Little Diggers Coming to Franklin: An Indoor Sandbox Experience for Kids
A new sandbox play space is headed to Franklin, and it’s built for kids who love to dig, build, and explore. Little Diggers Franklin will introduce a 1,200-square-foot indoor sandbox designed for children ages 7 and under. Located at 1113 Murfreesboro Road near Hobby Lobby, the concept brings a fresh take on indoor play by focusing on creativity, sensory engagement, and open-ended exploration.
Inside, children will find soft, clean sand paired with hundreds of construction-themed toys. Custom features like the Sand Stacker and Tower Blocks encourage kids to build, stack, and experiment. Ride-on excavators and interactive digging tools add another layer of play, turning a simple sandbox into a fully immersive environment. The layout gives kids space to move freely while still feeling contained and easy to supervise.
The concept builds on a simple childhood staple. Kids naturally gravitate toward sand, trucks, and building. Little Diggers takes that curious instinct and builds an entire experience around it. The result is a play space that feels both familiar and new, designed to keep kids engaged longer than traditional indoor activities. Check out our photo gallery from other locations for a sneak peek of all the fun!
A Sensory Play Experience Built for Kids
Little Diggers focuses on hands-on, screen-free play that supports creativity and early development. The sandbox holds more than 50 tons of smooth, imported sand, creating a large, open space where kids can dig, shape, and build freely. This kind of tactile play encourages problem-solving, coordination, and fine motor skills without the need for structured instruction.
The sand itself is a key part of the experience. Sourced from the Bahamas, it is silica-free, non-toxic, and made from natural calcium carbonate. Its soft, rounded texture creates a safer and cleaner alternative to traditional sandbox materials. Unlike standard sand, it produces minimal dust and feels smooth to the touch, making it more comfortable for extended play.
Cleanliness plays a major role in the overall design. The sand undergoes daily aeration to maintain its soft texture and freshness. Staff regularly treat the area with a non-toxic, vinegar-based cleaning solution to eliminate bacteria. A strict no-food and no-drink policy inside the sandbox helps prevent contamination, while advanced filtration systems keep air quality high throughout the space. Every step, from sourcing materials to daily maintenance, supports a clean and safe experience.
Designed with Parents in Mind
Little Diggers was designed with the full family experience in mind, not just the child’s perspective. While kids take over the sandbox, parents can settle into a comfortable, thoughtfully arranged seating area. The layout provides clear sightlines across the entire play zone, making it easy to supervise without needing to stand nearby.
The space avoids the overstimulation often found in indoor play centers. Instead, it leans into a calmer, more organized environment that feels manageable and welcoming. Complimentary Wi-Fi allows parents to catch up on work, scroll, or simply relax while their children stay engaged in play.
At the same time, the design allows parents to participate if they want. A raised platform surrounds the sandbox, giving adults the option to step in and play alongside their children. Whether joining in the building process or observing from a distance, the experience is flexible and accommodating for all family members.
Have an early riser? Morning hours start at 9 am, catering to families with young children and early schedules. On-site refreshments, including coffee options, offering a helpful perk for parents. Together, these elements create a space that is well suited for both children and parents.
Birthday Parties and Event Options
Little Diggers is built to serve as more than a casual drop-in play space. It also offers a strong lineup of birthday party and private event options. Construction-themed party packages include decorated tables, themed tableware, and interactive activities that keep children engaged throughout the celebration.
Each child receives a construction hat and participates in hands-on activities like decorating with truck-themed stickers. These personalized elements help create a memorable experience while keeping the focus on creativity and play. Little Diggers’ parties keeps kids active, giving them a clear outlet for energy and imagination.
The private event space accommodates up to 24 guests, including 10 children, making it ideal for smaller, more intimate gatherings. Families can bring their own food, cake, and drinks, while the venue handles the setup and activity flow. Additional children can be added for a fee, offering flexibility depending on group size.
Opening Plans for the Franklin Location
The Franklin location is expected to open this fall, with a target timeline around September. This marks the first Middle Tennessee location for the brand, with another site currently under development in Memphis. Based on other locations, pricing is expected to start around $16 per hour for one child.
Interest continues to build ahead of the opening, with families already looking ahead to bookings and events. Early updates and reservation access will be available for those who sign up in advance. The concept’s focus on creativity, cleanliness, and convenience positions it as a strong addition to Franklin’s growing list of family-friendly attractions.
A New Go-To Play Spot for Franklin Families
Little Diggers brings a fresh, thoughtful approach to indoor play in Franklin by combining sensory-rich sand play with a clean, well-designed environment. It creates a space where kids can explore freely while parents can settle in and feel both comfortable and at ease. The mix of everyday play, planned events, and birthday celebrations makes it more than just a sandbox. It becomes a place for connection, creativity, and shared experiences for families in Williamson County. On Friday, May 15th, the Little Diggers team will also be part of the Touch A Truck Franklin TN. Stop by their booth, meet the owners, and let the kids enjoy a little preview of the fun coming to Franklin this fall.
