American Science and Surplus is an absolute family favorite. Hot summer days to cold winter evening, you can lose yourself wondering the aisles. You never know what you'll find but there is something for everyone Toys, art supplies, games, chemistry equipment and everything in between, go and check it out. read more

Oh my goodness! So much fun! The combination of science supplies, random fun and geeky items, other nerdy stuff, and reasonable prices. As someone with AuDHD, it did become very overstimulating about an hour into the very large warehouse of all sorts of fascinating, unique, confusing, and quirky objects. A ridiculous amount of entertainment simply roaming about. I went on an early Saturday afternoon and there was a sizable crowd browsing about. They had a fantastic sale going on which likely was a factor for the crowd. Highly recommend a trip out to the unusual but brilliant store! The employees are helpful, knowledgeable, and appear super interested in eclectic place where they work. read more

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Science and Surplus is a delightfully quirky treasure trove--an eclectic mix of odd-shaped containers, nostalgic figurines, and unexpected finds that instantly transport a '70s kid back to simpler times. From scientific gadgets to retro gems, it's a fun store to explore and a fantastic spot to discover offbeat gifts you won't find anywhere else. read more

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This bizarre and strange store is so interesting. You can find stuff you need, stuff you don't, and stuff you just can't figure out. Their catalog is fun, their website is fun, but visiting the store is more fun. Don't take my word for it, come and check it out, and if you can bring a child or two, even better. Last time I was in here I got an alcohol lamp. Yes that's dangerous. The only problem is that on days when they have some sort of sale going on, there will be a long wait for the cashier. read more

American Science & Surplus - Toy Stores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I went with my grandmother after she gifted me a certificate for it. They had many cool trinkets, but the store really shined with the random items. If you're looking to find materials for a Rube Goldberg machine or props for a movie, this is the right place to visit. They had an abundance of cool items that you didn't know you needed. I purchased some cool goggles, a trapper hat, 5 ball bearings, a squirrel statue, and some containers. I would totally suggest! Extra note- I noticed the negative reviews pointing out that most electronics they purchased don't work, But the place is literally called Science and SURPLUS, so you should probably not buy technology and expect it to work. read more

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What a cool freakin' store. We were really sorry to hear an employee telling another customer that it's going to close. There's nothing like being able to walk around a store like this, seeing and touching all sorts of stuff you didn't even know existed. I'm not anti-progress, but Amazon can't and won't replace stores like ASS. (LOL - They named it!) read more

This place is outrageously awesome. You must go. There's no way you can leave empty handed! I canning count the times I said "COOL" while looking over the items. I took my 12 year old nephew there for his birthday so he could pick out some loot and we both loved it. Spent over an hour there and had neat treasures to show for it. So much to see, it is impossible to do it in one visit. Cheap stuff, cool stuff, unique stuff, all around great store to get yourself lost in for a while. Lots of kid stuff but also stuff for everyone!! Random stuff like motor parts , electronics, army gear, kites and bottle cozies. Just one surprise after another. read more

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I was just out killing time looking for cool places in the Milwaukee area. I found this place because it shares a strip mall with a couple of hobby shops from other realms of entertainment/enjoyment. I walked into the store and it immediately felt like an independent, more hodge podge, version of say a Big Lots without the furniture. There is an INCREDIBLE variety of products in this store ranging from fun novelty gifts and "science" to straight up bulk scientific supplies (glass, electronics, chemicals, safety supplies, etc). I left with some novelty art, a fun keychain, some fun Monopoly novelty gifts, and a box of rubber gloves that my partner had been riding me about getting for months. You aren't going to find a polished, commercial establishment here. If you are just interested in cool places this is now a MUST stop in the Milwaukee area. If you are looking for unique gifts for GREAT prices that priority just gets higher. read more

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I had heard about this store over the years and wanted to check it out myself. I had an upcoming family party and was told to go find some fun stuff to have on hand, so I made the drive. It is a very nondescript store and as we walked in I felt almost overwhelmed. The shelves were packed with a variety of goofy and unusual things; rubber chickens, kazoos, puzzles, puppets, science kits, and more things that fit no particular genre. Then the next aisle holds bulbs of every size from super tiny to large base. Tools, science lab supplies, art supplies, and things I have no clue as to what they are for are packed into the space. There seems to be no theme except if you're looking for something odd this is your store. Some prices are good but some are much higher than expected. And yet the store thrives. What appeared to be overwhelming as I walked in the front door turned out to be a smaller size store just stuffed to the gills with oddities. If you're curious, it's worth a visit. If you're looking for cheap party favors, this may or may not be your place unless you want something that you can't find elsewhere easily. All of this to say if you're in the area stop in and take a look. I don't think I would necessarily make a long drive just out of curiosity. read more

