Saira Waheed

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

Hi! My name is Saira Waheed, and I’m a mom of two and the founder of Diggers Cove, an indoor sand playground located in Plano, Texas.

I’ve always been someone who enjoys being creative, exploring new ideas, and finding ways to bring those ideas to life. Being a mom has definitely shaped the way I see the world, especially when it comes to creating meaningful experiences for children and families.

Starting Diggers Cove has been one of the most exciting and challenging chapters of my life, and I’m incredibly grateful to be building something that brings a little joy to families in our community.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One of the things I love most about living in the Dallas–Fort Worth area is how family-oriented the communities are. There’s such a wonderful mix of people from different backgrounds and cultures, and I love how much emphasis families place on spending quality time together and creating memories with their children.

Since opening Diggers Cove, I’ve also had the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful parents, educators, and fellow small business owners from across the DFW area. It’s been really heartwarming to see how supportive and welcoming the community has been, especially toward a new business bringing something a little different to the area.

It’s a great place to raise a family, and I’m grateful to be building my business in a community that values family, connection, and supporting one another.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Diggers Cove is an indoor sand playground in Plano, Texas, designed for children ages 1–10. It’s a little different from your traditional indoor playground. Instead of loud arcade games, screens, and overstimulating play areas, we wanted to create a space where children could slow down, get their hands into something, use their imaginations, and simply enjoy being kids.

Our space features a large indoor sand play area, remote-controlled construction vehicles, an interactive animated sandbox, and other hands-on activities that encourage creativity, exploration, and sensory play.

As a mom, I’ve always appreciated spaces where children can play freely without constantly being directed or entertained. That was a big part of the inspiration behind Diggers Cove. I wanted to create something that felt fun and exciting for children but also comfortable and welcoming for parents.

We offer open play sessions, birthday parties, school field trips, and group visits. One of the most rewarding parts of opening Diggers Cove has been watching children become completely absorbed in play. Sometimes it’s the simplest things, like digging a hole, building, or working together to move sand with a toy excavator, that bring them the most happiness.

For parents, I hope we’re providing more than just a place to take their children for a couple of hours. I hope we’re giving families a place to connect, make memories, and enjoy a different kind of play experience.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

My biggest advice would be to not wait until you have everything figured out, because the truth is, you probably never will.

Starting a business has taught me that there’s a big difference between having an idea and actually bringing it to life. There are so many things you don’t anticipate, so many decisions you have to make, and plenty of moments when you question yourself.

I also think it’s important to do your research, understand your numbers, and be realistic about the amount of time and energy a business requires. Passion is what gets you started, but patience, consistency, and the willingness to learn are what keep you going.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help. You don’t have to know everything, and you certainly don’t have to do everything yourself.

Most importantly, remember why you started. There will be difficult days, but having a genuine purpose behind what you’re building makes those days a little easier to navigate.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One of the most meaningful things for me has been hearing from parents who appreciate having a different kind of play space for their children, especially families with children who have sensory sensitivities.

When we first opened Diggers Cove, I knew I wanted to create a space that was fun and engaging, but I didn’t fully realize how much a calmer play environment could mean to some families.

Hearing parents share how much their children enjoyed the experience, especially when traditional indoor playgrounds aren’t always the best fit for them, has been incredibly rewarding.

As a business owner, of course, positive reviews and happy customers mean a lot. But as a mom, knowing that we’ve created a place where a child feels comfortable enough to explore, play, and just be themselves is something that stays with me.

Where do you see your company in the future?

Our vision for Diggers Cove has always been bigger than just one location. From the beginning, I wanted to build a concept that could eventually grow into multiple communities, and expanding beyond Plano is very much part of our long-term plan.

We’re focused on building a strong foundation with our first location while laying the groundwork for future expansion. The goal is to bring the Diggers Cove experience to more families while maintaining the same quality, creativity, and welcoming environment that make our concept unique.

Beyond physical locations, we also see opportunities to grow through educational partnerships, school field trips, sensory-friendly programs, and community collaborations.

Ultimately, I want Diggers Cove to become a recognizable name in children’s indoor play, a brand that parents trust and children are excited to visit. We’re excited about what’s ahead, and we’re approaching that growth with a clear vision and a long-term mindset.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about the indoor play industry is that it’s simply about keeping children entertained or giving them a place to burn off energy.

There’s actually so much more happening when children play, especially when they’re given the freedom to explore at their own pace.

Something as simple as digging in sand, filling a bucket, or building something with another child can encourage creativity, problem-solving, coordination, and social interaction. Children are learning through play without even realizing it.

I also think there’s a misconception that bigger, louder, and more stimulating automatically means more fun. That’s not necessarily true for every child.

At Diggers Cove, we’re trying to show that play doesn’t always have to be loud or fast-paced to be exciting. Sometimes giving children the space to slow down, get a little messy, and use their imagination can be just as meaningful.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest challenges has been realizing just how many moving parts go into building and running a business, especially when you’re starting something from scratch.

When you first have an idea, you naturally focus on the exciting parts, like imagining the space, designing the experience, and thinking about how people will respond to it. But there’s an entirely different side to entrepreneurship that you don’t fully understand until you’re in the middle of it.

From construction delays and working with vendors to figuring out staffing, daily operations, and everything in between, there have been plenty of unexpected challenges.

And being a mom while trying to build a business adds another layer to it. You’re constantly trying to find that balance between being present for your family and giving your business the attention it needs.

I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is to take challenges one at a time. Not everything will go according to plan, and sometimes you have to change direction, ask for help, or simply figure things out as you go.

I’m still learning every day, but I’ve become much more comfortable with the idea that building a business isn’t about getting everything right the first time. It’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and keep improving.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up, Michael Jackson was definitely one of my favorite artists. His music was such a big part of that era, and I still enjoy listening to his songs today. When it comes to sports, I’d say Michael Jordan. His talent, dedication, and the impact he had on basketball were truly inspiring.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

First and foremost, a special shoutout to my children, who have been such a big part of my inspiration throughout this journey. Being a mom has shaped so much of what I wanted Diggers Cove to be, and I hope one day they’ll look back and feel proud of what we’ve built.

I’d also love to recognize our wonderful Diggers Cove team, who help bring this vision to life every day.

And of course, a heartfelt thank you to the Plano community and all the families who have welcomed and supported us. Every visit, kind word, recommendation, and review means more than people realize, especially when you’re building something from the ground up.

Lastly, a shoutout to all the women and moms out there who have a dream they’ve been putting off. It’s never too late to start something of your own. Sometimes you just have to believe in your idea enough to take that first step.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

You can learn more about Diggers Cove by visiting our website at www.diggerscove.com or following us on Instagram at @diggerscove, where we share updates, events, and little moments from our playground.

We’re located at 7200 Independence Parkway, Suite 238, Plano, TX 75025.

We’d love for you to stop by and experience Diggers Cove with your little ones!