Building Belonging Through Play: Our Partnership with The Third Place for Kids

Original Post: https://kodokids.com/blogs/journal/building-belonging-through-play-our-partnership-with-the-third-place-for-kids

By Keli Roberson

At Kodo Kids, we’ve always believed in the transformative power of play. Not just any play, but play that is intentional, inclusive, and designed to celebrate the uniqueness of every child. That’s why our partnership with The Third Place for Kids feels like such a natural fit.

The Third Place is reimagining what community looks like for neurodivergent and disabled children and their families. Their mission is bold yet beautifully simple: to create welcoming, sensory-friendly spaces where kids can be themselves, parents feel supported, and everyone belongs.

When we first connected with their team, we were immediately inspired by their vision and eager to support it in a hands-on way. Our shared commitment to meeting children where they are—and supporting their growth through open-ended play and sensory exploration—perfectly aligns with the foundation of The Third Place’s approach.

If you're in Colorado, we encourage you to stop by and experience it for yourself. Inside their thoughtfully designed space, you’ll find Kodo materials like the Chalk Spinner, Flight Lab, and Wooden Gears—tools that invite curiosity, experimentation, and joyful discovery.

“We are thrilled to have our doors officially open and to be welcoming in families of all kinds! Thanks to our partnership with Kodo Kids, we’re able to provide our families with open-ended, sensory-focused play that empowers neurodivergent and disabled kiddos to explore and just be themselves in a space built especially for them. No judgement or crazy, overstimulating environments. Just community and connection.”— Casey Brown, The Third Place for Kids

But this partnership is about more than materials. It’s about shared values. Together, we’re committed to thoughtful design, honoring diverse learning styles, and expanding what’s possible for inclusive childhood experiences.

We’re excited to continue supporting The Third Place and the families they serve—through collaboration, creativity, and a shared belief that every child deserves a place to play, connect, and thrive.

Learn more about Kodo Kids: https://kodokids.com/