New York City Toy Stores

Forget old-style "going shopping": retail spaces are becoming places for fun experiences. Games, crafts, live theatre, restaurants, ferris wheels... you name it. Below are six New York toy stores that go all out to provide fun on the spot.

New York Toy Stores that are Fun to Visit: (alphabetical)

American Girl Place

The makers of the popular American Girl dolls definitely have the "much-more-than-a-store" philsophy.

Step through the doors -- at Fifth Avenue and 49th Street-- and you'll find not only "boutiques" for different types of American Girl dolls, but also the American Girl Cafe, overlooking Fifth Avenue, with black-and-white decor, a Treat Seat at the table for guest dolls, and a surprise keepsake.

Next, head to the Theatre for one of the live musical shows featuring either American Girls, past and present, or "Bitty Bunch" characters.

Other experiences at American Girl Place include: Mother-Daughter Book Club and Doll Hair Salon Spectacular. Call 1-877-AG PLACE.

^{*photo (c) Teresa Plowright}