Pittsburgh-based Snapology makes STEAM-based learning fun for kids

Laura and Lisa Coe are building an educational empire brick by brick.

In 2010, the sisters launched Snapology, a creative play program that engages children ages 1 to 14 using Legos, K’Nex and iPads. The intention is to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) in a playful atmosphere.

The business that started in Bethel Park now includes 150 franchise locations across the United States, Canada, Australia, China, Vietnam and Jamaica. Snapology ranks 230 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2020 Franchise 500 list.

In select areas, people can visit their local Snapology Discovery Center, enroll in classes and camps offered at schools, libraries and community facilities or invite the experience into their own homes. The regional location is based in Bridgeville in a 6,000-square-foot space.

Elizabeth and Mike Cochran of Upper St. Clair have been bringing their sons Luke, 8, and Caleb, 6, to Snapology for several years. .

About once a month, it gives the boys a chance to have social interactions in an environment that’s exciting, but more low-key than a trampoline park or Chuck E. Cheese’s.

There are sensory-friendly areas, interactive stations, virtual reality systems, art tables and a room where everything glows in the dark. Parents can stay and play or drop off their little ones ages 5 and above for up to three hours.

The Cochrans are thankful their kids have a place to learn and grow. They even throw a joint birthday party at Snapology each year.

“The staff has been so kind and welcoming to both of our kids,” Elizabeth Cochran says. “It’s given them the confidence to develop relationships with people of all ages, from their peers to teenagers to adults. They’ve benefitted from learning, playing games and working with toys and tools that we don’t have at home. It’s cultivated new interests for them.”

Snapology’s co-founders grew up in Central Pennsylvania, where their parents were successful entrepreneurs. Laura Coe ran a few franchise businesses, but dreamed of starting a that wouldn’t conflict with her main role as a mom.

The idea for Snapology came to her while she watched her son play.

“He was one of those kids who had trouble regulating his emotions,” she recalls. “Legos calmed him down. I went to my sister with the idea to open a business where we do classes and summer camps and parties using Legos and other toys in a way that was educational and fun.”

The Coes started a pilot program at the Upper St. Clair Recreation Center. It’s been building up ever since.

Snapology’s curriculum is approved by a panel of experts, including roboticists, engineers and behavioral scientists. The staff is made up of 25 educators who are either credentialed teachers or have significant classroom experience.

The Discovery Centers are only a small fraction of the business (of the 150 worldwide locations, only 14 have drop-in play areas). Snapology programs are in 30 to 40 schools throughout the Pittsburgh region, including public, private, charter and home schools. The company also works with non-profit organizations, churches and universities.

“We try to fulfill a need in the community for entertainment and enrichment,” Laura Coe says. “For parents, it’s a win-win. It’s super fun, but it’s super educational.”

Her sons, Sebastian and Garren, who are now 16 and 15, respectively, serve as Snapology helpers on weekends and during the summer. Laura Coe has watched them, and other regular visitors, grow socially and academically.

“I’ve had parents come up to me and say their child went to Snapology and now they’re going to college to be an engineer,” she says.

Regular play hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. No reservation is necessary. Pricing is $8 per hour for the first two hours, $10 per hour after.