Shell Factory adds The Toy Box expanded toy area
A newly designed toy area soon will be open to visitors to the Shell Factory & Nature Park shops.
The new addition is called The Toy Box and will officially have its own Grand Opening on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is a store full of toys, games and “fun stuff” for those of all ages.
“This is a new toy store within the stores of the Shell Factory,” said Shell Factory Senior Partner Tom Cronin Sr. “We are stocking a variety of different toys, and it will be the largest toy store in this area north of the Caloosatchee River.”
What greets you as you enter the new area is a giant display, also called The Toy Box. It is a super large actual toy box, big enough to fit adults and kids amidst giant stuffed animals.
“It is a phenomenal toy box, a great place for a photo opportunity,” said Shell Factory senior buyer Kathy VanderJagt.
The store previewed this week.
“I think parents are having as much fun as the kids with it.”
Young visitors Casey Pratt, Brianna Buntain, Holly Pratt and Shelby Buntain gave The Toy Box a big thumbs-up.
The Pratt and Buntain families from Canada have vacationed with each other several times, even calling themselves “The Prattains” – combining their names for the trip. “We come here (Shell Factory) because it is such a big local attraction. We love this place, and love this new area.”
“We’ve added a tremendous amount of unique and fun toys,” said VanderJagt.
They include Creative Corrugated Playlands, large cardboard structures that depict a castle, a cottage, a princess carriage and the space shuttle. Children assemble them, and then color them to make them their own creation.
“We also have a new science section, where you can make a potato clock, a tin can robot, a soda can “Robug” and more.”
There is a magic trick section as well, and traditional toys.
It’s also a playland for adults. Several retro game machines, like Donkey Kong, are available for play, and the adult area has a psychedelic VW Bug, a full-size statue of John Wayne and gifts from Betty Boop and Wizard of Oz fame.
When you visit the Shell Factory, don’t forget to stop at The Christmas Store, a place with unique ornaments, trees and more. (You may also see Mrs. Claus there some days.)
The Shell Factory is open seven days a week, with store hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is at 2787 N. Tamiami Trl. For information, call 995-2141.