The annual Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards seeks to gather the opinions of local parents on everything family-friendly in the region. Our readers and online followers voted for their favorite businesses, attractions, family services and more.
Here are the winner and finalists in the “best local, independent store to buy toys, games and learning products” category.
Click here to view winners and finalists in all 30 categories.
Winner: Once Upon a Time Toys
Once Upon a Time Toys started out in 1984 in a tiny storefront in the old Arcade in Downtown Cleveland. In 1988, it opened in its current location in Rocky River. Jack, the owner, is there daily to make sure you are well taken care of. He’s always on a quest for the best toys money can buy. Once Upon a Time Toys is a “real” toy store that provides creative, hands-on toys that encourage social skills, rather than escaping into the virtual world.
19285 Detroit Rd., Rocky River
440-333-2327
onceuponatimetoys.com
Finalists:
Lakeshore Learning
Lakeshore has grown from that first brick-and-mortar store to a leading developer and retailer of top-quality educational materials for early childhood programs, elementary schools and homes nationwide.
A one-stop teacher supply store, Lakeshore offers a huge range of teaching resources and classroom decor, plus high-quality classroom furniture, hands-on learning products and so much more.
27500 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood
216-378-9488
lakeshorelearning.com
PlayMatters Toys
Since 1992, family-owned PlayMatters Toys has helped friends and families find delight in play time. Located in Pepper Pike, the shop carries a diverse selection of premium building toys, puzzles, dolls, games, fidgety things, outdoor fun, and board games that appeal to babies, kids and teens, grownups, and everyone in between.
30789 Pinetree Rd., Pepper Pike
216-464-2424
playmatterstoys.com