This store is a great place to just look around in, especially if you aren't looking for anything in particular. Or, I guess, if you're looking for science fair project parts or are a tinkerer. You can get scrubs, anatomical charts, lab stuff galore, military surplus, tools, tape of all kinds, bacon-print adhesive bandages, marbles, little kids' games, all kinds of little rubber animals, etc. My fave thing EVER was the tiny, perfectly detailed rubber flamingos, of which I have a large family. read more

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Still a fun place to wander in. Only downside were the long lines to check out. Took a chance and got the mystery box but that was a definite waste. Toys only - was kind of hoping for some random odds and ends for around the house but I won't hold that against them. They have a lot of practical things mixed in with some crazy stuff. Fun way to spend some time when you're bored. read more

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Long time patron, but 75% of the time I buy something surplus here, I get it home and it does not work at all. Which makes me wonder: do they get deals on surplus because the parts were simply bad parts to begin with? For example, I bought a crookes radiometer new in the box here...and it never worked at all no matter how much light it was exposed to. 15 bucks wasted The 5 dollar surplus blutooth dongle from the back wall in the box was dead on arrival. No charging, no lights. Taking it apart, the battery looks somewhat puffed up but not terrible. 5 bucks wasted. I really would only buy surplus electronic components here IF you could test them. That and this place went overboard with the C-19 protocols and were passive aggressive to patrons that didn't stay " completely" behind the barriers. And I'm still seeing a box of surplus gas mask cartridges by the milsurp shelves. Guys, some of those have asbestos filters that come apart over time. I told you this already! I get its impossible to test every item... but just how much of the stuff coming off the boat from mainland china -actually- functions? And is it really useful? Also. Is this stuff harmful? read more

This store is so much fun for any age. We went specifically for their tiny hands. Needed them for a cat photo shoot haha. You could easily spend a couple hours wandering around and checking out things for any and every hobby. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable. read more

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A very entertaining store to kill time on a rainy Saturday. I had spotted this place online and knew it was my kinda of quirky shop. We made sure the next time we were in the Milwaukee area that we would head over here. I appreciated the fact that they took their Covid rules seriously given the knuckleheads out there these days - makes sense since they are a "science" store! We spent a long time here wandering up and down every aisle - I didn't want to miss any oddity. Lot of interesting stuff though to be honest not as weird as I had hoped (there is a place in Minneapolis that edges out American in that regard). Despite that we purchased all kinds of fun stuff we didn't need! Bottom line - it if a fun place to browse and if you need some science-y stuff they probably have it! read more

American Science & Surplus - Pretty clear - Toy Stores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I wanted a small quiet cooling fan to cool down my receiver because my last one died so I'm thinking where the hell do I find one of those because radio shack was my go to place for stuff like this but they are gone. The best way to describe this store is it's a hodgepodge of so many new and used items including a $25000 tank sight. The store did have a nice selection of new and used fans for my needs from $3.50 and up. The place has loads of used electrical components to fix or build something. There is something for all ages and hobbies and the place is like an apocalyptic hobby lobby that you just have to see. People from all ages were in the store just taking everything in just like me. The place has numerous fix/repair/replace items for homes and business I noticed. Replacement wheels and casters to fix your shopping cart etc. The employee who was helping me did a great job and and powered up a couple fans so I could hear the noise level on the new and used fans that were basically the same. You have to have a mask on to get in when I stopped on 5/20. read more

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This place is fantastic! Came here on the hunt for a birthday present for our 14 year old. We didn't have anything specific in mind, just hoping for a little inspiration. American Science & Surplus is definitely the spot to go for inspiration! So many fun and interesting things. From science-y gadgets to quirky gag gifts, they have a little bit of everything. We ended up finding a super cool and elaborate marble race with motorized/mechanical elements. He loves it. Other things I noticed while I was in there (to give you an idea as to the variety): +Pretty floral light strings +Camo everything +A giant inflatable rhinoceros +Geology kits +A coffee mug in the shape of a toilet bowl +Newtons Cradle +paintable gliders You could seriously get lost wandering around this place and I'm pretty sure it's impossible to leave here empty handed. Get to it! read more

