Texas hobby shops are full of surprises, and some offer far more than shelves of supplies. One game store keeps the fun going until midnight on Fridays, while another shop has an actual slot car track where miniature racers take to the course.
There’s something here for almost every kind of hobbyist. Think detailed Gundam models, classic train sets, remote-controlled trucks, colorful board games, and elaborate tabletop battlefields filled with miniature armies.
From the Texas Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, these 11 shops offer their own mix of collectibles, creative projects, and hands-on fun. Some specialize in old-school favorites, while others introduce visitors to hobbies they never knew they’d enjoy.
Whether you’re a dedicated collector or simply curious about trying something new, these Texas hobby shops make it easy to lose track of time.
1. A-Z Toy Hobby
Giant robots come in surprisingly small boxes, and this Katy shop stacks them high. Gunpla kits are the big draw here, so fans of Gundam builds have plenty to look at.
Gunpla is short for Gundam plastic models. These kits snap together into detailed robot figures, and many builders paint and customize them for extra flair.
The shelves go beyond robots, though. You’ll find models, paints, and supplies packed into the store, giving you lots of reasons to linger.
That depth is the real story. Modelers and hobbyists can track down products here that are hard to find at other stores.
Planning helps if you like quiet browsing. Weekdays tend to be calmer, while Saturday mornings and afternoons usually bring the biggest crowds.
Hours matter too, since Saturdays end early. The shop runs from 10 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday.
Sundays are a day off for the store. So if you want a weekend trip, aim for Saturday morning and give yourself time to wander the aisles.
Free Wi-Fi is available inside. That comes in handy if you want to look up a kit number or compare build options while you shop.
Can’t make it in person? The store offers delivery and in-store pickup, which works nicely if you already know exactly what you need.
Still, browsing in person is half the fun. A box that looks plain online can suddenly spark a whole weekend project once it’s in your hands.
Beginners should grab basic tools along with a first kit. Nippers, a hobby knife, and a few paints can turn a simple build into something you’ll proudly display.
Katy sits in the Greater Houston area, so the trip is easy for plenty of Texas builders. Just don’t be surprised if one robot turns into three.
Address: 3325 Porter Rd C102, Katy, TX 77493
2. Common Ground Games
Midnight on a Friday is prime game time at this Dallas favorite. The store stays open until 12 AM that night, which is great news for anyone who hates stopping mid-game.
Board games fill the shelves in a big way. You’ll also spot Dungeons and Dragons gear, tabletop games, Kickstarter titles, and some delightfully obscure picks.
That mix makes browsing feel like a scavenger hunt. One shelf might hold a family classic, while the next has something you’ve never heard of.
The open-play area is a major perk. There’s plenty of room to meet friends, crack open a box, and settle a rivalry over cards or dice.
Events keep the calendar busy too. A packed schedule means you can often find a reason to come back and try something new.
Timing your visit can shape the experience. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings get busy, along with Saturday afternoons and evenings.
Want a calmer look around? Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be quieter, so you can read the backs of boxes without a crowd.
The shop is known as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. That makes it a welcoming spot to join a table, even if you’re new.
Curbside pickup and in-store pickup are both offered. Just know that a quick pickup can easily stretch into a long browse.
Hours run 11 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Sundays are shorter, from noon to 6 PM.
Free Wi-Fi helps when you want to check rules or reviews on the spot. Parking includes both free and paid lots nearby.
If you’re visiting Dallas with only an hour to spare, plan carefully. Game shelves this deep don’t respect anyone’s schedule.
Address: 1314 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75247
3. Dibble’s Hobbies
Planes, trains, and automobiles all share shelf space at this old-school San Antonio hobby outpost. Add a few Gundam kits, and the mix gets even more fun.
Model trains are a big part of the shop’s identity. If you’re building a layout or just love rail details, you’ll find plenty to study.
The variety keeps going from there. Multiple genres of models are on hand, along with supplies for all sorts of projects.
Role-playing gamers get some love too. The store carries accessories for RPGs, so your next adventure can start here.
Helpful staff are a big part of the appeal. Ask about a project, and you can get pointed toward the right supplies.
That kind of guidance matters for beginners. Choosing glue, paint, or the right scale can feel confusing without someone who knows the hobby.
The shop sits in an established neighborhood storefront on Donaldson Avenue. It has the feel of a classic hobby stop rather than a giant chain.
Plan around the schedule. Dibble’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Getting there is easy with a free on-site parking lot. Curbside pickup and in-store pickup are both available if you call ahead.
Here’s a fun tip for first-timers. Walk the whole store once before buying, because the best find might be hiding on the last shelf.
Model railroading is a hobby with deep roots across America. Shops like this keep that tradition rolling for new builders and longtime fans alike.
Whether you’re after a tiny caboose or a fighter jet kit, give yourself extra time. Old-school shops tend to reward slow, curious browsers.
Address: 1029 Donaldson Ave, San Antonio, TX 78228
4. King’s Hobby ATX
A slot car track inside a hobby shop? Austin, you’ve outdone yourself with this north Burnet Road find.
