State of Play is a Family’s Dream

Located in Bozeman’s Cannery District, this is a place where kids and grown-ups get to play, make art and be themselves. A place with a glow-in-the-dark galaxy, a play fort that looks like it was sent here from Mars, an art studio where painting on the walls is encouraged and various nooks for reading, learning and playing hideand-seek.

Welcome to State of Play. Built with curiosity, creativity and community in mind, this modern play space is part children’s museum, part school and part parent paradise.

But this isn’t your typical, overwhelming, questionably clean play space where parents want to exit as soon as they enter and the kids leave overstimulated and uninspired. State of Play co-founders, Kama Werner and Katie Dolen, set out to redefine what a public space for families looks and feels like; one that parents want to be a part of as much as the kids.

And after just over two years of being open, State of Play is growing, adding kindergarten to their school program and expanding to a second location. Separating the school from the play space allows for more public programming on weekdays and more community events on weekends. In addition to in-house classes such as yoga, cooking and storytelling, they are collaborating with other unique and local children’s programming to offer experiences including a Mini Circus Class with 406 Cirque, Tiny Ballet with Montana Ballet Company, Music with WildArts and Language with Music Lingua.

“Our perspective is that we are a laboratory of play, creativity and joy. So, it only makes sense to open our doors to others in our community whose programming thrives on those very sentiments,” co-founder Werner says.

This collaborative spirit is what sets the tone for their inviting attitude centered around connection and community.

“Whether your family participates in our open play time, classes, after-school program, summer camps or school, our philosophy values creative expression and social and emotional development as much as academic learning,” Dolen, co-founder and early childhood educator, states.

So how can your family participate in all that State of Play has to offer? Families can enjoy the space together during open play and class times all week long and on weekends. Monthly memberships are available and include unlimited access for the entire family—even grandma! The after-school drop off art class is held twice a week from 4-5 p.m. (available for children ages 3-8). And they have a drop-off date night every other Friday, giving parents a night off. School applications can be found on their website. No matter when you visit, you can count on interacting with a variety of play and art stations that frequently change depending on the children’s interests and developmental age ranges. Head over to www.stateofplay.co to view the entire fall schedule.