This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Antique Store and Thrift Shop Fun With Kids

I believe in taking kids antiquing. Well, as long as it's at a shop without commas in the price tags.

My kids and I adore a good waltz through antique shops and thrift stores throughout the area.

The dustier, darker and more cluttered the store? The better.

It's like we get to step right into the pages of both of our obsessions: my kids' beloved  I SPY books (books full of photographs seemingly taken in grandmas' attics and abandoned toy stores), and my much-drooled-upon faux vintage-filled Anthropologie catalogs.

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At almost five and seven, my kids are old enough to keep their hands firmly clasped and (mostly) abide by the strict rule of no touching as we walk through these treasure troves.

Of course, we avoid the chi-chi stores that are super heavy on the china and crystal, and the ones where the majority of the price tags have commas. The three of us love both artfully-arranged shops, as well as old, dank places where happening upon a neverending story book or an enchanted wardrobe seem possible.

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We've met the coolest shop keepers who are often bored awaiting the infrequent big shot collectors, and are only too eager to explain and show some of their favorite pieces to inquisitive little kids. 

If the kids are good and mind the no-touch rule, they get a cookie and cocoa at an equally old-school tea room or maybe a cheap trinket as a reward.

Favorite finds have been a "genie lamp" my son chose on one trip ($2) and a 101 Dalmations child's suitcase from the sixties my daughter chose on another outing (50 cents). 

Myself, I often find crazy cheap accessories of the vintage-cool aesthetic touted in fashion mags for a fraction of the price. On one expedition I found two faux bakelite cuffs, an enameled bangle and graphic disc and filigree earrings. Each item? $2, found after pawing through the "assorted jewelry" bins.  Two dollars! 

(I've also found so many cool home décor and furniture items to intersperse amongst the IKEA and Home Goods and Crate and Barrell items in our home. Don't even get me started or this column will be 2,000 words long.)

But the main allure of these dim shops packed with the items of yesteryear is the adventure and awe they bring my kids.  Why sit at home watching TV, when we can go experience real Samurai swords! Cuckoo clocks! Ships in bottles! Typewriters (what are those?)! Even fur stoles with the animal faces still attached.

Mystery, excitement and even mini history lessons lurk behind every nook and cranny in antique and thrift shops, and the kids' enthusiasm is infectious. 

And lucky me, I get to be the tour guide as we create our own memories amongst the trinkets and treasures of the past.

Here are some of our (Charlie, Eve and I) favorite places to explore:

Jessica and her kids are always up for adventure and waging the battle against boredom. Read about their adventures and recommended activities at A Parent in Silver Spring.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?