2026 Toy Hall of Fame Inductees: Bingo, Care Bears, Pokémon, and Slides
The four new additions join 90 existing icons in the National Toy Hall of Fame, recognized for their lasting impact on global play and design.
By James Anderson ·
The National Toy Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees on Thursday, selecting bingo, Care Bears, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and the playground slide from a list of 12 finalists.
Bingo, which originated from an Italian lottery game played around 1530, was selected for its global reach. Mirek Stolee, a curator at The Strong National Museum of Play, noted that while the game is often linked to older adults, it has gained popularity among young people. Public bingo games have expanded beyond fundraising events into bars and nightclubs.
Care Bears earned its spot with the support of nearly 1 million social media followers. The Pokémon Trading Card Game drew strong backing from fans of anime and manga. The museum also cited the slide as a tool for motor skill development and exploration, noting that people of all ages recall the energizing experience of sliding down.
The selection process requires toys to be considered icons that engage multiple generations or change toy design. Jeremy Saucier, the museum's vice president for collections, emphasized the nostalgic value of the slide. The four new members will join the 90 existing inductees, including Cabbage Patch Kids, Hot Wheels, and Frisbee.
Other finalists that did not make the cut include Bop It!, mahjong, Monster High dolls, Polly Pocket, Tickle Me Elmo, Yahtzee, Sorry!, and Mouse Trap. Anyone can nominate a toy, but the final decision rests with experts at The Strong National Museum of Play.
