Madison Park welcomes a Red Wagon full of quality toys and other fun

One hallmark of a good toy store is that it transports you to a happy place the minute you walk through the door. For parents, what makes for a happy place is a clutter-free, reasonably priced shop that is easy to navigate a stroller through. For kids, a happy place is one that has something for everyone, from a theater with princess outfits for dress-up to whole sections dedicated to airplanes, dinosaurs and robots.

Madison Park's Red Wagon, which quietly opened in early July, has got all that and more. Owned by John Sheard, who also owns Cookin' down the street, Red Wagon occupies the space recently vacated by The Yankee Peddler.

Jan Yoder, longtime Cookin' employee and buyer/merchandiser for Red Wagon, says that Sheard opened Red Wagon in an effort to keep the Madison Park retail core vibrant, active and alive. Sheard's mother owned a toy store in Port Townsend for years, and he felt that such a shop was just what the neighborhood needed.

Designed by Yoder, the store is a magical space decked out in pale greens and the vibrant red of its iconic namesake red wagon. It's stylish enough to befit Madison Park, and whimsical enough for a toy store without being over the top. "People like being in here," says Yoder, "which is exactly what I had hoped for."

Yoder and fellow buyers Georgina Faulkner and Karin Snelson have filled Red Wagon with well-made, high-quality toys, games and books from well-known brands such as Steiff, HABA, Kettler and Melissa & Doug. You won't find any branded toys like Disney or even Thomas the Train, the staff opting for quality over quantity when it comes to inventory.

The book section is well stocked, which is important given the demise of Madison Park Books a few years ago. I spied all the best books for kids of all ages, from Golden Books and Dr. Seuss to 'Goodnight Moon' and 'Guess How Much I Love You.'

Other treats include a party supply section, helium balloons, science toys, art supplies, erector sets, play kitchens and cookbooks and adorable little infant toys for the new kids on the block.

Red Wagon is located at 4218B E. Madison St. in Seattle. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company