This place is a hoot!  I dropped in here after a nearby lunch just to see what this place was like after seeing a review, and having never been in their predecessor Chicago store of some 25 years on the northwest side of Chicago.  This store has been in Uptown Park Ridge for only about a year now, and for being on a busy commercial strip, they keep a low and quiet profile and are kind of easy to pass by and skip, because that's what I did for a year apparently! I was going to rate the store 4 stars, but I gotta give it 5 just because it's really a one of a kind shop.  They have all kinds of eclectic, random, fun, goofy, and also educational stuff and gadgets.  It's all supposed to have a bias towards science and education though.  Random things like military helmets, plastic wheels of various sizes, telescopes, microscopes, old typewriters, a Big Foot crossing sign, beakers and flasks, science kits, goofy models, toys, and trinklets, rubber mice, plastic ants for your next picnic, and whatever.  It's a great store for getting that unique geeky gift for someone, and also a place where inquisitive kids and adults alike can putz around and learn and laugh as well. They have their own convenient parking lot.  Their only other stores are in spread-out Geneva IL and Milwaukee WI.  Their prices ranged from cheap to modest from what I saw. The staff seems appropriately on the geeky side, but also friendly.  I met staffer Deborah and she showed me the signs depicting the company's history (since 1937!), and also informed me that coincidentally just two days ago they were featured on WGN-TV's Around Town morning show.  Here is the clip: https://wgntv.com/video/around-town-american-science-and-surplus/8385863/ Deborah told me after this TV clip, there was a big demand for their Bubble Blaster, which she happily demonstrated for me, and they sold out and had to restock their supply!  They also occasionally have free science party nights (next one is Feb 24 from 6:30 - 9pm) and those sound like a hoot for the kiddos.  I didn't buy anything this time, but do plan on bringing the grand-darlings back to putz around and probably walk away with who knows what next time lol. read more

See all

I can't believe i refused to tag along with my husband and kids.....its a delight for all STEM students and nerd parents who are very hands-on and love to create stuff--enjoyed checking out the various aisles and playing with the gadgets. The kids at the counter seemed knowledgeable and helpful. Prices were very reasonable as well. I will certainly come back read more

American Science & Surplus - Toy Stores Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

The American Science & Surplus store has been a staple in Chicago for many many years. I remember going here for my senior engineering project way back in the before-Amazon days, where we had to find all sorts of doo-dads, especially when RadioShack failed us. This location is now their new location and opened recently. This location is probably a third of the original size, but you can still find all sorts of cool, fun. and random stuff here. From transistors, resistors, to fun socks, and war memorabilia, this place has a lot to peruse at. Definitely a place to check out, and the people are super friendly read more

American Science & Surplus - Merch - Toy Stores Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

See all

For years, I wanted to visit their Chicago store during my city-dwelling days, but never made it. Fast forward half a lifetime and they randomly move locations right into my own suburb. It's fate! So of course I've been a regular ever since. AS&S is place whose wares are truly too difficult to describe; pictures do a better job, but to experience the sheer variety and delight, you just have to visit. You will find a dozen things that you never knew you needed, and even more that you never knew existed: toys and games both retro and contemporary, model- and machine-building kits, kitchen gear, art and crafting items, educational books, science equipment, various hardware, random military surplus stuff, decorative wooden boxes, loose marbles, magnets, attractive rocks, "robot claw grabbers" (in my 4-year-old's words), scads of random doo-dads and tchotchkes, and on and on and on and on. It might be the closest thing to a one-stop shop for any gift occasion for any person in your life. We shop there for kid birthday parties all the time. Take a close look at the whimsical item labels on the shelves. Hats off to the crew of clever characters running the shop. read more

Went here with my teenage daughter and her friend. We all found something that we wanted and we all have very different tastes. They have so many interesting, creative, and fun things. They also have vintage things. I would definitely come back next time that we are in the area. read more

I was a kid in a toy store. There's a little bit of everything in here, I could spend hours exploring it all. Some prices are great, some prices are so so, but none of the prices are terrible. Some staff is friendly and outgoing, some staff a bit more taciturn. read more

