Ernie Beltz Jr. and his wife, Debbie, saw a need in Austin for a place that encourages unstructured play and allows children, regardless of developmental issues, to play together.

Out of those desires came Little Land Play Gym & Pediatric Therapy, which they opened in April 2015.

“In a world where technology kind of drives everything we do, we hope that Little Land is that place where parents can bring their kids to disconnect,” Ernie said.

Debbie, who is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist, said unstructured play allows children to not only develop fine and gross motor skills, but also their social skills, such as learning to solve problems and handle conflict.

“Any kind of playground environment is so important for development for kids to crawl, climb, jump, run and develop all those gross motor skills as well as all those social skills,” she said.

The Northwest Austin gym has a variety of equipment—which can hold adults so parents can join their children­—plus games, toys and costumes.

Little Land offers speech and occupational therapy to children, and Debbie said therapists help children who have developmental and physical delays, including sensory processing disorders.

The concept has caught on, and the couple launched its franchising program in January. The first franchise opened June 22 in Temple and locations in Buda, Cedar Park and Lakeway will open later in 2017.

“There’s a great need out there for families to have a fun, safe place to play,” Ernie said.

Ernie also was in the Marines. He said that experience helped him start his other business, SemperGROW, at which he offers business coaching and leadership development.

His office is located next door to Little Land.

“We’re right in the heart of our community,” he said.




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Little Land Play Gym & Pediatric Therapy


13776 N. US 183, Ste. 107, Austin
512-827-3601
www.austin.littlelandplaygym.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.