Top 6 Best Toy Stores in NYC - Trips Around the Tri-State

Planning a trip to New York City? Make sure to stop at these top 6 Best Toy Stores in NYC – they aren’t merely just shopping, they are experiences in themselves. Visiting these NYC toy stores will make for amazing memories and great places for unique souvenirs. Bring the magic and wonder back into your child’s smile. And most of these toy stores will still be exciting and fun even without kids!

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Assume any links on this website are affiliate links with companies or products that I use and trust. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you, I just enjoy sharing my favorite finds with my readers!

#1. FAO Schwarz Rockefeller Center

30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

Hours: 10am – 8pm Daily

FAO Schwarz has to be the BEST toy store in NYC. It is chock full of all the most popular brands for every age! Barbie, Jellycat, Candylab, Steiff, Tender Leaf Toys, Calico Critters, Funko, and so much more. This is also a toy store to have an experience in – visit the Jellycat Cafe and find limited edition Jellycats, make your own Crazy Aaron’s Slime, personalize Bunnies By the Bay Stuffed Animals, create your own Barbie Doll, and customize a Boublebar piece in-store for the perfect accessory!

Located in the heart of midtown, FAO Schwarz gets BUSY during the holiday season and will most likely have a line outside. So, come early. But make sure you go! You will not be disappointed – plus, it’s right behind the Rockefeller Christmas Tree – you can even see the tree out the front window! This will be THE experience of the holiday season for your child.

#2. The Lego Store Fifth Avenue

636 Fifth Ave New York, NY

Hours: 10am – 8pm Daily (Sundays till 7pm)

The Lego Store on Fifth Avenue in Midtown is such a cool place to explore! Appreciate the details of the finely crafted lego creations – even sit in a lego taxi while lego superheroes soar above you! Check out the NYC-themed store window displays, the impressive creations throughout, and play with some legos while you’re there! There’s a Pick & Build Wall, and you can build a custom MiniFigure, plus check out the Mosaic Maker for a special photo keepsake!

Enjoy your visit to The Lego Store – get building ideas from the fantastic displays and buy hard-to-find lego sets for everyone in the family! There are lego sets for all ages and all interests nowadays! Beautiful Christmas Villages made of legos, Lego advent calenders, and even fun Lego Wreaths can be found here – in addition to exciting and popular Disney sets, Superhero sets, Lego Duplo, Minecraft, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and more!

#3. The American Girl Doll Store

75 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY

Hours: 10am – 6pm Daily (Saturdays till 7pm)

Every little girl needs to experience The American Girl Doll Store at least once! It’s such a magical experience with so much to do and see! You will be able to see every Girl of the Year, Truly Me Dolls, Bitty Babies, Wellie Wishers, Disney girls, and ALL the accessories and extras that make these dolls come to life for your child! Rooms are set up, Dolls are dressed up, matching girl & doll clothing is available, pets, playsets, everything! It’s all here!

At The American Girl Doll Store in NYC, you can check into the American Girl Salon – with hairstyles, ear piercing, and manicures for your daughters and their dolls (Prices range from $10+ for dolls, $20+ for girls). Or reserve a spot at the American Girl Place Cafe ($30 per person) or Teatime at American Girl ($45 per person). You can even book private parties complete with cake and ice cream, goody bags, and doll tiaras! Personal shopping and doll doctors are even available. They have truly thought of everything!

#4. Nintendo Store NYC

10 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY

Hours: 10am – 8pm Daily (Saturdays 11am – 7pm)

The Nintendo Store in NYC is right around the corner from FAO Schwarz, still in Rockefeller Center. Every video game lover needs to check out this 10,000 square foot space full of the top Nintendo game selections, exclusive apparel and accessories, and interactive game demos. We took my son for his 13th birthday and it was the best! Try out some games, take pictures, and get some cool swag – it’s truly one of the best toy stores in NYC!

It’s also worth mentioning that the staff at The Nintendo Store have been super friendly and helpful every time I’ve been there. They seem to truly enjoy their job (I mean, how could you not?!) But it’s really nice to feel welcomed and feel like you have a friend you can chat with about games, as their own interest in the Nintendo games does shine through. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a gift for yourself, your kid, or start checking off your Christmas list! Plus, a new game for the ride home could keep a young one quiet…just sayin!

#5. Disney Store Times Square

1540 Broadway New York, NY

Hours: 9am – 9pm Daily

Personally, I think the Disney Store in Times Square is hit or miss. It’s always super busy and they don’t update their selections too often. You also have to be in the right mood to go in there – it’s a bit intense. But, it’s still worth a stop in for the Disney enthusiasts! Sometimes you can find interesting Disney-themed merchandise that cannot even be found at Disney World!

Being located in Times Square, right beside the Theater District, the Disney Store is also a great stop if you have just seen a Disney play on Broadway and want a special souvenir from your time there. The selections may not be big, but they do have a wide variety of merchandise – a little bit of everything. Plus – cute NYC-themed Disney stuffed animals like Minnie Mouse Statue of Liberty or I Love NY Mickey make great gifts!

#6. M&M's Store Times Square

1600 Broadway New York, NY

Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 10am – 11pm (Friday through Sunday Opens at 9am)

The M&M’s Store in Times Square is a must-see! Not only are there lots of fun souvenirs like mugs, hats, shirts, blankets, towels, and robes for surprisingly reasonable prices (ranging from $5 – $40), but you can even design your own M&M’s! Leave with personalized M&M’s, or select from tons of M&M brands on the chocolate wall. Lots of colors and excitement, great views from all windows, just a fun, great time at the M&M’s Store!

Designing your own M&M’s is pretty quick and easy (if you go on a weekday!). You can choose from a variety of images, customize your message, and choose from 15 different colors! It’s a really cool experience. Even if you don’t purchase anything, the M&M’s store in Times Square is a super fun spot that is sure to be a lasting memory whether you’re there for sweets, merchandise, or to enjoy a vibrant scene and take pictures. You’ll feel like a kid again!

Tips for the Best Toy Shopping Experience in NYC

Expect to Buy Something

Especially when traveling with kids, know your budget and expect to buy something at a toy store. NYC is expensive! Just be prepared and budget for at least a small toy, and talk to your kids about their budget.

Shop Early

Whenever possible, go early! Go when the stores first open. Especially around the holidays, you will run into lines waiting outside as the day goes on. So try to plan out your trip, hitting popular spots like Rockefeller Center stores and Times Square first.

Have Patience

Make sure you have your coffee before you go, get a good night’s sleep, have a snack, whatever it takes. These stores get packed, you will get hit with strollers or hear other screaming children, potentially yours too! Go into these toy stores with patience and try to enjoy the experience!

Book Reservations

For the American Girl Doll Salon, Cafe, or Teatime, be sure to schedule ahead of time if visiting on a weekend or during the holidays. They tend to get very busy! During school hours on weekdays are more ideal!

While you’re in midtown checking out the best toy stores in NYC, check out more of Rockefeller Center and Times Square! Radio City Music Hall is where the Rockettes perform, Times Square has lots of stores, characters, and street performers (they will expect a tip!), check out a Museum, or go to Madame Tussuads. Explore Bryant Park and ride the carousel, experience history in the NY Public Library, or head over to the Stardust Diner for a bite to eat (the line will be long so brace yourself!) These are all great spots to check out in Midtown Manhattan with kids! Enjoy!