Child’s Play: These Vegas stores are fun and games for kids of all ages

Jennifer Prosser

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2000 | 3:47 a.m.

There's nothing more fun than shopping for children, especially if it's toys you're after. Whether you're looking for a specific toy or just want to see all that's out there, you'll find plenty of great bargains in Vegas. Relive your childhood and take to the streets for the best toy stores we have to offer.

KB Toy Liquidators: KB caters to the kid in all of us. Who could pass up a $4.99 Hula Hair Barbie doll or a $2.95 Star Wars action figure? These are the deals you'll find at KB. And the clearance bin has some unbelievable markdowns - some games and figurines can be had for a scant 97 cents. It seems every item here has gotten the red marker treatment. KB Toy Liquidators is one of the best places in town to do your Christmas shopping. (Belz Outlet Mall, 7400 S. Las Vegas Blvd., (702)361-8683)

Toys R Us/Babies R Us: Toys R Us has always been the superstore for kids toys, games, dolls, etc. Now Babies R Us is moving up to become one of the best places for baby/toddler furniture and supplies, developmental toys, parenting books, clothing, diapers and baby food. Here you'll find mobiles, lamps, wall decorations -- everything you need for the nursery. The store has a wonderful selection of toddler beds (the glow-in-the-dark Tweety bed, at $69.99, is adorable), strollers and car seats. You'll even find party supplies and gift baskets. If you'd like to wrap your own gifts, Babies R Us has a free self-service gift wrap station. Older kids should venture over to Toys R Us, which offers an exhaustive selection of video games, electronic toys, board games, action figurines, bikes and sporting supplies. (Various locations, but try Toys R Us: 1425 W. Sunset Rd., Henderson, (702)454-8697; Babies R Us: 510 N. Stephanie St., Henderson, (702)450-2330)

FAO Schwarz: This store is the ultimate playground. With three stories and 56,000 square feet of unadulterated fun, all visitors must experience FAO Schwarz at the Forum Shops at least once. The clock tower on the second floor pays homage to Vegas' icons with a white tiger's paw (Siegfried & Roy), a sequined Li"bear"ace, Barbie and Ken in the Lego "Chapel of Love," and Elvis PEZley. And don't miss the life-size Darth Vader replica and Barbie doll collection located on the second floor. As far as the toys - you name it, they've got it. And if that's not enough, they've got their own candy store, FAO Schweez. A great place to window shop, but you'll be hard pressed to get out without buying something. (The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd., (702)796-6500)

The Disney Store/Walt Disney Gallery: You might as well rename it The Winnie the Pooh Store - Disney's dedication to the cuddly bear and his friends fills the store's front, but you'll have no problem finding Mickey, Donald and their counterparts. The store is also overrun with Dalmations. Although it seems you can't go anywhere today without bumping into something Disney, it's well worth it to stop in. It's a great place to find small plush at a reasonable price. And now's the perfect time to stop in for holiday dicor - the selection of ornaments, stockings, tree toppers, etc. is adorable and even more plentiful than last year. Check out the Walt Disney Gallery for Disney-inspired tableware, mohair ornaments and limited-edition prints. (Walt Disney Gallery: Fashion Show Mall, 3200 S. Las Vegas Blvd., (702)650-2201; The Disney Store: various locations, also at Fashion Show Mall, (702)737-5400)

Build-A-Bear Workshop: In this adorable shop you'll find everything to put together and outfit your very own teddy or koala bear, floppy rabbit, pony, cow or turtle. First stop, stuffing. Next, add a melody. Fill out the birth certificate, then it's off to wardrobe - there's even a fitting room equipped with a mirror for the vain ones. Although kids will love it, this store is for all ages -- we've seen old men putting together their bears with glee! For those who can't decide, gift certificates are available in $5 and $10 denominations. (Desert Passage at the Aladdin, 3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd., (702)836-0899)

Toys International: Collectors will love this store. Here you'll find collectible train sets, streetcars, airplanes, holiday Matchbox cars and more. The animal lover will adore the hand-carved wooden animals from Germany, some as low as $5.99. There's also a great selection of water toys, dolls, Legos and what might be the best selection of Beanie Babies in town. The mark-up is a tad higher than, say, Toys R Us, but not unreasonable. Don't forget to check the clearance rack for bargains. This is one of the cutest stores in town. (At the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes: 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd., (702)893-9100; at Desert Passage: 3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd., (702)734-0801)

Oshkosh B'Gosh: The Oshkosh name is synonymous with quality children's clothes and its store at Belz Outlet Mall has nothing but great bargains. The deals on children's clothes will make it hard for you to leave empty-handed. Savings range from 30 to 70 percent off; prices on seasonal items are rock bottom (winter outerwear is currently 50 percent off the already-reduced price). It's a great place to outfit the little one. (Belz Outlet Mall, 7400 S. Las Vegas Blvd., (702)897-1727)