Toys Time
About
Toys Time is a charming neighborhood toy shop in Nea Smyrni that combines retail with play, featuring an integrated play area where young children can explore educational toys and games. Perfect for rainy Athens days or when little ones need a break from sightseeing, this highly-rated local gem offers a relaxed environment where kids can play while parents browse quality toys.
Highlights
- ✓Integrated play area where children can try before you buy
- ✓Curated selection of educational and developmental toys
- ✓Cozy, air-conditioned indoor environment perfect for escaping Athens heat or rain
- ✓Family-run atmosphere with attentive, child-friendly service
- ✓Great spot to pick up unique Greek toys as souvenirs
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings (9-11 AM) when the shop is quietest and kids have more space to explore the play area
- 2.Basic English is typically understood, but having Google Translate ready helps for specific questions about toys or pricing
- 3.The shop is located on a busy avenue, so street parking can be challenging. Consider using the nearby municipal parking or arriving by metro (Nea Smyrni station is a 10-minute walk)
- 4.Bring cash as smaller Greek shops may have minimum card limits or prefer cash payments
- 5.Let your children play first, then shop. They'll be calmer when selecting toys after burning some energy
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Monday-Thursday, 9-11 AM) offer the quietest experience with maximum space for play. Avoid late afternoons when local families stop by after school, and note the earlier 5 PM Saturday closing time.
What to Know
As a small independent shop, expect a cozy, intimate space rather than a large play center. Most staff speak basic English, and the shop operates on typical Greek schedules with Sunday closure and extended weekday hours until 9 PM.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours, making it a reliable rainy day option. The air-conditioned interior is especially welcome during hot Greek summers (June-September). Hours remain stable throughout the year except for potential Greek national holidays.
Nearby Eats
Nea Smyrni's main square (Plateia Neas Smyrnis) is a 5-minute walk and offers numerous family-friendly tavernas and cafes with outdoor seating. For a quick bite, look for local bakeries (fourno) along Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue serving kid-friendly pastries and snacks.
More Activities Near Nea Smyrni
Kokoretsi Taverna
Kokoretsi Taverna offers an authentic Greek dining experience in the friendly Athens suburb of Nea Smyrni, where families can enjoy traditional mezze and grilled dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor seating area provides plenty of space for kids to feel comfortable while parents savor classic Greek flavors, and the welcoming staff are accustomed to serving families with children of all ages.
Psaropoulos Ice Cream
Psaropoulos Ice Cream is a beloved neighborhood gelateria in Nea Smyrni where locals bring their children for authentic Greek ice cream made fresh on site. This small, family-run shop offers a genuine taste of everyday Greek life away from tourist areas, with generous scoops of homemade flavors that kids absolutely adore. The welcoming atmosphere and budget-friendly prices make it a perfect sweet stop for families exploring the southern Athens suburbs.
Thalassa Cafe
Thalassa Cafe offers a relaxed Mediterranean setting where families can enjoy light meals, fresh juices, and snacks in the friendly Athens suburb of Nea Smyrni. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, parents can let kids unwind with child-friendly fare while taking a break from sightseeing in a neighborhood atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
Kastro Taverna Family Garden
Kastro Taverna Family Garden offers authentic Greek dining in a relaxed, garden setting where families can enjoy traditional cuisine without worrying about restless children. The spacious outdoor area gives kids room to move around between courses, while parents savor mezze and grilled specialties. With a dedicated children's menu and a laid-back atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for families to experience genuine Greek hospitality.