When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Lakeshore Learning Store
Why Lakeshore Learning Store is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lakeshore Learning Store is a renowned destination for educational supplies, classroom furniture, and teacher resources that cater to preschool, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and elementary grades. Originating from a pioneering vision by Ethelyn Kaplan in 1954, this store has evolved to serve both educators and parents with a broad assortment of high-quality learning materials and teaching aids. Lakeshore offers interactive learning centers, games, puzzles, math manipulatives, STEM experiment kits, arts and crafts supplies, musical instruments, and dramatic play materials such as realistic baby dolls and costumes. It’s not only a hub for educational products but also a community space where creativity, sensory exploration, and experiential learning thrive. With over 50 locations across the United States, Lakeshore Learning Store provides products that support language development, social-emotional skills, diversity awareness, fine motor skills, and gross motor activities. Their offerings also include classroom furniture like tables and seating, alongside storage solutions such as book bins and bookshelves, making it a one-stop shop for creating engaging and well-organized learning environments. This store’s atmosphere encourages hands-on discovery and collaboration, making it an excellent place for educators to connect, parents to find meaningful gifts, and children to explore and learn through play.
Here's what people think of Lakeshore Learning Store
As of recent, Lakeshore Learning Store holds a 4.6-star rating based on 31 reviews.
Customers consistently rate Lakeshore Learning Store highly, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 31 reviews, reflecting widespread satisfaction. Positive reviews highlight the extensive variety of educational products, particularly praising the quality and durability of learning materials and classroom furniture. Users appreciate the knowledgeable and friendly staff, many of whom have teaching backgrounds and provide valuable guidance tailored to individual educational needs. The in-store experience is often described as welcoming and inspiring, with a community-oriented atmosphere that fosters learning and creativity. Customers also value the store's responsiveness to educator and parent feedback, which has helped Lakeshore maintain relevant and effective teaching resources over time. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention limited availability of certain popular items and occasional high prices compared to other retailers. A few customers have noted that some locations might be small or have less inventory, which can impact browsing experience. Despite these minor concerns, the overall consensus affirms Lakeshore Learning Store as a dependable resource for educational supplies. The store's commitment to customer service and its specialized focus on supporting both educators and parents underscores its reputation as a trusted educational partner.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Andrew Williams
You can buy 50 good quality index cards at HEB for about a dollar or 100 for $1.34. Here, they come with a hole punched through and a metal ring and cost $6+ for 100. Incredible
Tessa Graves
Exceptional store with outstanding employees. We have been shopping here for years and we’ve found so many wonderful educational treasures. My kids love spending time in the store and playing with the sets that they have out. It’s such a fun place! We recently attended a free event at the store and it was very enjoyable. The employees were unbelievably kind and patient with the children as they did the hands on activities. Emry helped my kids and she was amazing. Betsy is another amazing employee that I’ve chatted with many times. All the girls at the store are just wonderful and I wish I knew all of their names to give them the praise that they deserve. Thank you so much to everyone who makes this store such a wonderful place for my kids!
A D
What a wonderful store! Welcoming and exciting. My children loved it, I loved it! Jharna was amazing and kind, especially at check out, and was very patient. All parents should definitely visit this store. Will absolutely be back!
Pricilla Sierra
This store has so many interesting and cool items! I went here for my daughter's science project and I was able to buy everything I needed in one stop. The staff was very helpful as well . Candice (I believe was her name) helped me pick out items that would make her project standout. She asked me questions in order to provide her opinion And suggest items to help with my daughter's project. . She was great!!!
Daniel Laitinen
The store is very family friendly. Staff was helpful and knowledgeable. Every Saturday from 10am-3pm they have free kids activities and crafts. Every sort of teaching supply imaginable including learning games, educational toys, classroom furniture & supplies, craft supplies, small play equipment and more.
How to reach Lakeshore Learning Store
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Why Lakeshore Learning Store may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Lakeshore Learning Store with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Lakeshore Learning Store is an exceptional choice for meaningful and fun social time. This store offers much more than typical retail shopping — it provides a bright, welcoming environment filled with inspiring educational materials that spark creativity and curiosity. Whether you and your friends are parents, educators, or simply enthusiasts of interactive learning, Lakeshore Learning Store invites you to explore hands-on resources, play with games, and discover tools that encourage lifelong learning. The atmosphere is designed to facilitate engagement and discovery, making it an ideal spot for group visits where conversations flow around innovative ideas and shared interests. Beyond just shopping, Lakeshore often hosts educational in-store events where groups can come together for demonstrations and learning activities. Additionally, the store’s helpful and knowledgeable staff enhances the experience by providing personalized assistance tailored to your group’s needs. All of these factors combine to create a rewarding meetup location that is as stimulating as it is social, making Lakeshore Learning Store a standout destination for friends looking to connect over education and fun.
