Beach Buds Kidspace
Jacksonville Beach • Neptune Beach
Atlantic Beach • Ponte Vedra Beach
This site is a KIDSAFE SURF ZONE.
All content is rated GFF for Good Family Fun! Follow Bud's Blog
for the latest on events and family activities at the beaches.
Whether you're a long time beach resident, a recent transplant
or planning the big move this is your guide to all things "kid" at the
beaches of Jacksonville. While we make every attempt to provide current
and accurate information occassionally things change. Please click here
to send us an email to report an error or omission.
Be sure to also check out our Beach Buds Detective Challenge game. It's a fun and exciting way for the whole family to enjoy and explore the beaches area together. Explore the beaches, solve the clues and earn your Official Beaches Detective Agency Certificate!
Huntington Learning Center, Jacksonville Beach - Every 12
minutes a parent calls Huntington Learning Center to get the attention
and results they can’t get anywhere else. The success of our program
lies in the one-to-one attention we devote to every student and the
expertise of our caring, certified tutors.
Kumon,
Ponte Vedra - Our founder's belief that every child possesses untapped
abilities and the potential to excel remains central to our philosophy.
In short, there is nothing a child can't do. The Kumon Method was
developed to unlock the potential in every child. That's our mission,
and we are accomplishing it every day at more than 1,500 Kumon Centers
in North America alone.
Sylvan
Learning Centers, Ponte Vedra Beach - For more than 27 years,
Sylvan has helped more than two million students learn to read, write,
calculate and organize themselves to reach their potential inside and
outside of the classroom. More importantly, Sylvan has helped children
develop a love of learning and a confidence that they carry throughout
their lives. Our programs include - Reading, Writing, Math, Algebra,
Geometry, SAT/ACT Prep, FCAT Prep, and Study Skills.
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Artoga
- Yoga, Art and Theater activities around an awesome theme of the month.
Crafts
and More - In addition to our treasure trove of artist
supplies, we also carry an excellent selection of toys and gifts for
children, basic craft supplies, beads, scrapbooking and rubber stamping.
Cultural Center
at Ponte Vedra - offers a creative variety of arts classes,
camps, and workshops taught by well known artists and art educators. We
offer a variety of programs for 2 years and up such as: painting,
ceramics, music, dance, homeschool programs and more.
Planet
Pottery - Paint your own pottery. Mosaics also available.
Unlimited painting time included in the cost of each piece.
Seaside
Playgarden - For children six and up. Opportunities for
creative play and artistic classes including dyeing yarn, knitting,
puppetry, basket weaving and floorcloth/placemat painting. Waldorf
inspired education.
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ABAA
Atlantic Beach Athletic Association Ages 4-15. Online
registration is available from November - mid January with in-person
registration 3 days in January for Spring season (Jan - May), and
online registration is available from May - August with in-person
registration 3 days in August for Fall season (Aug - Nov). Kids are
divided according to age with a different focus in each age group.
Girls and boys
ages 4-6 start with a T-ball, ages 7-8 use a pitching machine, ages
9-10 focus on pitching; ages11-12 focus on lead-offs and steals, and
ages 13-15 play real baseball. Practice is 1-2 times per week with a
game during the week or on the weekend. Practices and games held at
Jack Russell Park. Price includes shirts, hats, and socks.
Jacksonville
Beach Baseball Association - Tball, softball and
baseball teams for ages 4 through 18. Babe Ruth League affiliate for 13
through 18 year olds. Ages 4-12 will learn sportsmanship, teamwork and
the skills to play baseball. Teams are played at two locations Jack
Russell Park in Atlantic Beach and Davis Park in Ponte Vedra. Games are
played each spring.
Northeast
Florida Girls Softball - Ages 4-16. Register in late January
- early February for the Spring season (March). Register in August for
Fall season. NFGS exists for the sole purpose of providing an
opportunity for young ladies ages 4-16 to learn how to play softball,
both as a skill sport and a team sport. NFGS encourages parents to
become involved in their daughters development and fun as coaches, team
parents, scorekeepers, etc. There is house league season in the Spring
and Fall as well as a Travel Team for serious players who are more
advanced or wish to become so. (JB/NB/AB/PVB)
Ponte
Vedra Athletic
Association - Tball, softball and baseball teams for ages 4
through 18. Babe Ruth League affiliate for 13 through 18 year olds.
Ponte
Vedra Girls Softball - Ages 6-14. $125 per season. Seasons
are Spring and Fall. Free developmental pitching clinic for
parents/players. Online registration available.
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Beaches Basketball - League play, lessons and basketball camp
for ages pre-k through fifth grade.
