For whatever your family needs, here’s where to shop ’till you drop
Published: June 29, 2021
Favorite Kids’ Activity at a Shopping Destination
Broward/Palm Beach:
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Kids can share the love by stuffing and dressing their very own plushy. For those who have never experienced it, bear builders of all ages are invited to pick the unstuffed animal of their liking, which is then delivered to the stuffing area where new owners place an iconic heart inside that holds their love and wishes before filling it with fluffy stuff. Staffers assist with the building process. Kids are also encouraged to name and register their Build-A-Bear so their lovey can make its way back home if it’s ever left behind or lost. Creations can be customized with sounds, scents, clothes and accessories.
Locations in Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines
http://www.buildabear.com
Stoney Clover Lane
Skip on over to Stoney Clover Lane, where kids can make one-of-a-kind designs through a customizer feature. To create your signature design, you first start by selecting a style from an assortment of bags, pouches, backpacks, totes and accessories. Next, personalize your product by adding and arranging patches. Then, Stoney Clover will customize your design for you and ship it your way. In addition to customized items, the store also has a wide selection of ready-to-go products for youngsters, including a pastel picnic collection, a mask shop, travel gear and more.
340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach
http://www.stoneycloverlane.com
Miami-Dade:
Aventura Mall slide and play area
Part amusement, part artwork, the Aventura Slide tower is a stunning large-scale piece of art that doubles as entertainment. Although it has faced an extended temporary closure due to COVID-19, the 93-foot-high slide typically serves as a highlight when visiting the Aventura Mall. The slide is free to ride and kids and adults alike are eager to grab a mat, hike up the stairs and take a twisty ride down to the bottom. Another spot for fun, Rainbow Valley Playground, can be found inside the mall. The brightly colored, artist-designed interactive play space is a great spot for the tot lot, with structures that include Peeko, a baby mountain, and Cloudy, his newfound friend.
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura
http://www.aventuramall.com
American Girl at The Falls
With a loyal following of fans, American Girl continues to inspire girls to dream, grow, aspire, create and imagine. American Girl goes beyond dolls, offering a range of insightful books, age-appropriate educational products and hands-on experiences geared toward girls ages 3-12. Kids can create a doll with a look that matches their own style and spirit, or one that is completely unique. The store at The Falls has a party room and special activities, like cupcake decorating or a dinner date with dad, for kids to bring their dolls and have some fun.
8888 SW 136 St., Miami,
http://www.simon.com/mall/the-falls
Favorite Store for Kids’ Stuff
Broward/Palm Beach:
Target
Strollers and car seats? Check! School uniforms and shoes? Check! Pool floats and lawn games? Check! For every stage and every season, Target is a bull’s-eye. From clothing and furniture to toys and electronics, this big-box retailer makes it easy to stock up on kids stuff no matter what you are looking for. Stores are conveniently located throughout the area, and online shopping is available with the click of a mouse. Target also offers gift registries and checklists for expectant parents, engaged couples, and college-bound students, to organize their wants and needs in a one-stop-shop format. Recipients can personalize the registry page with photos and custom URLs, making shopping a breeze for gift-givers.
http://www.target.com
Miami-Dade:
The Children’s Place
The cuteness factor prevails at The Children’s Place, where you can purchase adorable graphic tees from the “We Love our Family” collection, button-down poplin shirts in adult and mini-me sizes, and matching family pajama sets. Recognizing that little ones also have their own style and personality, the store has a wide variety of clothes, shoes and accessories to create unique looks at competitive prices. Additionally, the store carries school uniforms, holiday themed gear and active wear. Sizes range from newborn and up. Shoppers can peruse in-store or buy online.
http://www.childrensplace.com
Favorite Store for Kids’ Décor
IKEA
This massive, Swedish-based retailer has a little bit — or a whole lot — of something for everyone. IKEA is a go-to whether you are setting up a nursery, updating a growing child’s room, or preparing to send the kids off to college. IKEA has cribs, changing tables, storage and lighting for baby; desks, chairs, futons and clothing racks for college-bound kids; and everything in between. You can shop online or in store, and if you work up an appetite, there’s an on-site restaurant with Swedish meatballs and other snacks to refuel your shopping stride. Located at 151 NW 136 Ave., Sunrise, and at 1801 NW 117 Ave., Miami.
http://www.ikea.com
Favorite Mall
Broward/Palm Beach:
Sawgrass Mills
Sawgrass Mills isn’t just a mall, it’s a tourist attraction. Many visitors put Sawgrass, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States, on their checklist to score deep discounts on big-name brands. Fortunately for us locals, we can pop in whenever we please to browse or to place a purchase. The destination touts more than 350 stores, including the Nike and Ralph Lauren outlet stores, as well as value retailers like OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Bed Bath & Beyond and Marshalls. Luxury brands at the on-site Colonnade Outlets include Burberry, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Versace.
12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise
http://www.simon.com/mall/sawgrass-mills
Miami-Dade:
Aventura Mall
From shopping and dining to arts and entertainment, this landmark has it all. Many visit for the luxury boutiques and well-known shops that line the halls, such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Fendi, Burberry, Tiffany and Rolex. For others, the international indoor and outdoor dining options beckon them in. More than 40 eateries and restaurants fill the void with an array of cuisine, including traditional Mediterranean, Italian and Peruvian dishes. There’s also a world-class art collection with a range of mediums, and a popular Farmer’s Market featuring exotic foods, fresh produce and hand-crafted goods.
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura
http://www.aventuramall.com
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