It's an eccentric store, I'll give it that! I love how there's a lot of interesting stuff to buy. Honestly a great store if you ever want to buy a gift for a science lover! read more

If you're a kid, this place is a science project wonderland! Even as an adult there are quirky, practical, and creative things to try out! I wound up buying some duct tape with cupcake designs on it, since I needed duct tape--might as well be cute! read more

American Science & Surplus - Toy Stores Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

Stopped in here for some last minute Halloween shopping and was blown away with the sheer variety of products! It's like a mad scientist's toy store, they have educational kits, decorations, gag gifts, retro tech, toys, tools, you name it. Take any kid here and I'm 100% sure they'll want to become a scientist afterwards read more

American Science & Surplus - Toy Stores Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

The name of the store threw me when I passed by, and I was not intrigued, as I doubted the inventory would apply to me. It was when a friend commented on Facebook that the product descriptions in their catalogue were awesome that I checked them out online. I was impressed. I ordered items to be picked up at their Milwaukee Ave. location in Chicago. I was really stoked by the original items I discovered. One cool purchase was dinosaur cable ties for my adult son for Christmas. Anyone seeking offbeat gifts should check them out. I really appreciated my seamless site-to-store pick-up, even when it was a Saturday that saw them so very busy. The staff was so busy, but super friendly and efficient, which was awesome. My tip would be to check prices on items before buying. Some things are a hella great deal, while others are not and can be found cheaper elsewhere. read more

This is a great store for any science nerd or hobbiest. And if you can't find a gift for just about anyone here, you're just not trying. Tons of science kits for kids and adults, lab glassware, electronics components, geology stuff, military stuff, school supplies, and more and more. Definitely worth a visit, just make sure you have at least a free hour or so! read more

This is definitely the funniest and weirdest store I've been to in a while. Don't go with anything specific in mind - just go for inspiration and enjoyment. Love the easy parking as well. read more

Luvvvvvvv. I went with a friend for the first time. How was it that I walked out with two bags more than she... Great sensory stimulation education Isle. Laser chess??? How fun. A huge bin of leather scraps.,Oh my god so good! And so much more. GOOOOOO AND ENJOY! read more

never going back to that place because one of the workers was swearing at my nine-year-old son while he was just looking in the toy aisle

Always offering very curious stuff at very low prices. Funny and interesting. I always look forward to the catalog.

I had a question about possibly purchasing items and 3 emails, both to their customer service and general info email addresses, failed to get answers. I guess they don't want to sell their odd stuff. read more

"We're closing in 10 minutes." I loved this place. It's got all kinds of science gadgets and geekery. Cool toys, too! "Hi, guys. We're closing in 5 minutes." Man, you could browse for hours here, except their hours totally suck. Really? You close at 6? That's hardly enough time for anyone to make it out to this store before closing time. "We're closing. Can I help you find something?" I went here to pick up supplies for our Breaking Bad finale party and I was not disappointed. Beakers and vials and flasks galore. All kinds of science-y stuff. Magnets! "Okay, guys. We're closing." I would have spent much more money here if I had TEN GODDAMNED MINUTES TO BROWSE A LITTLE LONGER. But I understand. Cashier with Purple Hair must get home to tend to his World of Warcraft guild or whatever. *** Note: It's easy to drive past this place since it's not lit very well and it's on a diagonal lot. Just look for the more brightly lit Dollar Tree store next door. It's visible from the street. read more

See all

They recently moved into this location. It's organized and has a huge variety of everything. Plan to spend time looking thru all the bins. Fun for kids and great for science projects. read more

If you are from Maine, the reference point for this place will be a Mardens, or Big Al's up in Wissaset. The size is closer to a Big Al's - and the bins are buckwild. This store feels focused and random at the same time. Its a discount store with lots of random bins of plastic babies or Army surplus survival things. But where this place shines is the Science part of their name. There are so many cool science supplies for teachers, kids, or the person who just wants to dabble in science for a hobby. My sister brought me here - she works in theatre and this was a place they would get a lot of props and supplies. If you need Halloween inspiration -- head here. I wish I had one of these closer to me, but it makes me pretty thrilled to have one visited one at all. read more

See all

Just gotta see it to believe that it has everything you wouldn't find in a normal store. They are treasures.

