This is the very best toy store. The employees are incredible I have shopped here many times for Christmas and birthdays. The selection and suggestions from the employees make the gifts the WOW gift the child receives read more

You stores like this are very important in a world where tangible, tactile entertainment is slipping away. I came here for board games but found a plethora of books, LEGO's, building kits, and even hackey sacks. They have minimal Disney stuff, which - not knocking Disney! - means it feels like the toys are not mass produced and linked to an entire entertainment industry that I'm trying unsuccessfully to shelter my boys from for as long as I can (when they're out of preschool, I'm fine with it). It's an expensive store but it kind of has a monopoly and does ya the service of scouting out everything cool our kids could ever want, so for that I am grateful and a fan. read more

I have shopped at HBP a couple times for my nef, Nikki, when he was teenie. Truthfully, I went here out of convenience since my crib is just down the street. I found the prices wicked high and it's a small shop but it is pleasant and feels old school and wholesome. The toys here are geared to appeal to yuppie/tree-hugger/intellectual kiDDs, e.g., "learning" toys and books and various non-fun/anti-violent playthings. I like that they have the "classic" books I grew up with like Busy, Busy Town and Make Way for Ducklings and Bear Party (an excellent book for hipping kiDDs to different cultures). Good stuff. I ended up getting him a biodegradable environmentally friendly stuffed hippopotamus plush to ensure a greener planet. This place will drain your wallet but it's a decent place to shop for "good vibes" stuff. See you later, kiDDs and YELPers. read more

I haven't been to a toy store in ages, but this weekend I had an urgent need for some Lego-ish type toys, and I didn't want to have to drive all the way to a big chain. Luckily, this place was close by, so I popped in to see if they had what I was looking for, and I was delightfully surprised by the cute and kid-friendly vibe that this place has. (Now that might sound obvious since it's a toy store, but having grown up in cities that were flooded with Walmarts and Toys R Us, I can't say I really associate toy stores with "kid-friendly". ) When I think of your average toy store, I think of fluorescent lights, white linoleum flooring, steel shelving, giant quantities of every toy imaginable. Henry Bear's Park, on the other hand, is carpeted, quirky, and they'll do gift wrap for you at the counter if you're buying for a party, as most of the people in there seemed to be doing. Since they are quite small by big-box standards, their toy selection isn't massive, but they had a bit of everything. I did see a TON of playsets for boys (wooden building sets, model sets, legos, blocks), and the toys seemed to be marketed towards younger kids (I'd say early elementary). There were a lot of puzzle-type toys, as well as building sets like the Legos I was looking for. I wouldn't recommend going here if you need a very specific type of toy or an older model of a toy. Most of their stock seemed to be the new release type stuff. The people at the counter were pretty friendly, which is always a plus at toy stores! It looked like they were having fun at their jobs, which if you think about it, if I worked at a toy store, I'd have fun too. read more

Searching for that close-to-perfect baby gift and Henry Bear's was a great choice. Lots of lovely ideas at a good range of prices. Colors, fun, cuddly, all the stuff a toy store should be. Helpful, very patient staff amidst a lot of kid pandemonium. As it should be! And I found that gift. read more

I love this store and I have visited in 2012 their Brookline Store and have been to their Belmont Store. They all are cute. Sometime ago they did have Hello Kitty erasers and stationary which I love to collect ever since I was a child and they have small things for adults. Porter Square is very large well lit and very cutely organized. It's really very lovely to go this Store and their other locations as well. I would highly recommend Henry for children and adults who are child AT heart. Love u Henry Bear S read more

Henry Bear's Park is my go to toy store. Lots of unique and hard to find toys, games, books, and puzzles for kids of all ages. Not the typical stuff you find at Toys R Us or Target. The people who work here are amazing. Very helpful and friendly. Not a bad apple in the bunch. You can't go wrong on a trip to Henry ear's Park. read more

Eh....bonus points for being an indie toy store. The selection is not great, the book selection is really not great and has a lot of Message Books, there are very few display toys to try out.... read more

This is my go to toy store when I am in Arlington MA. The staff is helpful and friendly & the selection of toys is well worth the pain of finding street parking out front. One tip - park behind Not Your Average Joe's on a busy day. In addition to the typical games, dolls, LEGO's etc - I love their selections of unique toys and dolls - including the French dolls Corelle which aren't always easy to find. They have a wonderful book and seasonal selection. Best of all - they wrap the toys you buy as presents and returns are a snap! If you join their promo program - you get rewards for $$ spent. They also send out regular flyers with coupons too. read more

This is an excellent store for kids of all ages and interests. Whether you're looking for play-doh, toys, trains, dolls, guitars or your little one is fascinated with science or chemistry this store has it all. Every time my son and I visit I always find something I didn't see on the previous trip. The staff here is always very helpful and willing to help. I must say Lynette has been very kind, professional and courteous. If the Arlington store doesn't have what I'm looking for then she will make sure it gets delivered from another store in a day or two. You may pay a few dollars more for an item but you can't put a price on convenience, real customer service and staffs knowledge. read more

Henry Bear's Park is stocked full of toys, but these aren't the toys you will find at your average Target or Wal Mart. HBP seems to specialize in unique and imaginative toys, including dress up, board games and building. There are also tons of books, which is what I was looking for. They had a huge selection of books for all ages and I settled on buying a couple from the Chronicles of Narnia. One of the books was missing from the shelf and when I asked someone working there, she was happy to call other locations to find it. The store is a teeny bit pricey, but worth it for the service and selection. read more

