It’s a beautiful thing knowing that all children, no matter their abilities, have a safe place to play and connect with other children. That’s exactly what I found at We Rock the Spectrum – Carmel, which caters to children of all ages with a large sensory-friendly environment.
A true respite for families in Central Indiana, We Rock the Spectrum -Carmel was launched by mother-daughter duo Jane and Sarah, who are closely tied to the neurodivergent community because of Sarah’s son, Korben, who is autistic, non-verbal, and has a rare genetic syndrome. Because of their close connection to the special needs community, you can tell that they’re both committed to making We Rock the Spectrum-Carmel a place of fun, safety, and inclusivity.
The Name of the Game? Fun for All!
Every inch of We Rock the Spectrum – Carmel was uniquely designed with sensory equipment to help children with sensory processing disorders, but it’s important to note that the equipment can be enjoyed by and be of value to any child. The owners very much want all children to come and play!
When I first moved to Indianapolis, I worked as a behavior technician for children on the autism spectrum. Because of this, I can personally attest to how meaningful organizations like this are to families. Children can learn and grow so much through play, and it warms my heart to see this in action at We Rock the Spectrum – Carmel.
Opportunities for Creative Play and Surprises
The fun begins as soon as you walk through the front door with a massive fish tank! I’m talking HUGE. Kids can check out the fish while parents check in, fill out waivers, and get everyone settled in before moving into the main play area.
We visited on a pretty cold day, so it was nice to have a large welcome area to take off our coats and shoes and fully prepare for the fun ahead. One of the things that immediately put my heart at ease was the gate between the welcome area and the playrooms. If you have children who like to run around and explore, it’s a major relief to have a gate in action!
Toys, Music, Climbing – We Rock The Spectrum has it all!
The first play area you’ll come in contact with is the “Infant and Toddler Area,” which is filled with age-appropriate toys, play mats, tunnels, and slides. In this space, you’ll see a few additional rooms: a calming room and two therapy rooms that therapists can use.
My two little boys, ages 3 and 1, were both very happy in the Infant and Toddler Area and especially enjoyed the color-changing walking pads, slide, and easel with magnetic letters. We stayed in this area for nearly half of our visit, and they were blown away by the fact that there were even more rooms to explore.
From the Infant and Toddler Area, you can walk into a long, spacious hall that’s designated as the “Imagination Station.” Kids can enjoy everything from play clothes (think firefighters, veteranians, etc.) a tool bench, a kitchen set, a train track, and a large fish-themed rock wall. It’s the perfect setup for creative play, and they even have a container to throw in toys that have been in children’s mouths so that they can be extra-thoroughly cleaned.
From the Imagination Station, you can enter the large playroom, which features a padded mat throughout the space for safety. Here you’ll find a large slide, suspended equipment with swings, a trampoline, zip slider, and a variety of other indoor play structures. (And you’ll notice crash mats and crash pads for safety purposes!) This was truly a child’s paradise, as you can run around and play to your heart’s content. During our visit, behavioral therapists were on-site supporting some of the children with specific needs. It was honestly really enjoyable getting to know them and hearing about their positive experience at We Rock the Spectrum-Carmel.
At the back of the playroom, you’ll discover a music room and a space to rent for parties. My boys are always drawn to pianos and drums, so we spent a good amount of time in the music room! This space is actually padded, which helps keep the sounds of drums and shakers contained.
Throughout your visit to We Rock the Spectrum – Carmel, you’ll notice that every aspect of this organization can ignite a child’s seven senses through emotional, physical, and social development. As a parent, especially in colder weather, I am always drawn to places that offer learning through play. As much fun as my boys had, I was also having fun right along with them!
We Rock Care Available for Families
There are times when families of children with special needs need some extra support, and that’s where We Rock Care comes into play. Families can book respite care, break-time care, or one-to-one attendant care. For any questions about these services, it’s encouraged to reach out to We Rock the Spectrum-Carmel, and they can talk through how this extra support can help your visit!
Plan Your Visit to We Rock The Spectrum
We Rock the Spectrum-Carmel offers Open Play hours throughout the week, but it’s recommended to check their social media for any updates due to private rentals or birthday celebrations. You can choose to just show up at We Rock the Spectrum-Carmel, or you can cut your wait-time in half by booking Open Play online. Monthly memberships are also available!
Shoes are not allowed on the gym floor, and any type of socks are suitable to bring with you.
For young children and their parents/guardians, there’s also a room designated for nursing, pumping, and diaper changes. I had to use this space during my visit and was very grateful that it was so nicely organized and easy to find.
The environment at We Rock the Spectrum – Carmel is filled with staff and other families who really understand the unique needs that may arise during playtime. My family is already a huge fan!
Address:
13644 N Meridian St.
Carmel, IN 46032
werockthespectrumcarmel.com
Address
13644 N Meridian St.
Carmel
IN
46032
Visit Sensory-Friendly Play That Inspires Every Child | We Rock the Spectrum – Carmel
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