What a hodge lodge place! You could spend hours checking out all the odd stuff in this place! There is something in this store you need you just have to find it! read more

American Science & Surplus - Who doesn't need a instant meal! - Toy Stores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I was taken by surprise by this store! I wondered in an a Monday afternoon and thought I would take a look around. Little did I know, I would spend almost an hour in the store! There is just so much here that it's almost hard to take it all in! I would separate the store into a few categories. The first is cool novelty items. The store is surprisingly well stocked in so many novelty items that I never knew I needed until I walked in and saw them. The next area of the store is science based toys. Some of which might even be fun for adults! Then the more serious parts of the store which include chemistry supplies, electronics, telescopes, and military surplus. If you need something in any of these areas I would think this place would have it! One of my favorite things about this store is the labels that they have on items. They are witty and playful but always encourage you to take something home with you. This would be an amazing place to spend a rainy afternoon and the store is kid friendly! read more

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American Science & Surplus was the perfect place for my son and I to find a rainy day science project for him (Windmill generator) and me (Solar Chirping Bug), and a few other things as well. AS&S is a mixture of science kits, Hobby, DIY electronic repair, and goofy fun knick knacks store! As we walked in I spied a red "Panic" button for a computer keyboard (when Ctrl-Alt-Del just won't do the job), and there is a whole bunch of unique toy-type things here. Great for a kid's birthday, or for putting together grab bags for kids. We spied some police tape and Cougar duct tape (see pics), and they also have a nice art supply section, and I picked up some pencils for my new sketching/painting class. This place is just full of curious things, you have to see it! It's well-stocked, and well-maintained, and is certainly on my radar for future visits. read more

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I LOVE this kooky, crazy, amazingly funny store and I have shopped here for, GASP, over 30 years! First, the signage on the items is priceless. Next, you will find some of the craziest stuff. Need a rubber chicken? Bacon band aids? Beekers? A helmet from WW2? A lab coat from a now defunct pharmaceutical company? They have it all!!! I shopped here in college for items for a three dimensional sculpture class. I stayed shopping here for the fun and the reasonable prices. I no longer live in the area but when I fly into MKE the one mandatory stop is AmSci! I will not ever miss the opportunity to shop at this fabulous store. read more

A good place to pick up a present for a young child's party. Not too expensive. I have some interesting stuff to Pat's around and look at. keep the science alive. read more

Even though I live 10 minutes away, I've never been. Their adverised tent sale put them on my radar for this past weekend's activities. I had no intention of buying anything, but I couldn't help it. They have gadgettes and trinkets galore, items that at first glance you think why would anyone buy this. Then you take a second glance and realize that YOU have an application for that item. Plus, it's only 75 cents today, so why not. The next thing you know, you've bought $10 worth of various items that you thought were needless at first but realized there was a need indeed, just not an immediate need. The next time I'm at a bonfire and someone asks for a tool that has a knife blade, philips head screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, and bottle opener all in one, I'm going to be the hero, and it only cost me $3.00! Oh, I'll be going back again for sure. I already saw some props for Halloween costumes. Yup, they saw me comin'. read more

This might be my favorite place in all of Milwaukee. I mean, maybe not... but maybe. AS&S is SO good. It certainly ranks up there as one of my favorite MKE institutions. I don't even know where to start. I'm overwhelmed just thinking about the place. Erlenmeyer flasks and microscopes and foam bits and PVC piping and old coat hooks and French military helmets and semi-precious stones and a Rube Goldberg magnet set for your fridge and yarn and magnets and sheets of stainless steel and weird little circuits and grow your own Venus Fly Trap and wacky bendy straw glasses and fake moustaches and strange lightbulbs and and "caution" tape and old Christmas decorations and weird metal glue and old radio parts and a random pile of springs or pens or whatever. I usually wander around until I get an idea for a project. This usually takes approximately one hour. One time, I got these strange used metal rods that kind of looked like Lincoln logs and some jute and I made some picture frames. Last time, I snagged three random coat hooks, some metal glue, and a sheet of tarnished metal and made a thing to hang all my necklaces on. Their tiny signage explaining some of the more random items available for purchase always cracks me up. Near the science-y stuff, affixed to a small plastic bin of glass rods -- used for stirring, and other science-y type things, I'm assuming -- was a tiny sign that read "Glass Rod Stewarts, ten cents. Do you think they're sexy?" ... or the area that has all the "long" stuff -- old hoses and PVC pipe and random items four feet in length or longer; the signage there reads: "Like Proust? Like Dune? Like War & Peace? Do you like the DMV? Then you'll dig this really looooong stuff." They're smart, they're awesome, it's funny, it's awesome. This place is a wonderland and I freaking love it. If you've never been, go. Now. read more

