Ep. 155 - Rethinking Family Entertainment for Sensory Balanced Experiences with Kay Anderson

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ is joined by Kay Anderson, Founder of Prana Play in Carmel, Indiana. Inspired by raising her own family, Kay opened a family entertainment center uniquely engineered to welcome both neurodiverse and neurotypical children simultaneously. Kay breaks down the practical mechanics of sensory-balanced venue design, highlighting how critical choices—like silent fluorescent lighting, soft earth-toned palettes, sound-dampening wallpaper, and dual-action rocking-swivel chairs—cost the exact same as traditional fixtures when planned upfront.

"Think of sensory spaces across multi-dimensions—it's sound, it's vision, it's temperature, and how you feel. If you design for all those senses on the front end, you're in a really good spot."

— Kay Anderson

Kay also shares actionable tips for existing operators to audit their own facilities, demonstrating how hosting dedicated sensory-inclusive hours with adjusted lighting and lower sound volumes can attract underserved families who usually avoid traditional venues due to overwhelming noise, bright lights, and intense stimulation.