Local family to open sensory play gym for kids

Feb. 14, 2025

A new space for young people to play – from toddlers to teens – is opening in March.

We Rock the Spectrum will be a sensory gym for kids with all abilities but designed for kids living on the spectrum.

The gym will include specific sensory toys and activities for kids on the autism spectrum and kids living with any kind of neurodivergence, or whose brains process information differently.

“We want to help young people continue their therapy progress when they’re not at therapy, so you’ll find a lot of similar equipment in our gym as you would see in an occupational therapy center,” owner Tanya Davis said.

“We’re not trying to replace that therapy but rather give kids and families more opportunities to thrive.”

Davis, who is a mom of two boys, struggled to help one of her sons exert all his energy last winter and said it led to poor sleep and behavior issues at home.

She wanted options beyond an indoor ball pit, a slide and some tunnels — instead, a place where all kids would feel welcome and fulfill their needs in a sensory-friendly environment.

“I used to be an elementary music teacher, and a lot of kids who came to my classroom who were on the spectrum or neurodivergent struggled wanting to come to the music classroom because it was too loud or overstimulating,” Davis explained.

“So I really found a place in my heart for the kids to feel like they were accepted and feel like they could participate like all the other kids.”

We Rock the Spectrum is a national indoor playground franchise that was started in California by a woman whose son needed more than what he was getting in therapy. Now, there are almost 180 destinations in 34 states and eight countries.

The Sioux Falls play gym will be at 3224 E. 10th St. in the Dacotah Towne Centre, east of Hy-Vee.

The large space will include therapy rooms, teen rooms, calming rooms, swings, slides, trampolines, a toddler area, arts and crafts activities and a multipurpose room for families to rent out for parties or gatherings.

Therapists are welcome to bring kids to the gym, rent a therapy room or use the gym for open play. Davis also plans to continue private music lessons at the gym.

“Parenting can be challenging, and winters can be long,” Davis said, “We want to build a community where everyone feels like they can bring their kids, their families, learn and have a good time.”

We Rock the Spectrum will offer memberships and punch card options. Open play sessions will cost $14 for two hours and $12 for additional siblings.

Learn more about the Sioux Falls location online and on Facebook.