Playthings Etc - Roadside Attractions in Butler County, PA

What child on Earth would pass up the chance of shopping at a toy store that looks like a spaceship ready to take flight on an important mission? Obviously none that are lucky enough to travel past the Playthings etc. toy store located on the William Flynn Highway in Butler County, Pennsylvania. And if they are really lucky, their parents will feel obligated to enlighten the child as well as the inner-child living within by actually going in to investigate the fascinating structure that is hard to miss by land or air.

The grand tour begins just behind the front door that emulates a spaceship hatch, and the family run business is nothing short of a child's dream come true as is clearly posted on the shiny counter that asks, "If Dreams Were for Sale, What Would You Buy"?

The store was built with all things fun in mind and the employees encourage visitors to take their time and enjoy the atmosphere and the toys in a hands-on environment. Shoppers are also encouraged to check out the flight control panel or the constellation patterned oval-shaped star window that reaches a staggering 9-foot high.

The unique line-up of classic to futuristic toys will touch just about anyone of any age, and the quality is outstanding. Hobby enthusiasts will enjoy the inventory within the store as it is fully stocked with everything from kites and magic supplies to train sets and educational toys. Hard to find toys with a creative flare are also part of the stores grandiose way of thinking, as is their old school games and one that even features playing pieces that emulate life-like chocolate candies.

Nostalgia is another feature you cannot miss if you happen to be an older kid at heart or perhaps even a collector. Retro toys are liberally stocked throughout the store, keeping browsing customers in a mind set of another time when life was so much simpler. A few of the toys that can be found in the retro collection are the famous 1960's Bozo the clown 3-D Bop Bag, the inflatable punching game known to kids from another era as the infamous Socker Boppers, and the legendary Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live who first appeared to viewers in 1976.

Anyone looking to break the ice at their next party will find that their line of gag gifts will do the trick. Everything from fake pet puke and a dollar snatcher to fake lottery tickets will get the party rolling with various topics of conversation. It may even entice people to tell a few corny jokes to get the festivities underway; if not then maybe one of their few magic card or thumb tricks will get imaginations flowing.

There is no child too old or young that won't find something of interest within the spaceship setting that seems larger then life once you have entered the interior. Educational toys for young children feature developmental strategies that can be used both at home and in an institutional like setting. Geography, math, critical thinking and reading geared implements are only a few of the toys featured for active minds that are in the learning stages.

Older children and adults will enjoy the wide range of remote controlled airplanes, helicopters, trucks, and boats available in many sizes as well as prices. The quality is excellent and availability is normally not an issue as the store is well stocked with many of these products, along with the companion parts like the AC/DC packs and various batteries including LCD so the fun can keep going non-stop.

Playthings Etc... Quite possibly may be the world's coolest toy store, if not it is certainly Pennsylvania's coolest. Don't believe me, than you need to go and see the monster spaceship for yourself. I recommend visiting the toy store after dark as the exterior is lighted up and appears to be heading out for a full flight mission, not to mention you can see the road side attraction from a football field away without even trying. Visitors will also enjoy an indoor light show that features three very large stealth-shaped lights that change into 1,000 different shades of color every minute.

Field trips to the unique store are encouraged and can be planned by contacting: playthingsetc@yahoo.com

Toy demonstrations are an event in itself as radio controlled planes and copters can be seen taking flight daily every Tuesday through Saturday. Other specialty toys are also a part of the demo tour and can include pogo sticks, launch rockets, boats and the stores most recent stocked toys. Pictures of Playthings etc... can be seen at the web site by visiting: http://www.playthings-etc.com

Location: 2483 William Flynn Highway in Butler, Pennsylvania. However if you don't mind missing out on the hands on fun, the store offers on-line shopping with a sweet deal of free shipping for orders of $50.00 and more.

Phone: 724-285-7529

Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10a.m. - 8p.m.