Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Third Place Books
★4.4(255 reviews)$$Activity
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the regular story time sessions and board book selection, while elementary-aged kids can spend hours exploring the extensive chapter book and middle-grade fiction sections. The teen area also appeals to older tweens.🧡 Saved by 12 families
About
Third Place Books is a beloved independent bookstore that feels like a literary playground for young readers. With its warm, inviting atmosphere, dedicated children's section packed with treasures, and regular story times, this community hub makes browsing for books a memorable family outing rather than just an errand. The cozy reading nooks throughout the store invite kids to curl up and preview their finds before heading home.
Highlights
- ✓Regular children's story time sessions led by enthusiastic readers
- ✓Extensive children's book selection featuring both new releases and classic favorites
- ✓Cozy reading nooks perfect for previewing books with kids
- ✓Author events and book signings featuring children's book creators
- ✓Budget-friendly used book section for young readers
Pro Tips
- 1.Check their online calendar before visiting to catch story times (typically held on weekends) or special author events featuring children's book writers and illustrators
- 2.Browse the used book section for gently-loved children's titles at budget-friendly prices,great for building home libraries without breaking the bank
- 3.Let kids pick out one new book, then settle into one of the reading nooks to preview it together before heading to the checkout
- 4.The store connects to Third Place Commons, a community gathering space with additional seating and a café, perfect for snacks after book browsing
- 5.Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience with more room for active little ones to explore
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or early afternoons offer the most peaceful browsing experience with fewer crowds. Weekend story times (typically Saturday mornings) are wonderful for the full community experience, though expect more families. Avoid late afternoons on school days when it gets busier.
What to Know
Parking is available in the Lake Forest Park Town Center lot. The attached Third Place Commons has food options and restrooms. The store is stroller-accessible with wide aisles, making it easy to navigate with little ones in tow.
Seasonal Notes
The store hosts special holiday-themed story times during winter months and summer reading events. Check their website for author event schedules, which tend to pick up during back-to-school season and around major book releases.
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Nearby Eats
Third Place Commons (connected to the bookstore) features a café with kid-friendly options. For a sit-down meal, try Zeeks Pizza just a short drive away, offering family-friendly pizza in a casual atmosphere.
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