OUR LEGACY IS FUN
Chuck Knerr’s mission to bring kids active, screen-free fun that lasts a lifetime.
THE FUNNEST TOY WHAM-O® NEVER FINISHED
In the early 1960s, I was five years old and blessed to have the world’s most magical backyard. My dad, Rich Knerr, and his partner Spud Melin founded WHAM-O®, and our patio became a testing ground for whatever wild idea they dreamed up next.
One day, they rolled out a clunky spinning contraption—hand-welded metal, a round seat, and a big question: “Wanna try this?” I climbed on, kicked off, and suddenly I wasn’t on our patio anymore—I wasJohn Glenn orbiting earth. I played on it every day!
That prototype (shown middle/bottom in the photo) never made it to market because that summer, Slip ’N Slide® took off like a rocket, and the spinner was quietly shelved. But for me, it was too much fun to forget.
Decades Later...
After raising kids of my own and watching how easily joy can get swallowed by screens, I knew it was time to finish what my dad and Spud had started.
That forgotten spinner has become WhirlyGoRound
Now it's a beautiful, heirloom toy that invites kids to move their bodies, activate their minds, and feel pure, screen-free joy. It’s not just fun. It builds balance, focus, strength, and calm. It floods the body with endorphins, not dopamine. And it reminds us—parents and kids alike—that the best kind of play doesn’t need a plug or batteries.
It’s our story. And I’m happy to share it with you.
— Chuck
Chuck watched his grandkids glued to screens, missing the active play of his childhood—running, spinning, laughing till dark. Today’s kids face a world of digital distractions and throwaway toys. Inspired by his dad’s advice to “do it right,” Chuck revived that forgotten spinner to get kids moving again, sparking thrills and imagination without a single tap or swipe.
Chuck poured his heart into WhirlyGoRound, crafting it from bamboo—strong, sustainable, and beautiful—for a safe, enduring toy. Chuck tested his creation with children at church kids’ nights. He watched them spin with glee, their laughter echoing his own at five. In their endorphin-fueled joy, Chuck felt what Rich felt watching him: this was a toy parents and kids would love for years. With no sharp edges, this handcrafted thrill-ride sparks coordination and confidence, turning any room into a playground of physactive fun. WhirlyGoRound delivers indoor thrills that families will cherish for generations.
WhirlyGoRound turns any room into a playground of endorphin-fueled joy, nurturing balance, attention, and steadiness. A teacher raved, ‘It settled kids and sharpened their engagement during cleanup.’ Parents adore its daily magic: ‘I could toss every other toy!’ Spinning delights kids up to 10, even those with boundless energy, while its bamboo elegance makes it a gift grandparents love giving—a legacy of laughter, not clutter. This limited-edition treasure shines in any home, it's the one toy you won't have to hide before guests arrive.
Chuck Knerr kept a promise to his dad, Rich, to finish their dream toy—right. In a screen-filled world, WhirlyGoRound gives kids up to age 10, active, screen-free fun that sparks joy and well-being. Chuck hopes every spin brings kids the thrill he felt and parents the pride of a gift that lasts. Try it risk-free for 30 days!
Hula Hoop® (1958) Water Wiggle® (1964) Super Stuff® (1967)
Fostering development of children's God-given abilities through physically active play.
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Mathew 19:14
