On a typical day at Sensory Beans, a sensory gym in Wantagh, you might find kids jumping on a trampoline, scooting down a slide or giggling under a parachute, while their attentive parents engage in casual conversation. It’s a  safe, happy and welcoming environment for children with special needs, as well as their families and friends. But according to Rachel Roslow, President of Sensory Beans, places like this were hard to find seven years ago.

When Rachel and Brett Roslow’s son Ethan was diagnosed with autism in 2012, they struggled to find a place where he could play with his younger brother who is neurotypical. Finding a facility that could accommodate their children’s differences in abilities was difficult. Add in Ethan’s busy therapy schedule which made free time precious, and socializing was even more challenging.

The Roslows identified the need for an inclusive recreational facility where children who had special needs could play alongside their peers. They were looking for a judgment-free environment, where kids could drop in, have fun and develop skills, and parents could feel supported. To fill this void, they created Sensory Beans an indoor open-play sensory gym where children of all ages and abilities can socialize and engage in physical activity together.

Photo courtesy of Sensory Beans

A supportive environment for kids and families

Sensory Beans is filled with equipment and resources – everything from swings, slides and trampolines to ball pits, scooters and water tables – focused on improving children’s senses and helping them develop motor skills. The equipment was selected by an occupational therapist and is designed for proprioceptive, vestibular and tactile sensory input. There is also a common area that brings children with different abilities together.

Sensory Beans, which opened in 2017, is not only an engaging and nurturing place for children, it is also a highly supportive environment for the entire family. Sensory Beans hosts parent support groups, birthday parties and many other special events. It’s a warm, friendly community where people can have fun, relax and connect with others who may be on similar journeys. Rachel Roslow said, “At Sensory Beans, children are building friendships and interacting with everyone of all abilities. We also want parents to feel supported.”

Photo courtesy of Sensory Beans

Sensory Beans 2.0 – Meeting the needs of older children

Sensory Beans is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization and relies on fundraising and donations to maintain the gym and keep its doors open. One major goal on the horizon is to expand the facility to meet the needs of older children as well as young adults. Roslow said, “We want to grow as our families who visit us grow.” To help reach that goal, the organization will be hosting several fundraising events, including:

• A Not So Spooky Boo-wling Party on October 26 at Farmingdale Lanes in Farmingdale

• 4^th Annual Casino Night on November 2 at Empire Hose Co. 3 in Merrick – Donations of goods or gift baskets for our raffles are welcome

• Sensory-friendly showing of Frozen 2 at the Bellmore Playhouse in Bellmore on November 24

Roslow said the mission of Sensory Beans “is to support children with special needs and their families so that they can develop self-esteem and friendships while neurotypical children develop skills like acceptance, understanding and patience.” And if anyone is questioning if the gym is right for their child, Roslow wants people to know that Sensory Beans “is for everyone!”

Sensory Beans is located at 3309 Merrick Road in Wantagh. Individual play sessions are $15 per child (13 months and over) and $12 per child (12 months and under). Monthly and multiple play passes are available. 

The gym aims to be open daily but operating days and hours may vary due to private events and volunteer availability. For the most updated schedule information, as well as details about upcoming fundraising events, visit the Sensory Beans Facebook page or website or call (516) 308-1462.

Photo courtesy of Sensory Beans

Photo courtesy of Sensory Beans