5 Family Fun Fitness Activities by Brent Frayser

Forty years ago, it was a nightly battle for parents to get their children inside for dinner or for the night. Today, it is hard to get them outside and active. The advent and hypnotic pull of technology has drastically changed the way we live our daily lives. In the last twenty years we've seen an alarming rate of obesity and other health problems in children and young adults due to sedentary lifestyles.

                                                                                          

The foods we used to eat were prepared at home and we ate our meals as a family around the table, which meant we spent time digesting and conversing. We played on the playground, at school gyms, around our neighborhoods. We were active from morning until bedtime.

The opportunities for physical activity today as it existed yesterday are still there but the opportunity has to be acted upon. Laptops and smartphones are the leading cause of inactivity, surpassing television as the leading cause, not only for children, but most adults. The fast food industry has taken hold of our culture and it has become rare to see families sit together at meal times with home-cooked meals.

As parents, we set the foundation for many aspects of life for our children, from values and work ethic to outlook and lifetime fitness habits. Staying active for yourself and your family and making fitness a family affair, will not only lead to healthy adults but happy ones who are able to bounce back quicker from injuries and illnesses, and live longer lives.

The results of a research study on children and obesity published in children's health journal Acta Paediatrica, have revealed startling results regarding children and their sedentary lifestyles. The findings report that children's arm strength dropped by 26% and their grip strength by 7% since 1998. The research also found that in 1998, 1 in 20 children were able to hold their own weight when hanging from a bar but only 1 in 10 children can do the same today.

How To Get Started

If you and your family haven't been active, there might be some resistance at first, but experts say both the body and the mind can be re-programmed in only a few short weeks, so sticking with the plan to get healthier and more active until it becomes habit, is the key. Start slow.

You can start with 10 or 20-minute walks. Or start with an activity that you like to do such as basketball or volleyball. The time spent on these activities will gradually increase. Staying healthy as a family requires the whole team's involvement. Here are five family activities that you can begin with to get your family to an optimal state of health:

Walking

Walking is one of the easiest and low-impact exercises there is to stay fit and healthy. The good thing is that we already do it so well. Gather the family and take long walks in the park, at a local campground or just around your neighborhood. This is an excellent bonding activity as it allows for conversation and is good both before dinner and after. At a later time, you can incorporate small hiking trips as your energy levels increase through exercise. 

TV Fitness Breaks

If you can't cut out television altogether, when you are watching television make every commercial break a fitness break. For every commercial, the family jumps up and does an exercise of someone's choice. Everyone gets a turn choosing an exercise. Make it fun. When commercials are over, the exercise is over. You'll feel the benefits immediately.

Roller Skating or Rollerblading

Roller skating is an excellent outdoor activity that the whole family can participate in. Not only does it improve mood, but it is easy on the joints and you can create skills games and baton races to add to the fun when skating as a family. Roller skating is excellent for gliding along in conversation as well and is a wonderful way to get the family together on the weekends.

Obstacle Course

You can easily create an obstacle course in your backyard. When mom and dad participate in activities with their children, the children are more involved and willing to get active. Obstacle course help move every part of your body and help children develop motor, emotional and social skills. Your obstacle course can have a multitude of different activities built in such as: throwing, kicking, jumping, sliding, balance, and hopping.

Bicycling

One of the lowest impact, cardiovascular exercises is bike riding. Not only is it healthy for the whole body, but it boosts brain health as well, which means it’s a perfect health routine for the whole family. A recent study revealed that brain scans show an increase in the brain's white matter when a person exercises using an "overlearned skill" like bicycling.

It is up to adults to teach children the healthy habits of activity and exercise. We must break the cycle of sedentary lifestyles and the resulting obesity and disease which is shortening our lives. Creating the foundation for healthy habits for the whole family is easy and rewarding.

Make an activity jar. Let the whole family come up with healthy activities that the whole family can do together. Write them on strips of paper and place the strips in the jar. Draw from the jar every day or make it a weekend jar. The main goal is to get the whole family active and healthy. Every activity you do, whether indoors or outdoors, helps to create a love for health and wellness which leads to a long life.

Brent Frayser is a media relations representative for Pure Barre, who is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration (Major in Marketing, Minor in Management).  He was born and raised in the south, is very outgoing, with a strong sense of determination.  In his spare time, he enjoys: reading, writing, coaching baseball and football, and spending time with family and friends.  

