Have you heard about Shine Shed? Did you know that there are now two different Shine Sheds in Sydney, both of which are large indoor play centres built especially for children and adults with special needs, plus their families and friends too.
The first Shine Shed opened in 2018, the centre took five months to build and most of the equipment was made and designed by speech pathologist and director Lisa Fruhstuck and her team. Shine Shed is proud to be an ‘all-inclusive’ company, here everyone can play.
The second Shine Shed is at Vineyard in north west Sydney. Here are the details you need for both Shine Shed venues.
Shine Shed Campbelltown
Address: 5 Mount Erin Rd Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone: 02 4629 5555
Mobile: 0410 459 363
Email: enquiries@shineshed.com.au
Shine Shed Campbelltown website is here
Shine Shed North West
Address: 1/16 Rob Place, Vineyard NSW 2765
Phone: 02 4577 9107
Shine Shed North West website is here
Both Shine Shed venues offer a unique sensory play experience designed to meet the needs of children, teens and young adults with special needs. Limited numbers, caring staff, friendly and understanding environment make this a place where everyone is welcome. There are great spaces for very active children and adults, plus plenty of things to do for those with limited mobility. Shone Sheds welcome all members of the family, and groups of friends too. great activity for the whole family.
‘We welcome everyone – with or without special needs.’
Shine Shed
I asked Lisa: “What was the inspiration behind Shine Shed?”
She told me, ‘I have worked as a speech pathologist for around 24 years and have always been in disability. I went out into private practice about 6 years ago and built a therapy centre in Leumeah ( Campbelltown) with a small sensory therapy gym. Many parents asked about just coming into play. I also noticed that for many families with children with autism and other disabilities, they were very isolated and often can’t go out to regular community activities because their child might have behaviour issues, may not be safe ( e.g running off) or have sensory overload when they are out.’
‘I wanted to create a customised play environment that would meet the sensory needs and provide a safe inclusive play space for all.‘
‘I also looked at services for older children with special needs and found there was nothing much around, so our play space is suitable for children, teens and young adults. With adults there are some pieces of equipment that are weight limited but most do up to or over a 100kg person and we are working on getting more.’
‘We also host birthday parties and social groups – many of our kids haven’t had a birthday party before as there was nothing suitable available.’
‘The centre is wheelchair friendly and for kids with physical disabilities we have many swings they can use including a wheelchair swing, an adaptive zipline seat, and sensory room. We also have electric lift change table and hoist.’
Shine Shed – Book Ahead
It is important to check out the Shine Shed websites and then to book ahead. There are some open sessions each week where anyone can book in. There are also some private sessions and special group sessions. Check out each website for all the info. You will find fun school holiday sessions and activities too.
Note the parents and carers do not pay to access Shine Shed. Both venues are open seven days a week.
Please do call ahead if you have any specific questions. The friendly staff are very supportive.
Read a full review of Shine Shed done by wheelchair user Braden and his family over on Have Wheelchair Will Travel.
What a terrific addition to the offerings for special needs families, and I am sure that all the family will love to play there.
Shine Shed is well worth travelling to, make it a day out!
PS Check out our full list of fun indoor playgrounds in Sydney on this post.
Wanting pricing for a kids birthday party
On the article you will find the website for Shine Shed, which should have details and a phone umber for you to call. Best wishes, Seana