March 18, 2021

A new Harrisburg business brings outside play indoors and provides a space for kids to explore sensory learning.

The Sandlot opened in October with an indoor sand area inspired by owner Jaclyn Small’s two young daughters. The two girls, age 8 and 6, had an idea for a sandbox that you can enjoy inside, and Small took the idea and ran with it.

“All the things you would do in the sandbox, you can do inside now,” Small said.

That includes sandcastles, digging with toy trucks, playing with funnels, searching for toys and buried treasure, and more.

The Sandlot also expanded earlier this month with a little splash room and a new sensory gym created with the help of an occupational therapist.

Children of all ages are welcome, though the primary audience is age 2 to 6. There also are special playtimes dedicated to kids younger than 2.

The business offers public playtimes, and parents also can rent the space for a private family playtime. The private offering has been particularly popular during the pandemic, Small said. Public play hours differ weekly and typically are limited to two or three hours to allow for cleaning and sanitizing.

Hours are posted each week on The Sandlot’s Facebook and Instagram pages. It’s at 305 W. Willow St. in the same building as Lava’s Coffee & Cafe.

Small hopes to expand hours this spring. Her ultimate goal is to create a place for kids to enjoy playing in the sand as well as a place for kids with sensory needs to play and learn.

“I hope that we can just keep bringing fun for families,” she said.