Little Diggers Signs 50+ U.S. Franchise Locations

Little Diggers, a construction-themed indoor sandbox playspace for children ages seven and under, has signed more than 50 franchise locations across the United States. The Dublin, Ohio company reports six corporate-owned stores, with additional locations planned to open later this year. Founded in 2023 by Zach and Hannah Bowers, Little Diggers has served more than 100,000 children and built a social media following of more than 130,000. Each location offers 1,200 square feet of sandbox space with more than 200 toys, trucks, and excavators.

A Focused Play Setting

Little Diggers was created around hands-on, focused play for young children. Its spaces use silica-free, non-toxic, bio-renewable sand sourced from the Bahamas, alongside the brand’s custom-designed Sand Stacker. Parents can purchase coffee, including nitro cold and hot brew options, while visiting.

“There's something special about getting lost in playtime. And for our kids, it's never taken more than trucks and a pile of dirt (or sand),”

Franchise Growth Across States

Little Diggers launched its franchising arm in 2025 and reports receiving thousands of franchise inquiries from all 50 states and more than 85 countries. Signed locations are open or in development in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The company also plans to expand into California, with details to be announced. Bowers, formerly a venture capital-backed fintech CTO, has applied lean startup principles to the company’s brick-and-mortar expansion.

Building A Family Play Brand

Little Diggers has collaborated with Handyman Hal, Sherri Dusty Rinker, and Paramount around the recent release of Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie. The company is expanding its network around its focus on slow, hands-on play for children.

“We created Little Diggers for children to enjoy an immersive, hands-on play experience that excites both their senses and imagination.”