Not only are toy stores big business, they provide sanctity for parents and kids alike. Sometimes more relief for parents — but we still want our kids to have fun, right? With so much to think about, from age ratings to safety compliance to whether a toy will become obsolete in a week, where do you begin? These community-focused retailers might not only surprise you, but have that special something you’re looking for and will provide in-depth knowledge of age-appropriate toys and games. For the kid in you, some of these stores offer the nice surprise of specialized games and novelties for adults who require one-stop shopping. – Marco Medrano

Childs’ Play

7260 South Cimarron Road, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89113
(702) 722-6041
www.childsplaylv.com

What’s great about Childs’ Play is the concept of “come and play.” With an outdoor playground inside, Childs’ Play is designed with parents in mind. With a family photo studio, party packages, dance, tumbling, art and karate classes, kids will never be bored and parents can turn the worrying down a notch for their younger set. Of course, you can also shop their toy boutique featuring Melissa & Doug, Hello Kitty, Thomas the Tank Engine and more. Play and shop. Perfect. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, open for prearranged parties. Open play space cost: $10 a child. Memberships available; ages 0 through 10.

Little Shop of Magic

4160 South Durango Drive, Suite 120
Las Vegas, NV 89147
(702) 307-6127
www.shopofmagic.com

One of Las Vegas’ most respected and parent-anticipated visits, the Little Shop of Magic has something for everyone (with a slant on older kids), including everyday and hard-to-acquire board games, figurines, video games, and magical card games and tricks. It is also one of the largest and independently owned toy and game stores in Las Vegas. The store doesn’t just sell toys and games, the Little Shop Of Magic gets involved — the staff is dedicated and knowledgeable, often hosting events using their products. Real fun for everyone at any age. Hours: Monday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Learning Is Fun

204 South Decatur Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89107
(702) 258-5437
www.yelp.com/biz_redir?url=http%3A%2F%2F

Not just toys and games, Learning is Fun offers an edge for parents who want their kids to incorporate learning into the toy curriculum and also sells unusual hobby craft games and toys. What better way to learn math, science or social studies? Knowing it’s a personal favorite of teachers doesn’t hurt, either. Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

The Train Engineer (Westside Trains)

2960 South Durango, No. 117
Las Vegas, NV 89117
(702) 254-9475
www.thetrainengineer.com

Feeling derailed? As you could guess, there are train stores and there are train stores — Westside Trains being the latter, with a behemoth selection. What it doesn’t carry, it can get, including hard-to-find collectibles, and its Web site is itemized in an organized manner (although, without pictures). For the kid or adult child, this is one place to get to know if you want to add to a collection or start one. The knowledgeable staff is passionate about this niche market of toys and will help you decide on some long-term decisions, should you decide to make trains a hobby. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily for mail orders; store hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.