The Profitable Play Podcast

Hosted by Michele Caruana

Business Entrepreneurship

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383

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Nov 2026

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About the show

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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November 9, 20261 hr 1 min

374: Large-Scale Indoor Playgrounds and the Revenue Streams Behind a 35,000 Sq. Ft. Business with Janna from Legacy Zone

What does it take to build a 35,000-square-foot indoor playground and family entertainment business with multiple revenue streams? In this episode, I'm joined by Janna, owner of Legacy Zone in North Platte, Nebraska, who has spent more than 20 years growing her business from a small dance studio into a massive, multi-faceted facility offering indoor play, gymnastics, dance, ninja classes, birthday parties, a café, and more. BLOG for this episode We're diving into: How Janna grew her business into a 35,000-square-foot facility in a relatively small market The different revenue streams that make up her business model and how they complement one another Why she purchased and converted an old elementary school instead of leasing a traditional commercial space Her birthday party strategy, including premium packages and upselling opportunities The challenges and financial realities of expanding by nearly 10,000 square feet How she approaches staffing, cross-training, and managing such a large operation The lessons she's learned about growing intentionally and building a sustainable business Whether you're planning your first indoor playground or looking for ways to diversify and expand your existing business, this episode is packed with practical ideas and real-world insights from an owner who's been doing it for more than two decades. LEGACY ZONE Facebook 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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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

November 2, 202654 min

373: Build a Business Worth Buying, Even If You Never Plan to Sell with Gary Aldridge

Have you ever wondered what your indoor playground or play café would actually be worth if you decided to sell it tomorrow? You might be surprised to learn that the amount you've invested in your space has very little to do with what a potential buyer is willing to pay. After selling my own indoor playground business following five years of ownership, I know firsthand that preparing a business for sale involves much more than finding a buyer and agreeing on a price. In this episode, I'm joined by Gary Aldridge, owner of Aldridge Valuation Advisors, who has more than 30 years of experience helping business owners understand, grow, and realize the value of their businesses. We're breaking down what buyers actually look for, the mistakes that can significantly reduce your business's value, and what you can start doing today to build a more profitable, sustainable, and sellable play café. In this episode, we discuss: Why your initial investment in playground equipment and buildout doesn't determine your business's value How buyers actually evaluate small businesses and their future cash flow Why so many business owners overestimate what their businesses are worth How memberships, recurring revenue, and predictable birthday party bookings can increase value Why a business that depends entirely on its owner may be harder to sell The importance of clean financial records, EBITDA, and understanding your true profitability How unpaid owner labor can affect your business valuation What makes a business more attractive to potential buyers and how to prepare for an eventual exit Even if selling your play café is nowhere on your radar, this conversation is for you. The same things that make your business more valuable to a buyer can also make it more profitable, easier to operate, and less dependent on your day-to-day involvement. If you're investing years of your life into building a business, you should understand what makes that business valuable and how to protect what you've worked so hard to create. Watch this interview on YouTube (Play Cafe Academy channel) BLOG for this episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/sell-your-play-cafe Try Aluvii for free today! Gary's book: https://shorturl.at/fc1L2 Gary's website: https://garyaldridge.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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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

October 27, 202646 min

372: The Local Marketing Opportunities Most Play Cafe Owners Are Missing (And How To Take Advantage)

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 customers How neighborhood magazines and hyperlocal advertising can put your business in front of the right families Creative ways to get your play café featured in local publications and community conversations How to position yourself as a trusted local expert and build recognition beyond social media Why combining traditional marketing with digital advertising can be so effective How Google reviews, online listings, and AI-driven search are changing the way families discover local businesses Why building familiarity and trust can be just as important as generating immediate bookings Whether 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 716-399-0095 Best Version Media: https://www.bestversionmedia.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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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

October 5, 20261 hr 19 min

371: 5 Things the Most Successful Play Space Owners Do Differently

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 them Why being busy doesn’t necessarily mean your play space is profitable Why you should subtract before you add another revenue stream The hidden cost of complexity in your indoor playground or play café Why systems beat superstars when building a strong team How to make sure your customer experience matches what your marketing promises The difference between customer service and true hospitality Why defining success for yourself should shape how you grow your business If 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 WEBSITE 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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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 24, 20261 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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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, 202650 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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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, 202648 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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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, 202655 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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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, 202651 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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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, 20261 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 LIVE EVENT WAITLIST Play Makers Live 2027 Waitlist TOOLS & OTHER LINKS: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com TOOLS: 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