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New York Moms' Best Bookstores And Computer Stores

While Barnes and Noble branches throughout the city hold story times for children and boast a large selection of kids' books these independent bookstores hold sway in their neighborhoods and keep families coming back year after year.

Best Bookstores

Bank Street Bookstore

Bookstore
(credit: George De Sota/Getty Images)

2879 Broadway
New York, NY 10025-7805
(212) 678-1654
bankstreetbooks.com
Reviews & More Info An incredibly knowledgeable staff combined with a large selection of books and educational toys and resources makes Bank Street a truly special store. There are readings at the store and a Book Club in conjunction with Symphony Space near by.

Books of Wonder

BooksOfWonder
A look inside Books Of Wonder. (Image from www.booksofwonder.com)

18 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 989-3270
booksofwonder.com
Reviews & More Info

New York's oldest and largest children's bookstore, Books of Wonder stocks a huge selection of new books as well as rare and out of print classics. They have an entire section dedicated to the World of Oz and a collection of children's art. Story Time is held every Sunday at noon and the store hosts classes for kids as well.

Book Court

BookCourt
Patrons at Book Court. (Image from www.bookcourt.com)

bookcourt.org
163 Court St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 875-3677
Reviews & More Info

This Brooklyn bookstore has an entire room dedicated to children's books. They host a story time every Tuesday and other kids' activities on a regular basis and make it clear that you can spend an hour or a day if you choose.

Best Computer Stores

Tech savvy kids have their choice of hands on and interactive stores in NYC to try out the latest gadgets, games and gizmos. Here are some of our favorites:

The Apple Store

AppleStore
The Apple Store at Fifth Avenue. (Image from www.apple.com)

apple.com
Reviews & More Info

Multiple Locations, check website for class details at specific storesEverything is bigger in New York City and the NYC Apple Stores are no exception. To the multilevel Meatpacking District Store to the Upper West Side Glass Cube the Apple Store is full of iPads, MacBooks and iPods just waiting to be played with and tried out. Kid stations are set up at low tables with comfy cushion seats so kids can try out games and activities on large iMac screens. There are also ongoing Kids Workshops where kids can learn how to use iPhoto, GarageBand and iMovie like pros. Check the Apple website for class details at specific stores.

Game Stop

Gamestop
(credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

gamestop.com
Multiple Locations, check website for class details at specific stores
Reviews & More Info

From floor to ceiling Game Stop is filled with games for all systems including Wii, Xbox, Sony PSP and Nintendo DS. Turn in your old games for trade in value and find used games in perfect condition. Best of all kids can spend some time playing new games on the numerous video monitors before they decide to buy!

Sony Wonder Technology Lab

SonyWonder
Kids play at Sony Wonder. (Image from www.wondertechlab.sony.com)

wondertechlab.sony.com
Sony Plaza at 56th Street and Madison Avenue
550 Madison Ave
New York, NY
(212) 833-8100

A hands on experience combining tech and creativity in a beautiful state of the art facility, the Lab is full of engaging and interesting tech workshops, exhibits and programs. Not only is it great for all ages but admission to this family friendly technology space is free!

Rebecca Levey is a blogger with Beccarama.

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