What activities can you enjoy at Lakeshore Learning Store?
Lakeshore Learning Store offers a variety of activities that cater to groups seeking interactive and engaging experiences. First, the store features hands-on learning stations where visitors can test out educational toys, games, and tools designed to develop skills in subjects such as math, science, reading, and art. These stations allow groups to collaborate and experiment together, fostering a playful learning environment. Another notable activity is exploring the furniture vignettes, which showcase adaptable classroom setups and seating options. This is particularly interesting for educators or parents looking for inspiration in creating effective learning spaces. The store regularly hosts in-store events and workshops, which can include interactive demonstrations, craft sessions, or STEM challenges — perfect for groups wanting a structured activity that promotes teamwork and creativity. Additionally, the store offers numerous hands-on products that encourage group play, from puzzles and board games to building sets, all of which invite collective engagement and friendly competition. Whether your group is interested in learning strategies, educational crafts, or just exploring playful tools, Lakeshore Learning Store provides a dynamic setting designed to keep everyone involved and entertained.
Why is Lakeshore Learning Store perfect for a group meetup?
Lakeshore Learning Store's welcoming layout and broad appeal make it especially suitable for social gatherings. Its spacious and well-organized environment can comfortably accommodate multiple people exploring at once without feeling cramped. The variety of products and activities appeal to diverse interests and age groups, ensuring that everyone in a meetup—friends, family members, or colleagues—can find something that captures their attention. For parents or educators, it offers a shared space to exchange ideas about teaching and development while enjoying the tactile experience of testing new educational tools. The store’s staff is available to assist groups with recommendations and guidance, adding a personalized touch to the outing. In addition, because the store focuses on quality and safety, visitors can feel confident engaging with the materials presented. Its consistent 4.6-star rating and positive reviews underline a reputation for customer satisfaction and enjoyable experiences. Furthermore, given its hours extending into the evening on many days, groups can plan meetups convenient to their schedules, making Lakeshore Learning Store a flexible and appealing venue for social and educational connection.
How does Lakeshore Learning Store support educational growth during a visit?
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Lakeshore Learning Store with friends or family is how it naturally supports educational growth through its products and experiences. The store has a long history of providing quality educational resources—serving the community for nearly 70 years—with materials thoughtfully designed by teachers and loved by kids. This expertise translates into a curated collection of products that focus on foundational skills like literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, as well as creative development. When visiting as a group, the shared exploration of these materials can spark discussions about effective learning strategies and childhood development. The interactive nature of the store’s learning stations allows visitors to test educational products in real time, facilitating a deeper understanding of how these tools can be used in classrooms or at home. The various workshops and events hosted periodically also contribute to learning by introducing new concepts in a hands-on manner. This environment turns a group outing into a mini educational retreat, where fun and growth go hand in hand.
What should your group expect from the customer experience at Lakeshore Learning Store?
When your group visits Lakeshore Learning Store, you can anticipate a high-quality customer experience focused on educational value and helpful service. The staff members are known for their expertise and genuine enthusiasm for learning resources, readily offering assistance in selecting the best items to meet specific needs. Whether your group is educating young children, supporting homeschooling efforts, or simply exploring tools for personal interest, the knowledgeable employees provide personalized recommendations that enhance your visit. The store’s layout invites leisurely browsing through thoughtfully arranged sections categorized by theme, grade level, or subject area, making it easy for groups to navigate and find areas of interest. Their commitment to quality and safety ensures that all materials meet rigorous standards, giving peace of mind as you interact with various products. Moreover, the store is visually appealing and well-maintained, helping create a pleasant atmosphere conducive to relaxed group interactions and collaborative discovery. This dedication to customer care transforms a routine store visit into an enriching social experience.
What makes Lakeshore Learning Store stand out compared to other educational retailers?
