Zany Brainy toy store mixes fun with learning

Zany Brainy

Toys, electronic learning games, crafts, science and nature kits, infant developmental toys, books, sports equipment, computer software, for infants to age 12. 2487 N. Fairview Av. (across from Rosedale), Roseville, 651-635-0067. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.

Zany Brainy, a new retailer in Roseville, is more than a toy superstore. Parents will find games, computer software, videos, toys, crafts, science kits and books that are nonviolent, gender-neutral and with a focus on learning. If you want Barbie dolls or Nintendo, you're at the wrong place. The store has a play area for tots, video viewing theater, computer stations and free interactive classes scheduled daily. Kids 4 to 12 can join the Summer Reading Club; sign-up begins May 23.

Zany Brainy won the National Retail Federation's 1998 Independent Stores Award and has plans to open in two other Twin Cities area locations -- Edina this summer and Maple Grove in the fall.

What you'll find

Zany Brainy has a parent-friendly layout with large purple signs hanging above designated merchandise areas:

"Play Pals" -- plush toys, dolls and Beanie Babies.

"Critters" -- globe, butterfly garden, creepy crawly figures, frog habitat, ant farm, wild explorer kits.

"Our Planet" -- chemistry kits, telescopes, microscopes and science kits.

"Puzzles and Brainy Games" -- includes classics such as Monopoly and Yahtzee.

"Sights and Sounds" -- audio and video items such as kid-size musical instruments, CDs, cassettes and videos of child-oriented artists.

"Good Sports" -- bats, balls, hockey equipment, fishing kit, Koosh games, basketball hoops.

"Bright Start" -- infant developmental toys by Lamaze, Kids II, VTech and Sassy.

A large children's book section has a reading couch and seasonal items such as beach accessories, bubbles and water toys.

You'll also find those magic spinning lamps ($19.99) decorated with dinosaurs, planets and stars or cows jumping over the moon.

Zany Brainy will match other stores' prices on the same item. Bring in an ad with the sale price, or a staff member can call the store to verify. Ask for free gift wrap. A sale of summer merchandise is planned for June.

Let's play