Toy Store Emporium offers parents free time, kids holiday fun

Parents needing some extra free time this holiday season and children interested in making toys and holiday crafts will both enjoy the City of Carlsbad's Toy Store Emporium.

The event will be held Nov. 24 and Dec. 15. at Calavera Hills Community Center, 2997 Glasgow Drive. It will give parents a half or full day to spend as they wish, while their children enjoy playing holiday games and toy-making in a safe environment.

Lori Swenck, recreation area manager, said the Toy Store Emporium was created with the whole family in mind.

"We wanted to provide a safe and fun place for kids to hang out while parents shop and take care of holiday preparations," she said.

She added that kids can do some of their own holiday planning, too.

"Children can make crafts that can ultimately become gifts for their family or friends," she said.

Michael Wulffhart, director of Arimaw Productions, which is working with the City of Carlsbad to put on the event, said children can choose to make a variety of different toys, including robots, magic tricks and marble drops. 

"It's an inventor's paradise," he said.

The Toy Store Emporium costs $40 for full-day and $25 for half-day for Carlsbad residents and $50 for full-day and $35 for half-day for non-residents.

Parents can register their children in person at Calavera Hills Community Center, 2997 Glasgow Drive, or by visiting www.carlsbadconnect.org .

For more information, go to www.carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec or call 760-602-4680.