Lakeshore Learning Store distinguishes itself with its rich heritage, expert product curation, and community-focused approach. Having been in the education resources business since 1954, it has built a reputation as a trusted brand known for innovation combined with educational merit. The company’s close collaboration with teachers informs the design and selection of products, ensuring they are practical, effective, and fun for students. This educational authenticity is difficult to match by general retailers or online stores that lack Lakeshore’s teaching expertise. Additionally, Lakeshore’s physical stores offer a tactile and interactive shopping experience, which digital platforms cannot replicate. Visitors can touch, see, and test materials before purchase—an important factor for groups seeking hands-on engagement. The regular in-store events strengthen its community ties, turning each location into a learning hub rather than just a retail space. The combination of decades of educational leadership, quality assurance, interactive experiences, and personalized customer service makes Lakeshore Learning Store a standout destination for anyone interested in learning and teaching.
Where are Lakeshore Learning Stores located, and how accessible are they for groups?
Lakeshore Learning Stores have a wide footprint across the United States, making the brand accessible to many people looking to organize group meetups near them. The company operates over 60 stores spread across 29 states, including major cities such as Los Angeles, New York (New Hyde Park), Memphis, Nashville, Columbus (Ohio), and many others. This broad presence ensures that people across different regions can conveniently visit a location without extensive travel. Stores are typically situated in accessible shopping centers with ample parking and public transit options nearby, which is ideal for groups traveling together. Their hours of operation—often from mid-morning to evening—provide flexibility for group visits before or after work or school. The store’s website offers a store locator tool that helps find the nearest location and check hours, allowing groups to plan meetups efficiently. This accessibility combined with consistent service quality makes Lakeshore Learning Store a practical and welcoming pick for group social and educational outings.
What kind of products can groups explore and purchase at Lakeshore Learning Store?
At Lakeshore Learning Store, groups can find an extensive assortment of educational products designed for early childhood through elementary education and beyond. These include toys that promote STEM skills, reading and writing aids, art supplies, math manipulatives, classroom furniture, and organizational tools for teachers and parents. The toys and manipulatives encourage hands-on learning and skill development in math, science, language arts, and social studies. Artistic materials inspire creativity, perfect for group craft sessions or collaborative projects. The store also offers durable classroom furniture such as tables and chairs designed to create effective learning environments, which might interest educators and parents looking to improve home or school setups. Many products emphasize safety and quality, allowing groups to test items in person, ensuring they are beneficial before making a purchase. For families or friend groups interested in homeschooling, the store provides comprehensive kits and curricula that cover multiple subjects and learning levels. This wide range of resources makes Lakeshore an all-in-one destination for educational shopping and discovery.
How can Lakeshore Learning Store events enhance a group meetup experience?
Lakeshore Learning Store regularly organizes events that can significantly enrich any group meetup by adding a structured, engaging learning element to the visit. These events may include interactive workshops, hands-on craft and STEM challenges, product demonstrations, or special themed days focused on specific educational topics. Participating in group events creates memorable shared experiences that go beyond casual shopping, encouraging teamwork, creativity, and learning in a collaborative setting. The store’s facilitators guide the group activities, ensuring they are fun and accessible for all ages and skill levels. These opportunities can inspire new ideas for educational projects or classroom activities, giving parents and educators practical takeaways. Attending events at Lakeshore also fosters a sense of community among participants, connecting like-minded individuals who prioritize learning. Such gatherings transform a typical trip into a dynamic, meaningful group outing that combines fun with educational enrichment.
Why do customers rate Lakeshore Learning Store highly, and what does that imply for your meetup?
Lakeshore Learning Store maintains a strong reputation with a 4.6-star rating across thousands of reviews, reflecting consistent customer satisfaction. Reviewers frequently praise the store for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, the quality and variety of its products, and its clean, well-organized shopping environment. Customers appreciate the hands-on displays and the ability to interact with materials before buying, which enhances the shopping experience. Many highlight the value of the educational insights shared by staff and the fun, engaging events hosted on-site. For a group meetup, this positive reputation implies you can expect a reliable, enjoyable experience where your time will be well-spent with minimal hassle. High ratings also suggest that the store caters well to diverse group needs, from casual exploration to purpose-driven purchases. Choosing Lakeshore Learning Store for your next group gathering means selecting a venue widely recognized for creating rewarding educational and social experiences.