BusinessEntrepreneurship

The Profitable Play Podcast

Michele Caruana

If you own or manage an indoor play center, play cafe, indoor playground, family entertainment center, mobile soft play rental business or really any business that serves local children and families, and you want to operate with more EASE and JOY, all while making the living you dreamed of– I created the profitable play podcast just for you. Join me, your host, Michele Caruana, for small but mighty tips every single weekday that will all add up to a BIG impact on your mindset, your business, and your bottom line. Stick with me to keep the PASSION and GROW the profit in YOUR play-based business

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September 24 · 1 hr 11 min
370: The Indoor Playground Red Flags I Notice Immediately
After more than a decade in the indoor playground industry, I've developed a little bit of a sixth sense for decisions that look great on opening day but can become expensive, inefficient or incredibly frustrating later. BLOG for this episode In this episode, I'm sharing 12 things that make me think yikes when I see a new indoor playground or play café — and, more importantly, the business reason behind each one. I'm talking about: The beautiful design choices that can become cleaning nightmares Why more toys can actually make your play space worse The play feature I think WAY more indoor playgrounds need Why your age range could be creating problems you didn't anticipate The hidden cost of choosing residential products for a commercial space Why I don't automatically love dedicated baby areas The revenue stream too many owners leave on the table Why closing on Sundays could cost you more than you think The problem with building your staffing plan around YOU How a bad booking process can waste great marketing Why I don't let Facebook groups decide pricing, hours or offers The question I wish every owner would ask BEFORE spending money on their space Because I'm not just looking at the play space. I'm looking at the business model hiding underneath it — and whether the decisions you're making today are still going to work after thousands of kids, hundreds of parties and years of actual operations. RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist] What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2026 Guide Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training] Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
September 14 · 50 min
369: Making Imagination Part Of Your Business Model With Lilliput Play Homes
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m sitting down with Steve and Dave from Lilliput Playhomes to talk about what really goes into designing and building play equipment for commercial spaces. I’ve worked with Lilliput for more than a decade — first when I chose their play homes for my own indoor playground and now as a parent with a Lilliput Playhome in my own home — so I was especially excited for this conversation. We talk about commercial safety requirements, durability, installation, ADA and fire code considerations, and some of the costly mistakes owners can make when working with contractors who don’t specialize in children’s play equipment. We also get into choosing play pieces, incorporating gross motor and interactive elements, creating custom designs, and using local businesses and landmarks to make a play space truly unique. If you’re designing an indoor playground or play café, comparing equipment vendors, or planning your build-out, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about one of the biggest investments in your business. Contact Lilliput: https://www.lilliputplayhomes.com/contact/ Email Lilliput: sales@lilliputplayhomes.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 2026 Guide Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training] Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
August 19 · 48 min
368: What To Look For When Choosing Soft Play (And Mistakes Many Owners Make)
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m sitting down with Charlotte from Children’s Factory to talk all about designing indoor play spaces that are intentional, engaging, durable, and built for the way children actually play. CONTACT INFORMATION: Website: www.childrensfactory.com Email: charlotte.thomas@childrensfactory.com Discount Code: Use code PM30 for 30% off and Free Shipping! BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/choosing-soft-play-equipment-childrens-factory Whether you’re opening a play cafe, indoor playground, children’s museum, family entertainment center, daycare, preschool, or other children’s play-based business, the physical environment you create can have a huge impact on the customer experience. We talk about how thoughtful play space design goes far beyond simply filling a room with equipment—and what owners should consider when choosing furniture, soft play equipment, activity zones, and other elements for their space. We also discuss how to think strategically about your layout, how different types of play support different ages and developmental stages, and how to create an environment that works for both children AND the adults bringing them into your business. If you’re currently planning, designing, building, renovating, or refreshing an indoor play space, this conversation will give you plenty to think about before making your next investment. In this episode, we discuss: • Indoor playground and play cafe design • Choosing commercial play equipment and children’s furniture • Creating intentional play zones for different ages • Designing spaces that encourage imaginative and open-ended play • Soft play equipment for indoor play spaces • Balancing fun, function, durability, and aesthetics • Creating a better experience for both children and parents • What play cafe and indoor playground owners should consider before purchasing equipment • Designing a commercial children’s space for long-term use • Ideas for refreshing or improving an existing indoor playground or play cafe Have an idea for a future episode? I always want to hear what YOU want to learn more about! Send me a DM on Instagram with your questions, challenges, or topic suggestions—you might just hear your idea featured on an upcoming episode of The Profitable Play Podcast. 