We Rock the Spectrum | Two Locations
Location: 2101 Wooddale Drive Suite E Woodbury, MN 55125
Open Play: 7 days a week; 10 AM – 6 PM for all ages and abilities
Location: 1020 Discovery Rd #170, Eagan, MN 55121
Open Play: Monday- Thursday 9 AM – 7 PM, Friday 9 AM – 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM – 3 PM
Early December, We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym located in Woodbury opened its doors. I was able to visit and talk with the owner and hear about her vision. Not long after, Eagan welcomed its own location, expanding access to families in the southern Twin Cities. We Rock the Spectrum is a hidden gem for Twin Cities families, especially those who have children on the autism spectrum. As the name says, the indoor play area is open for children of all abilities. It is clean, safe, colorful, accessible and fun! We Rock the Spectrum is a franchise but Woodbury is the first location to open in Minnesota, and in my opinion, much overdue.
When speaking with Josephine, the owner, you can feel her passion for this project and her dedication to supporting families with neurodivergent children. Josephine has six children, all on the spectrum, because of this, she created a space for her community as well as her children. But We Rock the Spectrum isn’t just for neurodivergent children. All kids are welcome to play here. When I walked in, the first thing I saw was the huge play area with swings, a zip line, monkey bars, a trampoline, a rope ladder, and a climbing wall. The play area also features a separate infant and toddler area, arts and crafts area, and imagination station. It also houses a “teen area” with air hockey, foosball, pop-a-shot basketball shooting game, and a comfy couch to enjoy.
My favorite part is the calming room. This cozy little spot works for children of all ages, and all abilities and only requires the willingness to walk in. While in the calming room, kids can watch the fish swim in his tank, find a comfy spot with floor cushions, look up at the jellyfish hanging from the ceiling, read a book, grab a toy, or look out the window. Every parent can understand the importance of this space.
Safe and Inclusive Gathering Spaces
For an inclusive and fun space to host a birthday party or any special gathering, a party room is available for rent. It features a kitchen area, tables, chairs, and ample space to accommodate your group comfortably. Plus, you have the flexibility to bring your own food or order catering for your event.
We Rock the Spectrum goes above and beyond to accommodate all families through thoughtful, inclusive details that make a big difference. From larger changing tables to a dedicated therapy room available for rent, as well as accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs or service dogs, inclusivity is at the heart of We Rock The Spectrum. No one will feel left behind or isolated. Parents can take a break at the tables in the Rock Shop or sit at the bar stools to oversee all the play happening around them. With CPR-certified staff, and adaptable play spaces, I know many parents will finally be in a place where they can take a deep breath and know their children are safe and having fun.
Supporting Families with Flexible and Highly Trained Staff
We Rock the Spectrum has open gym hours 7 days a week from 10 AM- 6 PM. They also offer respite to support families. For this service, you will need to call three days ahead of time. This is an invaluable service and so difficult for families to come by, especially in this safe and nurturing environment. Having worked with children on the spectrum myself I was blown away by the attention to detail and purposeful use of all the space available. I know that We Rock the Spectrum will be supporting many families in the Twin Cities area.
I believe what they say on their website will ring true with so many parents, ” Finally a place where you never have to say you’re sorry.” What a gift that is to parents, and what a gift We Rock the Spectrum is to Twin Cities families.