Winston
Family YMCA - Ages 4-15. Registration October-November for
Winter season (Dec-Feb). Call for additional seasons offered.
Spring, Summer, and Winter camps also offered.
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Books-A-Million
- 904-273-8055
738 Marsh Landing Parkway
Jacksonville.
Dragon's
Tale - The Dragon's Tale is a Comic and Game store with over
20 years experience. We carry a large assortment of new & old
comics, as well as shirts, games, and toys. We are open 7 days a
week1525 Atlantic Boulevard, Neptune Beach 246-0163
.
The
Bookmark - 299 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach 241-9026.
Tappin Book Mine
- 705 Atlantic Blvd.
Atlantic Beach 246-1388.
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Beach Bowl
- 904-249-9849 / 818 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville
Beach.
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Campgrounds
at Hanna Park - Tent camping, RV camping, and Cozy Cabins
available. Electric, water and sewer hookups are provided at
all
campsites. Grocery items are available at the park's general store.
Laundry and restroom facilities, complete with showers, are also
provided 24 hr security. Reservations are required.
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Infinity
All Stars - We offer competitive Cheerleading and Dance,
Tumbling, Super Gym Action Birthday Parties, and Camps.
i9
- i9 Sports Cheerleading for girls in K5 through 5th Grades and is
synchronized with our i9 Sports Flag Football Leagues. Seasons include
fall, winter, and spring in various locations throughout the First
Coast Area including UNF, Mandarin, Ponte Vedra, Jax Beach, St.
Augustine, Eagle Harbor, and Oakleaf Plantation. The emphasis is on
teaching basic skills and having fun! It is 100% recreational, and
there is a minimal time commitment with no more than one practice per
week and games on Saturdays. There are no try-outs, competitions, or
heavy travel involved. All kids receive an i9 Cheer Uniform and
Pom-Poms to keep.
North
Florida Gymnastics and Cheer - Our Tumbling and Cheerleading
classes are designed for
boys and girls who are either current cheerleaders, or beginners
through the advanced students interested in
learning fundamentals or improving their
current tumbling or cheerleading skills.
Ponte
Vedra Panthers (Pop Warner Football) - Ages 7-14.
Registration held April - early May. Season begins August 1st. Players
practice at least 3 times per week with games on Saturdays. Cost
includes equipment, uniform, and jersey with child's name on it.
Sibling discount. Online registration available.
Somies
Gymnastics Cheerleading - Cheerleading, Tumbling, and
Stunting Lessons for girls in elementary school through age 18 who are
looking forward to being cheerleaders. All lessons are one hour in
length.
Cheer Level I/II: Develops your child's basic tumbling skills in a fun
and safe environment. Skills include: Forward/Backward Rolls;
Handstands/Cartwheels; Round-offs, Standing Back Handsprings
Cheer Level III/IV: Basic skills are reinforced and built on by
combining skills to create tumbling passes. Skills include: Round-off
Back Handsprings; Multiple Front and Back Handsprings;
Aerials/Backtucks.
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Cultural Center
at Ponte Vedra Beach- Classes for ages 12 months - 8 years
include dancing, singing, eurythmics, ballet, art and more.
Hollies
Dancin' Dream - Hip Hop dance, ballet, jazz, and tap classes
for ages 2 through adult. Dance classes are run in a relaxed manner.
The studio's policy is to insure that the students are gaining self
confidence while learning to express themselves through the art of
dance.
Nancy
Dance Studio - Classes for age 2 1/2 in ballet, tap, jazz,
Pointe, acrobatics, hip-hop, baton, musical theatre, KreativeKids
preschool, boys tumbling, boys hip-hop and boys tap.
Polly B
Dance Academy - Classes for age 2 1/2 through teens in
ballet, point, lyrical, tap, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics/tumbling, music
theatre and a pre-school program.
Ponte
Vedra Ballet & Dance Company - Offers ballet classes
and private lessons from Pre-K through adult.
Studio 1014
- Ages 2 and up. Classes are offered in Creative Movement, Pre-school
dance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Lyrical, Tumbling and Musical
Theatre.
Winston
Family YMCA - Ballet for ages 3-5, Hip Hop for ages 6-10 and
Jazz for ages 4-6 and 7-9.
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Huguenot
Park - Offers a three acre stocked with a fishing pier and
boardwalk.
Kathryn
Abbey Hanna Park - Technically a City of Jacksonville park,
Hanna park is a great resource located just north of Atlantic Beach.
The park offers a multitude of family fun opportunities including shore
fishing, camping, picnicing and overnight camping.
