Toys and Playthings

Toy Stores of the North Shore

The North Shore offers a variety of local toy stores for finding just the right gift for kids of all ages!

Kids love toys, and the North Shore has some great toy stores where you find more than just current assorment of toys that you'll find at the big box stores! From Marblehead to Newburyport, the locally owned and operated stores offer a great array of unique, fun and educational toys that make memorable gifts for kids of all ages. Local toy shops offer a fun excursion for families to explore the world of toys outside of the warehouse setting. Some of our fondest memories ad greatest discoveries with our kids happened in local stores!

Toys and Playthings

Shopping Locally

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Instructables - The World's Biggest Show and Tell

Find great activities, crafts, recipes and projects at Insructables.com

If you are out of ideas for projects and activities to keep family members entertained, you should discover the world awaiting you at Instructables. Instructables is a great resource for finding things to make and do alone or as a group. Passionate people from around the world show what they do or make, and then give instructions on duplicating their effort.

Toys and Playthings

Tech for Parents

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Going Rechargeable is Good for Everybody

Rechargeable batteries are safe, reliable and green

It seems like every time I turn around these days, there is a gadget, toy or instrument that needs some kind of battery. If your child is like 'B', I'm sure you're familiar with the routine of constantly changing batteries on items that are used daily, or are accidentally left on. Over time, constantly replacing disposable alkaline batteries adds up in terms of actual cost to you and harm to the environment.

Toys and Playthings

Tech for Parents

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North Shore Beach Gear Favorites

north shore kid beach gear

The large, sandy oceanfront beaches here on the North Shore are ideal for long days at the beach. The surf has been typically warm and calm lately, which makes it perfect for swimming.

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Toys and Playthings

Daycations & Weekend Trips

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Games and Toys to Build Children's Hand Strength.

I've just recently learned that kids need to build strength in their hands to be able to write and draw. At gym class with 'B', the instructor said that the jungle gym, trapeze ropes, and bar equipment were fabulous tools to increase kids hand strength.

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Toys and Playthings

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Today's Events
Upcoming Events

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.

Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

10:00 am to 3:59 pm

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Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.

Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds

10:00 am to 6:59 pm

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Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...

Where: Appleton Farms

10:30 am to 11:30 am

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STEM Structures at NPL

Come play with a variety of building toys, including magnetic tiles and straws and connectors. Kids of all ages and abilities are welcome, but please take note that some of these building toys have small pieces. Drop in any time between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. to participate.

Where: Newburyport Public Library

3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

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CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading...

Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

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Wednesday, April 24

Fiddleheads | Preschool Drop-Off Series

Spring has sprung! It is an excellent time of year for exploring and learning on the farm. We will be planting and harvesting in our garden, taking care of our animals and finding all the signs of spring that nature divulges. Join us on Wednesday mornings from 9:30AM to 12:30PM for a preschool drop...

Where: Appleton Farms

9:30 am to 12:30 pm

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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.

Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

10:00 am to 3:59 pm

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We Walk the Woods!

Walk the trails with a group at Harold Parker State Forest every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – Meeting location varies weekly. Email trek.reef@mass.gov for location.

Where: Harold Parker State Forest

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.

Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds

10:00 am to 6:59 pm

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Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.

Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

10:00 am to 5:00 pm

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D&D (Tween Session) at Amesbury Library

Come play in a Dungeons and Dragons ongoing campaign! You'll create your own characters and build the story session to session. Come if you're a beginner or if you know the rules. All are welcome! Registration is required and is for all 7 weeks.

Where: Amesbury Public Library

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Through Me to You Puppet Show

Sawyer Free Library hosts Through Me to You Puppetry foran Extra Special Storytime event at Brown's Mall in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Puppet friends take turns reading stories & singing songs with us!

Where: Brown's Mall

11:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Wonder Workshop for PreK at North Shore Children's Museum

Join us this Wednesday at 1:30 PM for the Pre-K Wonder Workshop at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by retired transitional kindergarten teacher Norma, each week explores a different question through hands-on activities.

Where: North Shore Children's Museum

1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

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Wonder Workshop for PreK at North Shore Children's Museum

Join us this Wednesday at 1:30 PM for the Pre-K Wonder Workshop at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by retired transitional kindergarten teacher Norma, each week explores a different question through hands-on activities.

Where: North Shore Children's Museum

1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

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Open Door Empty Bowl Circus

The Open Door hosts a new twist on an old tradition. The Empty Bowl Dinner has been reimagined with a new twist—a circus-themed event at Cruiseport in Gloucester.

Where: Cruiseport Gloucester

4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

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