Tons of fun for browsing and buying odd gift or the object you need to... dare I say it? TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!

Total hidden gem and one of my favorite stores in the city. Has a bunch of science/lab supplies but also has a ton of random nik naks. They have ridiculous signs for each item and it's the best. It's definitely worth checking out. read more

See all

Are you looking for scientific products to perform experiments? How about small hands or radish size babies? Telescopes, microscopes, rocks, scissors? This place has it all. It's gigantic. The employees are super friendly (shout out to the guy who loves LCD Soundsystem). My hubs and I had so much fun looking around and remembering fun games and experiments we did as a kid. Yes, I bought a small hand, 2 radish size babies and a rock. Why? Because that's what you do in the American Science & Surplus. Did you spend $$ at Field Museum? You should have come here. Don't come in without some time to review your priorities. You may truly need a sea monkey collection to complete your living room space. read more

I have always enjoyed going to this place and it had been awhile since last visit here. I just wish y nieces/great nieces would like the science end of things, they love their phones to much. I did pick up some items that I liked and my wife wanted some items too. I think I need to get back here more times to see what is new here. They have a great selection of different levels of knowledge and skills to match anybody. Thank you again to the staff members that helped us out you were great. read more

Redeemed! It's the beginning of the school year and I need weird stuff - off to American Science I go... and now I have an eyeglass repair kit, so I don't have to use hot glue and duct tape on my students' glasses, (you'd be amazed - I'm always am), at the number of students who visit me before and after school for repairs, (word got around - "Oh Mrs. B. can fix that!"). Now I have the proper tools. And the extra, extra large playing cards - many thanks, (I was prepared to make some from poster board, but just didn't have the time). The young man gave them to me for free because they were out of their box and found on two different shelves, behind and under other stuff, (this young worker went the extra mile). ... I brought other goodies, for school... but why pray tell is American Science "Redeemed"? - You might be asking. I had a problem with a clerk on a a previous visit, I returned and another clerk calmed me down, (I was truly satisfied with her apology on behalf of the insulting clerk). So upon this visit, I just made mention to the present clerk, that I wore my school ID, just to be on the safe side; for my few pennies discount, (which do add up - I spend out-of-pcket/MY pocket, on the average $1k per year on my students in supplies and food - yes, I feed my dears - so I appreciate discounts)....And he said, "Yes, I heard about that..." Now, I'm thinking the incident was about three months ago - near the end of school. This young man looks new to me, so he must have been trained in the art of SERVICE and KINDNESS and THOUGHTFULNESS!, because my "incident" must have been used as an example of "what never to do to a teacher who spends her money on her students", (Art teachers are crazy, I mean special - you know). Thank you American Science... I must organize a field trip one day to American Science - or perhaps a virtual tour... read more

American Science & Surplus - Front of store - Toy Stores Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

When all the other Asian kids were spending a part of their summer preparing their science projects for the following year.. I was having a great effen summer! Then the dreaded science fair would roll around and I'd have nothing! That's when I'd beg my Ma' or Pa' to bring me out here. Decades ago they were located on Northwest Highway I believe. Bigger store too. I was always able to find some unique idea for a science project. I still go sometimes, pick up awesome cool stuff I don't need but looks awesome on my desk at work. read more

Simply a wondrous place located way the hell out on Milwaukee Ave. This is the kind of store every nerdy 10 year-old fantasizes about. The people who love this store are the kind of people who built model rockets for science class and took apart everything they had the right screwdriver for. AS&S specializes in special junk for special needs. The store is just row after row of shelves and pegboard crammed with random, bizarre, and esoteric *things*. Half of the fun of the store is reading the hand-lettered product cards taped to the shelves. There are such things as: *museum-store type toys (gyroscopes, brain teasers, water rockets, &c.) *off-off brand copies of various radio shack style gadgetry *things you typically only see at suburban garage sales *bins of mechanical and electrical components yanked from obsolete devices *tiny glassine ziplock baggies and tiny ampoules, phials, and jars that scream "put drugs in me" *army surplus stuff that army surplus stores don't want *a good selection of middle-quality laboratory glassware *tons of other shit Everything is extremely cheap. The staff are amiable and geeky. There are often little kids in the store, but since they're nerds, dorks, and geeks, they're generally well-behaved--on the surface anyway. Conclusion: did you ever want your own 5mW helium-neon laser? You can get one from AS&S. Astra quinque. read more

