Let’s talk for a second about kids’ toys. It feels like any time you walk into a box store, you must wander past shelf after shelf, demanding your child’s attention. Browse the aisles, and you’ll hear a symphony of bright toys singing songs destined to play on an endless cycle until they replace all your thoughts. And if the toys don’t have you hiding the batteries, they’re bound to get forgotten in a pile the week after you buy them.
If you’re looking for a store where you can find mindful toys that won’t drive you up the wall, I’d love to tell you all about Henry Bear’s Park. This Boston destination is full of products to engage your child’s imagination and keep them entertained!
About Henry Bear’s Park
Henry Bear’s Park first opened its doors in 1976, immediately following the publication of a beloved children’s book with the same name. Since then, the store has gained a reputation as one of the city’s best spots to stock up on gifts. It’s received countless press and awards for its excellence, including the title of Best Toy Store of 2023 by Boston Magazine.
The shop takes pride in being an independent business because it allows them to work directly with their customers rather than jump through hoops set up by some distant executives. In fact, this is one of the many things that sets their customer service apart! Whenever you walk through the doors, you’ll be greeted by a friendly employee determined to help you find exactly what you need.
Henry Bear’s Park is thoughtful in every single aspect. They’re committed to the community and have created the It Takes a Village program to partner with nonprofit organizations to give to kids in need. Every year around the holidays, they donate toys to children in high-risk environments, including those who might be experiencing homelessness.
The best part about this amazing store is that, no matter where you are in Boston, you’re never too far away from their products. Henry Bear’s Park has nine locations across the city. You can find them in Arlington, Brookline, Cambridge, Charlestown, Dedham, Ipswich, Newburyport, Newton, and Providence.
Products
Henry Bear’s Park has spent over 45 years curating a toy selection that gives kids a screen-free way to play. The toys offer age-appropriate ways to build your child’s development while encouraging their imagination. Every toy is a high-quality product with safe materials that last through endless playtimes. They sort the toys by age and interest, and the store provides up-to-date shopping guides, so you’ll always have the perfect gift idea!
Starting in infancy, you can stock up on cozy baby socks, silicone mess-free bibs, and touch-and-feel board books. Make tummy time exciting with activity gyms and build up developmental skills with their stacking blocks. The store has plenty of walking toys to help your child in the weeks leading up to their first steps.
Toddlers will find plenty of thrilling toys to let them fall in love with learning. You can buy puzzles, musical instruments, and cards, inviting them to create their own fairytales. The store’s wooden toys will get your child using their imagination as they serve up pretend charcuterie boards or wander through a forest.
As kids get older, they’ll get to play with themed slime kits or assemble train tracks. The store carries plenty of craft activities for the creative kiddos. They can complete mess-free character coloring sheets, make their koala friend, work on sticker books, or make mosaic masks. Your little one can get some ink with their tattoo books or race with a Magna-Tile downhill racer.
Classic Toys Too!
While the store features plenty of smaller toy makers, you’ll be able to find some classic toy brands. They sell LEGO sets such as City collections, Star Wars vehicles, Marvel battle scenes, and Ninjago creatures. The store sells dolls from Barbie, Polly Pocket, and Calico Creatures. You can also buy some beloved games, including Sequence, Rustik, Dungeons and Dragons, and Hook-a-Fish.
The store is full of products for the entire family. Tweens and teens will adore their miniature gaming systems, plant-growing kits, and candy-themed plushies. While there, you can pick up some activities for yourself, including 1000-piece puzzles, botanical LEGO sets, and model kits. You’ll also be able to grab some activities that will get your family outside. They have basketball hoops, table tennis sets, mitts and baseballs, skateboards, bikes, and glow battle sets. No matter what activities your family is into, the shop has something that will keep everyone entertained!
Specialty
Henry Bear’s Park regularly hosts events meant to engage your child while letting you connect with other parents. Across the different locations, you’ll find events encouraging your child’s imagination. Many locations host a regular story time throughout the weekdays that lasts a half hour.
Your child will get to hear classic stories while making new friends. They can sign up for regular art courses or do seasonal craft activities such as Paint a Pumpkin in October. You can also find activities to let them attend music classes, trade Pokémon cards, or test out toys at Play Testing Days.
Henry Bear’s Park
Finding toys for the kids in your life can be a total pain, but the right toy store will make it much better. At Henry Bear’s Park, you’ll find a vast assortment of toys everyone in the family will adore. With nine convenient locations, you’re never too far away from the perfect gift!
I love connecting with families, whether we’re exchanging recommendations or helping them plan gorgeous photo sessions. As a mom myself, I know that these early years tend to fly by. I adore having the ability to freeze time with my camera, so you don’t have to forget a thing! If you’ve been considering booking a session for your family, I would love to tell you all about my style so you can decide if I’m the photographer for you. Contact me today to get the conversation started.