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 2026 Guide Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training] Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
July 28 · 55 min
367: Why Great Indoor Playgrounds Are "Yes Spaces" (And the Play Area Mistakes That Drive Families Away)
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Karri Bowen-Poole, founder of Smart Playrooms, a design firm specializing in creating intentional play spaces for both homes and commercial facilities. We explore what makes a truly great play environment and how thoughtful design can encourage independence, spark imagination, support child development, and create a better experience for both children and their caregivers. BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/design-an-indoor-playground-play-area In this episode, we discuss: Karri's approach to designing intentional play spaces that support children's development. What makes a play space engaging for children of different ages and developmental stages. Why open-ended play is one of the most valuable elements of a well-designed environment. The "Yes Space" philosophy and how it encourages curiosity, independence, and confidence. How to create spaces where babies, toddlers, and older children can safely play together. Why mixed-age play benefits children's social, emotional, and imaginative development. The role pretend play and movement play have in creating meaningful, long-lasting engagement. How to incorporate sensory experiences, gross motor play, and fine motor activities throughout your space. Creative ways to make small, narrow, or awkward layouts feel functional and exciting. How to transform underutilized areas into engaging play opportunities. Design considerations for visibility, supervision, and safety without sacrificing exploration and creativity. Strategies for improving traffic flow and preventing bottlenecks in busy play areas. How intentional layouts encourage children to naturally move between different types of play. Common design mistakes play space owners make—and practical ways to avoid them. Whether you're building from scratch or looking to make better use of the space you already have, this episode offers practical ideas to help you create a play environment that children love and families return to again and again. Smart Playrooms Website: https://www.smartplayrooms.com Smart Playrooms IG: https://www.instagram.com/smartplayrooms Email Smart Playrooms: mailto:hello@smartplayrooms.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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
June 22 · 51 min
366: How This Husband-and-Wife Team Built a Thriving Play Space and Discovery School
In this episode, I sit down with CarlyAnn and Justin, the husband-and-wife team behind EverPlay Village. We go beyond the opening story and dive into the systems, revenue streams, and mindset that have helped them build a thriving family business. BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/everplay-village-ep366 In this episode, we discuss: How they identified a gap in their market and launched EverPlay Village The multiple revenue streams that fuel their business Their unique Discovery School program and how it creates reliable recurring revenue How they define and measure success beyond attendance numbers What it's really like running a business as husband and wife Lessons they've learned since opening and what they'd do differently Balancing entrepreneurship, family, and raising three children Advice for owners looking to build a profitable, sustainable business Whether you're already operating a play space or dreaming of opening one, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest lessons. Connect with EverPlay Village: https://www.everplayvillage.com https://www.instagram.com/everplayvillage/ 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
June 2 · 1 hr 2 min
365: The Unexpected Revenue Streams Working at Press Play Cafe in ON, Canada
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Amber, owner of Press Play Café in Ontario, Canada. Even though her business has been open for less than a year, she’s already learned so many valuable lessons about operations, staffing, café sales, birthday parties, memberships, accessibility, and community-building. We talk about: Construction delays and what pushed back their opening Pitching landlords and investors on a play café concept Why café revenue was slower than expected How character meet-and-greets became a huge success Community vendor events that increased visibility and bookings Birthday party package changes she made after opening Staffing, training, and trial shifts Designing a more accessible and parent-friendly space Policies she added after opening The importance of constantly tweaking systems instead of expecting perfection on day one If you’re planning your business, newly opened, or trying to improve your current operations, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and honest insight from someone currently in the trenches. LINKS: Press Play Café: https://pressplaycafe.ca/ Follow Press Play Café on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pressplaycafe 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
