Photo: Charles Cadwallader
Photo: Dj
Photo: Aleksei Velizhanin
Media Shopping Center
★4.3(402 reviews)FreeShopping
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 3-12. Preschoolers enjoy the toy stores and manageable walking distances, while tweens appreciate the bookstores and independent shops. The relaxed pace works well for families with multiple ages.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Media Shopping Center offers a charming, walkable downtown experience perfect for families who want a relaxed afternoon of browsing without the chaos of a big mall. Kids will love exploring dedicated toy stores and bookstores while parents appreciate the unique local shops and family-friendly restaurants all within easy strolling distance.
Highlights
- ✓Dedicated toy stores with curated selections and helpful staff
- ✓Independent bookstores with children's sections and often story times
- ✓Walkable downtown perfect for stroller-pushing families
- ✓Multiple family-friendly restaurants for easy meal breaks
- ✓Small-town charm without overwhelming mall crowds
Pro Tips
- 1.Start at the toy store to give kids something to look forward to, then save purchases for the end to avoid carrying bags or dealing with requests all afternoon
- 2.Street parking is available but can fill up on Saturdays; arrive before 11 AM or use the public parking lots just off State Street
- 3.Visit the bookstore during story time events (check schedules in advance) to break up shopping with an engaging activity
- 4.Many shops are independently owned, so hours may vary slightly from posted times,call ahead if visiting on Sundays or holidays
- 5.The walkable downtown makes this ideal for potty training toddlers since restrooms in restaurants are never far away
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10-11 AM) or Sunday afternoons offer the most relaxed browsing experience with fewer crowds. Avoid Saturday afternoons when locals fill the shops and restaurants, unless you enjoy the bustling small-town atmosphere.
What to Know
This is an open-air downtown shopping district, so dress for the weather and bring a stroller if you have young children (sidewalks are stroller-friendly). Most shops accept cards, and family dining options are plentiful and casual.
Seasonal Notes
December brings holiday decorations and special shopping events perfect for families. Summer and fall offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor strolling. Note that individual shops may have reduced hours during winter months.
Nearby Eats
Family-friendly dining options are integrated throughout the shopping center, with casual restaurants offering everything from pizza to ice cream within the downtown area itself.
More Activities Near Media
Activity
Trader Joe's
★4.6$$❤️62
Turn your grocery run into a fun family outing at this beloved Trader Joe's on Baltimore Pike! Kids love the treasure hunt atmosphere, friendly crew members who hand out stickers, and the chance to sample new treats throughout the store. The manageable size and unique products make shopping here an adventure rather than a chore.
Park
Veterans Square
Free
Veterans Square is the heart of Media's charming downtown, offering families a picturesque gathering spot that comes alive with seasonal festivals, outdoor concerts, and a beloved weekly farmers market. This welcoming green space provides the perfect setting for a relaxed family outing where kids can enjoy open space while parents explore the surrounding boutique shops and cafes of Media's walkable downtown.
Cafe
Everybody Eats
★4.9$❤️23
Everybody Eats is a cheerful breakfast and lunch cafe on Media's charming State Street that welcomes families with open arms. With a dedicated kids menu, comfortable outdoor seating for nice weather days, and a relaxed atmosphere where little ones can be themselves, it's become a go-to spot for local families looking for quality American comfort food without the fuss.
Theater
Media Theatre For The Performing Arts
★4.7$❤️19
Step into a piece of Delaware County history at this charming theater that's been delighting audiences since 1927. Media Theatre specializes in Broadway-quality musicals and children's productions in an intimate 400-seat setting where every child has a great view. The venue's commitment to family-friendly entertainment makes it a perfect introduction to live theater for young audiences.