are several locations within NYC, the LEGO Flatiron flagship is the one that will dazzle builders-in-the-making with larger-than-life sculptures, shelves of kits, a mosaic maker that turns your photo into a LEGO, and a minifigure factory! There’s plenty to tinker with, from offerings like architecture and Harry Potter to DC and botanicals.
📍 636 Fifth Ave
3. American Girl
The famous brand is known for adorable dolls that represent different generations with their cute clothes, nifty accessories, and fun backstories that give li’l doll owners a look back in time. The brand has generously expanded its offerings since its inception — Disney dolls and a Barbie collab are among the newbies — but at its core, it’s considered a cool history lesson (at least if you ask millennials). The American Girl NYC flagship includes a salon and spa for humans and dollies alike, a restaurant, birthday party packages and much more.
📍 75 Rockefeller Center
4. Mary Arnold Toys
Mary Arnold Toys is the city’s longest continually-running toy store and is a family-owned operation that came to be in 1931. Whether your kiddos are looking to get their hands dirty with science experiments and cool crafts or want to hit the Rockaways in the summer with the must-have beach toys, Mary Arnold offers a wide variety of toys, games, supplies, books, and beyond.
📍 1178 Lexington Ave
5. CAMP
Part toy store, part playground, and wholly entertaining, CAMP is a 10,000 square-foot space complete with immersive shows, crafting activities (slime!), and a transformation station for dress-up, to name a few. Ideal for toddlers and young kids, CAMP caters to its audience with cool takeovers, and currently the Bluey x CAMP experience that is modeled after Bluey’s home, complete with slides galore, a two-story pillow fort, and a cardboard box castle.
📍 110 5th Ave
6. Disney
A must for Mouseketeers of all ages, the Disney Store in Times Square is worth the trek for tributes to your favorite tales: Beauty and the Beast, 101 Dalmatians, Frozen, Star Wars, and so much more. Beyond toys and costumes, shoppers can expect collectibles, houseware items, and a section dedicated for NYC visitors: Mickey in a NYC top, Minnie in the Statue of Liberty’s garb, etc.
If you’re a Disney fan to your core, stop by the neighboring Museum of Broadway for “Disney on Broadway: 30 Years of Magic”, which ends in January 2025.
📍 1540 Broadway
7. Playing Mantis
A NYC small business that’s not to be missed, Playing Mantis is a Tribeca staple from artist Imelda McCain, who spins, carves, and knits unique toys: think wooden fantasy play sets, classic rocking horses, colorful puppets, and more.
📍32 North Moore Street
8. Boomerang Toys
Another Tribeca staple, Boomerang Toys celebrates specialty and classic items that is guaranteed to us adults feel nostalgic for yesteryear. We particularly appreciate the NYC-centric toys: subway cars and Staten Island Ferry models!
📍 119 W Broadway
9. dAN’s Parents’ House
A staple of the Brooklyn Flea and every vintage toy collector’s dream, dAN’s Parents’ House in the Bronx is the throwback you never knew you needed: old-school toys like Cabbage Patch Kids, quirky pins and patches, matchbox cars, and beyond. Considering the husband-and-wife duo behind the business stock toys from every decade, you know you’re in for some delightful surprises.
📍239 City Island Ave, Bronx
10. Runnin’ Wild Kids
Any Brooklyn parent will tell you: Runnin’ Wild Kids is practically mandatory shopping. From sneakers and stuffed animals to puzzles and board games, this Carroll Gardens shop doesn’t miss a beat.
📍349 Court St, Brooklyn