American Science & Surplus - Cool medic bag at AS&S - Toy Stores Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

See all

Love this store! Love to just walk around and figure out what I can do/make:) great place to explore your creativity/art/projects! For all ages. read more

Do you wanna check out the craters of the moon? See anything out of the ordinary on the lunar mass? Whats the nearest Galaxy? Can you see a small bacteria on the surface of a water sample? What is a Tesla Coil? What is a Van de Graff generator? Welcome to the American Science Surplus Store. You will discover anything Science. Do you want to conduct backyard science experiments? You can also discover the model contraptions made by Leonardo Da Vinci. You found the place. The store has science supplies for chemistry, physics, and biology laboratory experiments. The establishments caters to kids, adults, schools, and independent scientists who are interested in science projects. It has a bigger selection of electronics much more than Radio Shack. You will find many different brands of telescopes that can manually or through computer automation view celestial objects across space. Marvelous!!!!! Furthermore, the establishment sells various brands of microscopes. You can find the optical, dual lense, and a Russian anatomical microscope. Some if these microscopes have uses for pre medical students studying human anatomy in colleges and medical school. Interesting. Also you will find many novelty items like a chinese mig helmet, some old typewriter, lava lamps, and cold war gas masks. In the electronic section, I saw a Van de Graff generator and a Tesla Coil. I was thinking of buying the Tesla Coil for fun. Not far from the electronic section, you will find Dinosaur anatomy for future paleontologist and forensics. And you will be surprised with the various gadgets and mind puzzles like Rubiks Cube and Sudoko. They told me they will sponsor a huge memorial warehouse sale out in Niles, Il. I am going to check it out. Still I am thinking about buying the Tesla Coil. read more

See all

I can not believe how incredible this place is. Let me first start off with some history involving me and this store. Back in my early teen years (probably 13 or 14) I stumbled upon a site online in which you could check random boxes and have catalogs of all sorts delivered to your house (we had the internet early). In that list, I found two of my favorite stores - Archie McPhee and American Science and Surplus. The magazines came and went. I fawned over the fact that I could purchase a gas mask, a beaker, a parachute if I so desired (although I never really ordered - I didn't have the funds even if the stuff in there was megacheap). Fast forward to a month or two ago. I've far from forgotten American Science and Surplus (I visited the site once a month just for fun), and one day browsing I find out that there is a store near me! I freaked and immediately planned to visit with friends. We finally made it there and we all loved it. Gadgets galore - a large majority of it we had no idea what the hell it did. There was seriously so much there that I never ended up purchasing anything because I was just browsing. It's like a friggin museum of oddities in there. I plan to go back again and hopefully pick something up. read more

American Science & Surplus - Caucasian Left Baby Arms - something you'd only find at AmSci+Surplus - Toy Stores Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

See all

I went for a walk today and stopped in here , very Unique and cheap stuff !! I really enjoyed the toys and just everything Lots of puzzles , loved it !!! Yes the snake is wicked read more

See all

This store is a cross between a radio shack and a hobby shop. It's a candy store for anyone who is interested in science or a mechanic for electronics . There were mechanical birds flying around the store (radio controlled). How cool was that! Everyone there was very helpful and very knowledgeable on all their products. There were a person who brought in a vintage music box with broken blinking lights, they looked at it and replaced the lights. Now that is what I call service with a smile. read more

