Founded in 2006 by a lawyer and mother of three, kiddywampus is an interactive toy store that aims to provide a selection of the most unique toys, books, and accessories for arty, curious kids. This is a really fun store to explore, but you just want to buy everything. I don’t think I’ve ever walked out empty-handed. The Hopkins store is located just down the block from Stages Theatre and is fun to visit before or after a matinee. In fact, Hopkins Mainstreet is just fun to walk, so I try to plan extra time for a walk whenever we get there. In addition to daily toy-testing, the store offers inspired birthday parties, classes, and summer camps. Newly opened in September, 2020. The Chanhassen location is also located in a charming small town. Combine a toy store visit with a matinee at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and/or a stroll through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Starting at packages for 10 kids, the store hosts fully-staffed birthday parties in its large party room. The store personnel help with everything from unloading and setup, projects & activities, to food service and pack up. While you are at it, check out the Birthday Bins program. It works like a gift registry, but a little more physical. Kids can visit the store three weeks before their birthday to fill a bin with their favorite toys. Those wanting to purchase a gift can look through the bin to choose a toy. Kiddywampus will help out-of-town gift givers over the phone. You do not need to host your birthday party at Kiddywampus to take advantage of this program. Besides adding a new location, during the spring of 2020, Kiddywampus Hopkins expanded and completely renovated. Updates included a renovated party room and a brand new play space. The new 450-square-foot indoor Play Space is a pay-by-the-hour play space for kids ages 0-5 and their families. However, this all happened as Covid-19 closings began and, as of yet, we have not heard that play is available. Both the Hopkins and the Chanhassen stores offer summer camps fir both classic arts and crafts and licensed-character themed camps. The maker space was closed in 2017 to make room for a growing toy and game selection. You can still participate in staff-led projects at birthday parties and special events, which we try to add to our calendar.
Related Articles:
Kiddywampus Chanhassen
Birthday Parties at Kiddywampus
Kiddywampus 2020 Expansion
Kiddywampus Summer Camp
Maker Space Closed in 2017
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