1 / 3Toy Circus
π Shannon, Manawatu-Wanganui
A one-of-a-kind toy museum in Shannon run by Paddy, who personally tours visitors through an enormous collection of vintage toys, roller skates, and games. Mini golf, outdoor mazes, and ride-on vehicles extend the visit beyond the museum itself.
Paddy owns a gem! He is very passionate about his collection and is extremely kind in his presentation. He effortlessly gives you a tour and he has a story for every piece, something you donβt get very often. He is an eccentric man and his personality adds to the experience. It is $39 for an adult, however I would argue it is worth the price as you get a guided tour, can play mini golf, ride crazy bikes, play on a variety of old school gaming systems and much more. He even pushed me in a thomas the tank engine train for his ghost train βrideβ - I am an adult. Love his enthusiasm.
π Family Action Verdict
Paddy's guided tour alone is worth the detour to Shannon β his knowledge and energy turn a vintage toy collection into a proper performance, and the mini golf and mazes keep kids moving afterwards.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β115 Google reviews
Tara Smith
2 months ago
βPaddy owns a gem! He is very passionate about his collection and is extremely kind in his presentation. He effortlessly gives you a tour and he has a story for every piece, something you donβt get very often. He is an eccentric man and his personality adds to the experience. It is $39 for an adult, however I would argue it is worth the price as you get a guided tour, can play mini golf, ride crazy bikes, play on a variety of old school gaming systems and much more. He even pushed me in a thomas the tank engine train for his ghost train βrideβ - I am an adult. Love his enthusiasm.β
Sarah Milne
8 months ago
βWOW! I was absolutely blown away! Went with no expectations, and yet there was excellent entertainment at every view - toys - outdoor mazes - mini golf - and fabulous wheelies including skates, scooters, confused bikes and more. Paddy gave us lots of time and I would really recommend this place. Both boys (twins aged 6) wanted to spend way more time there.β
Jorja Phillips
2 years ago
βSuch a cool place. The guy running it is fun and super chatty, he can answer any question you have about his toys. A super collection of old toys, games and roller skates. You definitely have to spend a whole day. There's a toy museum, mini golf, roller rink, water fight arena, and his entire backyard is available to ride the loads of bikes he has.β
Hannele Variend
3 months ago
βA wonderful blast of crazy nostagia hosted by the delightful curator Paddy. What a joy to stumble upon this incredible museum. HighΜly recommended for all ages. PlentΜly to explore for a good couple of hours including a ghost train, games consoles, willy wonkas Snack shop and mini golf.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
Toy Circus in Shannon is built around owner Paddy's encyclopaedic collection of vintage toys, games, and roller skates β and around Paddy himself, who guides every visit with a story for each piece. Reviewers describe going in with no expectations and leaving blown away. The property also has outdoor mini golf, mazes, and ride-on vehicles. A solid two-hour visit is the consensus. The place draws visitors from across New Zealand.
