Owners of the Toy Time Folk Toy and Science Museum in Meadows of Dan will not renew their lease when it expires in October, according to owner Tom Wilson.

The museum and store both are set to close later this month.

Wilson said the family-run operation decided to not renew their lease for a third year because “We wanted to take a break.”

The family lives in North Carolina, he said, and explained that while they do have property locally, he is semi-retired.

Wilson makes the toys and exhibits by hand, and the business has been a good fit for the community, he said.

“People seemed to enjoy it, but it just got to be too much,” Wilson said, adding the facility generally is open half the year to the public, with the other half reserved for school groups.

The hectic weekend schedule is shared by Wilson, his daughter and son-in-law, he said.

“I feel bad” shutting the doors,” Wilson said. “The community liked it. We had more locals, and when I say locals, I mean people from Danville and Roanoke, not just people (traveling on) the parkway, although we have them too.”

Both the museum and toy store will be open Friday through Sunday the next two weekends, Oct. 13 through 15 and 20 through 22, Wilson said.

Hours on Friday and Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for youngsters, added.

The museum pieces have been sold to other museums in Virginia and North Carolina, Wilson said, and explained those pieces will be picked up after Oct. 22.

Only the toy store will be open Oct. 27 through 29, Wilson said, and noted admission will be free on those days. “People can still come and play for free that weekend.”

While the business is closing, “we’ll still do craft shows and stuff like that,” and offer the handmade toys for sale, Wilson said. Those endeavors will offer him more flexibility than the current hours of operation.

Director of Tourism Sandra Belcher said the museum and store provided “wonderful content. I hate to see it go.”