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The Dinosaur Farm
- Hours:
Mon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
4 reviews for The Dinosaur Farm
My kids are totally into Ugly Dolls; I am not entirely sure why or how, but they're huge fans. So, when their great grandpa gave them money for Christmas, that is what they asked to get...
Since we want them to learn the about money and the concepts of saving vs spending now, my husband and I bought them each their own wallet (purchased here at The Dinosaur Farm, too) and then gave them the cash. It was cute watching them deliberate between the Ugly Dolls or the Legos (to be purchased on a different day). I was proud that each of them did not spend ALL their money at once.
Besides the huge selection of Ugly Dolls (which included a huge one in the store display window for $600 -- who would buy that?), there is an amazing selection of all things dinosaur. As for prices, well, you will definitely find things cheaper elsewhere, but it is satisfying supporting the indy store.
Ever go into a regular toy store and think about how toys these days are just not as magical as they used to be? Well, not just for dinosaur-related things, this toy store also has a bunch of trinkets and other stuff for kids. Remember Imaginarium? It's almost like that, but maybe not as science-y. Also, this place has been voted "best toy store" by several local papers.
While they had lots of dinosaur paraphernalia, I wish they had more. But at least I know where I'll get a fabulous dinosaur-printed shower curtain. Of course, I couldn't leave without buying a dinosaur figure, so I picked a tiny little skull-bashing one (or so my brother told me).
I think the prices are reasonable as well - some items are a bit pricey, but good for a little store such as this one. I'll definitely be going back there, especially for that shower curtain. And a dinosaur-patterned duffel bag.
Good if you have to get something last minute and cant' fathom a trip to the mall. Have to echo Jeannie's sentiments that there is not much for girls here. My complaint is that they don't have enough books. I hate having to drive into Pasadena and brave the Lake or Colorado crowds to get a decent kids book. Please Dinosaur Farm, get some more books.
Pluses because they stock Haba blocks and Melissa and Doug puzzles.
A good toy shop is a valuable resource. It's dispiriting buying toys from Target or Walmart or online. There's none of the magic or serendipity from coming across something wholly unexpected. And for last-minute birthday parties, the pressure to find something that nobody else got is excruciating. So when I first came across Dinosaur Farm and its accolades, I was hopeful. Then crushed by its meager selection. I don't get it. San Marino Book and Toy Store isn't that far away, nor are decent toy stores in Eagle Rock and La Crescenta (Tom's Toys). Dinosaur Farm seems to think it only needs to cater to a certain subset of kids -- young boys in their dinosaur phase. That's why I shop elsewhere, esp at Christmas time when I need to get gifts for at least six different kids of all ages.
Specialties
In the "real world", The Dinosaur Farm is a specialty toy and book store in South Pasadena, California, that takes great pride in calling itself "not your ordinary toy store."
While we offer the staples you'd expect to find in an educational toy store (Can you say "Thomas the Tank Engine"?), we also offer unusual things that make a visit to The Dinosaur Farm a bit different than most toy stores.
Come visit us, if you haven't already. We've had a remarkable artist transform our back room into a magical forest and she's doing the same to our main room. It looks great! If you're from out of town, ask for Dave (that's me), and I'll make sure you find all of the dinosaur goodies in the store.