Blog Administrator:  Trisha Roberts

proeducationaltoys@gmail.com

www.proeducationaltoys.com

Copyright © 2017 TNT Inspired Enterprise, LLC, All rights reserved.

Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

Today's Children by Guest Blogger Matthew Reisberg

This week's featured Guest is Matthew Reisberg, Principal/Administrator Carroll Christian School in Westminster, Maryland where my Chinese Foreign Exchange student attends High School.  This article is adapted from the weekly newsletter of Carroll Christian School and succinctly describes a major issue with America's children today.

While there are many great and wonderful things to say about our children, there is an alarming trend across American that Mr. Reisberg addresses:

Have you noticed that today's kids are ok with a mess? They believe that you consume what you want and just leave the trash for someone else to pick up. They are ok with making a mess with food and wasting it. Watch a group of young people sit together and then get up and go somewhere. It looks like a war zone. The chairs are a mess and trash is everywhere except the trash can. Who will volunteer to clean it? Who will have the character to stop and say that this is not the way we found it?

 After a ball game at Carroll Christian School (CCS) last year, I literally carried three armloads of trash out of the student section.

Have you been in the locker rooms? Have you checked out the lost and found? Today's kids just throw their belongings around and, many times, leave them. You can tell them that one of their items is in lost and found, but they don't even come to retrieve it. They think, “Why bother getting it when mom and dad will just buy me something new?” Do you ever wonder why this is the case? Are they expecting someone else to do it? Have they been taught to do it? Did we just teach them to get up and leave it because we as parents will always pick it up for them? Yes, society teaches them to not care and leave it, but we need to teach them to respect the land. They need to learn to take care of what God has blessed them with.



The last generation was taught by our parents to respect property, to not litter, to leave things better than we found them. If we did not follow those rules, we had more work or a lesson applied to the seat of understanding. It may not be what we wanted, but it was what we needed. I wonder how America will look 20 years from now if we continue to have a generation that does not value anything.



I encourage those of you with little ones to start early. Teach them to work and not accept everything given. Teach them to pick up after themselves.

I once had a student who literally could not wash the lunch table. When I asked him why he was not able to do it, he respond that he did not know how because his mother always did it for him. This was a high school student. I followed up with mom. She said that she never lets him clean because she wanted him to enjoy his childhood.



Make them clean. Teach them now. Don't let the opportunities pass. When they leave your home, they will be dependent on you and unable to do anything.

Teach them to work and to value a dollar. Don't just give them everything. I know, you want them to have everything that you didn't have growing up, but you turned out okay, didn't you? You learned to work for things and value them. Giving children everything they want will only make them want more and not appreciate what they have. In other words, they don't appreciate you. Why? Because they expect it. We have trained this generation to have a sense of entitlement.

We need to change it soon or our nation will pay the price.

Matthew Reisberg graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in History and Coaching in 1996.   He taught History and Coached at Carroll Christian for 12 years before moving to Administration. He has a Master’s in Christian Education from Patriot University and has credits toward a second Master’s in General Education from Liberty University.  Mr.  Reisberg built the High School Program at Mount Airy Christian Academy while he served in Administration there for 5 years before returning to be the Administrator at Carroll Christian for the last 5 years. Along with Administrating he also coaches several sports teams and teaches Economics to the Seniors. 

Matthew Reisberg

Blog Administrator:  Trisha Roberts

proeducationaltoys@gmail.com

www.proeducationaltoys.com

Copyright © 2017 TNT Inspired Enterprise, LLC, All rights reserved.

Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

The 30 Best Science Toy Stores--Part 2 by Guest Blogger Andrea Cunningham

We continue this week with Part 2 of the 30 Best Science Toy Stores in America, by Guest Blogger Andrea Cunningham.

 This original article was presented at Sciencesy.com, a great website that is composed of  (in their words!), "a group of science-loving nerds who hand-pick some of the best products on sale today." 




Now, in Andrea's words:

New Hampshire

 G. Willikers! Toy Shop

13 Market Street

Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-7746
http://www.gwillikers.com

Why kids love this store: Lots of toys to play with and fun events to attend
Why parents love this store: Elite customer service, wide selection of quality toys, gives back to their community
What’s sciencesy about this store: Embraces all kinds of technology including green technology
Must have toy: Snap Circuits Electricity Kits

G. Willikers! Toy Shop’s inventory of science toys is massive. Their favorite toys are “open-ended.” In other words, children are free to create without having to adhere to default endings.  G. Willikers also believes that playing with toys helps children understand their world.  G. Willikers came into this world in 1978.

