Little Diggers, Des Peres

Location: 13347 Manchester, Des Peres, MO 63131

Website: https://www.littlediggersplayspace.com/locations/little-diggers-desperes-missouri

From their website, "Little Diggers Des Peres is open right next to Trader Joe's! Our Des Peres indoor sandbox play space gives toddlers and young children ages 7 and under 1,200 square feet of clean, soft sensory sand to dig, build, and explore right in your neighborhood.

Packed with hundreds of construction-themed toys, including our exclusive Sand Stacker and Tower Blocks, Little Diggers Des Peres is the go-to destination for imaginative, hands-on play that supports early childhood development, fine motor skills, and STEM-inspired learning."

A few notes: bare feet are required.  They have free wifi and snacks for purchase. They do parties and special events. They have sensory-friendly time every Monday from 3-5 pm where the music is turned down and the lights dimmed for friends with sensory processing issues. 

They have 2 sandboxes, the main one and a smaller one for little guys off to the right. 

The smaller sandbox

The party room is cute! 

The sand comes from the Bahamas!  “Not only is it beautiful and feels great for that reason, but it’s also one of very few non-silica-based sand types, making it healthier to be around for longer periods of time.” (Quote from the owner Zach Bowers).  Little Diggers is open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. It operates on a no-reservations, non-membership model, and it offers a rewards program in which families can earn a free hour of play for every three hours they spend.

The pay scale starts at $12 for one child for a half hour, with discounts for additional siblings and reduced rates for extended time periods. Parents are allowed in the sandbox with their kids, and up to two adults are free with a child admission.