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-trendsAs 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 undo2) operational choices that determine whether a business actually runs sustainablyThat’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 featureDesigning spaces that increase length of stay and per-visit spendInclusion and universal design as the standard, not a bonusIntentional layouts that reduce friction for families and staffRevenue models that prioritize retained profit, not just top-line salesDesigning businesses that work with family behavior, not against itWhat’s OUT for 2026 (Planning & Design):Over-relying on AI to plan your business without real-world validationRelying on hustle to fix structural problemsDepending heavily on third-party vendors for food and party add-onsSkipping cafés without a clear replacement revenue strategyTreating inclusion as a marketing angle instead of a design foundationAssuming volume will make up for thin marginsBuilding spaces that look good online but don’t function well in real lifeThis 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 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: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