Since 1994, Mudpuddles has been a great place for kids in the heart of Ann Arbor’s historic Kerrytown district. Originally opened by Sharon and Jan, the store began as a children’s section inside a nature shop called Marsh and Fields. As the kids’ corner grew in popularity, they recognized a growing need, and created a full store devoted to the power of play.
When Sharon retired in 2016, Aiden - a proud LGBTQ business owner and longtime fan of Kerrytown - joined Jan in continuing Mudpuddles legacy. Aiden attended high school just across the street at Community High and worked just downstairs at Kosmos, the neighborhood lunch counter. Together, Aiden and Jan have shaped what Mudpuddles is today: a joyful, welcoming space with a deep commitment to kids, play, and community.
That’s the spirit behind everything we do. At Mudpuddles, we believe children learn best through play. In a world where screens are introduced earlier and more often, we focus on toys that invite hands-on discovery and imagination. While we do carry some battery-operated toys, the heart of our store is “kid-powered” play, that is, products that spark creativity, movement, and connection. We encourage kids and adults alike to interact with toys in the store and rediscover the simple joy of play.
We collaborate with over 200 vendors, including many small businesses, to keep our inventory fresh and thoughtfully curated. From brand new favorites to timeless classics, there’s always something new to explore. By regularly attending toy fairs, we stay on top of industry trends and work closely with our reps to make sure what we carry reflects what families are truly looking for.
We know that finding the right toy often takes a conversation, not just a search bar. That’s why we’re here to help, whether you’re shopping in person or online. Our team is happy to offer thoughtful recommendations, answer questions over the phone, or track down something specific you're hunting for.
And no matter how you shop, we offer complimentary gift wrapping to make life just a little easier.