6 Sensory Play Spaces in Westchester

4/22/14 - By Christi O'Donnell

In recent years, Westchester County has seen an explosion in the number of parents seeking services, enrichment and experiences for children who experience sensory information in non-standard ways. In response, businesses and institutions across Westchester have created programs to match the needs of local families. While there are many places where parents can go for occupational and physical therapy, there are also times when kids just want to do what kids do best--play! We found six local gyms and play spaces that open their doors to kids who experience the world in unique ways, helping them develop motor skills, core strength, balance, coordination, sensory integration and more in a fun and engaging way.

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WeeZee World - Chappaqua
480 N. Bedford Road
Update: WeeZee says it is relocating from Chappaqua (and has conducted an auction), but a new location has not been named. It suggests following its Facebook page for updates. 
​WeeZee World opened its doors to the public in 2012 it became the first and only sensory-focused play space in Westchester County. Filling an 18,000 sq foot space in the old Reader’s Digest building, WeeZee World offers everything from camps and PT/OT therapy space to party rooms and a café. WeeZee world is divided up in stations, or zones, and staffed by sensory coaches stationed throughout the building. There are areas devoted to art, music, texture, cooking, food, space, dance, sports and many more sensory-based skills and activities. Though a yearly membership is generally required for admission, the company has hosted several open houses, and one or two visit “passes” have been spotted on deal websites like Groupon. The space is open to all children (and the adults who accompany them!)

Bounce U - Elmsford
150 Clearbrook Road
Home to not one but TWO rooms full of inflatable bouncy castles, slides, obstacle courses, mountains and a boxing ring, Bounce U in Elmsford is a destination that makes most kids eyes glow with anticipation. Kids with sensory processing issues are no different. This is why Bounce U and Miriam Skydell and Associates have teamed up to create Sensory Bounce. Sensory Bounce is a small-group program that provides children an opportunity to experience intense sensory experiences of bouncing, falling, jumping, sliding, climbing and playing on the equipment with a small 2:1 staff to child ratio. To participate, families sign up for a six week session that allows children an hour of supervised bouncing each week while parents enjoy refreshments and have the chance to participate in an optional parents’ support group that takes place simultaneously.  

JW Tumbles - Rye Brook
14 Rye Ridge Plaza
Located in Rye Brook, JW Tumbles is an indoor learning playground that offers classes, open play, parties, personal training (for kids!), and camp programs. For children ages 3 and up, JW Tumbles offers a specialty class called Shining Stars for children with a variety of special needs. Integrated and adaptable, Shining Stars is a wonderful program for children with sensory processing issues. The program maintains a small staff to student ratio and is capped at 8 children. With their enrollment in Shining Stars, children also gain admission to the weekly open gym program. Because JW Tumbles offers classes for children of all ages and stages of development, this location is an excellent choice for kids with sensory-typical siblings, allowing them to learn and play in the same space.

Jodi's Gym - Mount Kisco
25 Hubbles Drive
Like JW Tumbles in Rye Brook, Jodi’s Gym in Mt. Kisco offers young children a place where they can tumble, play and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Classes for kids begin at 9 months and go all the way up through the teen years. For special-needs kids between the ages of 3 and 9 years, Jodi’s Gym offers a unique program. Ideal for kids with sensory processing issues, the 45 minute classes designed for these children take place when there are no other classes in session in the gym. This serves to limit sight and sound disturbance, allowing participants to focus on the physical and sensory work needed to tumble, climb, balance and build strength. Class sizes are small and parents stay on site to participate as needed. Kids in this program learn to use all of the standard play and gymnastics equipment, as they are able. 3- and 4-year-old students are welcome, as they are comfortable, to participate with siblings and peers in the daily open-gym “playtime hours” that come as a membership perk.

Westchester also has centers devoted specifically to providing pediatric physical and occupational therapy to kids who need services. These centers are not open to the public for general play time, but they do offer sensory gyms and group activities for children.

Kidabilities - Hawthorne
1 Skyline Drive
Kidabilities is a private practice dedicated to assisting children with special needs to develop the skills that will help them succeed. Their large, colorfully painted space is filled with soft climbing equipment, swings, ball pits, trampolines and kinds of tools designed to stimulate the senses. They offer a very wide array of physical, occupational and speech services, including evaluations and therapy.

Just Play Gyms - Larchmont and Pleasantville
1993 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont
351 Manville Road, Pleasantville
With one location in Manhattan and two in Westchester, Just Play Gyms is a local leader in providing children with fun and exciting sensory therapy. Children at Just Play can receive a very wide range of services to address physical, occupational, sensory and behavioral needs--just to name a few. Their spacious gyms are designed to get kids jumping, climbing, moving, swinging and spinning.

 

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