Are you spending hours creating social media content without seeing those views translate into actual customers?For indoor playgrounds and play cafés, reaching thousands of people online doesn't necessarily mean reaching the families who live close enough to visit, book birthday parties, or become members. And with algorithms constantly changing, relying on social media alone can mean overlooking some of your most valuable marketing opportunities.In this episode, I'm joined by Marissa from Best Version Media to explore creative, often-overlooked ways to build local brand awareness, establish trust, and make your business stand out in your community.We're talking about:Why more social media views don't always mean more local customersHow neighborhood magazines and hyperlocal advertising can put your business in front of the right familiesCreative ways to get your play café featured in local publications and community conversationsHow to position yourself as a trusted local expert and build recognition beyond social mediaWhy combining traditional marketing with digital advertising can be so effectiveHow Google reviews, online listings, and AI-driven search are changing the way families discover local businessesWhy building familiarity and trust can be just as important as generating immediate bookingsWhether you're just opening your indoor playground or looking for new ways to grow an established play café, this episode will challenge you to think beyond the algorithm and uncover marketing opportunities you may be missing right in your own community.Work with Marissa: www.Livingwny.com or 716-399-0095Best Version Media: https://www.bestversionmedia.com/OTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2026 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

Why do some indoor playgrounds and play cafés become profitable, sustainable businesses while others stay stuck, even when they have similar concepts, markets and opportunities?Why do some indoor playgrounds and play cafés become profitable, sustainable businesses while others stay stuck?After working with hundreds of play space owners, I’ve noticed that the most successful ones tend to operate differently.In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I’m sharing the Five Play Maker Principles from my opening keynote at Play Makers Live and the practical lessons behind each one.We’re talking about:How to identify, measure and investigate business problems before reacting to themWhy being busy doesn’t necessarily mean your play space is profitableWhy you should subtract before you add another revenue streamThe hidden cost of complexity in your indoor playground or play caféWhy systems beat superstars when building a strong teamHow to make sure your customer experience matches what your marketing promisesThe difference between customer service and true hospitalityWhy defining success for yourself should shape how you grow your businessIf you own an indoor playground, play café or kids’ play space, this episode will help you make smarter decisions about profitability, revenue, staffing, systems, customer retention and growth—without simply adding more to your plate.The goal isn’t to build the biggest play space business. It’s to build the right one.Build the business. Protect the joy. Keep the PLAY in play spaces.Lilliput Play Homes WEBSITEOTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2026 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

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 episodeIn 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 nightmaresWhy more toys can actually make your play space worseThe play feature I think WAY more indoor playgrounds needWhy your age range could be creating problems you didn't anticipateThe hidden cost of choosing residential products for a commercial spaceWhy I don't automatically love dedicated baby areasThe revenue stream too many owners leave on the tableWhy closing on Sundays could cost you more than you thinkThe problem with building your staffing plan around YOUHow a bad booking process can waste great marketingWhy I don't let Facebook groups decide pricing, hours or offersThe question I wish every owner would ask BEFORE spending money on their spaceBecause 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 SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2026 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

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: [email protected] RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2026 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

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.comEmail: [email protected] Code: Use code PM30 for 30% off and Free Shipping!BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/choosing-soft-play-equipment-childrens-factoryWhether 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 cafeHave 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 SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2026 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

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-areaIn 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.comSmart Playrooms IG: https://www.instagram.com/smartplayroomsEmail Smart Playrooms: mailto:[email protected] RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

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-ep366In this episode, we discuss:How they identified a gap in their market and launched EverPlay VillageThe multiple revenue streams that fuel their businessTheir unique Discovery School program and how it creates reliable recurring revenueHow they define and measure success beyond attendance numbersWhat it's really like running a business as husband and wifeLessons they've learned since opening and what they'd do differentlyBalancing entrepreneurship, family, and raising three childrenAdvice for owners looking to build a profitable, sustainable businessWhether 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.comhttps://www.instagram.com/everplayvillage/OTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

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 openingPitching landlords and investors on a play café conceptWhy café revenue was slower than expectedHow character meet-and-greets became a huge successCommunity vendor events that increased visibility and bookingsBirthday party package changes she made after openingStaffing, training, and trial shiftsDesigning a more accessible and parent-friendly spacePolicies she added after openingThe importance of constantly tweaking systems instead of expecting perfection on day oneIf 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/pressplaycafeOTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

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 businessesThe automated campaigns that are actually driving birthday bookings and repeat visitsHow birthday, half-birthday, bounce-back, and review request campaigns work in practiceSubject lines, timing, and messaging strategies that are getting parents to engage right nowThe biggest mistakes play café owners make with email marketingHow to segment your customer list in a simple, manageable wayHow to “sell” naturally without sounding overly promotionalRealistic ways busy owners can implement these systems without adding more overwhelmIf 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 HEREBook A Demo With Aluvii: Click HEREOTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

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-rulesIn 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 2026Common review tactics that are now violationsWhat “review gating” is and why it’s bannedWhether you can still share your Google review link (and how to do it correctly)The new role of AI in detecting review manipulationHow to build a compliant, system-driven review strategyPractical ways to still get consistent, high-quality reviewsGOOGLE'S POLICIES: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=enOTHER RESOURCES:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyGetting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 GuideFund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting WaitlistMichele’s InstagramMichele’s WebsitePlay Cafe Academy YouTube ChannelETSY Template ShopPrepare Your Indoor Playground For a RecessionPlay Cafe Academy & Play Makers SocietyQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fDQuestions and Support: [email protected] TOOLS:Wellness Living POS and Branded App Software Play Space Brain (Mention This Podcast For Special Pricing!)Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLivingActive Campaign Free TrialFree Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS