Gathered FM - Business & Community Spotlight

When I was a young, first time mother, I had a really hard time finding other mothers to connect with. This was, in part, due to the fact that I was a 21 year old transplant - anyone I met that was my age wanted to party and those that I met with children were in their 30's and I just couldn't relate to their experience. There also weren't any dedicated spaces that allowed for one to safely divide their attention between their child(ren) and a new acquaintance.

Thankfully, times have changed and we have a mother and educator in Stephanie Kohl at Gathered FM Play Café that is devoted to bridging that gap, by providing a safe, enriching environment for children while simultaneously creating a relaxing space for parents to connect over a nice cup of Joe.

With a background in Music Education at Northern Cass and a Master's in Special Education with a focus on Intellectual Disabilities, Stephanie, originally had a goal to reopen a greatly missed play area - Yunker Farm. However, realizing that her true goal was to create a communal space that could serve as a more structured learning and play place, she pivoted and, thus, GatheredFM Play Cafe was born.

Photo of Stephanie Kohl at the West Fargo Street Fair taken from their Facebook page.

GatheredFM offers a range of services for parents and children Ages 0 -10 outside of open play. They offer dedicated play times by age group to ensure an age appropriate environment and parents of similarly aged children have an opportunity to meet. They rent out their space for birthday parties and their office for those that work from home to have a quiet space to take meetings while ensuring that their children are safe and occupied. In addition to the Music classes and lessons that are offered, they are also pursuing Art programming.

Photo of the GatheredFM Play Cafe play space taken from their Facebook.

While they have impressive range in the options they offer, what truly sets them apart from other play places is their dedication to supporting and enriching the parents' experience through showcasing local resources, like lactation consultants and Early Intervention (with the added benefit of a coffee bar).

Since their transition from Birthday Bliss in March of 2026, GatheredFM Play Café has become a community hub that fosters connection for both children and parents. If you're interested in learning more about the services they offer or upcoming events, please check out their website or Facebook. Interested in partnership or having a resource you support showcased? Please reach out here.