The Toy Box Chronicles

By The Toy Box Chronicles Team, Learning Express Glen Ellyn

Winter in the Chicagoland area can be a magical time, but keeping kids active and entertained when the temperatures drop can sometimes feel like a challenge. At Learning Express Glen Ellyn, we’re here to help! Whether it’s a snowy day at home or a long weekend off school, our carefully curated selection of educational and fun toys, games, and activities will keep your kids engaged, learning, and having a blast all season long.

Plus, don’t forget: we’ve got events happening most weekends and on days off from school, making Learning Express your go-to winter destination for family fun!

Games: The Perfect Cure for Cabin Fever

Family game nights are a great way to bring everyone together while keeping the kids entertained. At Learning Express, we have an incredible lineup of games for all ages and skill levels.

• Chipzi: This exciting game combines speed, counting skills, and fun! Perfect for family nights, it challenges players to race each other while collecting their “chips” for challenges won! The player who wins the most rounds wins! Best of all, there are multiple ways to play Chipzi so you won’t have to worry about getting bored!
• Butts on Things: Get ready to laugh out loud with this quirky and fast-paced card game! Sharpen your reflexes and sense of humor as you collect the most cards. This was a HUGE favorite over the holiday season.
• Snap2It: Speed meets creativity in this lively game where players snap circuits together in a race to build the first complete electrical circuit! Great for sharpening observation skills and keeping everyone on their toes! This is a great STEM game, allowing for fun and learning at the same time!

Puzzles: Brain-Boosting Fun

When it’s too cold to venture outside, puzzles are an ideal indoor activity that strengthens problem-solving and patience.

• Crocodile Creek Puzzles: These beautifully crafted puzzles combine vibrant artwork with high-quality pieces, making them perfect for kids and families. Designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking, they’re as fun to complete as they are to admire!
• Eeboo Puzzles: This woman-owned small business has the most amazingly beautiful puzzles. The artwork for these puzzles is not only colorful but also hand-drawn! We have puzzles available in all age ranges and piece counts.
• Melissa & Doug Floor Puzzles: Perfect for younger kids, these oversized puzzles encourage teamwork and spatial awareness.

Crafts: Let Creativity Bloom Indoors

Winter is the perfect season to nurture creativity through arts and crafts.

• Clay Crafts: Perfect for kids of all ages, these kits come with everything needed to sculpt, mold, and design unique creations. Whether it’s colorful animals, jewelry, or imaginative figures, kids will love the hands-on fun while developing fine motor skills and artistic confidence. Available kits include the Hey Clay series and Faber Castelle  brand.
• Friendship Bracelet Kits: Packed with vibrant threads, beads, and easy-to-follow instructions, these kits let kids design unique bracelets to share with friends and loved ones. Perfect for playdates, sleepovers, or solo creativity, they inspire self-expression while building crafting skills.
• Arts and Crafts Kits: From painting and drawing sets to whimsical craft projects and beginner crochet kits, each kit is designed to spark imagination and develop fine motor skills. Whether it’s a masterpiece on canvas, a colorful craft creation, or a cuddly crochet project, kids will love the hands-on fun these kits provide.

Science & STEM: Learning Through Play

Keep your kids’ minds sharp with hands-on STEM and science activities that make learning fun.

• National Geographic Science Kits: Whether your child loves digging for fossils or growing crystals, these kits provide hours of engaging, educational fun.
• Snap Circuits: Introduce your kids to the world of electronics by letting them build working circuits with no soldering required.
• Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty Kits: Combine sensory play with STEM concepts by making glow-in-the-dark or magnetic putty.

Events to Beat the Winter Blues

At Learning Express Glen Ellyn, we’re more than just a toy store—we’re a hub for family fun! This winter, join us for events happening most weekends and on school days off. From craft sessions to character meet and greets to hands-on STEM demonstrations, there’s always something exciting happening.

Check our social media pages and in-store flyers for the latest schedule of events. Be sure to RSVP early—our events fill up fast!

Let’s Make Winter Magical!

Winter doesn’t have to mean boredom or endless screen time. With the right toys, games, and activities from Learning Express Glen Ellyn, you can turn every snow day into an adventure. Swing by our store to explore our full selection and let our team help you find the perfect winter boredom busters for your kiddos.

We can’t wait to see you at the store—and at one of our many upcoming events!

Stay warm, stay entertained, and stay tuned to The Toy Box Chronicles for more tips, ideas, and updates.