5 Independent Toy Stores in Maryland (Must Visit in 2023)

Looking to find some of the best toy stores in Maryland? Here we’re diving into 5 of the best independent toy stores.

If you’re looking for some more unique toys in an old-school setting (smaller than the big-box stores but still a big selection), these are 5 toy stores you’ll want to check out!

Here you’ll find 5 independent toy stores in Maryland:

Toys Stores in Maryland

Anglo Dutch Pools and Toys
Fair Day’s Play
Shananigans Toy Shop
Dancing Bear Toys and Gifts
Franklin’s Toys

Anglo Dutch Pools and Toys

5460 Westbard Ave.Bethesda, MD 20816 | 301-951-0636

Hours: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm; Sundays: 10am – 5pm; Closed on Tuesdays

Anglo Dutch Pools & Toys | Toy Stores in Maryland
Credit Anglo Dutch Pools & Toys

Anglo Dutch Pools and Toys is a family owned and operated business that started selling pool supplies then added a toy shop. Bizarre right? – but it works.

There are tons of stuffed animals, Ugly Dolls, ballerinas, Calico Critters, puppets and Squishables.

The small selection of infant toys includes bath toys, Haba Fantasy blocks, and wooden pull animals. There is an aisle full of art books, activities, and supplies, tiny travel puzzles and games to make road tripping a little easier. Think Games are great brain teasers and also sharpen memory and motor skills.

Wooden kitchens by Alex, Le Toy Van and Melissa and Doug are all gender neutral which is nice to see. Sporting goods includes Trunki, the popular Ketler trike, John Deere bike, and a Ripstik. Train fans unite! From Brio brand to Thomas the Train and Chuggington, they all have a place here and tables for kids to have some fun.

Everything from:

  • Active play to outdoor play
  • Retro toys
  • Dolls & accessories
  • Construction and building toys
  • Land / sea / air vehicles
  • Imaginary play
  • Musical toys
  • Science & nature toys
  • And so much more can be found here!

“Very nice store. Was impressed with the unusually wide variety of toys, especially those with an educational aspect. Will definitely shop there again.”

– Harold V.

Fair Day’s Play

7050 Carroll Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912 | 301.270.4999

Hours: no indoor shopping is available due to COVID-19. Local pick-up is available Monday and Wednesday – Friday 12:30 – 5:30pm; Tuesday 2:00 – 6:45pm; Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 5:40pm.

Fair Day's Play | Toy Stores in MD
Credit Fair Days Play

This is an excellent, albeit a quirky, independent toy store with a wonderful owner. Staff is very kind, patient and helpful. If you’re looking for a hard to find game or one from the past, this is where you should ask.

The owner has a background in child psychology, childcare and motherhood so her focus is on educational toys for kids in Maryland.

The store itself is quite small and has a mix of quality toys that is good for infants to early elementary ages. You’ll find:

  • Various toys
  • Board games
  • Jigsaw puzzles
  • Science kits
  • Building sets
  • Art & craft kits
  • and more

High quality, fair trade, European and American made toys are easily to find here. Due to the location, parking can be a bit tricky so do give yourself a little extra time.

“Very intimate environment with a lot of cool toys, board games, and books you won’t be able to find at big name stores. The owner is a very nice lady and is very knowledgeable about every product in her store. 11/10 would recommend!

– Felton W,

Shananigans Toy Shop

5004 Lawndale Ave, Baltimore, MD 21210 | 410-532-8384

Hours: Monday – Saturday 19am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm

Shananigans Toy Shop | Independent Toy Stores
Credit Shananigans Toy Shop

Shananigans is a highly rated store. It’s a cute toy shop in Maryland with lots of toys and activities for kids at reasonable prices (with similar or even lower prices than some of the box stores). This is a fun spot for kids to visit as they can see and interact with lots of toys.

This is also a good place to pick-up some ‘build your own’ kits from Legos to wood kits to more complex models. And if you’re not sure what to get, just ask and they’re happy to help give you great recommendations.

If you need a toy wrapped, just ask! If the toy you want is not in stock, ask about having it ordered for you.

There is a parking lot and street parking available so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to park.

“This is the best toy shop in Baltimore. Family run and, boy, they have the perfect idea for a gift every single time. Love this place!”

– Chris W.

Dancing Bear Toys and Gifts

15 E. Patrick St. Frederick, MD 21701 | 301-631-9300

Hours: Sunday – Monday: 10am – 6pm; Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm

Dancing Bear Toys and Gifts | Independent Toy Store Near Me Maryland
Credit Dancing Bear Toys & Games

“Fun and whimsical toy store in the heart of Frederick. Lots of unique and beautiful, high quality toys that are not readily available on places like Amazon.”

– Team Morris

Dancing Bear is one of the newer toy stores in Maryland, just opening in mid-2020.

Dancing Bear focuses on unplugged play. That’s right, these aren’t your everyday toys that need batteries. Kids can get unplugged and use their imagination. You can shop online or in store to find toys like:

  • Plush toys
  • Books
  • Games
  • Outdoor toys
  • Building
  • Crafts
  • Puzzles
  • Wood toys
  • Science
  • and a whole lot more!

“Delightfully vibrant shopping experience with staff who are friendly, helpful, and engaging. They really consider the ages of the kids and developmental aspects of childhood when making recommendations. No batteries needed at this toy shop… all high quality sourced toys. There is something in here that can capture the imagination of any kid (even your inner child too).”

– Ellie L.

Franklin’s Toys

558A Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park, MD 21146 | 410-544-1844

Hours: Monday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm; Thursday – Saturday 10am – 8pm; Sunday 10am – 5pm

Franklin's Toys | Independent Toy Store in MD
Credit Franklin’s Toys

Franklin’s Toys is a great independent toy store with a selection for all ages. The owner has been in the business for 34 years and his focus is on encouraging healthy play and getting kids involved in activities that are creative and open ended.

You’ll find plenty of high quality and educational toys. So if you’re looking if all the typical toys the big box stores offer, this isn’t the place.

They do wrap toys for free.

“Great independent toy store. They have lots of options for all ages, a good book section, community events, and offer gift wrapping. Instantly brings me back to my own childhood!”

– Kathryn R.
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