Best cool stores in New York City for kids

SoHo is a premiere shopping destination in NYC, but no outpost in the downtown nabe is quite like The Evolution Store. Framed insects, preserved specimens (think sharks in a jar) and bat skeletons will certainly spice up your shopping spree. This ode to natural history is essentially a museum exhibit that you can take home, so no kiddo is going to pass up an opportunity to browse. 

The Kelly green walls and well-stocked shelves of knick-knacks beckon Brooklynites inside Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store—but no complaints there! The littles in your life will gravitate toward stuffed animals and classic offerings such as puzzles and Etch-a-Sketch while you'll find a lot to love with the housewares and trinkets paying homage to Brooklyn. Don't forget to check out the backyard for events!

We have a feeling you'll get a craving for s'mores and canoeing after visiting this newly established shop in NYC. CAMP is not only a retail location where you can find the latest toys, games, books and other merchandise—it's an experience. Head to the Canteen, score some Milk Bar treats (who can say no to that?), make your way past the secret door and enter a world of dancing, sports, crafts, everything you love about camp—right in a 10,000 square-foot space. Don't get too comfortable, though. The experience will change roughly every eight weeks, so expect a whole new CAMP experience you'll love and want to explore. All ages. 

Be forewarned: A shop named Random Accessories will lead to many impromptu purchases you hadn't anticipated. When options include a megaphone voice changer for your cell, mermaid pens, unicorn Mad Libs and urban-inspired pencil pouhes, you'll feel victorious for finding this East Village hotspot. 

Ready your sweet tooth, NYC. Fferins of Brooklyn just debuted in South Slope this year, and it's spicing up the typical confectionary options we've come to expect. While catering to the local flair—currently offering ice cream from Blue Marble, Raaka chocolate from Red Hook—the candy store also expands its selection to not-so-available treats. Expect to find the full line of Cadbury Chocolate, Starbar, Maltesers, Teacakes and an assortment of other old-school treats. 

Time to spruce up your magic tricks! This go-to shop for seasoned and beginner masters of the mind has been dazzling customers since 1925. Kiddos can try their hand at all types of routines—balloon tricks, money effects, illusions and so much more. If you're feeling inspired, check out Tannen's classes and camps! 

The Hill carries original and creative toys for all kids, from newborns to tweens, so you'll find something for everyone in your clan. You'll swoon over the eclectic offerings, such as the store's striking collection of European-made marionettes (those from Prague are real crowd-pleasers). 

This store has everything modern-day superheroes need, from capes and chemistry kits to secret identities (yes, you read that correctly). All vigilantes in the making need to take a break from their adventures to peruse this beloved Brooklyn retail space.  

Marshmallows aren't just a topping—they're the star of the show thanks to Squish. Once you take a gander at the offerings—Rocky Road Marshmallows, Caramel Brownie Marshmallows, Peanut Butter Jelly Time Marshmallows—we dare you to walk out empty-handed.