Community, Whimsy and Fun at Beat Street in Arlington Heights

Beat Street's cheerful letters and window of whimsy invites visitors to indulge their inner child regardless of age. One cannot walk into this toy store without feeling childlike wonderment. Last week, I visited Beat Street and talked a little with owner Jen Sanger. I am thrilled to share more of this local small business with you!

When I entered, I immediately noticed the range of items within reach for children. Cubbies, tables, shelves all full with curious items. Beat Street is a world where kids can wander, reach out and touch treasures. With so many unique products in every age range, kids can visit regularly and always have the joy of a new discovery!

My daughter is almost 13, so I was immediately attracted to the spa section of the store. Beat Street is popular with tweens and teens. So, the store accommodates with a spa section, jewelry, phone items, bags and more. There are items for all budgets making it a little easier for kids to visit and purchase their own treasures. Jen is always expanding the number of products offered and catering towards kids' interests.

Beat Street's game collection is quite incredible -- I don't know if I have ever seen such a large collection. Here is just a sampling of the store's games:

Games, games and more games!

While visiting, I asked Jen about her decision to open Beat Street. She mentioned how much she loved the original Beat Street in Kenilworth. She found the store full of whimsy and curiosities. She loved bringing her children to discover unique items. Charmed by the concept, Jen approached owner Julie Windsor about franchising. Julie was open to the idea and soon Jen found herself bringing the treasure trove of fun to Arlington Heights!

Owner Jen Sanger and a collection of nostalgic games at Beat Street. Image courtesy of Beat Street.

I really love how Beat Street serves as a General Store for kids. Like a General Store, there is a little bit of everything and the store serves as a community hub for our youth. Beat Street hosts fun community events like a product challenge inspiring children to be entrepreneurs creating and producing their own products. The winner's product earns a run in the store. Another event included a silhouette artist. One of my favorites involved spreading kindness with kindness rocks. These kind of events bring the community together and spark innovation and creativity.

Beat Street has recently started story times with Ms. Emily of Inquisitive Minds. I was able to take a peek at one of these story times and what fun:

Ms. Emily of Inquisitive Minds reading at Beat Street 

Ms. Emily is certainly a local favorite with the littles. I loved that she incorporated different senses in the story and brought a starfish for the kiddos to check out. Story times are on Tuesdays at 10:30AM. Such a fun outing in a comfortable setting!

Just beautiful!

Of course, I could not visit without exploring locally made items! Beat Street is home to favorite locally made brands including Leela & JoJo, Molly Jane Designs hair items, Sara's Sign Designs, Spirit of Crochet and more. The dolls above crafted by Spirit of Crochet are incredible. I love Beat Street's commitment to community.

Tutti Fruity Slime created by a South Middle School Student in Arlington Heights

Another really cool item at Beat Street is Tutti Fruity Slime invented by a local South Middle School student who won the product challenge. Now, her product is being sold at Beat Street!

Beat Street is a favorite when picking up birthday gifts. There are unique items for every age plus Jen gift wraps them for you. Beat Street easily puts smiles on kids faces but really makes parents happy when we don't have to worry about wrapping!

Beat Street makes everyone happy image courtesy of Beat Street.

Beat Street adds a playful vibe to downtown Arlington Heights. The store is one of those places that welcomes exploration and leaves you with a smile on your face. Beat Street is a fun part of the community fabric and I can't wait to join in on future community events!

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.