PlayNation to Bring Purpose-Driven Indoor Playground to Eastway Crossing

Screen-free concept designed for child development and family connection set to open in late 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 6, 2026) – Leading commercial real estate firm Collett is pleased to announce that PlayNation, a premium indoor playground for children ages 0–13, is coming soon to Eastway Crossing, the dynamic shopping center at Eastway Drive and Central Avenue. The new concept will bring a thoughtfully designed, screen-free play environment to one of Charlotte’s most community-driven corridors.

Located at 3304 Eastway Drive, PlayNation will occupy a 14,257-square-foot space formerly home to Smartway and is targeting an opening in Q4 2026.

Designed around the idea that “Where Play Meets Purpose,” PlayNation focuses on creating an environment where children can build physical confidence, develop social connections and learn through active, imaginative play. The concept emphasizes movement over screens, offering families a space that supports both child development and parent peace of mind. The indoor concept also provides a reliable, year-round destination for active play, regardless of weather.

“Eastway Crossing continues to attract concepts that bring meaningful experiences to the community, and PlayNation is a perfect example of that,” said Stanford Garnett, Senior Leasing Associate for Collett, which leases and manages Eastway Crossing. “PlayNation is more than a place to play — it’s a space designed to support how children grow, learn and connect, and we’re excited to welcome it to the center.”

PlayNation features a variety of interactive play zones tailored to different age groups, including sensory and tactile elements that encourage exploration and creativity. Younger children will have access to softer, slower-paced areas designed for safety and comfort, while older children can engage in more active, high-energy play. The space will also include dedicated staff members, known as “Play Pros,” who help supervise play areas and enhance the overall guest experience. The environment is designed with a strong emphasis on safety and cleanliness, providing parents with peace of mind while their children play. PlayNation will also offer birthday parties and group activities.

“We created PlayNation to fill a real gap we saw as parents,” said Kevin Miller, General Manager of PlayNation. “Too often, kids’ spaces revolve around screens or don’t fully work for both children and adults. We wanted to create a place where play feels natural again, where kids can move, explore and stay engaged, while parents can relax and actually enjoy the experience alongside them.”

The Plaza Midwood and Eastway corridor stood out as an ideal location for the concept, given its strong sense of community and growing population of young families.

“This area is full of people who value local businesses and shared experiences, but there aren’t many indoor spaces like this that allow kids to stay active year-round,” Miller added. “We saw an opportunity to create something that families can return to again and again.”

PlayNation is the brand’s first location, with plans for future expansion into additional markets. The Charlotte location will serve as the foundation for the concept’s growth, with a focus on building spaces that integrate into and support their surrounding communities.

“PlayNation is just one of several exciting new tenants coming to Eastway Crossing in the near future,” says Garnett. “Interest in our available spaces has always been steady, but we are taking the time to do the right deals in the right spaces and look forward to welcoming additional tenants who are a good fit for the neighborhood and the shopping center.”

Stanford Garnett with Collett represented the landlord, and Andrew Blumenthal with Legacy Real Estate Advisors represented the tenant in the lease transaction.

For more information and updates, www.PlayNation.kids.