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i9
Sports Flag Football - i9 Sports Flag Football is for boys
and girls, ages 5-17. Leagues are available during the fall, winter,
and spring in various locations throughout the First Coast Area
including Eagle Harbor, UNF, Mandarin, Ponte Vedra, Jax Beach and
Oakleaf Plantation. All coaches are screened and certified and the
emphasis is on fun, sportsmanship, and inclusiveness. (Jax Bch).
Jax
Beach Jaguars - Ages 5-15. To participate at Jax Beach you
must live east of the intracoastal waterway. Zip codes 32250, 32266 and
32233 are eligible. Football players practice 3 days a week. Practice
schedules are up to the coaches of your team. About 50% of the games
will be home games played in Jax Beach at Wingate Park. Away games are
usually about 45 minutes away and parents are responsible for all
transportation to and from games and practices. (Jax Bch/NB/AB).
Junior
Development Program - Approximate ages 7-14 (age restrictions
are flexible). Registration held April - early May. Season begins
August 1st. The Jr. Development Football an alternative to Pop Warner
football. The goal of the Jr. Development program is for kids to enjoy
the game of football. Each player will get an opportunity to play all
positions and to run with the ball without adult pressures. Players
practice twice per week with games on Saturdays. Cost includes
equipment, uniform, and jersey with child's name on it. Sibling
discount. (PVB).
Pop
Warner Tackle Football - Ages 7-14. Registration held April -
early May. Season begins August 1st. Players practice at least 3 times
per week with games on Saturdays. Cost covers equipment, uniform, and
jersey with child's name on it. Sibling discount. Online registration
available. (PVB).
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Adventure
Landing - Arcades, Mini Golf, Water Slides and so much more.
Located on Beach Blvd. just west of Penman.
Pump
It Up - You don’t have to celebrate a birthday to enjoy Pump
It Up. We host all kinds of events, from school field trips to
fundraisers, team building to day care facility field trips. So
whatever you have to celebrate, Pump It Up can make it happen.
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Game
Stop - Multiple beaches area locations.
Rhino
Video Games - 255 3rd Street, Neptune Beach, 246-8814.
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Girl
Scouts of Gateway Council - Register online by clicking link
or calling 904-388-4653.
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Community
Education Afterschool Sports Program - Afterschool sports
programs are offered at school sites throughout the Duval County area.
Sports-related programs include golf, karate, swimming, and more.
Registration for Fall term takes place in August; Mid-Fall registration
in October; Winter registration in January; and Mid-Winter registration
in March. Check website for participating schools.
Junior
Links - Golf instruction, course and tournament resources for
junior golfers.
LPGA-USGA
Girls Golf - Ages 7-17. A developmental junior golf
program and the only national initiative of its kind, Girls Golf
presents an opportunity for girls to make lasting friendships, gain
self-confidence, learn to compete and have fun, while fostering a
lifetime of enjoyment for the game.
Selva
Marina Golf Lessons - Ages 6 through adult. Private lessons
are 30 minutes. Call to schedule. Offered all year.
Summer camp also offered.
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Green
Market at Jarboe Park, Neptune Beach - Saturdays from 2:00 to
4:00 pm.
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My
Gym on Beach Blvd. - My Gym offers an assortment of after
school activities for the kids. We provide fun-filled structured
fitness based gymnastics classes, exciting themed parents night out
events, and seasonal camps. My Gym has been the leader in
non-compettive children’s fitness activities for over 25 years and
Ranked the #1 childrens program.
North
Florida Gymnastics and Cheer - Boys and girls ages 18 months
through teens. All classes focus on skills development and routines
performance.
The goal of this program is to aid students as they progress from
basic gymnastic skills to a more difficult and challenging skill level.
Somies
Gymnastics - Girls or Boys Gymnastics
In the beginner level gymnastics classes we introduce the sport of
gymnastics in a fun and safe atmosphere. Introductory apparatus is
utilized to ensure developmentally appropriate progress and safety.
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Asian Dragon
Martial Arts - ADMA teaches a school of thought that
encompasses the teachings of many different styles of self-defense.
Japan, China, Korea and the Philippines are just a few of the countries
that are represented in our styles. ADMA is located at Hollie's Dancin
Dream in Atlantic Beach. ADMA is a member of the Intercontinental
Martial Arts Union. Instruction and classes for ages 3 and up.
Beaches Martial
Arts - Classes offered for ages 4-6, 7-12 and 13+. Children
learn self-confidence and the ability to protect themselves, get fit,
have fun, and learn a beautiful art, mixed with all the best aspects
from traditional and modern movements. Nominal monthly fee and no
contracts.