Slot cars are tiny electric race cars guided by a groove in the track. Racers control speed with a handheld trigger, which sounds easy until the first curve.
The shelves bring plenty of variety too. Model kits, trains, and die-cast cars all have a place here.
Don’t expect a giant warehouse. The store is small, but it’s packed full of kits and accessories for many kinds of projects.
That compact size works in your favor. Every shelf seems to hold something worth a second look, especially unique models and train pieces.
Train fans should check the small parts closely. Those little bits can be exactly what a layout needs to feel finished.
King’s Hobby ATX is known as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. A gender-neutral restroom is available as well.
Hours run from 11 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Sundays are open from noon to 5 PM, and Mondays are closed.
A free parking lot makes stopping by simple. That’s a nice bonus on a busy Austin road.
In-store pickup is offered if you know what you want. Still, it’s hard to imagine leaving without peeking at the track.
For families, this shop can be a fun rainy-day plan. Kids who love cars can see die-cast models up close and learn how slot racing works.
Adults get the same thrill, honestly. Nobody is too grown up for a tiny racecar zipping around a corner.
Bring a list, but leave room for surprises. Small shops often hide the coolest finds in the tightest corners.
Address: 7325 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
5. Mad Hatter’s House of Games
Lewis Carroll’s Mad Hatter loved a never-ending tea party. Lubbock’s version swaps teacups for dice, cards, and game nights that run late.
The store is roomy, and the selection matches the space. Board games, tabletop games, and trading card games all get serious attention here.
RPG players have plenty to explore. You’ll find tabletop RPG books, DM guides, starter sets, dice, figures, and paints.
Card players aren’t left out either. Card sleeves and trading cards make this a handy stop before a tournament.
Speaking of tournaments, the shop has tournament and game tables. Props are on hand too, which adds fun to tabletop sessions.
Late nights are part of the charm. The store stays open until 11 PM on Wednesdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Fridays get the busiest, especially in the evening and night. If you love energy and crowded tables, that’s your moment.
Prefer a quieter browse? Afternoons from Sunday through Thursday tend to be calmer, so you can take your time.
Regular hours start at noon every day. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday close at 8 PM.
The shop is known as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. Free Wi-Fi is available, handy for checking card prices or rules.
Parking is easy with a free lot and free street parking. That makes a downtown Lubbock game night a lot less stressful.
West Texas has wide-open spaces, and this shop has wide-open fun to match. Bring a friend, grab a table, and see where the dice take you.
Address: 1507 Texas Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401
6. The Model Box
Scale modelers, meet your Hill Country headquarters. This Boerne shop on North Main Street sees itself as a community as much as a store.
Craftsmanship sits at the center of that idea. The shop values shared knowledge and good company, so the hobby feels like a group activity.
The kit selection is a big reason to visit. Planes, tanks, and automobile kits come in a large variety.
Paints and tools are well stocked too. That means you can pick up a kit and the supplies to finish it in one trip.
Many fans consider it one of the strongest model selections in the greater San Antonio area. For builders, that’s a bold reason to make the drive.
Boerne itself adds to the outing. It’s a Texas Hill Country town of around 20,000 people with a historic main street.
You can plan a day around the visit. Stroll Main Street, then duck in to study tank treads and tiny cockpit details.
Hours are generous, with the shop open seven days a week. Tuesday through Friday runs 10 AM to 7 PM.
Mondays and Sundays are open noon to 5 PM. Saturdays run from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Parking options are plentiful, including a free lot, free garage, and free street parking. A gender-neutral restroom and free Wi-Fi round out the amenities.
New to scale models? Start with a simple car or plane kit, then ask about techniques for painting and weathering.
Those skills grow fast with a little help. Before long, your shelf might look like a tiny museum.
Address: 1022 N Main St, Boerne, TX 78006
7. The Forge Hobbies & Games
Blacksmiths shaped metal at a forge, and this west Houston shop helps you shape tiny armies. Miniature painting supplies are a highlight here.
Tabletop board games line up alongside the paints. That combo makes it easy to switch from building to playing in one visit.
Wargamers will feel right at home. The shop carries plenty of models and hobby equipment for many game systems.
Knowledgeable staff help make sense of it all. If you’re unsure which brush or primer to grab, asking is a smart move.
Miniature painting can look tricky at first. A few good brushes, thin paint coats, and patience will take you surprisingly far.
The hours are friendly for night owls. Mondays and Fridays run until 11 PM, while Tuesday through Thursday close at 10 PM.
Saturday is the long day, open from 10 AM to 10 PM. Sundays run from noon to 8 PM.
Friday evenings and nights bring the biggest crowd. Many other times, including weekday afternoons, tend to be quieter.
The shop is known as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. A gender-neutral restroom and free Wi-Fi are available.
A free on-site parking lot makes the trip easier on busy Memorial Drive. In-store pickup is also offered.
Houston is huge, so a shop with late hours is a real gift. You can come after school or work and still have time to browse.
Try picking up one small model and a starter set of paints. Your first painted mini might not be perfect, but it’ll be yours.
Address: 15123 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079
8. STX RC
Corpus Christi has beaches, breezes, and a shop full of remote-control machines ready to roar. STX RC focuses on RC vehicles, parts, and accessories.
