- Видео 271
- Просмотров 533 327
Play Cafe Academy
США
Добавлен 14 дек 2018
Welcome to the Play Cafe Academy!
Here, you'll learn everything you need to know about opening a profitable indoor playground or play cafe. After 5 years of successful ownership and selling our business, we want to help you! We will answer questions like, "Are indoor playgrounds profitable?", "How do I open an indoor playground?", "How do I get my business funded?" and more!
Here, you'll learn everything you need to know about opening a profitable indoor playground or play cafe. After 5 years of successful ownership and selling our business, we want to help you! We will answer questions like, "Are indoor playgrounds profitable?", "How do I open an indoor playground?", "How do I get my business funded?" and more!
Cafe Mistakes Indoor Playground Owners Make
Cafe mistakes indoor playground owners make- myself included!
While I am certainly not immune to many of these mistakes, I am here to help you AVOID these same pitfalls in your own play cafe or indoor playground business-- BEFORE they cost you time, money, customers, your health department license, and your sanity.
Cafe Counter Tour: ruclips.net/video/03ILVn_JQFo/видео.html
Why I Believe A Cafe Is Essential In A Highly Profitable Play Cafe: www.michelecaruana.com/blog/why-having-a-cafe-is-essential-for-indoor-playground-profitability
Play Cafe Academy: www.michelecaruana.com/playcafeacademy
Tips on Handling Food Allergies: ruclips.net/video/Adz_ixvO-uc/видео.html
Vendor Recommendation: Wholelat...
While I am certainly not immune to many of these mistakes, I am here to help you AVOID these same pitfalls in your own play cafe or indoor playground business-- BEFORE they cost you time, money, customers, your health department license, and your sanity.
Cafe Counter Tour: ruclips.net/video/03ILVn_JQFo/видео.html
Why I Believe A Cafe Is Essential In A Highly Profitable Play Cafe: www.michelecaruana.com/blog/why-having-a-cafe-is-essential-for-indoor-playground-profitability
Play Cafe Academy: www.michelecaruana.com/playcafeacademy
Tips on Handling Food Allergies: ruclips.net/video/Adz_ixvO-uc/видео.html
Vendor Recommendation: Wholelat...
Просмотров: 168
Видео
Why Is Owning An Indoor Playground SO Hard?! Unfiltered Thoughts.
Просмотров 1,4 тыс.16 часов назад
Why is owning an indoor playground or play cafe business so hard?! I get this question ALL the time, and I wanted to take some time to answer it today with some fresh perspective. I have covered this topic from different angles in the past like why opening an indoor playground is so hard from an emotional perspective and why it can be especially tough for parents of young children so I will lin...
2025 indoor playground business trends!
Просмотров 83814 дней назад
2025 indoor playground business trends from Michele Caruana, the creator of Play Cafe Academy! 2:35 Indoor Playground Business INS for 2025 8:27 Pretty Indoor Playground and Play Cafe Equipment Pictures 23:19 Indoor Playground Business INS for 2025 As someone who has been in the play cafe and indoor play space industry for TEN years now, I have a pretty successful track record when it comes to ...
Planning Your Play Cafe Layout: A Recorded Coaching Call With Future Indoor Playground Owners
Просмотров 366Месяц назад
Planning Your Play Cafe Layout: A Recorded Coaching Call With Future Indoor Playground Owners Jordan and Alexis from Nurture to Play! Today I have a coaching call for you to listen in on with business partners Jordan and Alexis of Nurture to Play which is a soon-to-be play cafe in Minnesota. Podcast Version of this interview: bit.ly/3XpsuHq Jordan and Alexis are deep into the planning phase of ...
Opening a Play Cafe With Playgrounds Cafe Owner Natalie Goodall
Просмотров 794Месяц назад
Opening a Play Cafe with newly opened Playgrounds Play Cafe business owner Natalie Goodall! In this video I have a coaching call for you to listen in on with Natalie Goodall, owner of Playgrounds Cafe and at the time this was recorded Natalie had been open for just under 5 months. In this call we cover things like: ...how to choose a business focus ...how to maximize the revenue obtained from p...
Opening a Micro-School With Cultivate Studio Owner Sydney Loper
Просмотров 3022 месяца назад
Opening a micro-school with former play cafe business owner Sydney Loper, who now owns and operates Cultivate Studio in Mobile, Alabama! I’m super excited about today’s conversation because we’re diving into the world of micro-schools-a topic that’s really gaining traction in both the play and education industries. Today, I’m chatting with Sydney Loper, owner of Cultivate Studio in Alabama, abo...
Opening a Stem-Focused Play Space: Recorded Coaching Call With Ashima, Owner of STEM Spot
Просмотров 3592 месяца назад
Opening a stem-focused play space with Ashima, owner of STEM Spot near Boston, MA! I am excited to bring you another recording coaching call with a very-soon-to-be indoor playground owner! Today we are speaking with Ashima who is located in the Boston area and recently signed her lease to open a business called Stem Spot, which you can hear more about in Ashima's own words if you tune in. Ashim...
