All parents know the struggle of finding quality toys for their kids. Toys that won’t fall apart in a week or ones your child won’t toss aside as they quickly lose their luster. Whether it’s a graduation, Christmas, a birthday, or just because, you often end up stuck going to the same two or three shops to peruse the aisles and see the exact same stuff. And sometimes, you just want something different. You’re in luck, though, because South Florida actually has more toy stores than you probably ever knew. Some specialize in science and math-based toys, others are all about dolls, and then there’s others who seek to provide eco-conscious options. Check our list the next time you need to get a new toy for a child!
1. Macanoco & Co., Coral Gables
Where: 2344 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL
This one-of-a-kind store caters to high-end tastes for the entire family. It’s more of a boutique clothing shop (with items for the entire family), but they also feature plenty of toys. Castles, dinosaurs, die-cast cars, building blocks, ceramic tea sets and plush animals can all be found here. They also have organic and wooden toys, and educational play sets—perfect for parents who might be seeking an alternative to the usual plastic ones with bright lights and loud sounds.
2. A to Z Toys, Miami Beach
Where: 728 Arthur Godfrey Rd, Miami Beach, FL
This independent toy shop gets high ratings for having such an impressively large collection of unique, educational toys. The owners don’t waste any space in this store, which is packed from wall to wall and floor to ceiling with just about every toy you can think of. Board games and spinning tops, marionettes and musical instruments, plus baby dolls, horses, helicopters—you name it. They run the gamut of age ranges as well, and you’ll easily find gifts for your babies, toddlers, and older kids in one fell swoop. Oh, and word on the street is they provide free gift wrapping!
3. Toy Town, Key Biscayne
Where: 260 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL
Located on Key Biscayne, this charming toy store has been putting smiles on little ones’ faces for more than 20 years. They boast a large selection of toys from some of the biggest brands like Mattel, Playmobil, and Lego to smaller, eco-friendly brands like Green Toys and Hape. They also carry a wide array of arts and crafts kits, back-to-school supplies like backpacks, and plenty of goodies for the Hello Kitty lovers in the crowd.
4. American Girl, Miami
Where: 8888 SW 136 St, Miami, FL
Where: The American Girl shop in the Falls is the only of its kind in South Florida (and one of the only ones in the entire state). Those who grew up fawning over the old catalogs know what a huge deal these shops are. Youngsters will be enthralled by the ability to pick out a doll exactly as they want her. They also sell plenty of wonderful accessories and playsets for the dolls, and they even host events for AG fans.,
5. I Know Science STEM Center And Toy Store, Pembroke Pines and Coral Gables
Where: 2110 N Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL
Where: 4251 Salzedo St, Coral Gables, FL
Looking to introduce your little one to some STEM concepts? There’s really no better place to take your child than I Know Science. This quirky set of shops, located in both Pembroke Pines and Coral Gables (new this year!) specializes in toys that help your child conduct science experiments, learn engineering basics and much more. The shops also host events, including summer camps and birthday parties.
6. Little Green Moppet, Miami
Where: 8803 SW 132nd St, Miami, FL
Anyone on a budget knows that consignment shops can be some of the best places to pick up some new (to you) toys. Cue Little Green Moppet. You’ll find clothes, sure, but also all kinds of toys–and of course, the toys are always changing as they get new products. Prices are more than reasonable, and no doubt your kids will leave with a smile on their face. And you don’t have to worry about quality. Little Green Moppet takes special care to sell fully functional and clean toys. Subscribe to the shop’s social media pages and you’ll always see the newest toys and baby gear listed!
7. Toy Express, Coral Springs
Where: 6325 W Sample Rd, Coral Springs, FL
This 3,500 square-foot toy store opened in September and is already one of our favorites. It’s no regular toy store—it’s an interactive experience aimed to give your kids the same magical feeling you had in toy stores when you were their age (read: there’s an indoor play area, a mechanical T-rex and a doll adoption center). They also offer standard toy store fare, including games, books, dollhouses and more.
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