Dinosaur Hill

Dinosaur Hill, 306 East 9th Street, established in 1983 and now celebrating its 25th year, was one of New York’s first “smart” toy stores. Run by former pre-school teacher and artist Pamela Pier, the store has become an East Village Institution. The parents who first brought their children to the store are now grandparents, and their kids are bringing the next generation back to visit, reminisce and shop

Dinosaur Hill focuses on providing toys, books, games, and art objects that please the hand, the eye, and the mind for people of all ages. The business of early childhood is play, and kids learn by doing. This can be done in an open, freehand way, and knowledge is layered in by handling blocks and other toys that teach spatial relationships, shapes, and colors simply by use. So there are lots of blocks and manipulative toys.

For both older and younger children, books, games and puzzles are an integral component of our stock; cartoony artwork and TV toys are avoided.

There is a general focus on the natural world. Fossils, interesting rocks and sometimes even a large ammonite or a plesiosaur jawbone can be found. Science kits and art kits are mostly of the learn-by-doing variety. Make-your own ukuleles and other musical instruments such as a colorful 15-note xylophone are stacked in a pine cabinet. A large selection of wooden toys has always been featured here.

Dinosaur Hill also offers hand-made and hand-finished clothing, with an emphasis on goods by people from the immediate area. Clothing is made from natural fibers.

Pier has deep roots in the East Village, and is a member of The Green Oasis Community Garden, the East Village Community Coalition, and the Ninth Street Business Group. Dinosaur Hill supports parent associations in many area schools, and is pleased to support Shop for Public Schools. The people who work at Dinosaur Hill are informed individuals who are also involved in many aspects of the community at large…their kids’ schools, and art, drama and dance.