Best Children's Bookstores In Baltimore
The Children's Bookstore
737 Deepdene Road
Baltimore, Md. 21210
(410) 532-2000
www.thecbstore.com
When entering this small shop off of Roland Avenue, you'll find an unending supply of books stocked from floor to ceiling. Founded in 1978, the Children's Bookstore specializes in literature for children and young adults; you may have seen representatives at the annual Baltimore Book Festival. The store contains books on tape, music, cards, posters, puppets and toys. Remember to bring gently used books as the store's foundation gives donated books -- and essentially a love for reading -- to thousands of Baltimore City children every year. The Educational Program also supplies teachers with lesson books which ultimately go home with their students to promote reading at home. Check the website for storytelling events, parties and visits by your children's favorite authors.
A Likely Story
7566 Main St.
Sykesville, Md. 21784
(410) 795-1718
www.sykesvillebooks.com
Bookworms in the making can get started, and support a local business, at this independent bookstore along Sykesville's quaint Main Street. A Likely Story bookstore is soon approaching its tenth year in business and has grown over the years to house an impressive selection of children's books, both hard covers and paperbacks. Of course, there are games, puzzles and toys to purchase. Stop by for story time, author meets and more "Kid Stuff," though local elementary schools are visited for fun book fairs and reading events, from visiting Disney characters to pirate nights. Check the website for Internet specials of 15 percent off of any book, or buy two used books and get the third for free. Teachers will also find support in discounts of 20 percent off of classroom supplies.
Playseum
7000 Wisconsin Ave.
Bethesda, Md. 20815
(301) 807-8028
www.playseum.com
The look on your child's face will be worth the trip to downtown Bethesda, or alternatively a location in Washington, D.C. Established in 2009 as a place for children to have fun with parents and friends, the Playseum is a children's bookstore with a twist. It is a kid city filled with fun, interactive "City Shops" or individual themed rooms. New and gently used books, as well as other play items, are organized by each room's theme. You'll find a cookbook in the bakery, American Girl Doll books in the salon room and even animals in the pet room to truly bring the stories to life. While young ones will enjoy daily story time, tweens and teens can head upstairs for age-appropriate fiction, non-fiction and everything from their school book lists. In addition to free wireless Internet, they can play in a game room with billiards and air hockey, or create in the art studio and beauty bar. When your child is finished, recycle used books for two free admission passes so the fun can start all over again.
Red Canoe
4337 Harford Road
Baltimore, Md. 21214
(410) 444-4440
www.redcanoe.bz
This enchanting shop in Lauraville comes with a friendly staff, an outdoor deck and a strong sense of community for both you and your child. Initially conceived as a children's store, Red Canoe still has plenty of book selections for children and young adults, but also sells books for all ages. There are stuffed animals and toys for children to play with as they read. Grab a healthy bite to eat at the cafe which promotes fresh, homemade, local and organic ingredients. Kids will love Pizza Thursdays, sweet and savory muffins and delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
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