Choice is the name of the game here. Ready-to-run models sit alongside kit builds, so you can drive today or build first.
Ready-to-run means the vehicle comes mostly assembled. Kit builds take more work, but you learn how every piece fits together.
Replacement parts are a big deal in the RC world. Crashes happen, and having parts close by keeps your truck from collecting dust.
The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. That’s a huge help when you’re matching parts or picking your first vehicle.
Special orders tend to arrive quickly too. If a part isn’t on the shelf, ordering it doesn’t have to mean a long wait.
There’s something for a range of drivers here. Beginners and seasoned racers can both find a reason to stop by.
Plan around the shop’s schedule. It’s open Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Saturdays run from noon to 6 PM. Sundays and Mondays are closed, so save those days for driving.
Thinking about a first RC? Ask about durability and parts availability, not just top speed.
A fast car is exciting, but a fixable car is better. You’ll spend more time driving and less time waiting.
The coastal Texas setting makes this an easy addition to a weekend trip. Just warn your family that you may come home with a new hobby.
Address: 2222 Airline Rd Suite B3, Corpus Christi, TX 78414
9. Texas Toy Soldier
Tiny soldiers need big battlefields, and Carrollton delivers. Texas Toy Soldier has a very large play area in back with tables and lots of terrain.
Terrain makes tabletop wargames come alive. Hills, buildings, and ruins turn a flat table into a world worth fighting over.
The shelves feature an extensive selection of miniatures. Wargames, RPG minis, and painting supplies are all part of the mix.
Game variety is impressive. You’ll find Bolt Action, Warhammer, Star Wars Legion, and D&D, plus many other games.
That range is great for curious players. You can try one system, then wander over to see what else is out there.
The hours are a little unusual, so check before you go. Tuesday runs 5 PM to 9 PM, and Wednesday runs 11 AM to 9 PM.
Thursday and Friday stay open until 10 PM. Saturday runs 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday goes from noon to 6 PM.
Mondays are closed. That gives you one night to finish painting before the week’s games begin.
Busy times include Tuesday and Thursday evenings, plus Saturday afternoons. Those are good bets if you want to see games in action.
Quieter windows include Wednesday and Thursday mornings. That’s a nice time for slow shopping and questions.
The shop sits in the northern Dallas-Fort Worth area. It’s an easy stop for players across that part of Texas.
Bring your painted army, or start a new one. Either way, those terrain-covered tables are calling.
Address: 2540 Marsh Ln #100, Carrollton, TX 75006
10. HobbyTown
Model rockets, model boats, and model trains under one roof? Arlington’s HobbyTown sounds like a kid’s wish list, and adults are welcome too.
Car and truck builders get special attention here. The shop is densely stocked with kits, paints, tools, and accessories.
The range keeps stretching. Gundam kits, Lego replica kits, RC cars and parts, and die-cast vehicles all show up.
That kind of variety means surprises are common. You might come in for glue and leave planning a rocket launch.
Model rocketry is a fun hobby with real science behind it. Building one teaches you about balance, thrust, and safe launch habits.
The staff are friendly, which helps when you’re new. Asking questions can save you from buying the wrong paint or part.
Hours are easy to work with. Weekdays run from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Saturdays run 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sundays go from 11 AM to 5 PM. That makes it one of the more flexible stops on this list.
Saturday mornings and afternoons bring the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings and afternoons are usually quieter.
In-store pickup is available if you order ahead. Onsite services are offered as well.
Arlington is famous for big stadiums and theme park thrills. This shop offers a smaller kind of excitement, one tiny part at a time.
Bring a budget, and maybe a friend to keep you honest. With this many aisles, temptation is part of the experience.
Address: 1112 W Arbrook Blvd Ste 106, Arlington, TX 76015
11. Warhammer
Heroes, gods, and monsters are waiting in the Texas Panhandle. Amarillo’s Warhammer store is all about collecting, painting, and gaming with miniatures.
Two big worlds anchor the shop. Warhammer Age of Sigmar brings fantasy battles, while Warhammer 40,000 heads into a far-future war.
Picking a side is half the fun. Do you want sword-swinging heroes or armored warriors among the stars?
The store offers free intro activities to help you choose. That’s a smart way to try the hobby before buying an army.
Once you’re hooked, the shelves have you covered. There’s a huge selection of minis, paints, and supplies.
Painting miniatures can become a relaxing habit. Many hobbyists enjoy the slow, steady work of bringing a tiny figure to life.
The atmosphere is inviting. You’re welcome to look around and chat with fellow hobbyists about your favorite factions.
Those conversations can teach you a lot. Fans of the hobby often love sharing painting tricks and army ideas.
Plan your visit for Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM. Sundays run from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Mondays and Tuesdays are closed. That gives you two days to finish a model and bring it back with pride.
In-store pickup is offered too. It’s handy if you’ve already chosen your next squad.
The Panhandle may be famous for wide skies and long drives. Here, the biggest adventures happen on a tabletop barely a few feet wide.
Address: 2618 Wolfin Village, Amarillo, TX 79109
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