Photo: Rick Nipper
Photo: Johnny Mullins
Photo: BY (Flyinhawaiian)
Trader Joe's
★4.7(3,066 reviews)$$Activity
🕑 30-60 minutes👶 Best for ages 2-10. Toddlers and preschoolers love the mini carts and treasure hunt, while elementary-aged kids enjoy helping select items, reading the creative product descriptions, and discovering new snacks to try. Even teenagers appreciate the unique food finds.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Turn grocery shopping into a fun family adventure at this North Hills Trader Joe's! Kids love pushing their own pint-sized shopping carts, hunting for hidden treasure (stuffed animals throughout the store), sampling free treats, and picking out affordable goodies like their famous Joe-Joe's cookies. The cheerful Hawaiian-shirt-clad staff creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes even routine errands feel special.
Highlights
- ✓Kid-sized shopping carts that make children feel independent and helpful
- ✓Store-wide treasure hunt to find hidden stuffed animals
- ✓Free sample stations featuring kid-friendly foods
- ✓Affordable treat section with unique cookies, snacks, and frozen novelties under $5
- ✓Free stickers and balloons at checkout
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit weekday mornings (9-11 AM) for the calmest experience with less crowded aisles and shorter checkout lines,perfect for letting kids navigate their mini carts safely
- 2.Ask crew members for stickers and the current Fearless Flyer,kids love collecting both and planning what treats to try next
- 3.Make it educational by giving older kids a budget and list, turning it into a math and reading scavenger hunt
- 4.Don't miss the balloon station at checkout,free balloons make the perfect end to your shopping adventure
- 5.Park near the Wake Forest Road entrance for easiest access with kids and carts
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 9:00-11:00 AM offer the best experience,fewer crowds mean kids can push their carts safely, sample stations are freshly stocked, and checkout is quick. Avoid weekday evenings (5-7 PM) and weekend afternoons when the store gets packed.
What to Know
Free parking available in the North Hills shopping center lot. The store offers complimentary samples throughout (when available), and kid-sized carts are first-come, first-served. The location is stroller-accessible with wide aisles.
Seasonal Notes
Fall brings pumpkin-themed treats that kids adore, while winter features special holiday cookies and advent calendars. Summer offers extra frozen treat samples. The store maintains consistent hours year-round (9 AM-9 PM daily), including most holidays except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Follow Trader Joe's
Nearby Eats
The North Hills shopping center offers Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread within walking distance,both great for quick, kid-friendly meals after shopping. For sit-down dining, try North Hills' many family restaurants just steps away.
More Activities Near North Hills
Shopping
North Hills
★4.5Free❤️230
North Hills is a vibrant open-air shopping and entertainment district that offers families much more than typical mall shopping. With interactive fountains perfect for splashing on warm days, plenty of green space for running around, and regular seasonal events like movie nights and holiday celebrations, it's an ideal destination for a relaxed family outing that combines retail therapy with genuine kid-friendly fun.
Park
Midtown Park
Free
Midtown Park is North Hills' beloved gathering spot offering expansive green lawns perfect for running, playing, and spreading out a picnic blanket. The well-maintained walking paths are ideal for stroller-pushing parents, while seasonal movie nights and family events create memorable community experiences right in the heart of this vibrant shopping and dining district.
Adventure
REI
★4.6$❤️237
REI North Hills transforms outdoor gear shopping into an interactive family adventure with its impressive indoor climbing wall, hands-on gear displays, and free educational workshops that teach kids outdoor skills. Beyond shopping, families can explore bike trails, get expert advice on camping with children, and participate in weekend classes that inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Ice Cream
Kilwins
★4.6$$$❤️115
Kilwins in North Hills is a delightful sweet shop where kids can watch candy makers hand-pulling fudge and crafting chocolates right through large viewing windows. Beyond the entertainment of watching treats being made, families can indulge in premium hand-dipped ice cream, waffle cones made fresh throughout the day, and an impressive selection of handcrafted chocolates and caramel apples that make perfect treats or gifts.