1 / 3Toy Circus
📍 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.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Paddy's guided tour alone is worth the detour to Shannon — his knowledge and energy turn a vintage toy collection into a proper performance, and the mini golf and mazes keep kids moving afterwards.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →115 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Tara Smith
2 months ago
“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 don’t 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 ‘ride’ - I am an adult. Love his enthusiasm.”
Sarah Milne
8 months ago
“WOW! 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.”
Jorja Phillips
2 years ago
“Such 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.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Toy Circus in Shannon is built around owner Paddy's encyclopaedic collection of vintage toys, games, and roller skates — 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.