This is a store I have wanted to go to for too many years. I remember passing their old location many times on Northwest Highway - but they moved from there long ago. When my wife suggested we were going to be near the new location and we should stop by, I was very surprised. This is typically not what I think of as her style. I thought it was more for geeks like me. The store is large and has a very diverse selection of items. Most of it is what is claims to be - surplus. There are everything from test tubes and beakers, to electronic components, to toys for kids and toys for us bigger kids. They have a section in the back with "vintage" science stuff. They even have old unusual military gear - I was admiring a Chinese MIG fighter pilot's helmet. Alas, I knew if I bought it I would never live it down at home. We did get a few things. I got a coffee mug I happily use at work. We got some things for the home that made sense and made some notes about other items we will go back for. Don't leave without a copy of their catalog. read more

This is GEEK HEAVEN! www.sciplus.com I cant drive by the place without stopping in and then I may as well just hand the cashier $25 as a cover charge 'cause I'm sure to spend at least that. A bit of advice: leave your credit cards at home! These guys have everything except a slide rule (the kid behind the counter had no idea what I was talking about). But if you're looking for a rubber chicken, whachmacalits, widgets, or just the right gift for the guy or gal who has everything you're sure to find it at American Science and Surplus. And the product descriptions are often hilarious! Hours: Monday - Wednesday and Friday 10AM - 8PM Thursday 10AM - 9PM Saturday 9AM - 5PM Sunday 11AM - 5PM read more

American Science & Surplus - Toy Stores Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

See all

VERY good selection of toys and model kits no longer sold in other stores. Large selection of items ranging from dinosaurs to outer space and everything else in between. Also books, electronic products, militaria, the arts and science projects. A "must-go and see destination for the family's next outing read more

What a great place for true scientific and totally random stuff. The random stuff must be where the surplus part of the title applies. Have a naked gun turret? Sure, doesn't everyone? They have a naked gun turret cover for you. Items include nice telescopes to anatomy items. More surplus examples include Swiss army knives stamped with the address of a company in PA to tiaras and cardboard crowns. Some of the items are labeled straightforwardly. Others are more entertaining like a case labeled Nicolas Cage, er, Case with his sketch or jars labeled Jar-Jar for "awful comic relief, great for jellies and jams". I picked up several Christmas gifts here. Because of the surplus items, this is the kind of place you want to visit occasionally just to see what's hit the shelves since your last visit. They have a frequent shopper "Surpie" card too. Spend $150 over time and get $15 off. Not bad. read more

See all

Never been to a shop like this in Chicago. I can imagine that it'd be good for science fair projects. Friendly employees. Parking lot. read more

American Science & Surplus - Toy Stores Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

This place has the most wonderfully random selection of everything you'd never think of. I wish I could make it over here more often, but I'm rarely in that area. Every time I go I feel like there's never enough time to browse through everything. So I wouldn't recommend going here in a rush! It's almost like a museum, you want to take time to look at everything. It's like a museum, hardware store, arts & crafts store, toy store, science & medical supply store, and more all in one! I love all the odd and unique little random things you can buy here, from beakers to all sorts of containers to tiny animal figurines. It's a great place to buy unique gifts! Things I've bought here in the past include a miniature globe, mystical fire color changing powder that I've used at bonfires, venus flytrap kits, plastic dinosaur toys, and much more that I can't think of right now. Definitely worth a visit! read more

If I lived near this place as a teenager/young adult I would have loved working here. It has so many random and bizarre things. I love that the employees are allowed to have crayon hair colors and funny t-shirts. I have always received great customer service here. I love browsing the aisles to see what new items they have available. They will also honor any price differences from their online inventory if you mention it. If you are nervous going in to stores during the pandemic, the online ordering is a good option. I know when they were closed down during the height of the pandemic they would even bring the order to your car. Fantastic store that everyone should visit. read more

Looking for any off the wall science nic nacks for the budding mad scientist then look no further. Grew up coming here with my family and there was always something to be had here. Wether cool googlie eyes, rubber chicken or a steam pipe thingyamajig. This place probably supplied most of my school science projects and other family science endeavors. Really fun shop to go exploring for the science creatives. We also got the b&w catalog to make purchases but in person is pretty cool. read more