Photo: Vidler's 5 & 10, Inc.
Photo: Vidler's 5 & 10, Inc.
Photo: Teri Browne
Vidler's 5 & 10, Inc.
★4.7(3,853 reviews)$Activity
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12, though teens and adults enjoy the nostalgia factor too. Toddlers are mesmerized by the candy displays and simple toys, while elementary-aged kids love hunting for unique treasures and classic games they've never seen before.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Step back in time at Vidler's 5 & 10, a sprawling historic five-and-dime store that has delighted generations of families since 1930. Spread across multiple floors, this East Aurora treasure trove is packed with thousands of toys, nostalgic candy, quirky gifts, and surprises around every corner,making it a shopping adventure that feels more like exploring a wonderland than running errands.
Highlights
- ✓Massive candy section with old-fashioned barrels of penny candy and nostalgic treats parents remember from childhood
- ✓Entire floors dedicated to toys, from classic wooden games to modern favorites and hard-to-find specialty items
- ✓Quirky home goods, seasonal decorations, and unusual gadgets that spark curiosity in every aisle
- ✓Historic atmosphere with creaky wooden floors, vintage signage, and an authentic five-and-dime feel
- ✓Treasure hunt experience,kids love discovering unexpected items tucked into every nook and cranny
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and give kids more space to explore freely without feeling rushed.
- 2.Bring cash for easier checkout, especially if you're letting kids pick out penny candy or small trinkets from the many bins and barrels.
- 3.Start on the upper floors and work your way down,kids will have more patience for exploring when they're fresh, and you can end at the candy section as a reward.
- 4.Set a budget with kids before entering to avoid meltdowns at checkout; the sheer volume of tempting items can overwhelm young shoppers.
- 5.Don't miss the creaky wooden floors and old-fashioned cash registers,explaining the history makes it educational as well as fun.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) offer the most relaxed browsing experience with thinner crowds. Avoid Saturday afternoons and December when the store gets packed with holiday shoppers. Sunday afternoons work well if weekdays aren't possible.
What to Know
This is a free attraction (you only pay for what you buy), with street parking available along Main Street in downtown East Aurora. The multi-floor layout involves stairs, so it may be challenging with strollers,a baby carrier is recommended for infants.
Seasonal Notes
The store is especially magical during the holiday season (November-December) with extensive Christmas decorations and gifts, though it's also the busiest time. Summer visitors can enjoy exploring without winter weather concerns, and spring/fall offer comfortable browsing temperatures.
Nearby Eats
Walk to Wallenwein's Hotel for family-friendly American fare in a historic setting, or grab ice cream and casual bites at Riley Street Station just down Main Street.
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