Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are free and recommended since space is limited; each reservation is per child.

What age is this for?

The program is geared toward young children who enjoy picture books and short activities; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Where do I enter the store?

Enter through the front, right hand side door to FAO Schwarz, New York, located on the plaza; arrive 15 minutes early to check in.

Is there food provided?

Coffee, juice, and light bites are available when you arrive, but plan to bring small snacks for children if needed.

What’s in the gift bag?

Gift bags include select Bluey-themed items and small keepsakes chosen by the organizers to extend the experience at home.

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Yes—cancellation or rebooking for an alternative date or time (if available) is allowed up to the time of the activity.

Bluey Storytime at FAO Schwarz: Family Reading & Activities in New York

At FAO Schwarz in New York, a summer storytime transforms the flagship toy store on the plaza into a small stage where kids can sit close and listen. Bluey Storytime brings the Heeler household to Manhattan for a sixty-minute reading hosted by a world-famous FAO Schwarz Toy Soldier. The event folds read-aloud passages with short activities, and every child leaves with a special gift bag packed with Bluey-themed treats. Held during Bluey Storytime Month, the program is free to reserve and runs on a first-come, first-served basis—a perfect pocket of family-friendly theater in the city.

Arrive through the front, right hand side door to FAO Schwarz, New York, and plan to be there fifteen minutes early for check-in, coffee, juice, and light bites. Adults must accompany children, and reservations are per child; if you miss a session, blueystorytimemonth.com lists at-home story and activity ideas so the fun continues. The format blends bright picture-book reading with guided play: puppets, movement prompts, and simple craft moments that keep little bodies engaged without overwhelming the room.

What makes this event stand out is how it uses the cultural cachet of FAO Schwarz—the iconic toy emporium—to stage a focused, intimate experience. Rather than a noisy mall program, Storytime takes advantage of the store’s theatrical staff character—the FAO Schwarz Toy Soldier—to give a consistent, polished performance that families remember. The Heeler household references and Bluey’s Australian roots add a playful cross-cultural layer that kids pick up quickly through voice, rhythm, and short role-play moments.

Practical notes: sessions last 60 minutes and are gentle on littles; children should be able to sit for short bursts or be ready to move for activity prompts. Space is limited; book ahead to secure a slot. The program’s gift bag is a real draw—small keepsakes that extend the experience at home.

Bluey Storytime is a straightforward, urban-family outing ideal for visitors staying in New York who want a low-effort, high-delight activity for kids. It’s especially helpful on hot or rainy days when an indoor option that still feels lively is desirable. For families who want to keep the momentum, check blueystorytimemonth.com for follow-up activities to try at home. Families appreciate that FAO Schwarz sits on the plaza among major Midtown attractions, making the session an easy stop between museum or theater plans. The staff-run program reflects a tradition of experiential retail in the neighborhood and serves as a reliable choice for caregivers who want child-focused programming without a long commute. Reservations are free; cancellation or rebooking is allowed up to the time of the activity.

About FAO Schwarz

FAO Schwarz is an iconic toy store located in New York, New York. The flagship destination offers immersive, family-focused experiences and curated shopping moments inside the store's landmark setting.

Visitors can choose from a range of guided and private experiences that combine personalized service, live entertainment, and hands-on interaction with toys and displays. Signature offerings include the Toy Soldier Dinner, featuring a guided tour, a piano-side meal, a live magic show, and private after-hours shopping with assistance from Toy Soldiers; the Toy Soldier Experience, which provides before-hours access, a behind-the-scenes tour, dancing on the grand piano, and tailored gift recommendations; and VIP and Express Personal Shopping sessions that deliver private access and expert recommendations.

FAO Schwarz also hosts themed experiences such as the Jellycat Diner Experience, where guests enjoy freshly prepared meals and collectible plush items, and the FAO-Abulous Boutique Deluxe Beauty Experience, which lets young guests create custom makeup kits and receive a mini makeover. Seasonal programming includes the FAO Schwarz 5th Annual Halloween Spooktacular with early access, trick-or-treat activities, and a costume contest.

Each experience is staffed by trained team members and includes curated takeaways or shopping assistance. FAO Schwarz emphasizes memorable in-store events, private shopping options, and family-centered entertainment. Located in New York City, FAO Schwarz provides multiple ways for visitors to plan visits, reserve tickets, and select private or public experiences that fit different group sizes and interests. Reservations, private bookings, and shipping arrangements are available through FAO Schwarz.

Bluey Storytime at FAO Schwarz: Family Reading & Activities in New York

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