American Science & Surplus - Hahaha, awesome. - Toy Stores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Dude this store is Rad. As a young kid I came here and remember thinking it was the coolest store that ever, ever was! It's still pretty cool as a grown-up. Awesome option for unique holiday gifts!!! They do have some cheapy stuff that watch out for that. Keep your receipt, lol. Also, you'll find lots of cool sciency things as well as stange-ness (as in what "is" this or what would anyone "do" with this?!). See? Fun! Stop by if you get the chance and bring the kids! read more

This place could be a sibling to the Ax- Man in St. Paul, MN. It's defintely amusing. I remember not really wanting to go with J to this place, but am glad that I did or it would have been another place I would have missed out on. Great place to go and get someone an obscure gift for a birthday or for the person who has everything and a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. Lots of interesting stuff.. read more

When my good friend, Dr. Jessica O., PhD completed her doctorate and became a doctor in the field of Physiology, we knew American Science and Surplus would come in handy for the celebration brunch we were going to throw for her. With the help of Pam M. and Mike M. we found vials and petri dishes to fill with tasty treats to decorate the table. The staff are always friendly and happy to help, too. Dan also replenished his dwindling googly eyes supply. That's just a necessity. read more

I've been coming here for well over 10 years and there is always something new in stock. Ant farms, embalmed frogs for dissecting, anatomy charts of all kinds, gears, beakers, Bunsen burners, s hooks, casters, police tape, WW2 helmets....it's all HERE!!!! Do you have a friend who is an engineering geek? Bring them here....they'll think they died and went to heaven! Your friends that think they can MacGyver anything will love it here too. I like to peruse the goods and come up with alternate uses for them. On my to-do list: make a spice rack out of test tubes and the test tube holder. 65/2014 read more

I was at the store the other day. I just went to buy a curved hemostat. Before I went to the checkout I couldn't help but notice a small aquarium with two frogs in it. It broke my heart to see these two rather large frogs in this small space with absolutely nothing to do but swim back and forth. There was a sign that said "Don't tap on the glass". I agree- don't make it worse for these two creatures-if that is even possible. read more

I'm glad this wonderful store still exists!!! It's where your nerdy jr. high school science teacher would go to get stuff! They also have leftover crap from machinery, wwii gear, projectors, beakers, science lab coats ... anything you want! (other than Jesus pictures) read more

Love this place! It has an eclectic variety of well, everything. Crafts, educational materials, cooking implements, scientific devices, stuff to build circuits and doo-dads, toys, random bits and ends, clothing, literally they have a little of everything. Prices are awesome. The only thing to watch out for is that their stock is constantly in flux so if you see something you want, you should really buy two because it might not be there again. read more

This store is great! Whether you're a local or a tourist, if you like science"y" things, curiosities, gadgets, do-dads, gizmos, both practical and impractical, this is the place to visit! I love the all the handmade product/price cards for the items; fun & funny! read more

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Whenever I come here, I always want to leave with half the store and I don't even know what most of it is. RIYL: -puzzles -tiny figurines of animals that have no logical purpose of existing -tinkering -stress balls shaped like donuts with frosting and sprinkles -soldering -caution tape -Bigfoot memorabilia -stargazing -giant plastic flies, presumably to freak out children -building your own doorbell -anything DIY ever -sci fi movie trivia A+ place to buy gifts for your dad if he is a total weirdo like my dad. Everything is labeled on index cards with some sort of humorous description. I have purchased Rubik's cubes, a small wooden coffin to hold thumbtacks on my desk, a PCB, and a keychain that says "no" in a bunch of different ways if you press a button--to name a few. It's a local oddity that you have to check out in order to get the full effect. read more