May 4 · 56 min
364: The Automated Campaigns Every Play Cafe Should Have Running (And How To Set Them Up)
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m joined by Nick Veneris, Email Marketing Expert at Aluvii, for a conversation all about email marketing, automation, and how indoor playground and play café owners can turn the customer data they already have into more bookings and repeat visits. One thing I really want to emphasize upfront: this conversation is NOT platform specific. Even though Nick is from Aluvii, the strategies we discuss apply no matter what POS, CRM, or email platform you use. This episode is really about understanding your customer journey and communicating with more intention. We talk about: Why email marketing is still one of the most powerful tools for play-based businesses The automated campaigns that are actually driving birthday bookings and repeat visits How birthday, half-birthday, bounce-back, and review request campaigns work in practice Subject lines, timing, and messaging strategies that are getting parents to engage right now The biggest mistakes play café owners make with email marketing How to segment your customer list in a simple, manageable way How to “sell” naturally without sounding overly promotional Realistic ways busy owners can implement these systems without adding more overwhelm If you’ve ever felt like you’re sitting on valuable customer information but not fully using it—or like your marketing feels reactive instead of predictable—this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start applying immediately. FREE E- Mail Marketing Playbook: Click HERE Book A Demo With Aluvii: Click HERE 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
April 29 · 27 min
363: Google’s NEW Review Rules — What to Stop Doing + What to Do Instead
Google updated its review policies in April 2026—and many of the strategies play café and indoor playground owners have relied on for years are now considered violations. BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/new-google-review-rules In this episode, I break down what actually changed, what’s now banned (including incentivized reviews, in-person asks, and review gating), and how Google’s AI is actively flagging suspicious behavior. More importantly, I walk you through exactly what to do instead—so you can continue generating consistent, high-quality reviews without putting your business at risk. If reviews drive your bookings (and they do), this is a shift you need to understand. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest Google review policy changes in 2026 Common review tactics that are now violations What “review gating” is and why it’s banned Whether you can still share your Google review link (and how to do it correctly) The new role of AI in detecting review manipulation How to build a compliant, system-driven review strategy Practical ways to still get consistent, high-quality reviews GOOGLE'S POLICIES: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
April 13 · 52 min
362: How Sunshine Indoor Play Uses a Nonprofit Arm to Serve More Families
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Kate, the owner of Sunshine Indoor Play in Lake Havasu City, Arizona—an indoor playground and play café that has evolved into a true community hub for moms and families. BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/non-profit-play-cafe Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HwetKpdryvQ Kate shares how she built a multi-revenue business that includes open play, memberships, retail, a coffee shop, birthday parties, and a nonprofit arm designed to support families through services like mental health groups, lactation support, car seat checks, and access to essential baby items. We also discuss how her personal experiences shaped both her business model and mission, and how her faith plays a central role in how she leads, makes decisions, and serves her community. Inside this episode, we break down how she raised over $55,000 in local sponsorships to fund her build-out, why being in a small town actually worked to her advantage, and the realities of opening and running a play café with no prior business experience. Kate also shares what surprised her most about her revenue streams—including why birthday parties underperformed expectations, how memberships and open play now drive nearly half her revenue, and how she’s working to grow her café sales. Plus, we talk about the challenges of managing multiple revenue streams, balancing motherhood with business ownership, and her long-term vision to build a sustainable, purpose-driven business that can eventually be passed on to another family. In this episode, we cover: How to have both a for-profit and non-profit play cafe (under one roof!) How to build a play café with multiple revenue streams Creating a nonprofit arm within your play café business Using local sponsorships to fund your startup ($55K raised) Turning a play café into a true community hub for families How faith can shape your business decisions and mission Real revenue breakdowns: memberships, open play, retail, and café Why birthday parties may not perform as expected Lessons from opening with no prior business experience Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship Building a business with long-term sustainability and purpose Website: https://www.sunshineindoorplay.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshineindoorplay/ 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