As of this afternoon I did not know this place existed. I'm so glad I was picking up food from the restaurant next door and my boyfriend saw it. We were visiting a friend who has a 2 1/2 year old so it seemed like a great idea to get him something. It was 5:58pm and they close at 6pm. The kid working in the store not only let me in, but even took the time to show me different options to buy. Now that's what I call customer service! I made a purchase and will certainly buy here again! read more

I love this place. The toys and book selection is excellent, staff is helpful, and it's a great environment. The prices are very competitive too! read more

Located just outside of the busy Mass Ave./Route 60 intersection, Henry Bear's Park is the perfect place to find good quality toys. They have an awesome Train table to keep the kids busy while you shop (getting them out of the store is another story). In the back the have a fantastic book selection, and a couple of tables with toys to play with. I never have an issue finding a gift or toy for my child. The staff is very helpful, the manager is extremely nice. The store is small but they do a pretty good job of making use of their space. I just wish they carried more toys that were not made in China. They also do gift wrap, such a bonus! read more

I LOVE this store! The selection is a wonderful break from the usual over-marketed selection in the big-box stores. Toys that make children think! Fantastic! The store is clean, well-presented, and fun to explore. It's worlds away from the sky-high aisles of endless stuff of the national retailers. HBP is a much better experience in part because they're clearly thoughtful about the selection. Even better, the team is so positive and professional. I was in the store on Small Business Saturday and they were genuinely excited that the Legos I purchased were on sale. And the cashier stopped the transaction to confirm that I'd registered my Amex so that I'd get the account credit. After my recent spate of negative reviews, how refreshing to have a store value me as a customer--and to ensure a positive experience for children and the (physically) grown-up. read more

Great selection of toys and books! They also have a free sing-a-long every Thursday morning! My child loves it here!

Arrived 5 minutes after closing time on the way to my nieces party and they wouldn't let me in and were incredibly rude. Great opportunity to help someone out. Will definitely never being going back there. read more

I take my kid here when I need to have her burn energy. There are tons of toys to try out - mini shopping carts, train tables, noise makers, kitchen play - and I don't have to buy them! I wish their prices were a little lower, but I understand that they're a local business and not a mega-toy store. The employees are always really nice, so the higher prices are worth it IMO. read more

My son and I were excited to visit for the first time today the toy store taking over our beloved Eureka toy store in Newburyport. I was crestfallen to see that it consists of mostly cheap toys made in China. UGH. SO so many plastic toys; it felt like a scaled-down toys r us or mall toy store. Even the layout and lighting of the store lacked warmth and didn't seem to fit in the family vibe of Tannery Shops area. Eureka toys had high quality toys that were truly original and difficult to find, and well made. My son was not impressed and did not linger like he loved to do in Eureka. Im sure the new owners are very nice but we are pretty bummed out. read more

Independent toy stores are on the pricey side, but I just deal with it in this case, because this place is worth it. And really, the prices aren't really that high. Great service and great selection for a non-corporate store. Quality stuff and not so "earthy crunchy" that kids don't actually like it! My nieces are nuts about this place. The in-store experience is really fun for kids. Gift wrapping during the holidays (maybe year round, I'm not sure). read more

I walked in here after going to Healthworks because a friend of mine had recommended it to buy toys. My friend had also mentioned that they have events for moms and babies. I spoke to a fellow mom in my gym class, asking about the store, and she mentioned that "they are not friendly in there." I went over at 10:30 am today, and asked the lady behind the counter about mom and baby events. She was extremely unfriendly and acted like I was bothering her. She told me about the story time event on Tuesdays at 11 am. I asked her if there are any other events, and she mentioned someone who comes to the store and plays instruments. She kept rushing through the info, and acted like I was bothering her the whole time. I have no idea how she expected me to remember all this. I finally asked her if it's on the website and she replied "yes." I later met up with my friend, and mentioned that "I too had come across rude and unfriendly staff", at the store. If you don't want mom's and babies to attend your event...why have them in the first place? Toys are cheaper online. Why bother with this place? read more

Henry Bear's Park is an amazing alternative to Toys R Us or other chains. They have a great selection of unique products -toys, games, craft kits, books, etc. for kids of all ages. The store always looks pristine and the staff is super friendly and helpful. I appreciate when I can go into a small store just to browse and the staff doesn't hound me to make a purchase. I will absolutely return! read more

Superb selection of wonderful toys and books for kids of all ages! Great customer service. I especially love their mail catalog for the holidays - my kids thoroughly enjoy looking thru it to make a list for Santa . Very fun store - check it out! read more

I've been shopping at Henry Bear's Park for many years and have always had a wonderful experience. Their selection is extensive and reasonably priced (many of their items are sold for the same price that they are on Amazon!), the salesclerks are always helpful and cheery, and the store is a child's delight, with the bright colors and spaces to play. It's my go-to place for Christmas, birthdays, new baby gifts, and more! read more

I'm now a grandma! I hate shopping! Happened to eat out in Arlington a couple of weeks ago and noticed Henry Bear's toy store. Realized I didn't have a present for Izzy's first birthday last weekend, so, HATING the malls and big box stores, I went into Henry Bear's and said I need a birthday present for a one-year-old girl who's into pounding and it can't be made in China. The sales girl cheerfully took me straight to the Haba section, showed me a pounding toy with balls AND xylophone and I checked out, all in less than 10 minutes. This grandma couldn't say more for Henry Bear's! it's THE toy store to go to. I'm heading back well before Christmas :). read more