Kids universally go wild over toys and avoiding a trip to the local store is a strategy most parents employ to avoid overspending on stray toys your kid only plays with for a few days. But when it comes to a toy museum, you have the advantage of giving them an often hysterical look at toys through history and teaching them something along the way without breaking the bank. Before you plan your next vacation, see if one of these five museums makes your destination list.
World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex
Branson, Mo., is home to the World’s Largest Toy Museum complex comprised of six museums and a variety of eclectic toy collections. So whether your family is obsessed over checkers or Barbies, there’s a special spot waiting. There’s even a steam locomotive and 15-ton shovel on display with lots of oddities, old favorites and modern toys to behold.
The Mexican Antique Toy Museum
Situated outside of downtown Mexico City, the Mexican Antique Toy Museum houses more than 40,000 pieces meticulously collected over 55 years. Visitors are treated to multiple floors of vintage toys including tin toys, Japanese collections, robots, trains and more. Before you leave, let the kids stop in the gift shop to score vintage toys and games to take home as a keepsake.
The Penang Toy Museum bills itself as the largest in the world with more than 120,000 toys, dolls and collectibles and even ranks in the Malaysia Book of Records, the first of its kind in the country. The museum features endless displays of toys from popular movies and TV shows, from Spiderman to Star Trek. Parents who grew up in the 1990s will love the *NSYNC marionette dolls just dying to come to life and start dancing.
You’ll get a trifecta of toy museums in Burlingame, Calif., with the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia, Classic Toy Museum and the oh-so-amazing Banned Toy Museum. This is where debaucherous toys live that were yanked from the market for being distasteful or dangerous or just wildly inappropriate, like atomic energy laboratory and solid metal Lawn Darts. You’ll also learn that, in 1999, Spanish Barbie said a quick farewell when she was sold wearing a traditional matador costume. Any good traveler knows matadors kill bulls in a ritual and bloodied public spectacle.
Get a history lesson with the help of toys at the Toy Museum at the Prague Castle. It houses toys from Greece to modern-day times from around the world. Barbie also makes an appearance with her own oversized exposition to see her gracefully aging and trying on an endless array of professions and roles. Only this time she isn’t donning a Spanish Matador costume.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Spring Festivals in New Orleans
Spring has sprung in New Orleans, Louisiana, for family travelers! Bring your crew to the Big Easy this season for a variety of family-friendly festivals, events and attractions.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Spring Adventures in New River Gorge
New River Gorge, America’s newest national park at less than 4 years old, was formed by one of America’s oldest rivers. New River surges through deep canyons, surrounded by a rugged landscape of forests and rock cliffs. Family travelers to this 70,000-acre park will find outdoor sports and adventures for the whole family.
North America
Mar 26, 2024Don’t Miss Grande Lakes Orlando’s Modern Willy Wonka Golden Ticket Experience
If you hear the phrase “golden ticket,” you’re apt to think of Willy Wonka and the popular films to have come from the franchise. But did you know Grande Lakes Orlando takes the golden ticket concept one step further? This spring, the popular resort pays homage to the classic film and recent movie Wonka with a one-of-a-kind Golden Ticket Experience.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Destinations / Europe
Mar 25, 2024Unique Shore Excursions on European River Cruises
The appeal of a leisurely cruise along one of Europe’s rivers goes well beyond the beautiful riverside scenery and charming villages along the banks. Daily excursions to nearby landmarks and attractions add historic and cultural dimension to the travel experience for couples and families, and some cruise lines arrange special activities that take passengers deeper inside the destinations.
ShareThis