Kirk
Farber's Working Warrior, Inc. - Offers programs that focus
on building self-esteem and character through martial arts training,
jumping rope, juggling, and public speaking. Developed by 6th degree
Black Belt and Seminar Speaker with 25+ years experience in martial
arts.
Mainville's
Karate Shop - Martial Arts for children and adults
- Karate, Self- Defense, Kickboxing, Weapons and Forms. No contracts.
Taught by 6th degree black belt, Joey Mainville. 2 Fairfield Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach 699-2796.
Winston
Family YMCA - Offers children and youth karate classes.
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Beaches
Branch, Jacksonville Public Library - Open seven days a week
except during June and July.
Ponte
Vedra Beach Branch, St. John's County Public Library - Open
Monday through Saturday.
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Regal
Cinemas Beach Boulevard - Though not technically at the beach
we have included this theater due the fact that is now the only cinema
close to the beaches.
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Beaches Museum
and History Center
- This museum offers the history of the beaches area, from Ponte Vedra
to Mayport. Admission covers museum admission and a 30 minute guided
tour of the outside buildings: a 1911 word burning steam locomotive,
1900 foreman's' house, and 1900 original train depot.
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Atlantic
Beach Parks - The City of Atlantic Beach has ten active and
passive parks for recreational enjoyment. In addition, the City has two
miles of white sandy beaches with 14 ocean accesses and a two-mile
paddle trail in the Dutton Island, Riverbranch and Tideview Preserves
(400 acres of marshlands) on the intracoastal waterway.
Jacksonville
Beach Parks - Nine parks including a large dog park and the
baseball grounds at Wingate Park.
Neptune Beach Parks - Jarboa Park is home to the Green Market and Community Garden.
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Kids Aboard
- Not a local magazine but an excellent family boating magazine.
Ponte
Vedra Leader - Sister publication to The Beaches Leader. Click here
for the community calendar section.
Shorelines
- The community calendar is located on the home page. Shorelines is
a subsidiary of Jacksonville.com.
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Chizu
- Chizu is a steak and seafood house offering tableside Tepan-yaki
style,
family style and traditional japanese low table dining. 1227 3rd Street
South
Jacksonville Beach 241-8455.
Cinotti's
Bakery
- Deliciously aromatic working bakery that also offers a full deli,
gourmet chocolates and so much more. Cinotti's is a family favorite for
lunches with the kids.
Culhane's
Irish Pub - Culhanes is genuine irish pub run by four sister
from Limerick. It offers family friendly fare and one child 12 years of
age and under receives a free kids entree with the purchase of two
adult entrees on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings 5pm - 9pm in
dining room. Wee Folk Menu includes Mini Shepherd's Pie, Leprechaun
Burger and more!
Elizabeth's
Tea Room - A tea room offering lunches and teas. Children's
tea parties and private teas are featured. Open 11am to 3pm Monday
through Saturday. Take-out is available. Brunch is available on
Saturday and Sunday, by reservation only.
Joe's
Crab Shack - Kids meals are $4.99. Drinks are .99 - $1.50.
Playground, outdoor deck, coloring contest. Kids can turn in their
coloring sheet to the server to receive a coupon for a free meal in the
mail on their next birthday. Kid-friendly atmosphere. On the beach.
Mezza
Luna - Family style italian and seafood restaurant
where kids can make their own pizza nightly between 5:00 and 7:00.
Guana Tolomato
Matanzas Environmental Education Center - This center,
situated on the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve, features interpretive
displays; three aquariums (saltwater, brackish water, and freshwater)
containing live creatures; full-scale models of fish hanging from the
ceiling, weekend nature movies, a scavenger hunt list for kids, and
more.
Mad Science - Jacksonville - Mad Science offers a large selection of after-school, preschool, summer and vacation programs, workshops, special events and birthday parties. From entertaining educational programs to educational entertainment, Mad Science sparks imaginative learning. All Mad Science programs are animated at your location by highly-trained professional instructors equipped with awe-inspiring gear. We come to you!
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Oceanside
Rotary Skate Park at Jack Russell Park - Oceanside Rotary
Skate Park is on the grounds of the Jack Russell Park at 800 Seminole
Road. The park has a 12' vert 1/2 bowl cutting down to a 6' wall on one
side w/ a 6' to 3' on the other and a "hump" joining the two. It has an
additional 12' wall with a hubba hole and a "snake run".
Skate
Bomb Skate Shop - 1365 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach
241-3337.
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Beaches
Soccer League - Ages 4 years-4thgrade. Registration in
January for Spring season (March-May) in June/July for Fall season
(Aug-Oct). $60/season includes shirt and socks. One practice and one
game per week during the week. For more information, call or email levinem@duvalschools.org
. Register at Soccer Stop, 1518 North 3rd St, Jacksonville Beach.
