Okay, so picture this. You walk into a place and immediately feel your shoulders drop. The lighting is soft. The vibe is calm but not boring. Your kids don’t immediately start ricocheting off the walls. No one is shushing anyone. No one is staring. It just feels… good. That was how it was during our first time walking into The Sensory Shoppe in Carmel, a welcoming space where neurodivergent children and adults can explore, learn, and thrive through sensory experiences.
This isn’t just another cute shop. It’s not loud. It’s not chaotic. It’s not trying too hard. It’s thoughtful, warm, and intentionally designed for real families with real kids who experience the world in all kinds of ways. And yes, it absolutely deserves a spot on your “places I actually want to go again” list.
What You’ll Find Inside The Sensory Shoppe
The sensory toy store itself is thoughtfully curated with items designed to engage the senses in calming, creative, and joyful ways. Everything feels purposeful without being overwhelming.
You’ll find sensory tools that support regulation, focus, and relaxation. There are fidgets, textures, calming items, creative tools, and products that invite hands-on exploration. Some items are perfect for home use, others work beautifully in classrooms or therapy settings, and many are simply fun to use.
What I loved most was how approachable everything felt. Nothing felt clinical. Nothing felt intimidating. It felt like a place where curiosity is welcome, and exploration is encouraged. There were no “Do Not Touch” signs.
You might walk in thinking you’re “just browsing” and leave with something that ends up becoming part of your child’s daily routine or your own self-care practice.
The Sensory Shoppe was created by Emily, a mom who knew firsthand how hard it can be to find spaces where kids feel comfortable and understood. Shopping and classes were often overwhelming for her own family, so she built the thing she wished existed. That energy shows up the second you walk in. You can feel that this place was designed with heart, experience, and a whole lot of empathy.
Supporting Therapists, Educators, and Caregivers
The Sensory Shoppe is also a wonderful resource for therapists, teachers, and caregivers. Many of the products and activities are designed to support learning, emotional regulation, and engagement. It is easy to imagine educators finding new tools for their classrooms or therapists discovering materials that help their clients connect and grow.
Here’s what surprised me the most. This space is technically designed with neurodivergent kids and adults in mind, but it does not feel exclusive or clinical in any way. It feels welcoming. Inviting. Cool, even. I love that nearly anyone can find something they need here; Teens dealing with anxiety, adults experiencing burnout, caregivers who need a reset, teachers looking for new tools, and therapists supporting clients can all find something meaningful. You don’t have to be neurodivergent to benefit from calming tools, creative outlets, or a space that encourages slowing down. Sometimes we all need permission to take a breath.
When we visited, each of my kids gravitated toward something totally different. One was all about texture and hands-on exploration. Another immediately found calming items that made them visibly relax. And no one was rushed. No one was corrected. There was no pressure to “do it right.” That freedom alone felt like a gift.
Classes at The Sensory Shoppe
Then there are the classes. This is where The Sensory Shoppe really shines. The classes are designed to support creativity, regulation, and confidence in a way that feels flexible instead of rigid. They are small, supportive, and welcoming. Kids can engage in whatever way feels right to them that day. That alone makes a huge difference for families who have struggled with traditional activities or group settings.
We tried out their slime bar event one afternoon and my kids had a wonderful time. The sensory friendly activity was a lot of fun, customized for their ages and very affordable.
Classes vary and may include sensory play, creative exploration, calming activities, and skill-building experiences. The goal is not perfection or performance. The goal is engagement, comfort, and growth.
Birthday Parties at The Sensory Shoppe
They’re also offering birthday parties for kids, which honestly feels like a small miracle for a lot of families. If you’ve ever tried to plan a party and thought, “This is going to be way too loud, too much, or too overwhelming,” you will understand why this matters. These parties are designed to meet kids where they are, not force them into something that doesn’t fit. It’s thoughtful, inclusive, and honestly, such a relief to even have the option.
A Place for Teens and Adults Too
What I also love is that this space is not just for little kids. Teens who are navigating anxiety or sensory overload can actually feel comfortable here. Adults dealing with burnout can find tools that help them reset. Teachers and therapists can find resources that support the work they do every day. It’s one of those rare places that feels equally welcoming whether you’re five or forty-five.
And let’s be real for a second. You do not need a label or a diagnosis to benefit from softness, creativity, or calm. You don’t need permission to love fidgets, textures, soothing scents, or quiet moments. The Sensory Shoppe totally gets that. It invites you to show up exactly as you are, no explanations required.
I also love what this space represents for our community. It says that inclusion isn’t an afterthought. It’s the starting point. It says that families deserve spaces that adapt to them, not the other way around. And it reminds us that supporting kids also means supporting the adults who care for them.
If you’re looking for things to do in Carmel with kids, this is one of those places I genuinely want you to know about. Whether you stop in to browse, sign up for a class, plan a birthday, or just see what it’s all about, The Sensory Shoppe feels like a place your kids will want to visit again.
The Sensory Shoppe Hours
The Sensory Shop is open 10 am to 6 pm, daily.
The Sensory Shop is located at 99 East Carmel Drive, Carmel. There is free parking in the parking lot in front of the store.
Address
99 East Carmel Drive
Carmel
Indiana
Visit A Peek Inside The Sensory Shoppe | New Store in Carmel
Upcoming Events
- $6 Slime Bar Activity at The Sensory Shoppe | Drop-In Event - 1 Jan 2026 - 13:00