April 6 · 36 min
361: 6 Operational Shifts Play Café Owners Are Making in 2026
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, we’re breaking down 6 "micro-trends" or shifts some play cafes are quietly making behind-the-scenes as we go through 2026. BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/simplify-your-play-cafe These aren’t big flashy trends—but they’re the small operational shifts that can have a huge impact on your day-to-day, your team, and ultimately your quality of life as an owner. Because at a certain point, it’s not just about adding more. It’s about simplifying what you’re already doing so your business actually feels manageable to run. In this episode, we cover: Going cashless Collecting party payments in advance Simplifying or eliminating drip coffee Short-term or seasonal memberships Encouraging or requiring reservations Positioning your space as a “third space” or community hub If you’ve been feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or like your business is more complicated than it needs to be, this episode will help you start thinking differently about what to streamline, what to rethink, and what actually makes sense for your space. (Episode 49) Adding An Automatic Service Charge To Parties: https://bit.ly/4cme8Pr (Esisode 203) How To Create A Summer/Seasonal Membership Offer: https://bit.ly/3NXe4MQ 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
March 30 · 1 hr 10 min
360: How Hangtime Play Café Hit 250+ Members in Just 2 Months
In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Erin and Justin, the owners of Hangtime Play Café in Arlington, Washington—an indoor playground and play café that scaled to over 250 members just two months after opening. We break down how they pre-sold over 100 memberships before they even opened, the exact strategies they used to build demand early, and how they created strong recurring revenue from day one. We also dive into how they designed a smaller 2,500 sq ft space to feel bigger, more premium, and highly functional—maximizing every square foot to support open play, memberships, and birthday parties without sacrificing the customer experience. Plus, we discuss what’s actually driving revenue in their play café business, including how their café is contributing a significant portion of total sales, how they’re balancing memberships, open play, and private parties, and what they’ve learned about capacity, pricing, and operations in their first few months. We also cover a major build-out challenge—a delayed play structure shipment—and how they used that time to build hype, collect leads, and strengthen their brand before fully opening. If you’re starting or growing an indoor playground, play café, or kids’ activity center, this episode is packed with real-world insights on membership growth, play café design, revenue streams, and what it actually takes to launch and scale successfully. WATCH on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2acgncX70Rk BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/founding-members-play-cafe Hangtime Play Cafe IG: https://www.instagram.com/hangtimeplaycafe/ Hangtime Play Cafe Website: https://www.hangtimeplaycafe.com/ Hangtime Play Cafe TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hangtime_playcafe 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
March 19 · 35 min
359: Feeling Like You Can't Compete With "Free"?: How to Sell Out Paid Events at Your Indoor Playground
If you’ve ever opened social media and thought, “How am I supposed to compete with all these FREE events and classes?”—this episode is for you. BLOG for this episode-- click here! In this episode, I break down why indoor playgrounds and play cafés don’t actually compete with free events—and how to position your paid classes, camps, and events so they consistently sell out. Free events often come with crowds, long lines, and unpredictable experiences, while paid events offer structure, convenience, and a higher-quality experience that many families are happy to pay for. We’ll cover: Why you don’t need to compete with free events at all The mindset shift that changes everything for your marketing How to attract the right customers (not everyone) Why smaller, curated events can be more profitable How to position your events as premium, not optional If you’ve been second-guessing your pricing or struggling to fill events, this episode will help you reframe your strategy and sell 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
March 2 · 55 min
358: From Speech Therapist to Multi-Location Inclusive Play Space Founder With Lindsay
