Most indoor playground and play café owners don’t need more ideas going into a new year — they need better execution on the ones they already have.
In this episode, I break down exactly how I’m using AI right now to help my indoor playground business owner clients review numbers, tighten systems, and remove the operational friction that quietly drains time and profit.
This isn’t about trends or tech overwhelm. It’s a step-by-step, practical walkthrough of how I recommend using AI as an analyst, operations assistant, and planning tool so you can head into 2026 with clearer priorities, stronger systems, and far less on your plate.
05:00–11:00 Strategy 1: Revenue analysis to find 2026 opportunities
11:00–15:10 Strategy 2: Fix party systems before busy season
15:10–17:10 Strategy 3: SOPs that don’t depend on the owner
17:10–19:00 Strategy 4: Floor-plan-based cleaning and safety
19:00–23:10 Strategy 5: Prevent membership churn with AI
23:10–25:35 Strategy 6: Pricing and add-on cleanup
25:35–27:55 Strategy 7: Customer message scripts and decision trees
27:55–29:50 Strategy 8: Policies and incident reporting systems
29:50–31:40 Strategy 9: Repurpose marketing content fast
31:40–34:15 Strategy 10: Website clarity, conversion, and SEO
34:15–38:35 Strategy 11: Partner and sponsor generation for 2026
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
If your Black Friday weekend fell flat or December sales feel slower than expected, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I share proven, mid-December strategies that boost revenue quickly and with minimal stress. From annual membership offers to 2025 party pricing, holiday break camps, summer camp gift cards, retail live sales, low-lift holiday events, and more — you’ll learn exactly what works now, why it works, and how to implement it at your indoor playground or play café business.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Links:
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
In today’s episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m joined by Justine, the owner of Liv and Mimi’s Play Café, who is now two years into her business journey.
WATCH on YouTube (plus get a tour of Justine's retail section: https://youtu.be/BpxtDLo8SNIz)
If you’re inside Play Maker Society, you already know how thoughtful and generous she is with her real-world experience—and today she’s sharing it all.
We focus heavily on retail, because Justine brings a strong background in merchandising and has used that expertise to turn her retail section into a powerful, profitable part of her business.
She walks us through how she chooses products, how she thinks about display and flow, what sells best for her audience, and the small changes that have had the biggest impact on her sales.
Beyond retail, we dig into the lessons she’s learned in her first two years of ownership—what she expected versus what surprised her, what she changed after year one, and how she continues to refine her operations, staffing, birthday parties, and membership strategy based on customer behavior.
If you’ve been wanting to grow your retail revenue—or you’ve felt stuck trying to choose the right products or manage inventory—this conversation will give you tons of practical insight and real examples you can apply right away.
Tune in to hear how Justine approaches retail with intention and how those strategies have contributed to both her revenue and her customer experience at Liv and Mimi’s Play Café.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
In this episode, I’m sharing the exact tough-love truth I give my one-on-one clients inside Play Cafe Academy and Playmaker Society—the things I say privately that genuinely help people avoid incredibly expensive, stressful, and sometimes irreversible mistakes when opening an indoor playground or play café.
This audio is pulled directly from a YouTube video I recently published, and I wanted to share it here because it’s that important. But if you want to make sure you never miss content that doesn’t make it over to the podcast feed, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel as well.
If you’re in the planning phase, this is the reality check you need before signing a lease, building a business plan, launching a GoFundMe, choosing a location, or assuming open play alone will carry your business.
I walk through the most common misconceptions I see every week—unrealistic revenue projections, relying too heavily on vendors, expecting your customers to be loyal, thinking you can bring your kids to work, underestimating the impact on your relationship, and more.
I’m also diving into why no one wants to fund your dream, how crowdfunding can work when used as a marketing strategy (not a funding plan), and why your startup budget, projected revenue, and marketing spend need to align if you want the business to be sustainable and your life to stay intact.
My intention isn’t to scare you—it’s to give you the full, unfiltered picture so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations.
A play café can absolutely be profitable and joyful, but only if it’s built on truth, not wishful thinking.
If you enjoyed this episode and want a part two for current owners, send me a message or leave a review.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Why You Can't Bring Your Kids To Work
What Opening an Indoor Playground Costs
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
Year 1 Of Opening A Play Cafe With Jessalyn Pustay From The Playroom West Virginia!
