The original Snapdoodle Toys & Games opened in Kenmore back in 2008. Now this local toy shop that could has six different locations across the Seattle metropolitan area. Kids love visiting because of the play tables and trial games, and parents love the expert suggestions they get from staff when they need to find the perfect gift. From babies to big kids, they've got what you need at this local favorite.

You’ll find this whimsical shop in the heart of Pioneer Square. It’s filled from floor to ceiling with so many colorful options, even parents will feel like a kid in a…well…toy store when they walk through the doors. This store takes pride in the humorous, witty toys and books they carry that adults may appreciate more than their kids do. Once you’ve shopped ’til you’ve dropped, head outside to climb and jump around the Occidental Square playground.

Self-described as “Seattle’s Most Charming Toy Store,” this shop is a favorite of little and big kids alike. Creaky wood floors and big front windows surround a slew of giftable toys, games, and costumes. Clover also boasts a bunch of pint-sized instruments and a large selection of natural items, including colorful stacking shapes from Wooden Wagon. Filled from floor to ceiling with unique products, and lots of local brands too, it’s a great place to shop for kids no matter what the ocassion.

This adorable toy shop in Madison Park opened its doors back in 2009 and has been charming shoppers ever since. For parents its location is ideal. Because not only will you find the cutest toys around, including great brands you love, but the shop is close to play date favorites like Madison Park playground and the nearby beach on the shores of Lake Washington. Throw in a trip for ice cream at the Scoop Du Jour or a cookie from Madison Park Bakery and you’ve pretty much got a perfect day.

One of two local toy stores under the Calico Toy Shoppe brand, Curious Kidstuff has been a favorite with West Seattle families since it opened. Many toys are out to “test” and there’s something new and exciting lurking around every corner. All toys, books, music, art supplies, and other fun stuff are non-violent and geared towards infants through tweens. You’ll find “green” toys as well as some toys that are still made out of wood and still just as much fun as you remember.

If it’s a game, Blue Highway has it. Located on Queen Anne, this shop carries all kinds of games that are appropriate for families and kids. From thought-provoking strategy games to the silly, and from classics like Boggle and Bananagrams to new ones like A Fistful of Penguins and Click Clack Lumberjack, you’ll find them here. Psst…you’ll also find lots of vintage and card games, too.

Popular in different parts of the country, the only Lakeshore store available in Washington state is located in Bellevue. Since 1954, Lakeshore’s goal has been the same: providing innovative education products “that spark young imaginations, instill a sense of wonder and foster a lifelong love of learning.” Their toys and games are designed for children as young as infants all the way up to 6th grade.

While you can shop Archie McPhee online, why would you want to? You’ll want to see the odd and strange finds up close and in person. Where else are you going to find the Nancy Pearl Librarian Action Figure, a Punching Nun puppet or The Crazy Cat Lady Game? Since 1983, Archie McPhee has proudly sold some of the weirdest stuff out there, and while younger kids may not “get it” you can be assured that your older kids will.

Who would have thought a store dedicated to inspiring kids to love math would become a staple toy store for north end families? Whether you’re looking for a LEGO set or an educational game or puzzle, this is your spot to find it. It’s the place to go for brain teasers, building toys, and other fun items that make you go “hmmm…” The fact that it’s just up the street from the Maple Leaf playground? Well, that’s just a bonus.