- Attraction: Smart Toys and Books
- Location: 9700 Kingston Pike, Ste 12, Knoxville, TN 37922
- Industry: Toy Store
- Website: https://smarttoysandbooks.com
A toy store that doubles as an indoor adventure zone?
Yes, that exists, and Smart Toys and Books has been making waves in West Knoxville for over 25 years.
Recently ranked #14 on TimeOut’s Best Toy Stores in the USA list, this locally-owned gem combines a curated selection of educational toys with an expansive interactive playground where kids can climb aboard a nine-foot pirate ship, navigate obstacle courses, and burn energy year-round.
What makes this place stand out from chain toy retailers is the thoughtful curation. Every item on the shelves has been hand-picked to spark imagination and encourage learning through play.
From STEM-focused building sets to children’s literature that actually captivates young readers, the selection feels intentional rather than overwhelming. And when you pair that with a 2,000+ square foot play space, you’ve got a destination that keeps families coming back.
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Keep Exploring →The Indoor Playground Experience
The Pirate Ship: Standing at an impressive nine feet tall, this centerpiece attraction lets kids channel their inner swashbuckler. You’ll climb up the ramp, ascend a short ladder to reach the captain’s wheel, then make your way through the play area before sliding back down to solid ground.
The ship design encourages imaginative play beyond simple climbing—kids create entire seafaring adventures here.
Climbing Structures & Slides: The jungle gym section features winding tunnels and slides perfect for children roughly aged four to eight. The floor throughout the play area is exceptionally well-padded, giving you peace of mind as your little ones navigate the various climbing challenges.
Younger siblings aren’t left out either—there’s a designated toddler-safe zone where the smallest adventurers can explore without being overwhelmed by bigger kids.
Interactive Play Stations: Beyond the climbing equipment, you’ll discover a play kitchen where kids can whip up imaginary meals, a cash register for budding entrepreneurs, oversized LEGO blocks for creative building, a train table that captures attention for surprisingly long stretches, and a floor mat with roads and vehicles for creating traffic jams.
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Discover MoreThe variety ensures that even if your child isn’t in a climbing mood, there are plenty of activities to keep them engaged.
Music & Movement: Interactive music panels scattered throughout the playground let kids create sounds and rhythms as they play. This auditory element adds another dimension to the experience and appeals especially to children who love making noise (in the best way possible).
Practical Play Details: Sessions run for two hours at a cost between seven and ten dollars per child, making this an affordable rainy day or hot summer escape. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend sessions which fill up quickly.
You can complete waivers online beforehand to streamline check-in. One crucial note: socks are mandatory in the play area, and if you forget them, pairs are available for purchase at $3.49.
The Toy Selection
Educational Focus: The store specializes in toys that teach while entertaining. You’ll find an abundance of STEM toys that make science, technology, engineering, and math concepts accessible and exciting. Building sets, robotics kits, and hands-on experiments fill the shelves, offering alternatives to screen-based entertainment.
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Keep Exploring →Unique Finds: This isn’t the place for mass-market toys you’d find at big box retailers. Instead, the inventory features items you might encounter at specialty toy boutiques in larger cities. If you see something at a New York specialty store that catches your eye, the store can often order it for you. The selection emphasizes quality over quantity, with toys built to last rather than break after a few play sessions.
Age-Appropriate Guidance: Whether you’re shopping for a two-year-old or a six-year-old, you’ll find age-appropriate options. The toy variety spans from cuddly stuffed animals and dress-up costumes for preschoolers to more sophisticated games and puzzles that challenge elementary-aged children.
Books complement the toy selection, covering everything from board books for babies to engaging chapter books for independent readers.
Try Before You Buy: Many toys are available as floor models, allowing kids to test them before you commit to a purchase. This hands-on approach helps ensure you’re not bringing home something that will gather dust in the closet.
Classes & Special Activities
Art Classes: Professional artist and elementary art teacher Miss Shelley leads weekly art sessions covering painting on canvas, creative clay projects, and mixed-media creations. These classes focus on fostering individual expression while teaching fundamental art techniques. Summer art camps provide extended opportunities for young artists to develop their skills.
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Discover MoreMusic Classes: Knox Kindermusik classes with Miss Cindy introduce children to music through movement, rhythm, and vocal activities. The curriculum spans various musical styles, genres, and cultures, priming children for both musical appreciation and broader developmental milestones.
Storytime & Events: Regular story sessions and special events fill the calendar throughout the year. Checking the store’s schedule reveals a rotating lineup of activities designed to engage different age groups.
Birthday Party Central
Party Packages: Birthday celebrations start at $329 with various add-on options available. Packages typically include private playground time, access to themed party rooms, and the infrastructure you need to host a memorable celebration without the cleanup hassles of home parties.
Private Play: The ability to book the entire playground for your party ensures your guests aren’t competing with drop-in visitors for equipment access. The pirate ship becomes your party’s exclusive attraction, and the various play stations accommodate different activity preferences among your guests.
Atmosphere & Environment
Clean & Tidy: Cleanliness consistently stands out in visitor feedback. The environment feels well-maintained, with surfaces kept spotless and the play area regularly cleaned between sessions. Even during busy periods, the space maintains its tidy appearance.
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Keep Exploring →Enclosed Safety: The play area’s enclosed design means you won’t spend your visit chasing after runners. Parents can sit in designated seating areas with clear sightlines to monitor their children while also enjoying a moment to relax. The gated setup provides reassurance that kids stay within the safe play zone.
Cozy Shopping Experience: The retail section feels welcoming rather than overwhelming. The layout makes browsing manageable, with displays organized logically and toys grouped in ways that make sense. The atmosphere evokes the magic of childhood toy shopping without the sensory overload of warehouse-style stores.
Other Considerations
Premium Pricing: The toys here carry higher price tags than discount stores or online retailers. You’re paying for curated quality, specialty items, and the expertise that goes into selecting inventory. However, if budget is a primary concern, you may find similar toys elsewhere for less. The trade-off is supporting a local business and accessing their knowledge about age-appropriate selections.
Gift Wrapping Service: Free gift wrapping comes with purchases, saving you time and effort when buying presents. This service particularly shines during holiday shopping season or when buying birthday gifts.
Parking Convenience: A private parking lot shared with neighboring businesses eliminates the parking headaches common in busy shopping areas. You’ll typically find spots without circling the lot repeatedly.
Walk-in Availability: Weekends often book up with birthday parties, so calling ahead for playground availability prevents disappointing trips. The store has implemented policies around arrival times for reservations—arriving more than 20 minutes late without calling may bump you to a waitlist, so plan accordingly.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings typically offer the most availability for playground drop-ins. Weekend sessions require advance planning. For toy shopping, visiting during non-peak hours gives you more space to browse without crowds.
Winter Weather Haven: This venue shines during Tennessee’s colder months or sweltering summer days when outdoor play isn’t appealing. The climate-controlled environment means comfortable play regardless of weather conditions.
Membership & Multi-Visit Value: For families living nearby or visiting Knoxville frequently, the playground becomes more economical with repeated visits. The two-hour session length provides substantial play time for the cost.
Smart Toys and Books
📍 9700 Kingston Pike, Ste 12, Knoxville, TN 37922
