Player’s Choice Ballot
Which toys do you think are most worthy of joining icons such as Barbie, LEGOs, and the cardboard box in the National Toy Hall of Fame? Vote now through September 25, 2024.
Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Fri. & Sat. till 8 p.m.
- Educators
- Woodbury School
- Journal of Play
- G2
- Visit
- Exhibits
- Collections
- Support
- About
National Toy Hall of Fame
Explore some of the best and most important toys of all time!
View Inductees About The StrongThe National Toy Hall of Fame is housed at The Strong Museum in Rochester, NY.
The National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong, established in 1998, recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and enjoyed popularity over a sustained period. Each year, the prestigious hall inducts new honorees and showcases both new and historic versions of classic toys beloved by generations.
Apples to Apples
From its debut in 1999, Apples to Apples was a commercial success and reshaped the field of party games. By encouraging a group to offer creative or provocative answers to the questions posed […]
View Details
Balloons
From a single balloon on a string to glittering foil balloon arrangements to intricate balloon sculptures of clouds, play with balloons is something everyone can enjoy. Blowing up a balloon improves lung capacity. […]
View Details
Choose Your Own Adventure Gamebooks
With their roots in oral storytelling that asked listeners for their input, and the branching stories and role-playing simulations of the mid-20th century, Choose Your Own Adventure gamebooks gave kids new opportunities to […]
View Details
Hess Toy Trucks
Since 1964, the Hess toy trucks have signaled the beginning of the holiday season. For many, the trucks (and their iconic TV jingle) evoke memories of times past and the fun of playing […]
View Details
Alphabet Blocks
Inducted Year: 2003 For centuries, parents understanding the connection between play and development have made alphabet blocks standard equipment of the well-stocked toy box. Alphabet blocks appeared as early as 1693, when philosopher John […]
View Details
American Girl Dolls
Inducted Year: 2021 Following a visit to historic Williamsburg, Virginia, and a Christmas shopping trip for her nieces, educator and newscaster Pleasant Rowland developed and launched a line of 18-inch dolls representing an era […]
View Details
Atari 2600 Game System
Inducted Year: 2007 When people play today, chances are very good they’re playing a video game. No company did more to make that true than Atari. Atari did not make the first home video game […]
View Details
Baby Doll
Inducted Year: 2008 Crying, cooing, sleeping, eating, drinking, and wetting. What aspiring mom (or dad) doesn’t want a lifelike baby doll with all those features? But before the first baby doll appeared in the […]
View Details
Nominate Your Favorite Toy
Is your favorite toy or game missing from the National Toy Hall of Fame? Nominate it now!
Explore More Exhibits
Visit a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play.
- Exhibits
- Woodbury School