I don't know what else I can add that hasn't been said except for a couple of tips (see below). This is one of the few places a guy will go to go 'shopping' where he doesn't know what he wants/needs before leaving the house. I used to order from AS&S a lot when I was younger; strictly mail order since I live nowhere near the store. The mail catalog, which is filled with hand drawn illustrations and wacky product descriptions, is a good primer to what you are going to run into at the stores. The staff is young and doesn't take themselves too seriously, which is good in a place selling this kind of weird stuff. I assume the staff changes regularly, so finding someone who knows what they are talking about might be hit-or-miss. I had no problem. One thing they don't tell you is that AS&S has a frequent buyer card (it says "I'm a Surpie" on it). If you get 10 boxes stamped you get a $15 gift certificate. I think you need to buy $10 of stuff to get one box stamped. For some reason they don't tell you about this in the Milwaukee store. I got mine at the Geneva store in IL. This would be a 5 star review if the prices were better. Even back when I got their paper catalog, I thought AS&S's prices were out of line for what is supposed to be 'surplus'. Keep in mind, this is stuff that companies throw away (essentially) or it is expired, obsolete, or otherwise not considered useful. I realize they have to pay for the retail space as well as the extra employees, but the items should really be much cheaper. read more

What a fun place to go. I actually took a date here to see what kind of sense of humor and adventure he had. We spent over 1 1/2 hours in the store checking things out and talking and laughing. The wide variety of item old school and new was fantastic. The staff was very friendly and fun. great place to go if your kids have a science project of you want to get them off the phone and doing something fun, this is the place to find it!!!!! We found a fun project to do for our next date!! read more

This place is wacky, and I love it. The excitement starts every time I park my car in their lot. I mean, the signs, the entrance, the decor, and everything is covered in an aura of nerdiness. I'd explore every isle and find new cool stuff. It's like a treasure hunt. You have to check out the frog! They say they've had the frog for many years, and they still sell these grow-a-frog kits. It's just amazing. I've been tempted to buy one of these kits, but am not sure how long I can keep it alive. Who knows? Maybe I'll start growing a frog after my next visit? read more

American Science & Surplus - Toy Stores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The manager was incredibly rude to staff while we were here. Absolutely not coming back. Disgusting.

Who doesn't love this weird and wonderful spot? There's really no describing this place, it's definitely "you have to see it to believe it" sort of place. Today I walked out with just a roll of electrical tape as I was on the hunt for puzzles and didn't find any, but in the past I've kitted out a WWII-era outfit, purchased a USA hockey mask and tons of other amazing, yet totally odd things. You can't really go here with an agenda - you just head in, wander around and find yourself with a basket full of stuff you never knew you needed. Make sure to take time to stop and read some of the handmade signs and price tags - they're the hidden gems. read more

Good prices. Wide range of cool toys, art, science and electronic equipment. They have kid robots and RC cars too!

Go....and go now! AS&S was a weekly occurrence for me growing up in the MKE. I still am tempted to pull into that parking lot every time I drive by it. I refrain because I know it'll be a good hour of my life I can never get back. More often then not I actually find something I need there. More often than often I walk out with something I didn't even know existed. Yes, they have the kitschy stuff....Like Bacon Band-aids and Squirrel Underpants, But they also have tools, gadgets, beakers and flasks, police tape (In 12 varieties), telescopes, fanny packs for $1.50.....You get the picture. I am always amazed by people who have never been in. It's another one of those MKE staples....It's a must visit. ASAP. read more

There is something here for every member of the Lambda Lambda Lambda Fraternity. I live a block away from this place, and I have to say it brings a lot of joy into my life. I always slow down when I'm driving past to read whatever clever quip they have on their outdoor sign. I try to make a trip here twice a year, mainly to read all the signage inside the store and to buy goofy doohickeys and other random stuff. I stopped in just to look around and read some signs since I was walking to the neighboring comic shop anyways. I ended up spending one hour here. This last trip I bought construction paper and almost bought a Mr. Bill action figure. This might be the least I've ever spent here. I'd probably waltz in here more if I was into the whole "build your own rocket" lifestyle, but I do dig doing the occasional art project and this place comes in handy for that. I also dig having really weird knick knacks all over the house, and this place will get me in trouble sometimes when I buy too many. If you have older kids and throw birthday parties for them, this is where you buy their party favors. If the Zombie or any other Apocalypse ever hits and everyone is looking for supplies at grocery or big box stores, I'll be raiding the shelves here. I'm going to be the MacGyver of all the survivors. read more