Spirited Sprout Play— A Cool Place to play this summer

We all know that summer in Charlotte, NC is hot and it’s always good to have some good indoor places for your children to ply to beat that summer heat! Sprout Studio Play in Waxhaw is an amazing place focused on exploring sensory play and encourages exploration and creativity for children. I reached out to the owner and founder of Spirited Sprout Play to get some more information about her story and the location itself and I can’t wait to share what I found with you!

What IS Spirited Sprout Play exactly?

Here’s what Ashley shared— “Spirited Sprout is an indoor therapeutic sensory play center! What that means: our eco-conscious play center was designed with EVERY child in mind. We’ve taken years of research backed information about the sensory system & created a space that aides every childs  natural desire to seek & explore—but also is designed to keep them grounded with an underlying feeling of safety. Just like a fingerprint, NO two sensory systems are the same–SpiritedSprout gets that each child is uniquely wired. We offer both drop-in play (reservation required with guardian) and drop-off programs (Parents Night Out, Pajama’s & Poptarts) plus birthday parties, music & movement classes, Sprout Morning & Afternoon Out, etc! Our drop-off programs focus on teaching self-regulations strategies, social-emotional development, purposeful play, with a mix of child led/instructor led activities! "

What are Spirited Sprout Play’s Hours and location?

Spirited Sprout Play is open Tuesday through Saturday and reservations are required. They do host special events throughout the month that parents can sign their kiddos up for. Ashley did also mention that they offer 50% drop in appointments and 50% drop off enrichment options! You can make a reservation on their website here.

Spirited Sprout is located in Waxhaw on 136 Waxhaw Parkway D.

What is Spirited Sprout’s Story? How did it come about?

“This passion was born out of a season of darkness. There is so much that could be said for how this passion was born— I created & built Spirited Sprout for my oldest child who has Sensory Processing Disorder “SPD.” She was sixteen months old when I noted her brilliance—her unique abilities—and her struggles. Simeltanously & with much irony, I sustained a head injury after being attacked by a patient while working night shift as a psychiatric nurse. My world was flipped upside down with months of physical, vestibular, speech, neuro-psych therapies. While working through my own sensory dysregulation, I identified what I already knew to be true: there are little to no unstructured supports for kiddo’s who do not fit right inside the box. 

This business was divine intervention for both my child & myself. Little did I know that God would use this to reach so many families!  God said “bring therapy grade equipment to families at an affordable rate” This was no easy task & at first, I didn’t understand what that looked like—until I dug deep and just decided to walk in obedience to the call. All that to say, my love for child development as a psych nurse & mother, took a much deeper plunge—neuroscience. I can get really nerdy here, but lets just say that when you look at childhood development differently, you note that your biology can truly be shaped & reshaped continuously through the powerful tool of: experience. With that, it’s hugely important to note that our space was designed to give each child a sensory experience unique to the child playing right next to them. It’s truly mind-blowing & my passion for this type of sensory exploration is only GROWING!” —Ashley.

Let’s Get to know the Owner, Ashley Redden, of Spirited Sprout!

I asked Ashley to share about herself and here is what she shared! She is a Mama of three, two here and one in heaven. Dog mama of two. Wife to “Mr. Brad” as all the kiddos at Spirited Sprout call him! Waxhaw resident since 2014.  She is a passionate advocate for acceptance of neurodiveristy & mental health/wellness of the family unit. Lover of hikes, fancy desserts, traveling & cuddling with my daughters Hensley & Anniston. She is a big supporter of small business  & love to collaborate with businesses that align with our mission and vision but add their own unique flare/twist to the mix! She truly adores her customers & love them like family. 

We all know that each and every child is unique and Ashley’s business certainly treats them so! As a newborn and child photographer (and former teacher!) children need time to decompress and just play. If you’re looking to do photos, I would love to try and capture your little one’s spirit at the studio! Feel free to reach out here if you are looking for a newborn, child or family photographer.