The Profitable Play Podcast

In this episode of The Profitable Play Podcast, I share a recorded coaching call with Rosie Lynch, founder of Wild Child Museum & Managerie, a non-profit indoor play space operating inside her local community center.

We discuss the strategic advantages of starting in a low-overhead location — including building a loyal customer base, growing a healthy financial foundation, and securing community and business sponsors — before moving into a larger, more costly space.

Topics covered include:

• Creating consistent revenue to support hiring paid staff over volunteer reliance
• Increasing social media presence and local visibility
• Evaluating future expansion opportunities
• Leveraging non-profit status to secure sponsors, grants, and community support

This episode offers practical insights for play space owners interested in sustainable growth, community partnerships, and non-profit operations.

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society

Connect with Wild Child Museum & Managerie:

🌐 Website: wildchildmuseum.org

📸 Instagram: @wildchildmuseum

📘 Facebook: Wild Child Museum & Managerie

OTHER RESOURCES:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society

Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]

What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide

Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]

Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist

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: [email protected] 

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

2 TICKETS LEFT FOR PLAY MAKER SOCIETY LIVE: https://www.michelecaruana.com/playmakerslive2025

Is your indoor playground or play café business ready for more freedom, flexibility, and revenue?

In this episode, I share how a simple keypad entry system can completely transform your business operations. Whether you're hoping to reduce your reliance on staff, offer after-hours access, or turn your space into a community hub, this upgrade might be the highest ROI decision you make this year.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why keypad entry is a smart move for both safety and scalability
• How to offer unstaffed open play sessions and private rentals
• Ways to rent your space to instructors, therapists, and community groups
• How to give your cleaners, vendors, and staff secure access without keys
• How keypad access can support premium membership tiers and sensory-friendly hours
• Real examples of how this tool creates passive revenue while you sleep

This episode is packed with actionable tips for play café owners ready to work smarter—not harder.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to turn your front door into a revenue-generating asset.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

Wellness Living

Passport Technologies

Play Date Indoor Playground

Episode 263: My Interview with Heather

Play Cafe Academy

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: [email protected]

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

If you’re listening in real time, you know that summer is just around the corner—and if your foot traffic or bookings are starting to dip, you’re not alone. This season can catch even the most prepared indoor playground owners off guard. But here’s the good news: even if you didn’t get a summer plan in place months ago, it’s not too late to make a real impact on your revenue.

In this episode, I’m sharing creative, actionable, and low-lift ways to boost income quickly—even if you’re starting from scratch. These are strategies I used myself when we were struggling through slow summer seasons, and they helped us not only stay afloat but thrive.

I’ll walk you through how to:

• Rent out your unused play equipment for outdoor and at-home parties
• Offer balloon décor for off-site events, not just birthdays
• Host preschool and kindergarten readiness camps without needing certifications
• Fill a big market gap by offering baby-friendly classes and series
• Launch short-term summer memberships, especially for teachers
• Add a mini retail section with seasonal essentials and sensory-friendly options
• Run themed drop-off nights with a summer twist
• Take your café mobile by popping up at local markets and events
• Host profitable micro events that don’t require big crowds
• Open up private rentals for families looking for low-stimulation or exclusive play options

Remember, these don’t all need to be complicated or time-consuming. Many of these ideas can be launched in a day or two using the resources you already have—and just one or two can make a big difference in your bottom line this summer.

If you want help launching any of these ideas fast, be sure to check the show notes for links to free resources and templates inside Play Cafe Academy. And if you’re in Play Maker Society, bring your questions to our next group call and I’ll walk you through them step-by-step.

Don’t let the slower season catch you off guard. Let’s get creative, stay scrappy, and make this your most profitable summer yet.

Episodes & Resources Mentioned:

WellnessLiving

Mobile Event Business Toolkit ($37)

Episode 204: Summer Memberships

Episode 99: Calculating ROI Of Renting That Booth

Episode 325: Parent-Only Event Ideas

Episode 249: Reuse Party Supplies And Make Extra Money Selling Busy Bags

OTHER RESOURCES:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society

Getting Started With Your Play Cafe [YouTube Video Playlist]

What's Working In The Indoor Play Industry 2025 Guide

Fund Your Indoor Play Business [Free Training]

Indoor Play Courses & 1:1 Consulting Waitlist

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: [email protected] 

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

Play Makers Live 2025 Registration and Information (6 Tickets Left!)

In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, I’m diving into Part 2 of our AI mini-series, and this time it’s all about how to get better results from ChatGPT. I’m sharing the exact tips and strategies I use as an indoor playground owner to write better prompts, train ChatGPT to match my voice, and streamline my content creation and operations. I’ll also walk you through how I use other AI tools to automate tasks like scheduling, creating videos, and designing graphics. If you’ve ever felt like AI was giving you “meh” results, this episode will change the game for you.

👉 If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen to last week’s episode first HERE!

ETSY Template Shop

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: [email protected] 

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

If you’ve ever joked about being the “lazy” play cafe owner—this episode is for you. (And if you’re offended by that term… take a deep breath and trust me on this one.) I know you're not actually lazy—you’re just juggling everything: your business, your family, your sanity… and trying to keep it all together. So in this episode, I’m sharing 8 of my favorite next-level AI hacks that help me save time, reduce stress, and focus on what actually matters.

This isn’t your basic AI 101. These are practical, time-saving tools I use daily as a business owner—whether you’ve already started experimenting with AI or have no clue where to begin, you’ll walk away with real strategies you can use today.

BLOG for this episode (if you prefer to read to follow along!)

