Shopping has become less of an activity and more of an experience, especially in the city.
Take for example one of the best New York toy store locales: American Girl Place. The nearly 40,000 square-foot haven dazzles young visitors with shelves of dolls and accessories, but it also boasts plenty of interactive elements to keep children engaged (and we're not just talking about the events, birthday parties, salon specials and lunches at the café!)
This fall, the Rockefeller Center family attraction is spicing up its immersive offerings with two new features: Julie's Groovy World and the American Girl Doll Hospital. If you're looking for super-sweet things to do with kids in NYC, read on.
Julie's Groovy World
Take a step back in time to 1970's San Francisco, where young Julie is shooting hoops, voicing her political concerns and driving around in her super-adorable VW bug. She's a groovy chick if we ever did see one, and while getting a taste of her West Coast world, visitors can take shots in a basketball game, pose for pictures in a life-sized bug and speak their truth behind the mic of a podium. Who wouldn't want to follow in Julie's aspiring footsteps?
Photograph: Danielle Valente
Photograph: Danielle Valente
Photograph: Danielle Valente
Photograph: Danielle Valente
American Girl Doll Hospital
Like any mom or dad knows, accidents happen. Kids can break arms, sprain feet and so can their doll companions. That's why the American Girl Doll Hospital, a feature once exclusively at the brand's headquarters, has made its way to NYC (and Chicago). Little caretakers can bring their dolls in for check-ups, take advantage of a free wellness visits and enjoy free play stations where they can check their doll's vision, sprains, etc.
Photograph: Danielle Valente
Photograph: Danielle Valente
Photograph: Danielle Valente
To say that the store is chock-full of adorable items and experiences is an understatement, but perhaps most importantly of all, the brand is a way for youngsters to learn about women (and men!) from other time periods, cultures and backgrounds. What's better than a history lesson and entertainment wrapped up in one? See you at American Girl Place!
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