The Cove: A Sensory-Friendly Indoor Play Oasis for Families in New Westminster

January 3, 2025

6 min read

In a world that’s often noisy, fast-paced, and overstimulating, finding a space where children can play and explore calmly while parents unwind can feel like a stretch. The Cove is New Westminster’s serene, sensory-friendly play space designed to bring joy, connection, and balance to families.

The Cove isn’t just another indoor play area. From its inception, it was crafted with a clear mission: to create an inclusive environment where children of all sensory needs could thrive, and parents could find moments of peace and community. The Cove bridges the gap between play and relaxation.

We had an opportunity to dive a little deeper with founder, Trisha Ocampo, about why The Cove is so special and where the idea came from.

A Vision Born from Experience

Carlie: What inspired the idea of The Cove?

Trisha: Having experienced firsthand the need for a play space that supported both kids and caregivers, I set out to build a haven that was welcoming, inclusive, and calming. The result is a place where kids can engage in sensory-friendly activities and parents can recharge—sometimes with a cup of coffee in hand, watching their little ones enjoy the thoughtfully designed indoor play environment.

The Cove: A Sensory-Friendly Indoor Play Oasis for Families in New Westminster - BC Parent Newsmagazine — *Photo credit: Moniza from POC Photos*

A Sensory-Friendly Space for Meaningful Play

Carlie: How is The Cove different from a traditional indoor play location?

Trisha: The Cove is set apart by its focus on calm, connection-based indoor play. The environment is designed to be inviting and engaging, without the overwhelming noise or chaos found in many traditional play areas. With dimmer lighting, soft textures, and well-thought-out play areas, children can enjoy stimulating activities at their own pace. A highlight of The Cove is the sensory calming room, complete with a captivating bubble wall and sensory pod swings that provide a comforting space for kids who need a moment of quiet or self-regulation.

Connection Beyond Playtime

Carlie: How does The Cove accommodate parents? Is there anything special they can expect?

Trisha: At The Cove, we understand that connection isn’t just for the kids. Parenting comes with unique challenges, and The Cove was created to help parents find moments of relaxation and community. With cozy seating areas and a welcoming café space, caregivers can enjoy a well-deserved break while still being part of their children’s indoor play experience. It’s not uncommon to see parents sharing stories, laughter, or simply enjoying the peace that comes from knowing their children are happily engaged nearby.

The Cove goes beyond being a play space. It’s a place where families can bond and create lasting memories. Date nights, themed camps, and family workshops are all part of what we offer to help strengthen connections and give parents opportunities to recharge. Picture parents enjoying an evening together while their children participate in supervised play or creative activities.

The Inspiration

Carlie: Why did you start The Cove and what were you hoping to accomplish?

Trisha: The dream for The Cove began with a simple idea: to create a space that feels like home—a place where families feel seen, understood, and supported. As a parent, I realized that finding such a place could be challenging. I wanted to build more than just a play center; I wanted to build a community.

Our goal is to provide a sensory-friendly space that brings families together and nurtures their well-being. Whether it’s through our inclusive play sessions, workshops, or camps, we aim to create an environment where everyone leaves feeling more connected and refreshed. We’re here to remind families that they don’t have to navigate parenthood alone.

Indoor Play — *Photo credit: Moniza from POC Photos*

Looking Forward

Carlie: What can parents and children expect to find in the future of The Cove?

Trisha: As we continue to grow, our hope is to expand our offerings and create even more opportunities for families to connect. We plan to introduce new workshops and pop-up shopping events that cater to the diverse needs of our community, ensuring that parents and children alike feel supported, valued, and rejuvenated.

The Cove is more than just a play space; it’s a place of belonging. A place where parents can sip a coffee and take a breath, where children can discover and explore at their own pace, and where families can reconnect in a busy world. We’re proud to be that space in New Westminster and look forward to growing alongside our wonderful community.