This interview is also available on YouTube as a video here!
You can also get a summary of this episode on our blog here!
In today’s episode, I’m talking with The Playroom owner Jessalyn Pustay about her first year in business and the lessons she learned while creating a high-quality play and programming space in West Virginia — something she desperately wanted for her own kids after relocating from Washington, DC.
In this interview, we cover:
...How her staffing model grew from just herself to a small, reliable team that can now handle emergencies and weekend coverage.
...The tech struggles she faced early on, why pieced-together systems held her back, and why she’s excited to try something new.
...The marketing channels that actually work in her town.
...How she adjusted pricing and added unlimited memberships, plus which revenue streams perform best.
...The strong seasonality in her area and how she planned ahead financially to make summer slowdowns manageable.
...Her shift away from certain offerings, like read-and-plays and drop-off events, and the themed playgroups and holiday events that consistently sell out.
...The birthday party add-ons that made the biggest difference in profitability.
...How customer feedback shaped her hours and upcoming plans like co-working mornings and homeschool days.
...The vendor and community partnerships that drive real revenue, from bakers and roasters to photographers and local activity providers.
...Her biggest wins and biggest learning moments.
...How her personal workload has shifted — now just three short on-site days a week — and what she’s beginning to delegate.
Jessalyn closes with heartfelt advice for prospective owners: learn from people who have already done it, set boundaries early, and don’t let the business drain the energy you need to run it well.
If you’re planning, opening, or in your first couple of years, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest reflection.
TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@theplayroomwv
WEBSITE: www.theplayroomwv.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theplayroomwv/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theplayroomwv
PLAY SPACE BRAIN: https://playspacebrain.com/
PROFITABLE PLAY RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
In this bonus episode, I’m breaking down a tough but important truth about holiday retail: parents aren’t loyal to Amazon—they’re loyal to convenience.
If you want families in your community to “shop small” with your indoor playground or play cafe business, you have to make buying from your business as simple and friction-free as possible.
I walk through exactly how indoor playground owners can streamline both in-person and online shopping, including mobile-first website fixes, tap-to-pay checkout, same-day pickup, local delivery, gift guides, and quick fulfillment systems.
When we make shopping with us the easiest option, we win more holiday retail sales—without having to compete on price.
Let Us Fix Your Website (Schedule A Free Call)
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
In this episode, I’m sharing the simplest, most profitable holiday events you can add to your calendar — even in the middle of the December chaos. These ideas are designed to increase revenue, visibility, and loyalty without overwhelming you or your team.
I talk about why you don’t need to compete with free community events, why age-specific offerings (especially for babies) are incredibly strategic, and how a few thoughtful touches can make small, curated events feel premium and sell out quickly.
In this episode, I cover:
• Why the holiday season feels overwhelming — and how to keep events simple
• Why free events aren’t your competition
• The power of baby-focused and age-specific programming
• How to use small group sizes to your advantage
• High-impact, low-lift event ideas you can run immediately
If you want to boost revenue without burning out this holiday season, this episode will give you everything you need.
PROFITABLE PLAY RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
If you’re already open, you know this — and if you’re getting ready to open, you’re about to find out: managing a team is one of the hardest, most complex, and most draining parts of running an indoor playground or play café.
In this episode, I’m sharing 10 leadership habits that have helped me earn the respect and trust of my team — not because they had to follow me, but because they wanted to. These are lessons I’ve learned the hard way over the years, adapted specifically for our unique industry where most employees are part-time, often young, and juggling a lot outside of work.
I’ll walk you through how I:
Because leadership in this industry isn’t about barking orders — it’s about setting the tone, building trust, and creating a culture that runs smoothly even when you’re not in the room.
If you’re ready to create that kind of team — one that respects you, supports each other, and helps your business grow — this episode is for you.
YOUTUBE VIDEO for this Episode
PROFITABLE PLAY RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
In this episode, I’m catching up with play café owner Sarah Kobin, who I first interviewed about a year and a half ago when she was still in the early opening phase of her business.
Now that she’s been open for 18 months, Sarah shares what’s changed — from which revenue streams performed best (and which didn’t) to how her team, systems, and daily operations have evolved.
We talk about what’s surprised her most since opening, what she’d do differently if she could start over, and how her role as the owner has shifted as the business has grown.
If you’re curious what the first full year of running an indoor playground really looks like — the wins, the lessons, and everything in between — you’re going to love this follow-up conversation.