In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m joined by Lindsay, the founder of Spirited Play Labs—an inclusive, membership-based indoor play space in the San Francisco Bay Area designed to support neurodivergent children and their families. Lindsay is a former speech therapist, a parent of a neurodivergent child, and she now identifies as neurodivergent herself—so this conversation blends real-life inclusion, sustainable operations, and multi-location growth. We talk about how Lindsay scaled from one location to three (with a fourth planned), how she built a team structure that allows her to stay out of daily operations, and why her staff and culture are the most defensible part of her business model. We also cover the behind-the-scenes of becoming a vendor with California’s Regional Center so certain families can have memberships covered—creating a B2B revenue stream and a strong referral engine. If you want practical ideas around membership models, inclusive play design, staff training, customer experience consistency, and scaling beyond one location, this episode is for you. BLOG with top 12 takeaways: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/spirited-play-labs-interview In this episode, Lindsay and I cover: How she launched Spirited Play Labs after COVID and the needs she saw in her community What it looks like to build an inclusive indoor playground that supports neurodivergent kids without feeling clinical Why she chose a membership-based model and how her first-time visit process works How she scaled from 1 to 3 locations (and what changed operationally as she grew) The staffing structure behind her locations: managers, training, and culture consistency The real lessons she learned about real estate, buildouts, and overspending early on How she became a Regional Center vendor in California and what “B2B memberships” can look like How she thinks about behavior, regulation, and safety without relying on strict “rules boards” The referral engines that actually work in the disability community (and why she spends very little on ads) How being neurodivergent impacts her leadership, energy, and long-term sustainability as an owner Simple ways traditional play cafés can become more inclusive—starting with who you listen to and who you hire Connect with Lindsay / Spirited Play Labs Instagram: Spirited Play Labs Email: lindsay@spiritedplaylabs.com Website: https://spiritedplaylabs.com/ Blog for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/spirited-play-labs-interview 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
February 23 · 54 min
357: 9 Sneaky Reasons I See Play Cafés Struggle to Grow
n this episode, I’m sharing 11 sneaky patterns I consistently see holding play cafés and indoor playgrounds back—not because owners aren’t working hard, but because these habits are easy to miss when you’re in the day-to-day. BLOG For this Episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/why-play-cafes-struggle-to-grow I explain how inconsistent boundaries, unclear systems, staffing challenges, and operational habits quietly limit revenue, increase stress, and prevent businesses from reaching their full potential. These issues are incredibly common—but once you identify them, they are entirely fixable. In this episode, I explain: The most common operational patterns I see holding play cafés back How inconsistent policies reduce customer trust and retention The systems mistakes I see that quietly reduce bookings Why staffing and training directly impact profitability The leadership habits I see that separate struggling and thriving owners How small operational decisions compound into major growth limitations This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel stuck despite working hard Want to increase profitability without working more hours Are trying to scale your play café or indoor playground Want to build a more stable, sustainable business 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
February 11 · 48 min
356: Buying, Running, and Pivoting a Play Café: Hard Lessons, Smart Decisions, and What Comes Next with Kaylinn
What’s it really like to buy an existing play café instead of starting from scratch? In this candid conversation, I sit down with Kaylinn from Kay’s Play Days — former owner of Monkey Around Play Café and now floor manager at Wise Wonders Children’s Museum — to talk through the real behind-the-scenes of purchasing, running, and ultimately closing a play space. Watch on YouTube instead: https://youtu.be/FV7nwc-nBZA She shares what she wishes she had verified before buying, lessons around finances and leases, and the operational realities that don’t always show up in a business plan. We also talk about the personal side of ownership — how the long hours and stress impacted her family — and why stepping into a museum leadership role has given her more balance without leaving the industry she loves. If you’re considering buying, selling, or simply questioning whether ownership is right for you, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and practical lessons you can apply immediately. We Cover: • Buying vs. starting from scratch • Due diligence and financial transparency • Lease and landlord challenges • Hidden operational realities of ownership • Why she’d skip bounce houses next time • Simple ways to empower your team • Creative staffing partnerships • The personal and family impact of ownership • Pivoting into a museum leadership role Connect with Kaylinn Follow @kaysplaydays on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook Ready to Open Your Own Play Café? Get the complete step-by-step blueprint inside Play Café Academy + a free month of Play Maker Society. Start here! More 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
February 2 · 36 min
355: Retain Customers And Get Repeat Bookings By Creating A "Disney-Level" Experience At Your Play Cafe With Vance Morris
Retain your customers and get repeat bookings by creating a Disney-level experience at your indoor playground business or play cafe business! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S5mc-itOHuk What if the reason families don’t rebook birthday parties, memberships, or repeat visits isn’t your pricing, marketing, or competition—but your customer experience systems? In this episode, I’m joined by Vance Morris, a former Disney leader who spent over a decade designing and operating guest experiences at Disney—and now helps brick-and-mortar businesses create raving fans for life without overspending or burning out. This conversation is especially relevant for indoor playground and play café owners who are: ...Facing increased local competition ...Frustrated with always chasing new leads ...Tired of the social media hamster-wheel and getting new customers in the door each day ...Competing against chains or copycat concepts ...Relying heavily on birthday parties for revenue ...Trying to stand out without discounts or constant promotions In this interview, we cover: ...Why customer retention beats customer acquisition for play businesses ...How Disney delivers consistent, magical experiences using systems—not perfect staff ...The biggest mistake small businesses make when training employees ...How scripts, SOPs, and onboarding create freedom instead of rigidity ...Low-cost ways to create tellable moments that drive referrals ...How experience impacts party rebookings and guest-to-customer conversion ...What indoor playground owners should focus on after the party ends Vance also shares real examples of how small changes—many costing little to nothing—can dramatically increase repeat business and lifetime customer value. If you want families talking about your business, choosing you over competitors, and coming back year after year, this episode will completely shift how you think about experience. Resources & Links: Download: 52 Ways to Wow Your Customer Without Breaking the Bank Learn more about Vance: vancemorris.com More ways to implement Disney magic at your play cafe: https://bit.ly/3M7MVFU 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
January 26 · 1 hr
354: Managing Parties, Capacity, and Staff in a Large Play Café With Kristina Lai From Busy Bee Play Cafe
What does it actually take to run a successful play café once you’re past the opening phase—especially when your space is larger than most independent, non-franchise-chain locations? In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I sit down with Kristina Lai, owner of Busy Bee Play Cafe in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their 8,500+ sq ft facility is on the larger side for a non-chain indoor playground business, which brings its own unique challenges and advantages. On the challenge side, a larger space means a bigger team (often with a high number of teenage staff), higher capacity to manage, more moving parts operationally, and the ability—and pressure—to run a high volume of birthday parties every single week. On the flip side, that size also creates real opportunities: multiple parties running at once, diversified revenue streams beyond open play, a full balloon bar, stronger café potential, and more flexibility in how the business actually makes money. In this conversation, Kristina shares a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how she navigates both sides of that equation. We cover: ...Operating a larger independent play café without franchise systems ...Managing a large, mostly teenage team in peak seasons ...Running a high volume of birthday parties each week—and why systems matter ...Hosting multiple parties at the same time without overwhelming staff or guests ...Real revenue breakdowns: open play, parties, memberships, café sales, retail, and balloons ...Building a profitable balloon business after Party City closures ...Using reservations and memberships to control capacity in a high-traffic space ...When memberships attract the wrong families—and how to handle it ...Letting go of problem members and employees (and why some money isn’t worth it) ...Launching hot food in a play café without turning it into a full restaurant ...The emotional toll of running a large play business and being “always on call” ...How ownership impacts family life when your kids grow up alongside the business This episode is especially helpful if you: ...Own or are planning on opening a play café or indoor playground ...Are considering (or already running) a larger-than-average independent space ...Run frequent birthday parties and want better systems ...Want multiple revenue streams without burning out ...Are managing staffing, capacity, or boundaries 👉 Busy Bee Play Cafe Website: https://www.thebusybeeplaycafe.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusybeeplaycafe/ 🎧 Prefer video? Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xIss67qwn3I 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
January 19 · 53 min
353: Facing Competition, Adding A Cafe, And More First-Year Trials and Successes With Charlesee and Max From Little Dreams Play Studio