💡 In This Episode, I Share:

• Why calling myself “lazy” is actually a business strategy
• How I use ChatGPT to train my team and improve customer experience
• Time-saving tricks to repurpose content without rewriting everything
• How I analyze feedback and emails with AI to improve my offers
• My favorite automations for boosting profitability and productivity
• And so much more!

📌 Resources I Mention:

👉 Want more step-by-step AI help? My Free AI Training for Indoor Playground Owners

👉 Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll be sharing even more creative ways to use AI to grow your indoor playground—without adding more to your to-do list.

Thank you to Aluvii for sponsoring this episode!

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: [email protected] 

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

In this episode of the Profitable Play Podcast, we’re diving into what success can look like for indoor playground owners who are introverted, non-confrontational, or just prefer to lead from behind the scenes. I’m sharing practical strategies for managing staff, setting boundaries with customers, and marketing your business—even if you don’t love being on camera or in the spotlight. You'll learn how to build a thriving business that aligns with your personality, avoids burnout, and still attracts loyal customers. Whether you're just starting out or reevaluating your role in your business, this episode will help you find a sustainable, authentic way to lead.

Blog For This Episode

Michele’s Instagram

Episode 50: Setting Boundaries In Your Business

Episode 185: User Generated Content For Your Business

Free Training: Using AI In Your Indoor Playground Business

Get a FREE Aluvii Demo With Our PCA Discount

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: [email protected] 

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

In this episode, I'm sharing three unique yet proven event ideas to help indoor playground owners boost revenue during the tricky spring season, bridging the gap between winter excitement and summer camp busyness. From hosting a fun and profitable "Mom-Friend Speed Dating" night, to a practical "Busy Bag" crafting event, to a strategic "Summer Camp Sampler," you'll leave this episode with a specific plan of action and ready to energize your community and drive business during typically slower months.

Host a Profitable Busy Bag Event (DOWNLOAD)

How To Host The Best Easter Egg Hunt (VIDEO)

Mother's Day Vendor Events (PODCAST)

Host A Successful Character Event (VIDEO)

Stuffed Animal Adoption Event Ideas (VIDEO)

Play Cafe Academy & Play Maker Society

Michele's Instagram

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALUVII AND SCHEDULE A DEMO: https://aluvii.com/play-cafe-academy

OTHER RESOURCES:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU

What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz

Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI

Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC

Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK

Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com

YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7

FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP

ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4

Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions and Support: [email protected] 

Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

Considering opening a play space in a mall OR thinking of starting a very NICHE indoor playground concept? Watch this honest interview first!

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Karla, the owner of Eat and Be Hoopy, a unique business in Vermont. 

Karla shares her inspiring journey as a single mother who turned her passion for hula hooping into a brick-and-mortar business. Initially offering classes and parties in clients' homes, she eventually rented a dedicated space to accommodate growing demand, especially during Vermont's colder months.

Karla's business now focuses on hosting parties and activities like hula hooping, art projects, sensory activities, and cooking classes, primarily for children aged three to nine. Located in a mall, her business benefits from foot traffic and a supportive community of small businesses, despite some challenges like space renovations and possible relocation.

Karla discusses her strategic indoor playground location choice, advertising efforts, and participation in mall events to attract families. She also shares her thoughts on seasonal business fluctuations and her plans for growth, including potential expansion to a second location and training someone to assist her.

Join us as Karla reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of starting small, and her excitement for future growth. Don't forget to check out her Instagram, "Eat and Be Hoopy," linked below, and leave your comments or suggestions for future topics. Thank you for watching!

Karla's Website: https://www.eatandbehoopy.com/

Karla's IG:  @eatandbehoopy  

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALUVII AND SCHEDULE A DEMO: https://aluvii.com/play-cafe-academy

OTHER RESOURCES:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU

What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz

Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI

Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC

Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK

Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com

YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7

FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP

ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4

Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions and Support: [email protected] 

Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

FREE Book More Birthdays Challenge: https://www.michelecaruana.com/birthdaychallenge

BLOG for this Episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/increase-birthday-party-bookings

If you're an indoor playground owner looking to increase party bookings, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help fill up your calendar. Birthday parties are one of the most profitable revenue streams in your business, but if bookings are slower than you'd like, don't panic! In this episode, I walk through 10 things I would do right now, next month, and over the next quarter to boost party reservations.

If you’re looking for proven ways to increase party bookings and maximize revenue, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and start filling your party calendar today!

OTHER RESOURCES:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU

What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz

Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI

Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC

Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK

Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com

YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7

FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP

ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4

Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS

Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

Welcome back play makers! I'm excited to bring you another insightful recorded coaching call today with Meghan Hopkins, co-owner of Jungle Jamz Play Cafe. At the time of this recording, Jungle Jamz had been open for just over 3 months. In this episode, we cover:

• Strategies for booking more summer birthday parties
• Tips for increasing café sales during parties and events
• Using email marketing and blogging to boost bookings
• Best practices for Facebook and Google ads
• How to utilize testimonials effectively
• Weighing the pros and cons of paid events vs. free activities during open play
• The joys (or lackthereof!) of bringing your kiddos to work
• and MUCH more!
• 
  

Whether you're aiming to boost your summer bookings, increase café sales, or improve your marketing efforts, Meghan's insights and Michele's expert coaching will provide you with valuable strategies to implement in your own play cafe. Join our Play Makers Society community on Facebook to share your thoughts and questions. Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Jungle Jamz Website: https://www.junglejamzplaycafe.com/

Jungle Jamz IG: https://www.instagram.com/junglejamz_playcafe/

Jungle Jamz Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meghan_hopkins

OTHER RESOURCES:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU

What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz

Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI

Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC

Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK

Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com

YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7

FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP

ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4

Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep

TOOLS & OTHER LINKS:

Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD

Questions 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 WellnessLiving

Active Campaign Free Trial

Free Demo of Aluvii All-In-One POS