The Third Place

The Third Place for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating Colorado’s first dedicated sensory-focused community center. Designed not only for children with sensory processing differences, motor disabilities, and developmental challenges, but also for their friends and families. We provide a welcoming environment where children can play, connect, and regulate alongside their neurotypical friends and siblings while parents and caregivers find support, understanding, and connection with others on similar journeys.

For too many families, traditional spaces can feel overwhelming, inaccessible, or unwelcoming. Playgrounds are often chaotic, indoor play centers can be too loud, and “sensory-friendly” spaces often offer only minor accommodations that fail to meet children’s actual needs. Parents are left with a difficult choice: bring their child somewhere stressful, or stay home. We change that by creating a space where the entire family feels welcome, included, and supported without judgment or barriers

Our program focuses on three key areas:

1.    Adaptive Play & Exploration – We provide therapy-informed play equipment designed to support sensory processing, motor development, and self-regulation. Our space includes a dedicated sensory room for children who need a low-stimulation environment, along with an open, thoughtfully designed layout that allows caregivers to relax while maintaining full visibility of their children.

2.    Equitable Access & Financial Inclusion – We believe every child deserves access to safe, inclusive play. Our donor-funded scholarship program provides memberships to families in need, and our fully funded birthday party program ensures that every child can celebrate in a space designed just for them.

3.    Community Connection & Family Support – We host structured group meetups and social events to support children who struggle with traditional peer interactions. This supports the abilities and skills necessary to enable the child to access typical activities and functions of community life, while aslo utilizing the community as a learning environment to assist the child to build relationships. Parents and caregivers find a judgment-free space to connect with others who understand their experiences, reducing isolation and strengthening family well-being. Through partnerships with trusted providers, we also offer warm hand-offs to local resources that can support each family’s unique journey.