Learning Express

With the loss of Sea of Learning and Toyland in recent months, we were bemoaning the lack of toy stores in the area.  So, we decided to look around and make sure we found the great toy stores that were still around in the Triangle.  Turns out, there are actually quite a few fabulous toy stores still around when you need to find unique and exciting toys.  This week, we'll try to tell you about a few of them.

What it is:  This time we headed to Learning Express which is located in the Patterson Place Shopping Center near the intersection of 15-501 and I-40.  It's a small toy store that is packed with tons of unique toys for all ages.  They've divided the store up into categories including construction toys, preschool/toddlers, party favors, vehicles, and much more.  They also have a large section for older kids, especially girls with items for decorating their rooms, games, and more. 

What we liked:  We really liked this toy store!  They had a ton of interesting, unique toys.  My husband and I both agreed that we needed to come back when it came time for birthday presents and pick out some great gifts.  They also had quite a few toys out for the kids to play with like a train table, some items to ride on, some building blocks, and a dollhouse.  They also didn't mind if my sons touched other items in the store and took them out to look at.  Of course, we had to make sure we put them back exactly as we found them, but we thought it was nice that they didn't cringe when my toddler tried to play with every toy he found.  We also especially liked the collection of small toys in the "party favor" section.  There were lots of inexpensive fun items to choose from if you wanted a small goody for your child.

What we would change: The only thing that I can think of to change is that they had some actual frog aquariums with frogs sitting in a display at toddler eye and hand level.  So, you will need to keep a close eye on your kids around them.


Website and other important information:

Website: http://durham.learningexpress-toys.com/

Address: Patterson Place Shopping Center | 3604 Witherspoon Blvd. | Durham, NC 27707

Phone Number: 919-401-8480

Hours:

Mon - Wed		9:00am	-	7:00pm
Thu - Sat		9:00am	-	8:00pm
Sunday		11:00am	-	6:00pm

Photos:  

 1. The outside of the store

 2. The train table

 3. Toys, toys, and more toys

 4. Book section

 5. More toys :)