The Playroom East Cobb, located at 1344 East Cobb Drive in Marietta, provides an inclusive indoor play space tailored to support children with sensory, emotional, and developmental needs. The facility officially opened in October and is the creation of Stephanie and Nate Fisher, who designed the center to balance fun with function.
Unlike typical indoor playgrounds that often overwhelm the senses, The Playroom takes a gentler approach. It features a two-story structure for climbing and sliding, zones for gross motor skill development, and open-ended toys to encourage creativity and problem-solving. Areas for quieter play and reflection are also integrated throughout the facility.
The Playroom emphasizes moving between energetic activity and calming exercises to help children manage emotional and behavioral challenges, including those related to autism, ADHD, and other conditions. One of the center’s goals is to create a space where children can learn to self-regulate through guided play and social interaction.
Programs such as “Regulation Ninjas” teach children to recognize their emotional states using a color-coded system. Green represents a calm, focused mindset conducive to learning, while yellow suggests overstimulation or frustration. Through breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques, children are coached to return to a more balanced state.
Another initiative, developed in collaboration with a speech therapist, aims to strengthen early language skills, helping children communicate more clearly and reduce frustration tied to communication barriers.
A dedicated therapy suite at the back of the facility allows for additional services such as speech and occupational therapy, as well as tutoring. These services complement the Playroom’s mission of addressing the whole child’s needs.
Parent feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Families with children facing autism and other challenges describe the environment as a safe space where kids feel understood and supported.
Looking ahead, The Playroom plans to introduce more programming, including playschool sessions for preschoolers, yoga for new mothers, and camps that focus on executive functioning and emotional growth.
To learn more about The Playroom East Cobb, visit theplayroomeastcobb.com.
