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From classic board games to build-your-own-robot kits to whimsical knick knacks, visit the following locally-owned quirky and kid-friendly Chicago retailers.
5316 N Milwaukee Ave (at Central Ave.), Park Ridge, IL
Hobby Store · 16 tips and reviews
Explore Chicago: A quirky science & army surplus shop, American Science & Surplus has it all. From Russian-made microscopes to 1950s Geiger counters, it stocks loads of educational science kits, games & toys for kids.
1338 W Belmont Ave (btwn N Lakewood Ave & N Southport Ave), Chicago, IL
Toy Store · Lakeview · 8 tips and reviews
Explore Chicago: Uncle Fun is a one-of-a-kind toy store that has been established for over two decades. This whimsical shop features one of the widest selections of vintage finds, knick knacks and hilarious oddities.
2780 N Lincoln Ave (at Diversey Pkwy), Chicago, IL
Art Gallery · North Side · 22 tips and reviews
Explore Chicago: One of the world’s premier sellers of designer toys, this shop features a diverse selection of vinyl figures, capsule toys, plush creatures, and more from Eastern and Western designers.
Explore Chicago: Find Godzilla-like merchandise at Chicago’s top Japanese specialty toystore featuring imported Japanese-made action figures and dragon paraphernalia.
5311 N Clark St (btw Berwyn & Summerdale), Chicago, IL
Toy Store · Andersonville · 5 tips and reviews
Explore Chicago: Toys et Cetera is a store filled with fun for the whole family. Enter a world of hands-on creative play & find an enormous collection of children’s gifts ranging from birth through 10 years old.
Explore Chicago: This unique bookstore features unusual and underground material such as self-published, small and independent press books, magazines, zines, body art, and underground comics.
Explore Chicago: A store specializing in everything robot related, this shop sells a variety of robot building kits, electronic components and hardware.
Explore Chicago: Cat and Mouse has over 600 non-electronic games in stock, including classic board games, brainteasers, card games and puzzles for children and adults alike.
Explore Chicago: This eclectic space is dedicated to providing a fun environment for gamers. Get some game play in on Xbox or Wii for $5 per hour, then browse through a broad range of core products from various games.
Explore Chicago: A labyrinth of dolls & doll accessories from all eras and countries, this museum-like space is geared toward collectors & is also home to the “Doll Museum,” a large vitrine showcasing valuable dolls.