Should You Bring Kids to Bin Stores? A Family Shopping Guide

ByDanielle Brooks
Shoppers, including families with children, browse through large blue bins filled with discounted merchandise inside a spacious, well-lit bin store

Shopping at bin stores is like a modern-day treasure hunt where savvy shoppers can score deeply discounted products in bulk. But as fun as it sounds for adults, many parents wonder—should you bring your kids along for the ride? While the idea of family bargain hunting may sound appealing, bin stores are not your typical retail environment. This guide explores the pros, cons, and tips to help families decide if it’s the right move.

What You’ll Find Inside a Bin Store

Bin stores are typically stocked with excess, returned, or liquidation items from major retailers. Products are dumped into large bins for shoppers to dig through, and prices usually drop throughout the week—making timing essential. While the deals are enticing, the environment can be chaotic, noisy, and competitive.

Pros of Bringing Kids to Bin Stores

1. Teachable Moments on Budgeting

Bin stores offer a great opportunity to teach children about budgeting, value comparison, and smart shopping. You can give older children a set budget and let them choose how to spend it, encouraging financial literacy early on.

2. Bonding Time

If your children enjoy the thrill of finding “hidden gems,” bin stores can be a fun way to spend time together. It turns shopping into a scavenger hunt, especially if they’re on the lookout for toys or school supplies.

Challenges of Bin Store Shopping With Kids

1. Safety Concerns

Bin stores are busy spaces with large crowds, sharp packaging, and sometimes unstable bins or carts. Younger children may not understand the importance of staying close or avoiding rough materials.

2. Limited Space and Seating

Most bin stores don’t have shopping carts sized for families or areas where kids can rest. This can lead to fatigue or boredom quickly, especially for toddlers or preschoolers.

3. Fast-Paced Environment

Shoppers often rush to grab the best items, creating a fast-moving and competitive atmosphere. It might be overwhelming or even stressful for some children.

Age Considerations: Who Should and Shouldn’t Tag Along?

  • Toddlers (0–3 years): Best left at home due to safety and mobility concerns.
  • Preschoolers (4–6 years): May struggle to stay engaged or safe—consider only short visits.
  • Older Kids (7+): Can participate in the hunt and handle instructions better; assign small tasks to keep them engaged.

Tips for a Successful Visit With Kids

Come Prepared

Bring hand sanitizer, snacks, water, and maybe a small toy or tablet for downtime. Dressing your kids in comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes is also a must.

Set Clear Expectations

Let your kids know what to expect inside the store: crowds, bins, noise, and limits on what can be bought. Giving them simple tasks (like finding a certain category of item) keeps them focused.

Go During Off-Peak Hours

If you must bring your kids, avoid weekends and early morning restock times. Visiting on quieter weekday afternoons increases safety and minimizes overwhelm. Searching online for the bin store near me and calling ahead to ask about quieter times is always smart.

Alternatives: Make It a Grown-Up Trip

If bringing kids just isn’t feasible, consider swapping shopping time with your partner or a friend. Alternatively, some bin stores offer “VIP hours” or online reservation systems to help parents plan ahead and avoid the crowds altogether.

Conclusion

Bringing your kids to a bin store can be a rewarding experience—but only under the right conditions. With a little planning and age-appropriate expectations, it can even be a fun and educational outing. However, for many parents, shopping solo may still be the best way to score big on savings while avoiding potential stress.