New York

 Kidding Around

60 West 15th Street
New York, NY
212-645-6337
https://kiddingaroundtoys.com

Why kids love this store: Wooden model of the Staten Island Ferry
Why parents love this store: Huge selection of $5 (and under) toys
What’s sciencesy about this store: Big supply of science toys and a staff who knows that supply
Must have toy: Mountain of Doom Volcano Kit

Kidding Around doesn’t kid around when it comes to service and value.  Their expertise and hard work has earned them praise from kids, parents, and the press.  Can’t make it to West 15th street?  They have two other locations: one at Grand Central Terminal in New York and another in Montclair, New Jersey.

Oregon

 iSpark Toys

925 Northeast Orenco Station Loop
Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-207-6570
https://www.isparktoys.com

Why kids love this store: Can play with toys before mom and dad buys them
Why parents love this store: Owner knows and cares about kids, science, and learning
What’s sciencesy about this store: STEM toys comprise a majority of their inventory
Must have toy: Happy Atoms

iSpark Toys started when a mother wanted to buy fun and engaging products for her offspring.  Realizing there wasn’t such a place, she founded iSpark Toys.  Today, her store sells commodities that help kids create, build, and dream.  In addition to science toys, iSpark offers robotics, coding, and engineering toys.

Storefront of iSpark Toys.  Photo courtesy of toy store’s Facebook page.

 Piccolo Mondo Toys

Bethany Village Centre
4768 Northwest Bethany Boulevard, #C5
Portland, OR 97229
503-617-0250
https://www.piccolomondotoys.com

Why kids love this store: Always has the newest and awesomest toys
Why parents love this store: Believes in education and strongly supports local schools
What’s sciencesy about this store: Sells toys that are innovated and cater to the imagination
Must have toy: Test Tube Adventures

The family-owned Piccolo Mondo Toys has two Oregon locations.  Besides their store in Portland, they also have a shop in Beaverton.  “Piccolo Mondo” means "Small World" in Italian.  Every month, PM features toys and books from a different country.  It’s a great way for your kids to learn more about other cultures.

Pennsylvania

 Spectrum Scientifics

4403 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
267-297-0423
http://www.spectrum-scientifics.com

Why kids love this store: Cool science toys and cool science equipment
Why parents love this store: Staff is passionate about science
What’s sciencesy about this store: Every square inch—also sells telescopes, minerals, and magnets.
Must have toy: Tornado Tube

Located in the Manayunk neighborhood, Spectrum Scientifics is Philadelphia’s go-to-retailer for science toys and science equipment.  Don’t let that last part deter you from visiting.  Your child will thoroughly enjoy their visit to Spectrum.  Their toys will cement, or further inspire, your progeny’s fascination with science.

South Carolina

 Wonder Works

624 Long Point Road
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-6757
https://wonderworkstoys.com

Why kids love this store: Thousands of toys to sample and try
Why parents love this store: Wonder Works supports toys that are locally created
What’s sciencesy about this store: Carries products that promote science and foster creativity
Must have toy: Talking Microscope

Christine Osborne and Dan Morrisey founded Wonder Works in 1990.  Today, their one store has turned into four (the other three are in Charleston).  Wonder Works is widely regarded as one of the best toy stores in the South.  Their claim to fame is always being the first store to stock the “coolest new specialty toy items.”

Texas

 Fundamentally Toys

2401 Rice Boulevard
Houston, TX 77005
713-524-4400
http://www.fundamentallytoys.com

Why kids love this store: It’s humongous and frequently hosts cool events
Why parents love this store: Specializes in toys that hold a child’s interest
What’s sciencesy about this store: Oodles of terrific STEM toys in their coveted Science Center
Must have toy: Dig It Up! Dinosaur Eggs

Fundamentally Toys opened in 1995 and moved to their current location in 2011.  Billed as a "full-service, specialty toy store," FT wants children to learn, grown, and have loads of fun.  Their highly-regarded Spark program promotes toys that offer value to both parents and kids (see their websites for more information).

 Terra Toys

2438 Anderson Lane
Austin TX, 78757
512-445-4498
http://www.terratoys.com

Why kids love this store: Bright, colorful, lots of candy
Why parents love this store: Espresso bar
What’s sciencesy about this store: Stocks fun, challenging, and educational toys
Must have toy: Solar Mechanic Science Kit

The products inside Terra Toys are beautiful, classic, and fun.  It’s a magical place to visit if you’re young or young at heart.  Their sales staff is second to none and they’re happy to help you pinpoint the perfect toy.  Besides the aforementioned espresso bar, Terra Toys also houses an art gallery.

Storefront of Terra Toys.  Photo courtesy of toy store’s Facebook page.

 The Toy Maven

6025 Royal Lane #225
Dallas, TX 75230
214-265-9971
http://www.thetoymaven.com

Why kids love this store: Staff always makes them feel celebrated
Why parents love this store: Texas-size selection of toys, welcoming atmosphere, all the top brands
What’s sciencesy about this store: Bevy of toys that enrich and entertain young minds
Must have toy: VorteX 3.0, a Techno Gears Marble Mania machine

A “maven” is a trusted expert.  No toy store has a more appropriate name than The Toy Maven in Dallas, Texas.  They are toy experts you can trust.  Their justly adopted motto is “Bringing the Finest Toys to All Girls and Boys.”  The Toy Maven’s second haven is in Southlake.

 Toy Werks

923 North Loop 1604 East, #106
San Antonio, TX 78232
210-490-7171
https://www.mytoywerks.com

Why kids love this store: Plenty of toys to test drive
Why parents love this store: Cordial staff who’s adroit in selecting toys for tots
What’s sciencesy about this store: San Antonio’s largest selection of science kits
Must have toy: 14-in-1 Educational Solar Robot

There are three things you need to know about Toy Werks.  One, they are family owned and operated.  Two, they are a "real toy store."  And three, regardless of your age, it’s difficult to leave their store.  Their shelves are teeming with volumes of cool stuff including books, crafts, dolls, stuffed animals, and science kits.

Virginia

 Kinder Haus Toys

1220 North Fillmore
Arlington, VA 22201
703-527-5929
http://www.kinderhaus.com

Why kids love this store: They have everything from books to puppets
Why parents love this store: “Service, selection, and style”
What’s sciencesy about this store: Entire store caters to a child’s intellect and imagination
Must have toy: Kidz Labs Balancing Robot

Sue Pyatt and her family have owned Kinder Haus Toys since 1982.  They like to think of themselves as an old-fashion toy store.  Besides their assortment of educational toys, KHT also stocks books, clothes, and sporting goods.  Their toys, many of which are made from wood, don’t take batteries.  They run on imagination.

Washington

 Math 'n' Stuff

8926 Roosevelt Way Northeast
Seattle, WA 98115
206-522-8891
http://mathnificent.com/Math-N-StuffStore

Why kids love this store: Lots of science and math things to see, touch, and enjoy
Why parents love this store: Educational toys galore
What’s sciencesy about this store: Everything!
Must have toy: Chem C2000

The owner of Math ‘n’ Stuff identifies as a "Math Evangelist."  That’s music to the ears of parents looking to get their offspring excited about numbers.  Be warned, Math ‘n’ Stuff is packed to the rafters.  Don’t be surprised if you can’t see everything during your first visit.  Oh yeah, they carry Magic: The Gathering!

 Top Ten Toys

120 North 85th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
206-782-0098
http://www.toptentoys.com

Why kids love this store: Bundles of classic and unique toys to appraise
Why parents love this store: Low-violence policy—that means you won’t find toy guns or swords (unless they’re miniature and part of a themed set)
What’s sciencesy about this store: Toy selection is science-oriented, ecological, multicultural, and imaginative
Must have toy: K’Nex

You can’t have a list of the top 30 toy stores in the U.S. and not include the largest one in the Pacific Northwest.  Top Ten Toys’ mission is “keeping healthy play alive.”  This highly touted retailer also deals in wooden toys, classic toys, and collectible toys.  TTT opened in 1987 and they currently boast more than 25,000 toys.

Staff celebrating Top Ten Toys’ 30th anniversary.  Photo courtesy of toy store’s Facebook page.

Andrea Cunningham is from Boston and holds a science degree in biology. She interested in things that affect her children's educational lives, like schools, children's TV programming, and toys that promote learning. She loves going to new toy stores when she travels and has been to many in America and Europe. Andrea lives outside of Boston with her husband, three children, and two Labradoodles (a mixed lab/poodle dog).

