When was the last time you walked inside a toy store? And we're not talking about the toy aisle at a big box store, but a real, nostalgic shop that only sells toys and books. It's probably been a while because, unfortunately, these places are difficult to come by these days. Luckily for Cincinnati families, we do still have a couple of these charming places where we can continue the toy store tradition with our own kids and grandkids. One of the best is King Arthur's Court Toys in Oakley. It's been a Queen City favorite for over 40 years and they've recently changed things up a bit to make it even more family-friendly. They offer a hidden playground in Cincinnati that's tucked away in the basement and your kids are going to love this dungeon-themed play area in our city.
King Arthur's Court Toys began as a small hobby shop near Xavier that first opened over 40 years ago.
It found its way to Hyde Park Plaza and eventually to the heart of Oakley, where it remains today. In 2017, a new family took over the shop with the goal of continuing on the tradition of this nostalgic store, while also breathing a new life into it.
It seems they've succeeded, as they are one of the only toy stores left in our area.
King Arthur's Court offers many events, including a weekly storytime on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. They also continue to carry all of your favorite toys, including brand new items, classics, and unique toys and games you won't easily find elsewhere.
The atmosphere in the toy store has always been family-friendly and welcoming, but they now encourage you to come and hang out in their hidden playground.
Beneath the toy store, you'll find The Dungeon. This themed indoor play area is great for kids of all ages and parents who want to share a unique experience with their kids.
The space carries out the medieval theme so well that King Arthur himself would be proud.
There are castles, bridges, bows and arrows, and a wide array of toys and activities for your young knight.
This hidden playground in Cincinnati is a great option on a cold or rainy day so your children have a way of using up all of that precious energy.
They can climb, swing, and even zip line through the space. It's basically a Robin Hood version of American Ninja Warrior!
One of the favorite sections allows you to slay a dragon... safely... with a soft sided bow and arrow.
These sets are actually for sale at the store and would make for great gifts! And speaking of gifts, you can even host a birthday party at the store and in The Dungeon. Click here for more information on parties at the shop.
These Woodland HugglePod HangOuts are also a favorite spot for curling up with a book or to take a break from all of the rock climbing and dragon slaying.
Your children will love the imaginative set up of this space, as there really is no other indoor play area like it in Cincinnati.
And the kids don't get to have all of the fun, as they've added comfy couches for lounging while the little ones play.
The Dungeon is open the same times as the store, but the schedule may change a bit for private parties. You can always call ahead to be sure, but definitely make plans to take your children to this adorable hidden playground in Cincinnati.
King Arthur's Court Toys has long been a favorite toy store in our city and it now offers a hidden playground in Cincinnati that your kids - and you - will love. Have you been to this dungeon play area inside the toy store? Do you have fond memories of visiting this shop? Let us know in the comments!
For more information on King Arthur's Court Toys, visit its website here and follow along on Facebook here. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 3040 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209
And for more stores you may remember from growing up in Cincinnati, check out our previous article here.
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