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving
PROFITABLE PLAY RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about play café and indoor playground franchising — and why this model has failed to deliver lasting success for most owners, outside of what you may see on social media.
I’ve worked with countless franchisees who believed joining an established concept would simplify their startup journey, only to discover overwhelming fees, lack of flexibility, and corporate systems that didn’t fit their local markets.
In this episode, I share real examples of owners who struggled under these agreements and explain the key red flags to watch for if you’re researching a franchise opportunity (and we get VERY specific!).
You’ll learn:
• Why big national brands like The Little Gym or Goldfish Swim School can make franchising work — and why smaller ones rarely can.
• The financial math behind royalties, marketing fees, and hidden costs.
• Common build-out and permitting pitfalls new franchisees face.
• The importance of local flexibility in pricing, programs, and menu offerings.
• How to read the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and spot deal-breaking clauses.
• Smarter alternatives to franchising for aspiring owners who still want systems and support.
If you’ve been tempted by the promise of “done-for-you” business ownership, this episode will help you make a truly informed decision before signing anything.
Old Pros and Cons of Franchising Article Mentioned
What's Working Guide for 2025-2026
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
At some point, almost every play cafe owner will exit their business — whether it’s by selling, transitioning to a new owner, or closing and moving on to the next chapter. It’s a natural part of the business lifecycle, but it’s something most of us don’t think about until we have to.
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m breaking down what it really means to sell your indoor playground or play cafe business versus liquidating it — and how to know which option makes the most sense for you.
If you’ve ever wondered what your exit strategy could look like — whether that’s years down the road or something you’re actively considering now — this episode will help you start preparing your business to be both sellable and sustainable.
Watch this episode on YouTube instead
Here’s what I’ll cover inside:
I’ll also walk you through practical steps to get your finances, systems, and lease ready — so you can protect your investment, reduce your stress, and keep every possible door open for your future.
Whether your business is thriving or you’re simply feeling the weight of ownership right now, this conversation will give you the clarity, confidence, and next steps you need to move forward intentionally and on your own terms.
Resources Mentioned:
Ep 68: Why Most Indoor Playgrounds Don't Sell, OR Sell For A Loss
Video: Exit Strategies For Play Cafe Owners
Video: My Tips For Selling Or Closing Your Business
Video: Breaking Your Commercial Lease
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
If Halloween snuck up on you this year—don’t stress. In this episode, I share 10 quick, low-cost, and high-impact ways to boost October profits and make your indoor playground or play café feel festive without draining your time or budget.
These ideas will help you attract families, boost engagement, and create memorable experiences—whether you have a day or a week to prepare.
BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/halloween-ideas
OTHER RESOURCES:
Take a Vacation As An Owner (FREE Download)
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
Prefer to read? This episode's takeaways are summarized here!
Prefer to watch? This interview's also on YouTube here
Work with MJ Morley Law: https://www.mjmorleylaw.com/
Thinking about opening a play café or indoor playground business? Or maybe you already own one and want to be sure you’re legally protected? Understanding trademark protection and cease and desist letters is essential for both new and current owners.
In this episode, I sit down with my lawyer to get clear, practical answers to the most common legal questions play café and indoor playground owners face, including:
...How to avoid infringing on someone else’s trademark before you launch
...What a cease and desist actually is (and how it differs from a lawsuit)
...The right steps to take if you ever receive one
...Whether or not you should share cease and desist letters publicly
...What types of names, logos, and phrases are trademark-able
...If and when you should file your own trademarks to protect your business
...The potential consequences of sending meritless or false cease and desist letters
Whether you’re still in the business planning phase or already operating your play café and want to protect yourself legally if you ever receive a cease and desist, this conversation will give you the knowledge you need to safeguard your brand, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with confidence.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Amy Bowman, founder of the soon-to-launch live music–themed play space, The Jamboree Club in Pennsylvania.
Amy is right in the middle of business planning and finalizing her location, so we dive deep into the most important steps every indoor playground or play café owner should take before opening their doors.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
If you’re anywhere in the business planning stage, this episode is packed with insights to help you avoid common missteps and set yourself up for success.
Follow Amy’s business on IG: instagram.com/thejamboreeclub/
Website: https://www.thejamboreeclub.com/
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
As indoor playground owners, we didn’t open our spaces to spend nights chasing late payments or answering 10pm DMs. We opened to build community and have time with our families.