Blog Administrator:  Trisha Roberts

proeducationaltoys@gmail.com

www.proeducationaltoys.com

Copyright © 2017 TNT Inspired Enterprise, LLC, All rights reserved.

Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

The 30 Best Science Toy Stores--Part 1 by Guest Blogger Andrea Cunningham

Today we feature Guest Blogger, Andrea Cunningham, presenting the 30 Best Science Toy Stores in America. This original article was presented at Sciencesy.com, a great website that is composed of  (in their words!), "a group of science-loving nerds who hand-pick some of the best products on sale today." 

Today we present stores in States A-M and will continue with the rest of the list in our post next week.


Now, in Andrea's words:

If you believe that play is important, and that it helps children grow and learn, then our list of the 30 best science toy stores in American is for you.

That’s because the following retailers believe passionately in the concept of play and that some of the best toys for children to play with are those related to science or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

You’ll not only be able to find science toys at the following 30 retailers, you’ll also be able to find knowledgeable and dedicated individuals who care about your kids and the quality of toys they play with.

Our list includes toy stores from 19 states. Some are in major cities, while others are found in small towns. Some of our entries are a single store while others have multiple locations. None of the following stores belong to a national chain. 

All our selections carry well-made and educational toys that will expand your child’s imagination and provide them with countless hours of enjoyment.

Entering any of the 30 stores listed below will likely put a smile on your child’s face, and yours too.

Alabama

 Homewood Toy & Hobby

2830 18th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35209
205-879-3986
http://www.homewoodtoy-hobby.com

Why kids love this store: Bright, colorful, fun
Why parents love this store: Huge selection of toys for every member of the family regardless of age
What’s sciencesy about this store: Science selection includes chemistry, optics, and zoology toys
Must have toy: BNF Quadcopter

Founded in 1950, the family-owned Homewood Toy & Hobby is the oldest toy store in the Birmingham area. They carry quality toys, and their affable staff knows the merchandize inside and out. If that wasn’t enough, HT&H has one of the largest selections of remote control vehicles in the county.

Arkansas

 Dilly Dally’s Toy Store

The Shoppes at Pinnacle Hills
3301 Market Street, Suite 103
Rogers, AR 72758
479-273-5557
https://dillydallys.com 

Why kids love this store: Lego and Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld under one roof!
Why parents love this store: Educational toys, books, and games
What’s sciencesy about this store: Stocks science toys not found anywhere else in Arkansas
Must have toy: Gravity Maze

The family-owned Dilly Dally’s Toy Store offers kid coins, gift wrapping, personal shopping, monogramming, and curbside pickup. If you think finding and buying gifts for your kids is stressful, you need to visit Dilly Dally’s. They make shopping for the young people in your life fun and easy.

Stocked shelves at Dilly Dally's Toy Shop.  Photo courtesy of toy store’s Facebook page.

California

 Cheeky Monkey Toys

640 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025-4503
650-328-7975
https://www.cheekymonkeytoys.com

Why kids love this store: Ten Wishes program is great for birthdays (see their website for more information)
Why parents love this store: Complimentary gift wrapping
What’s sciencesy about this store: Impressive selection of science toys
Must have toy: Fizzy Foamy Science Kit

Cheeky Monkey Toys carries products that are fun, interactive, and imaginative.  What age do they specialize in?  How about newborns to adults.  Their awesome staff will answer all your toy questions as well as help you locate gifts that are age-appropriate for everyone on your shopping list.  CMT opened in 1999.

 The Dinosaur Farm

1510 Mission Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030
626-441-2767
http://www.dinosaurfarm.com

Why kids love this store: Dinosaurs!
Why parents love this store: Dinosaurs!
What’s sciencesy about this store: Dinosaurs!
Must have toy: Any of their dynamic dinosaur collectibles

Owner Dave Plenn should get a trophy.  Why?  When you operate a successful toy store that’s largely dedicated to dinosaurs you deserve some hardware.  Obviously, the Dinosaur Farm is "not your ordinary toy store," but they do carry more traditional toy store wares like art supplies, books, and infant toys. 

 Landis' Labyrinth Toy Shop

140 North Larchmont Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90004
323-465-7998
http://www.landislabyrinth.com

Why kids love this store: Pogo sticks, Pokemon, and plenty Unicorn Snot!
Why parents love this store: Stocks current toys as well as classic toys
What’s sciencesy about this store: Science-related brands like Kid Galaxy, Blue Orange, and Alex Brands
Must have toy: Shrinky Dinks

Owner Devoney Wolfus has three built three terrific storefronts at Larchmont Village.  One is this entry, Landis' Labyrinth Classic Toy Shop.  The other two are the Landis General Store and Landis' Labyrinth Early Years.  You should definitely visit all three.

