Katie Beth's Learning Garden

Finally, here's the last installment of our toy store series.  We told you that we had one more place to check out in University Mall.  Well, here's the report!


What it is: Katie Beth's Learning House is not your typical toy store.  In fact, the woman that I spoke to that works in the store did not describe it as a toy store.  She called it a "store that makes learning fun".  After looking around, I definitely agree.  The store had science kids and models, historical games, craft items, curricular resources, and more!  It seems more like a store where you could find ideas for activities with your kids at a later time.  While the items in the store might not be so readily played with, there are endless possibilities for your kids if you look. 

Then, there were books and resources on almost any educational topic you could think of.  This would be a great place to check out if you were interested in doing any homeschooling with your kids.  As a teacher, I saw many of the resources that I used with my students there.  On this trip, I had some questions about introducing some educational activities to my three year old boy, especially some to introduce writing.  She had several really neat preschool activity books, some handwriting workbooks, and introductory pencils to make writing easier.  She also recommended some great online resources.  That's one of the things I like best about a store, when they will help you even if it involves mentioning something that you can't buy at their store.

What we liked: I loved the really nice and helpful staff at the store.  They were so helpful to me and also patient with my little ones.  In addition, I loved all of the resources that they had for learning.  I would love to head back and pick up some of the preschool activity books that they recommended.

What we would change: Unlike some of the other toy stores we mentioned, this one did not have displays of toys for your kids to play with.  It's not really that kind of store.  This may make your little ones more impatient, but hopefully they will give you time to look around a little because there's a lot in this little store to see.  In addition, make sure you take note of their hours because their hours do not correspond with mall hours.

Website and other important information: 

Website: http://katiebethsgarden.com/

Address: University Mall, 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Near Dillards)

Phone Number: (919) 929-2118

Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday 12pm-7pm, Wednesday 12pm-6pm, Thursday 12pm-7pm, Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Closed Sunday

Photos:

 1. Lots to play with and explore

2. And plenty of educational resources