That balance is possible—with automation.
In this episode, I’m sharing 10 sales automations you can set up THIS week to recover lost bookings, increase revenue, and free up your time, including:
These automations plug the leaks in your funnel so you stop losing sales—and stop choosing between being present at work or at home.
🔗 Episodes Mentioned
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
Active Campaign Free Trial: https://www.activecampaign.com/?_r=D6IYK3HG
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Kate Mitchell, the inspiring owner of Funtown Play Café, to hear the real story behind how she turned her vision into a thriving family destination.
Kate shares the highs, the lows, and everything in between—from the spark of inspiration that started her journey, to the challenges of the build-out process, to how she developed such a strong and recognizable brand that immediately resonates with families.
We also dive into:
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to bring a play café to life—or you’re looking for practical tips and encouragement to keep moving forward—this conversation is full of golden nuggets you won’t want to miss.
👉 Listen in and get inspired by Kate’s journey to creating Funtown Play Café!
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I share a recorded coaching call with Jan from Kinderland Play Cafe in Hendersonville, TN that covers the exact questions so many indoor playground and play café owners face when setting up their systems and preparing their business for growth—or even a future sale.
My guest’s long-term plan is to eventually sell their business, so every decision they make now is with that end goal in mind. During our conversation, we dig into:
If you’re in the trenches of creating processes, figuring out how much to delegate, or looking to build a business that’s scalable and eventually sellable, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
Kinderland Website: https://www.kinderland-hendersonville.com/
Kinderland IG: https://www.instagram.com/kinderland.hendersonville
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I share a recorded coaching call with Rosie Lynch, founder of Wild Child Museum & Managerie, a non-profit indoor play space operating inside her local community center.
We discuss the strategic advantages of starting in a low-overhead location — including building a loyal customer base, growing a healthy financial foundation, and securing community and business sponsors — before moving into a larger, more costly space.
Topics covered include:
This episode offers practical insights for play space owners interested in sustainable growth, community partnerships, and non-profit operations.
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Connect with Wild Child Museum & Managerie:
🌐 Website: wildchildmuseum.org
📸 Instagram: @wildchildmuseum
📘 Facebook: Wild Child Museum & Managerie
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
2 TICKETS LEFT FOR PLAY MAKER SOCIETY LIVE: https://www.michelecaruana.com/playmakerslive2025
Is your indoor playground or play café business ready for more freedom, flexibility, and revenue?
In this episode, I share how a simple keypad entry system can completely transform your business operations. Whether you're hoping to reduce your reliance on staff, offer after-hours access, or turn your space into a community hub, this upgrade might be the highest ROI decision you make this year.
💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
This episode is packed with actionable tips for play café owners ready to work smarter—not harder.
🎧 Tune in and learn how to turn your front door into a revenue-generating asset.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:
Episode 263: My Interview with Heather
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy
If you’re listening in real time, you know that summer is just around the corner—and if your foot traffic or bookings are starting to dip, you’re not alone. This season can catch even the most prepared indoor playground owners off guard. But here’s the good news: even if you didn’t get a summer plan in place months ago, it’s not too late to make a real impact on your revenue.
In this episode, I’m sharing creative, actionable, and low-lift ways to boost income quickly—even if you’re starting from scratch. These are strategies I used myself when we were struggling through slow summer seasons, and they helped us not only stay afloat but thrive.
I’ll walk you through how to:
Remember, these don’t all need to be complicated or time-consuming. Many of these ideas can be launched in a day or two using the resources you already have—and just one or two can make a big difference in your bottom line this summer.
If you want help launching any of these ideas fast, be sure to check the show notes for links to free resources and templates inside Play Cafe Academy. And if you’re in Play Maker Society, bring your questions to our next group call and I’ll walk you through them step-by-step.
Don’t let the slower season catch you off guard. Let’s get creative, stay scrappy, and make this your most profitable summer yet.
Episodes & Resources Mentioned:
Mobile Event Business Toolkit ($37)
Episode 204: Summer Memberships
Episode 99: Calculating ROI Of Renting That Booth
Episode 325: Parent-Only Event Ideas
Episode 249: Reuse Party Supplies And Make Extra Money Selling Busy Bags
OTHER RESOURCES:
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]
What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide
Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]
Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist
Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel
Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD
Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com
Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy