FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Franklin play space is giving families more than just a place to drop off the kids — it's inviting parents to get in and play, too.
Little Diggers, owned by Noel Hicks and Joey Locker, is an indoor space filled with 200 toy trucks and blocks designed for children seven years old and under. But the owners say it was built with the whole family in mind.
"It encourages more of the family being together instead of watching the kid play from a distance," Locker said.
The space features blueprint plans, building blocks, levers, and construction-themed activities designed to spark curiosity and hands-on learning.
"There's blueprint plans that we can layout and we can build stuff with the blocks out here together," Locker said.
Hicks and Locker are parents of a 5-year-old themselves, and they say that sense of wonder is central to what Little Diggers is meant to offer.
"And just allowing his imagination to create things and obviously dad being a developer and in the construction field — I own a hair salon but I'm still in the trade business — it's just really allowing him to use his imagination, use his hands," Hicks said.
Locker, who has a background in construction, said the business connects to something personal.
"I didn't necessarily have that big sandbox as a kid, but now I have one that I can share with my son and share with everyone else," Locker said.
For the owners, Little Diggers is also a reminder that time with children is something to be intentional about.
"You spend a third of your life working and that can mean a third of your life away from your child or a third of your life you could spend with them teaching them something," Locker said.
Little Diggers also offers a sensory sensitive play time on Monday afternoons from 1-5.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Kelsey Gibbs brings us a powerful story of humanity, compassion, and love in action while showing us the hard and lifesaving work our officers do daily. Nashville is lucky to have people like Lt. Hotz wearing the badge.
- Carrie Sharp
