Children's Museums

Hayward Toy Museum

Name: Hayward Toy Museum
Address: 2008 National Ave, Hayward, CA 94545, Hayward, CA, US
Telephone: (510) 784-1111
Rating: 4.8

★★★★☆ 4.8 (20 reviews)

📍 2008 National Ave, Hayward, CA 94545

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Quick Facts

Type: Toy Museum
Notable Collections: World's Largest Snowman Pez Dispenser, 2,400+ Pez, original Mr. Potato Head and first Barbie Doll
Special Exhibits: Banned toys, ray guns, first wireless TV remote, largest glass bank collection in the world
Best For: All ages — toy and collectible enthusiasts

⭐Houses the world's largest Pez dispenser collection with over 2,400 dispensers spanning from the 1950s to 2020s
⭐Features the largest glass bank collection in the world, including mechanical banks from around the world and penny banks over 100 years old
⭐Displays a rare collection of banned toys including an actual Atomic Energy Lab, Lawn Darts, and vintage Cabbage Patch dolls
⭐Museum exhibits historic first items including the first Barbie Doll, first Comic Book, first Polaroid Camera, first Cell Phone, and first Rubik's Cube
⭐Curator Bruce provides expert historical tours as both a historian and passionate collector, transforming displays into detailed narratives about toys across history

💡Book a guided tour with the owner Bruce, who is a historian and passionate collector. Reviews highlight that his expert knowledge transforms the displays into vivid narratives and significantly enhances the experience, making it worth the visit.
💬Plan to spend 1-2 hours for a thorough experience. The museum is intimate and manageable in size, but the guided tour with detailed explanations of each exhibit means you'll want adequate time to absorb the stories behind the toys.
💡Arrive early to photograph the giant fiberglass statues outside in the parking lot (including the spinning Doggie Diner head), as some may be undergoing repairs and availability varies. This is a fun bonus photo opportunity before entering.
💡Recommend this museum for visitors age 10 and up, as younger children may not appreciate the historical context of vintage toys. The experience is educational and works well for all ages, but preteen+ visitors will get the most value from understanding toy history.
💡Don't miss the 'Banned Toys' section and the 100-year-old penny banks collection — reviewers specifically highlighted these as standout exhibits. The banned toys section is both educational and entertaining for all ages.