Stocked shelves at Landis' Labyrinth Toy Shop.  Photo courtesy of toy store’s Facebook page.

Colorado

 Timbuk Toys

Lowry Town Center
200 Quebec Street, Suite 600-121
Denver, CO 80230
303-366-1755
https://www.timbuktoys.com

Why kids love this store: Cool music, art, and dance programs
Why parents love this store: Knowledgeable and passionate staff
What’s sciencesy about this store: Even kids who aren’t into science want toys from Timbuk
Must have toy: HEXBUG Battlebots Arena

While Timbuk Toys has four locations, they are not a chain.  They are owned by one woman and managed by bona fide “toy experts.”  Regardless of which location you visit (two in Denver, one in Highlands Ranch, and another in Lakewood), you’ll find a toy store that believes in imagination, joy, and learning.

 The Wizard’s Chest

451 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
303-321-4304
http://wizardschest.com

Why kids love this store: Encouraged to play before their parents buy
Why parents love this store: It’s a destination where they can feel young again
What’s sciencesy about this store: Science toys for scientists of all ages
Must have toy: Ultimate Laser Lab

It might be odd to include a toy store named “The Wizard’s Chest” on a list of the best “science toy stores.”  After all, magic and science are opposites.  Yet, when you’re making a rundown of the best toy stores in the U.S., you must include this Mile-High institution.  It also helps that their selection of science toys is magical.

Illinois

 MOORE Toys & Gadgets

107 East Front Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-480-4285
http://mooretoys.com

Why kids love this store: Perfect place for birthday parties
Why parents love this store: Local haunt that sells quality toys
What’s sciencesy about this store: A sense of discovery is found in just about every toy they vend
Must have toy: Geckobot

MOORE Toys & Gadgets has a wide range of games to rent.  This allows families to check out a game before they buy.  How cool is that?  Some of the games available to rent include Math Explosion, Gigamons, and Circuit Maze.  Visit their website for more information.

Indiana

 Mass Ave Toys

1057 East 54th Street Studio J
Indianapolis, IN 46220
317-955-8697
https://www.massavetoys.com

Why kids love this store: Owl Puke (and yes, it’s really owl puke)
Why parents love this store: It’s cute but sophisticated, fun but intelligent
What’s sciencesy about this store: Remote Control Machines, solar system mobile, and The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science
Must have toy: Hoberman Rainbow Sphere

Owner Natalie Canull opened Mass Ave Toys in 2006 on Massachusetts Avenue (hence the name).  She moved into her new digs in early 2017.  Canull’s award-winning toy store specializes in science toys, gifts, gadgets, and fun stuff that you won’t find in those big, vapid box stores.

Massachusetts

 A2Z Science & Learning Store

57 King Street
Northampton, MA 01060
413-586-1611
https://a2zscience.com

Why kids love this store: Free yo-yo classes
Why parents love this store: Shelves are stocked with toys that educate, inform, and/or enlighten
What’s sciencesy about this store: Carries minerals and fossils
Must have toy: Braintopia 

A2Z Science & Learning Store bills itself as "The Store with a lot of Really Neat Stuff!"  We totally agree.  This is also a toy store that takes the yo-yo very serious.  We agree with that too.  When you visit A2Z, make sure you say hello to Cookie, the toy store’s resident cat.

Cookie and dinosaur at A2Z Science & Learning Store.  Photo courtesy of toy store’s Facebook page.

 Boing! JP's Toy Shop

667 Centre Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-522-7800
https://www.boingtoys.com

Why kids love this store: Kindness Club (see store’s website for more information)
Why parents love this store: Friendly and knowledgeable staff; store is clean, safe, and inviting
What’s sciencesy about this store: Selection of science toys produces smiles and smart kids
Must have toy: Aqua Dragons Underwater World Boxed Kit

Owner Kim Mitchell has turned Boing! JP's Toy Shop into a pillar of the community.  Her commitment to Jamaica Plain is what makes shopping at Boing! smile inducing and civically satisfying.  It also helps that her store has tons of toys and her staff are customer service superstars.

