ZANY BRAINY OPENS EIGHT NEW STORES

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. - Zany Brainy, Inc. (Nasdaq National Market: ZANY), a leading specialty retailer of high quality toys, games, books and multimedia products, has announced eight new store openings. The company has now opened a total of 18 stores this year. A chain-wide relaunch, "ZanyBration Across the Nation" is scheduled for October 6-15, 2000.

The recent store openings in August and September were in the following markets: Hurst, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Greenville, South Carolina; Roseville, California; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Alexandria, Virginia; St. Charles, Illinois; and Monroeville, Pennsylvania. In October, Zany Brainy expects to open seven more stores in Amherst, New York; Pittsford, New York; Gurnee, Illinois; Deer Park, Illinois; Austin, Texas; Camp Hill, Pennsylvania; and Skokie, Illinois, bringing Zany Brainy's store count to 188 stores in 34 states.

"In addition to our store openings being on-track, we have made significant progress with the integration of Noodle Kidoodle and Zany Brainy," said Thomas G. Vellios, President and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Zany Brainy. "We are looking forward to introducing the Zany Brainy concept to our new customers during `Zanybration Across the Nation,' our upcoming official brand relaunch."

"Zanybration Across the Nation" is a chain-wide event designed to reaffirm the core values of the Zany Brainy brand and drive traffic to the stores prior to the upcoming holiday season. The celebration will feature a Violent Toy Turn-In in support of Zany Brainy's mission of providing high quality products that enhance the lives of children.

Every child ages 4 to 13 who turns in a violent toy at a local Zany Brainy store can enter a contest to win one of 31 ninety second shopping sprees or one of five free concerts with top-name family entertainers at the child's school. Parents can also participate with their children online at www.ZanyBrainy.com for a chance to win an online shopping spree valued at $500.