Practices and games held at San Pablo Elementary fields.
First
Coast Soccer - League play, clinics and camps ages 5 through
19.
Ponte
Vedra Soccer Club - Ages 4-18 with Recreational,
Developmental, and Premier leagues available. $130 per player per
season. Uniform included. Seasons are Spring and Fall. Online
registration available.
Special
Needs soccer - Open to anyone with a developmental
disability, all ages welcome. Register in October or at any time during
the season. Season runs Oct - Feb. Practice and games on Saturday
mornings at 9am (games begin at 9:30am). No fees, free! Parent-legal
guardian must be present for practices and games. The fields are in
excellent condition and there is easy access for wheelchairs.
Soccer Stop
- 1518 3rd Street North
Jacksonville Beach 246-2300.
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Xsports
- Wakeboard instruction. One hour private lesson. Choose how many hours
you'd like on the boat. Camps are for ALL AGES and ALL ABILITIES. No
one is too young or too old. Play all day (from 9-4) or come and ride
half day (from 9-12 or 1-4) We generally take 5-6 students and one or
two certified X Camp instructor per boat during the camp. Privates are
for 1 - 6 students. Not Per Person, But Per Hour.
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Beaches Aquatic
Center - Heated Pool, Swim Team, Swim Lessons.
Infant
Swimming Resource (ISR) - Infant Swimming Resource teaches
individual swimming and water survival skills for children 6 mos to 6
years. Highly effective, one-on-one lessons taught by specially
certified instructors. Your child can be skilled in 3-6 weeks. Click on
the link to find the instructor closest to you.
Swimming
Safari
Swim School - Swimming Safari Swim School is dedicated to
teaching children and adults to enjoy the water and ultimately learn to
swim. With many years of experience, and an enjoyable gentle way in an
unhurried atmosphere, we will teach all to stay safe, appreciate the
water, and gain confidence in swimming.
Selva
Marina Country Club Swim Team - Competitive swim team for
grade school ages and up.
Winston
Family YMCA - Offers pre-school and youth learn to swim
classes.
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Huguenot
Tennis Center Afterschool Junior Tennis Program - Ages 6-18.
Afterschool beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Register
over the summer for the upcoming school year. Programs offered once per
week from 5pm - 6pm (advanced program meets twice per week). $25
commitment at beg of school year. $7 per class. $7 per class plus $25
yearly registration fee. Summer camps also offered.
Junior
Tennis at the ponte Vedra Gold & Country Club -
Lessons, clinics and camps for duffers ages 6 and up.
Selva
Marina Country Club Junior Tennis - Lessons, clinics, camps
and team play for juniors ages 3 and up. Also offers a popular
Tennis/Golf/Swim camp during the summer.
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ABET,
Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre - Offers musical theatre
productions as well as children's theatre workshops and classes.
Artoga
Theatre Classes - Performances inspired by literature, song
and art. Then create the props, costuming and scenery. Bringing back
old school imagination.
Alhambra
Dinner Theatre - Alhambra's children's theatre not only has
audience participation, but a few of the children will be invited on
stage to play some of the characters in some shows. Don't miss this
entertaining way to bring the magic of live theatre to your children.
Dramakids
- Drama Kids provides remarkable creative drama education for children
and young adults. We are the most popular after school drama program in
the world, and have provided innovative programs to tens of thousands
of children in the USA since 1999. South Ponte Vedra Beach.
The First
Act - After-School Creative Drama Classes for Five and Six
Year Olds and First through Fourth Graders. Educational environment
where children's emotional and imaginative development will be
enhanced, and their confidence and self esteem levels increased,
through their participation in drama activities.
Players
By The Sea - Players by the Sea offeres local live
productions as well as theatre arts classes for middle and high school
age students.
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Crafts
& More - In addition to our treasure trove of artist
supplies, we also carry an excellent selection of toys and gifts for
children, basic craft supplies, beads, scrapbooking and rubber stamping.
Learning
Express - We take great pride in calling ourselves "Your
Neighborhood Toy Store" because we are just that: a hub of activity, a
meeting spot for kids and families, a place where we get to know you by
name and where going the extra mile for you is the norm. We try to seek
out unique toys that catch our eyes for lots of play value. Our store
is filled with learning toys, infant toys, baby toys ... unique toys
that will delight children of all ages.
Three Sisters Toys - Wooden Toys, Waldorf Toys, Natural Toys, Waldorf Wooden Toys at reasonable prices.
Email us to suggest a listing or category.
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