 Eureka Puzzles and Games

1349 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446
617-738-7352
https://www.eurekapuzzles.com

Why kids love this store: Game nights, and during school vacations, game camps!
Why parents love this store: Eureka believes that toys should stimulate the mind and the spirit
What’s sciencesy about this store: Stocks around “500 items directly related to Science”
Must have toy: Code Gamer

Eureka Puzzles and Games is not afraid to sell toys that confound, perplex, and challenge.  Of course, every science toy they offer is super fun.  Eureka also carries thousands of puzzles and games.  When you visit, make sure you keep your schedule wide open.  You’ll lose track of time looking through all their cool stuff.

Maryland

 Fair Day's Play

7050 Carroll Avenue Suite 102
Takoma Park, MD 20912
301-270-4999
http://www.fairdaysplay.com

Why kids love this store: Tons of toys to try
Why parents love this store: Owner Lisa Ripkin has a background in child psychology
What’s sciencesy about this store: Wide range of science-related books for young readers
Must have toy: Any one of their amazing science kits

Fair Day’s Play believes play is very important.  It’s more than just the opposite of work.  They view play as a creative process.  To that end, FDP’s dedicated cadre helps customers find toys that fit their child’s age and interests.  If you can’t find the toy you want at Fair Day’s Play, they’ll special order it for you.

Maine

 Rainbow Toys

The Shops at Falmouth Village
240 US Route 1
Falmouth, ME 04105
207-781-4265
https://www.rainbowtoysme.com

Why kids love this store: Atmosphere is designed specifically for them
Why parents love this store: Carries traditional toys as well as the hottest new toys
What’s sciencesy about this store: They create an environment where it’s fun to learn
Must have toy: Bug Vacuum Set

Juliette and Karl Steinbach have owned and operated Rainbow Toys since 1996.  They’ve managed to thrive for more than two decades because they sincerely care about their customers, community, and employees.  Oh yeah, they also know just about everything there is to know about toys.

Minnesota

 Explorations Teaching Aid/Toy Store

2322 Mountain Shadow Drive
Duluth, MN 55811
218-722-1651
http://explorationstoystore.com

Why kids love this store: Can preview the latest games on their game table
Why parents love this store: Experienced staff, huge selection of quality toy brands
What’s sciencesy about this store: Ant farms, butterfly gardens, rock tumblers
Must have toy: Thames and Kosmos Biology Tk2 Scope

The goal of Explorations Teaching Aid/Toy Store is for kids to enjoy their toys and for parents to enjoy their kids as they enjoy their toys.  That’s why they stock more than 10,000 products.  Besides science and science-related toys, Explorations peddles books, puppets, and arts & crafts.  They are also Duluth’s premier kite dealer.

Storefront of Explorations Teaching Aid/Toy Store.  Photo courtesy of toy store’s Facebook page.

Missouri

 Brookside Toy and Science

330 West 63rd Street
Kansas City, Mo 64113
816-523-4501
http://www.brooksidetoyandscience.com

Why kids love this store: Real-life alligator heads!
Why parents love this store: Has been offering timeless toys since 1964
What’s sciencesy about this store: They are “your science fair headquarters”
Must have toy: Estes Model Rockets

Kids who visit Brookside Toy and Science usually say it’s “the best toy store ever.”  Parents say the same thing, but their comments are due to BTS’ expert staff and gigantic selection.  Brookside’s shelves are packed with a cornucopia of science kits.  They can also set up your kids if they want to start collecting bugs.

 Imagination Toys

9737 Clayton Road
St Louis, MO 63124
1-888-250-TOYS (8697)
https://www.imagination-toys.com

Why kids love this store: They have the hottest new toys as well as all the classics
Why parents love this store: Free gift wrapping
What’s sciencesy about this store: Science section enjoys a prominent position
Must have toy: Geosafari Jr. Bug Viewer

Imagination Toys offers the "highest quality educational, developmental and creative toys."  Their 4,000 square feet of retail space also contains puzzles, games, and award-winning books.  You can relax when your kids play with their products.  Imagination Toys is serious about safety and closely monitors all play stations.

Follow us next week with the rest of Andrea's picks for great Science Toy Stores in the United States!

Andrea Cunningham is from Boston and holds a science degree in biology. She interested in things that affect her children's educational lives, like schools, children's TV programming, and toys that promote learning. She loves going to new toy stores when she travels and has been to many in America and Europe. Andrea lives outside of Boston with her husband, three children, and two Labradoodles (a mixed lab/poodle dog).

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