In this episode, I’m joined by Charlesee and Max Woosley, the husband-and-wife owners of Little Dreams Play Studio in Dayton, Ohio. They opened in March, expanded quickly, added a café, and almost immediately faced new competition. We talk about what that actually looked like behind the scenes—and how they’ve navigated growth, staffing, pricing, and marketing without losing focus or burning out. In this episode, we cover... Opening as the only play space—and handling nearby competition Expanding their space and adding a café Hiring lessons and early staffing mistakes Why birthday parties grew faster than expected Booking parties from Google and social media without prior visits A local TikTok that drove real foot traffic Adjusting hours based on data, not guesswork Using simple systems to run the business day-to-day Running a play business as a married couple Staying anchored to purpose during stressful seasons Connect with & follow Little Dreams Play Studio: Website Instagram Tik Tok 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
January 12 · 1 hr 6 min
352: 2026 Trend Predictions For The Indoor Play Industry (Part 2- Operations and Day-to-Day)
This is Part 2 of my annual indoor playground and play café industry trends episode — a series I’ve released every single year since 2019. Part 1 focused on business design and planning. Part 2 is about operations, systems, and the decisions owners are making behind the scenes that will quietly determine who is still standing in 3–5 years. These aren’t “ideas to try.” These are structural shifts happening right now inside profitable, sustainable play businesses. And if you miss them They’re expensive to fix later. In this episode, I break down the operational and ownership trends shaping 2026, including: Why owners are stepping back earlier — and how systems (not hustle) are making it possible The rise of businesses designed to function without the owner present Why you cannot out-market a broken layout, bad flow, or poorly designed space How intentional design decisions reduce staffing costs, customer friction, and burnout Why some owners are quietly cutting hours — and increasing profit The shift toward making money during downtime, not just peak hours How smarter owners are evaluating revenue streams based on profitability and energy, not ego Why “just add more offerings” is becoming a dangerous strategy The growing gap between owners who track numbers weekly and those who “feel busy” How over-reliance on AI without real-world context is already costing new owners time and money RESOURCES MENTIONED: BLOG For This Episode Little Play Avenue Episode 105: Call Forwarding Systems To Better Customer Service Episode 84: Making Money As A UGC Creator Episode 349: Business Sponsorships with Jayci from Tiny Play Episode 341: Lead Your Team Better in 2026 Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS
January 3 · 1 hr 7 min
351: 2026 Trend Predictions For The Indoor Play Industry (Part 1- Planning and Design)
Every year (since 2019!), I release a trends episode for the indoor playground and play café industry — and this year, there was simply too much to cover responsibly in a single episode. BLOG For this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/2026-play-cafe-trends As I reviewed what I shared in my 2025 trends video (linked below) alongside what I’ve been seeing all year in Play Maker Society, my live events, and 1:1 coaching, the trends naturally fell into two buckets: 1) planning and design decisions that are expensive to undo 2) operational choices that determine whether a business actually runs sustainably That’s why the 2026 trends are split into two parts. Part 1 focuses on planning: space design, revenue structure, and early decisions that quietly lock owners into years of unnecessary stress if they get them wrong. Many of the 2025 trends from last year's episode are still very relevant — including indoor/outdoor spaces, experience-led design, and bold, playful use of color — but the cost of missing these shifts is higher than ever. This year's list is less about what's "new" and more about what's becoming non-negotiable to have a competition and receccsion-proofed business (that YES: actually pays you). What’s IN for 2026 (Planning & Design): Treating cafés as a core profit driver, not a side feature Designing spaces that increase length of stay and per-visit spend Inclusion and universal design as the standard, not a bonus Intentional layouts that reduce friction for families and staff Revenue models that prioritize retained profit, not just top-line sales Designing businesses that work with family behavior, not against it What’s OUT for 2026 (Planning & Design): Over-relying on AI to plan your business without real-world validation Relying on hustle to fix structural problems Depending heavily on third-party vendors for food and party add-ons Skipping cafés without a clear replacement revenue strategy Treating inclusion as a marketing angle instead of a design foundation Assuming volume will make up for thin margins Building spaces that look good online but don’t function well in real life This episode sets the foundation for Part 2, where we’ll shift from planning to execution — covering operational trends, optimization, and how owners are building businesses that run without burning them out. 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 Michele’s Instagram Michele’s Website Play Cafe Academy YouTube Channel ETSY Template Shop Prepare Your Indoor Playground For a Recession Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!) Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving Active Campaign Free Trial Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

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