Kids On The Block in Baltimore: A Toy Store Built Around Used and Vintage Stock
Kids On The Block is a used and vintage toy retailer occupying a narrow storefront in Baltimore's Fells Point neighborhood, specializing in action figures, board games, and collectible toys from the 1970s forward.
What Kids On The Block actually is
The shop operates as a single-dealer used toy store rather than a broad new-merchandise retailer. Inventory rotates constantly and leans heavily toward action figures (vintage Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Marvel Legends), completed board game sets, and nostalgic toy lines. Stock spans multiple decades but concentrates on pieces from the 1980s and 1990s. The space is compact, with merchandise organized by toy line and era rather than by age-appropriateness, which shapes how to approach it: this is a destination for adult collectors and parents hunting specific childhood figures as much as it is for kids.
What you'll find and pricing
Prices vary sharply by condition and rarity. Loose (unboxed) action figures typically range from $3 to $25; mint-in-box vintage figures command $40 to $200 or higher depending on line and year. Board games in playable condition run $8 to $30. Hot Wheels and die-cast vehicles start at $2 to $5 per piece. The store does not post a price list online; prices are hand-tagged on shelves and change with new donations and sales.
The inventory model depends on consignments and bulk toy donations, so specific items cannot be reserved and stock for any given character or game shifts weekly. This is a "hunt" experience rather than a shopping-list destination.
How it compares to other Baltimore toy options
Baltimore's new-toy retail is dominated by mall anchors and big-box chains offering current merchandise at standard pricing. For collectible vintage toys, Kids On The Block is Baltimore's primary independent option. Collector-focused competition exists online (eBay, Mercari) and through specialty shops in other regions, but locally there is no direct equivalent. The Fell's Point Flea Market, held seasonally, offers similar vintage stock but on a sporadic schedule and without a permanent storefront. Choose Kids On The Block if you want to browse in person with handling, instant gratification, and the chance to negotiate on items; choose online options if you need a specific figure guaranteed in stock or sealed condition documentation.
Who it suits and who it does not
Kids On The Block serves adult toy collectors, Gen-X parents restocking childhood favorites, and gift-buyers hunting unusual toys outside mainstream retail. The store also attracts younger kids with money to spend on affordable used toys, though the dense organization and vintage-focus mean casual young browsers may find the selection overwhelming or dated compared to current licensed characters.
The store does not suit parents seeking new, factory-sealed items, guaranteed safety certifications for very young children, or a curated "age 4-6" shopping experience. Condition varies widely, and some items show wear; buyers must inspect before purchase.
What a first visit involves
Entering, you'll face wall-mounted pegboards and shelves stacked three deep with loose figures. The owner or staff can point you toward a particular toy line or era, but browsing requires patience. Many pieces are unlabeled or loosely grouped; there is no barcode system. Ask about condition or price before taking something to the register. The space permits only a few customers at once, so expect brief waits on weekends. Expect to spend 20 to 45 minutes on a first visit if you have a target in mind; an hour or more if you're hunting without a specific goal.
Hours and logistics
Kids On The Block operates Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is closed Mondays. Hours shift seasonally in summer; confirm before a weekend visit. The storefront sits on a Fells Point block with metered street parking and a public lot one block away (rates vary by season). No appointment is required.
Kids On The Block fills a gap in Baltimore's retail landscape: it is the only dedicated storefront for used toy browsing in the city, and its consignment model keeps stock rotating faster than typical thrift stores.
