If you want to get some new toys for your children, we’ve featured 10 of the best toy stores in Illinois in the list below.
1. Building Blocks Toy Store
Building Blocks Toy Store is one of Chicago’s most beloved toy stores. Self-described “champions of play,” the people at Building Blocks are, at heart, giant children (in the best possible way). Building Blocks is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
No matter what you’re looking for, Building Blocks’ selection is massive. You’ll find dolls, cars, trains, action figures, masks, and so much more that I genuinely can’t list it all here. Their selection is sure to have the perfect toy for just about anyone who enters their doors.
To reach out, head to Building Blocks’ contact page.
2. Timeless Toys
Just up the street from Building Blocks, Timeless Toys is another fantastic Chicago toy store. They carry an incredible range of little doohickeys and gadgets, and the people who work there clearly love their work. Timeless Toys is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Timeless Toys carries a genuinely mind-blowing amount of toys. If you want dress-up gear and dolls, they’ve got you covered. Fidget toys and LEGOs, educational toys, miniatures, and trading/sports cards – they have it all. Whether you’re a kid at heart or shopping for an actual kid, there’s something for everyone at Timeless Toys.
To learn more or find contact information, head to Timeless Toys’ contact page.
3. Books-A-Million (BAM!)
Aurora’s Books-A-Million (BAM!) is a beloved toy and book store. Children and adults alike are sure to find a bit of everything here, and it’s made better by the fact that the staff loves the contents as much as you will. BAM is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 12-6 p.m. on Sundays.
BAM carries an incredible range of both toys and books. Whether you’re seeking classic fantasy like Harry Potter, comics and manga, or toys like sensory toys, board games, or action figures, they’ve got it all (and quite a bit more). Upon entering BAM, you’ll understand why nerds, young and old alike, love this joint.
To reach out, head to BAM’s contact page.
4. Gepetto’s Toy Box
Nestled in the heart of Oak Park, Gepetto’s Toy Box is a charming toy store with local roots. The European inspiration for the interior shines through with essential toys full of character and a loving, passionate staff. Gepetto’s is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Gepetto’s carries just about anything your little heart could desire. Gepetto’s has it all, from active play toys for toddlers and infants to games, educational/science toys, and even building and construction toys.
Head to Gepetto’s location page if you’d like to learn more.
5. Treasures
Treasures is one of Naperville’s most beloved toy shops. This is primarily due to the owner, self-described “class clown” Mike Kristula. Treasures’ aim to remind children of the value that can come from non-screen-related activities, and they do so quite well. Treasures is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday-Monday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
The toys on offer at Treasures are so vast that, if you were to look at the list, you’d be scrolling for a good long while! From Magic the Gathering to squish balls and puzzles, there’s a comprehensive range of activities, toys, and games at Treasures. No matter what you need, be sure to swing by Treasures, if only to check out the excellent decoration.
To learn more, head to Treasures’ contact page.
6. My Special Toy Store
Downers Grove has one of the most exciting toy shops in Illinois despite the town’s name! My Special Toy Store is a local gem with a charming interior and broad selection for kids of all ages – and yes, that includes manchildren. My Special Toy Store is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
They carry a broad selection of toys with varied intents. There’s a bit of everything here, from games and puzzles to books, craft supplies, models, and dolls. You can even find educational and scientific toys to help build critical thinking and basic scientific knowledge for your little Einsteins!
To reach out, head to My Special Toy Store’s contact page.
7. HobbyTown
HobbyTown, unsurprisingly, is the best hobby and toy store in Rockford, hands down. Their name says it all – no matter your interests, it’s almost guaranteed that this chain has what you’ve been seeking. HobbyTown is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays.
They carry a broad range of toys, collectibles, models, and more. You’ll find board and card games, LEGOs, models, and even gear for 3D printing! Seriously – the selection at HobbyTown is so vast that it’s genuinely hard to find something they don’t have.
To learn more, head to HobbyTown’s contact page.
8. Top Cut Central
Top Cut Central is Rockford’s one-stop shop for any nerdy little (or big) kids in your life. Whether they love D&D, Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, or want toys and figurines, they have it all. Top Cut Central is open from 12-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and from 12-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Top Cut carries a broad range of toys and collectibles. Whether you want to find that collectible that’s eluded your grasp, grab a FUNKO figurine or Pokemon collectible/plush, or even grab the latest D&D book, Top Cut Central has you covered. And if you’re into the monetary side of trading collectibles, you likely already know Top Cut as one of the country’s best trading card buyers and sellers.
To discover your newest obsession, head to Top Cut’s search page and enter your heart’s greatest desire.
9. Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop
Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop is a beautiful little mom-and-pop toy store in Springfield focusing on developmental and enrichment toys for young kids. Little Lincoln’s is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, from 12-4 p.m. on Sundays, and closed on Mondays.
If you need a store with educational and developmental boosts for your kid in the form of cool little toys, this is your stop. Little Lincoln’s carries board games, arts & crafts supplies, plush animals, sensory toys, trains, dolls, and so much more. And best of all, each product is carefully researched to ensure it’s of the highest quality for your kiddos.
To learn more, head to Little Lincoln’s contact page.
10. Bricks & Minifigs
Bricks & Minifigs is the LEGO store in Crest Hill and, realistically, all of Illinois. With nearly four thousand square feet of LEGOs, the only other place you’ll find this selection is LEGOLAND. Bricks & Minifigs is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Their selection is limited to LEGOs, but be honest – have you ever met a kid who didn’t love LEGOs? I thought not. And for those with their own massive collection, Bricks & Minifigs buys, sells, and trades LEGO. So swing by and see what you can build with a bit of help from one of the largest secondhand LEGO stores in the world.
To reach out, head to Bricks & Minifigs’ contact page.