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Establishment Profile

Henry Bear's Park

A distinguished Cambridge establishment

Toy storeFeatured
Toy store
Porter Square
4.695 reviews
The Story

Where Cambridge Kids Discover the Joy of Play

Who Runs It

Henry Bear's Park has been a beloved toy store in Porter Square for decades, curating a selection of educational, creative, and just-plain-fun toys that parents trust.

The Origin

As chain toy stores consolidated and focused on plastic franchises, Henry Bear's carved out a different niche: thoughtful toys, books, and games that engage kids' imagination and meet parents' standards.

What Makes It Special

The curation is the key. Every toy here has been chosen for quality, play value, or educational merit. The staff knows the inventory and can match toys to ages and interests.

For Porter Square families, Henry Bear's is where birthdays are saved, rainy days are rescued, and kids discover toys that spark imagination.

What People Love

Parents and grandparents love the curated selection, helpful staff, and the confidence that anything here is worth buying.

Thoughtfully curated toy selection
Quality educational toys
Staff who know products by age
Great children's book section
Gift-wrapping available
Not overwhelmed by branded junk
Best for:birthday giftseducational toyschildren's booksbaby giftsgames for families

What To Know

This is a curated toy store, not a toy warehouse. Prices reflect quality, and selection is intentional.

Higher prices than big-box stores
Smaller selection (curated, not comprehensive)
May not have specific branded toys kids request
Busy around holidays—shop early
Limited parking in Porter Square
Pricing Context

Expect to pay more than Target or Amazon. You're paying for curation, quality, and a store that will exist next year.

Rating Breakdown

4.6
95 total reviews
Our Take

Strong ratings for an independent toy store. Parents clearly value the curation and service.

What Customers Say

I can buy any gift here without worrying it's junk. The staff knows exactly what works for different ages.

via Google

My go-to for birthday party gifts. Everything is quality and the wrapping service is a lifesaver.

via Google

Pricier than Amazon, but I'd rather support a real store that's been here for my kids and will be here for my grandkids.

via Google

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings for personal attention. Avoid December weekends.

What to Ask For

Tell staff the child's age and interests—they'll find the right toy faster than you will.

Hidden Gem

The game section is underrated. Great options for family game nights.

Getting There

Porter T is 2 minutes away. Parking in Porter Square is manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you gift wrap?

Yes—gift wrapping is available, which saves countless party-morning panics.

Can I return or exchange toys?

Yes, with receipt. They have a reasonable return policy for gifts that don't work out.

Known For

Educational toys
games
children's books

Transit Connections

Porter
0 minute walk

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

Reddit Mentions

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Contact & Visit

Address

1794 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

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Hours

Mon-Sat: 10AM-7PM, Sun: 11AM-6PM

The average Cambridge business owner has 2.3 graduate degrees.

Cambridge Business Wisdom

“I guess you've just gotta find something you love to do and then do it for the rest of your life.”

— Max Fischer, on entrepreneurship