KidStrong, a children’s development concept, is coming to Franklin this fall under local owners Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East and her husband, former NFL player Andrew East.
The new KidStrong Franklin location is expected to open in November 2026 at 420 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 110 in Franklin.
KidStrong offers 45-minute, coach-led classes for children from crawling age through age 11. The program combines physical activity, problem-solving, teamwork, and character development through age-based classes designed to build confidence, coordination, resilience, independence, and other life skills.
Classes are organized around three areas KidStrong describes as strong body, strong mind, and strong character. Physical activities focus on balance, coordination, strength, and agility, while puzzles and other challenges encourage creativity and problem-solving. Teamwork, sportsmanship, and mental toughness are incorporated into the character portion of the program.
A typical class includes warm-ups and skill development along with movement challenges, obstacle courses, games, and activities that combine physical and cognitive skills. Children also practice social skills such as introducing themselves, making eye contact, and participating in group activities. KidStrong uses a progression system that allows children to work toward new skills and responsibilities as they advance.
Classes are divided by developmental stage, beginning with BabyStrong for children who are crawling to walking and continuing through groups for ages 8 to 11. Parents participate on the floor with children under age 4.
Regular KidStrong classes are offered through membership, with both six-month and month-to-month options available. KidStrong Franklin also plans to offer camps and birthday parties, which are available to non-members.
The Franklin location will expand KidStrong’s presence in Middle Tennessee following the opening of a West Nashville center. The company is also hiring coaches for the Franklin location ahead of the planned November opening.
KidStrong says its programming was developed with input from advisors with backgrounds in child development, academia, and occupational therapy and is designed to support children’s physical, mental, and emotional development through age-appropriate activities.
KidStrong also offers an online shop with at-home training systems and apparel for children. The products are designed to extend the company’s focus on strength, confidence, character, and age-appropriate development beyond the classroom, with options intended for use at home with families.
An exact opening date has not yet been announced. Families can visit the KidStrong Franklin website to sign up for updates and opening information.
KidStrong Franklin
Address: 420 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 110, Franklin, TN
Expected Opening: November 2026
Ages: Crawling through 11 years old