Choosing Retail Toy Vendors and Vetting For Safety With The Toy Coach Azhelle Wade
Просмотров 3374 месяца назад
Choosing Retail Toy Vendors and Vetting For Safety With The Toy Coach Azhelle Wade! As we transition into the holiday season, it’s time to get creative and start planning for the holiday gifting season. If you’re already working on your retail inventory and promotion strategies, I’ve got an important topic for you to consider today: vendor safety and certification. In this episode, I’m thrilled...
A Real Look Inside The Life Of An Indoor Playground Owner With Alyssa Fox From Wiggle N Play!
Просмотров 1,6 тыс.4 месяца назад
A real look inside the life of an indoor playground owner and what it's REALLY like to own an indoor play space with Alyssa Fox! In this video, I sit down with Alyssa Fox, owner of Wiggle and Play in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Alyssa shares her journey of transitioning to a larger space for her indoor playground business, discussing the launch process, funding, and overcoming unexpected roadblocks. Le...
Launching An Indoor Playground Business: What Licenses and Permits Are Needed? (2025 Update)
Просмотров 1,7 тыс.4 месяца назад
Launching An Indoor Playground Business: What Licenses and Permits Are Needed? (2025 Update) Thinking about starting an indoor playground or play cafe business? Before you can open your doors, you need to make sure you have all the necessary permits and licenses in place. In this video, I provide a complete breakdown of the permits and licenses required to legally open an indoor playground. Fro...
Surviving Your First Year In Business With Play Cafe Owner Mackenzie Tyson
Просмотров 9094 месяца назад
Surviving your first year in business as an indoor playground or play cafe owner with Mackenzie Tyson, Play Cafe Academy member and owner of Playgrounds Cafe! In this play cafe owner interview, we dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of opening a brick-and-mortar play cafe with Mackenzie Tyson, owner of Playgrounds Play Cafe in Ohio. Mackenzie shares her experiences from the first seven m...
Social Media Tips For Indoor Playground Owners from Expert Leslie Presnall
Просмотров 2664 месяца назад
Social media tips for indoor playground owners and play cafe businesses with Leslie Presnall! Social media can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially for small local business owners who wear many hats- like you might if you’re watching this channel! From creating engaging content to figuring out the best platforms to reach your audience, it's a lot to juggle. But fear not, because in to...
How To Create a Digital Course Business With Expert Amy Porterfield
Просмотров 1294 месяца назад
How to create a digital course business with industry expert Amy Porterfield! SIGN Up for Amy's Bootcamp: www.michelecaruana.com/bootcamp. In this special bonus video, I'm flipping the script and interviewing MY business mentor, Amy Porterfield! 🎉 I know I normally talk here about my indoor playground business, but since I get asked ALL the time about what my CURRENT online course business look...
Is Your Indoor Playground Inclusive? With Inclusion Specialist Kayla Coburn of Inclusion Starts NOW!
Просмотров 2034 месяца назад
Is your indoor playground business or play cafe business inclusive... REALLY? In this essential video for indoor playground owners, host Michele Caruana sits down with Kayla Coburn, Inclusion Specialist and Educational Consultant and the owner of Inclusion Starts Now, to explore how indoor playground owners can make their spaces more accessible for all children. Kayla shares her expertise on cr...
Indoor Playground Owner Conversation with Meghan Hopkins, Owner of Jungle Jamz Play Cafe!
Просмотров 1 тыс.5 месяцев назад
Indoor Playground Owner Conversation with Meghan Hopkins, Owner of Jungle Jamz Play Cafe!
Become a Children's Book Author To Amplify Your Mission (And Sales!)
Просмотров 1856 месяцев назад
Become a Children's Book Author To Amplify Your Mission (And Sales!)
Simplifying Social Media Marketing For Your Indoor Playground Business with Jerry Potter
Просмотров 2906 месяцев назад
Simplifying Social Media Marketing For Your Indoor Playground Business with Jerry Potter
Navigating Divorce as a Business Owner or Entrepreneur
Просмотров 2398 месяцев назад
Navigating Divorce as a Business Owner or Entrepreneur
Handling Conflict With Customers, Employees, and More
Просмотров 1958 месяцев назад
Handling Conflict With Customers, Employees, and More
Updated Tour Of Friendship Fortress Indoor Playground and Play Cafe!
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.8 месяцев назад
Updated Tour Of Friendship Fortress Indoor Playground and Play Cafe!
Indoor Playground Owner Business Coaching Call With Little Harts Play Cafe Owner Jessica!
Просмотров 8278 месяцев назад
Indoor Playground Owner Business Coaching Call With Little Harts Play Cafe Owner Jessica!
Preventing Burnout and Reducing Stress For Indoor Playground Owners with Kelly Hale
Просмотров 1888 месяцев назад
Preventing Burnout and Reducing Stress For Indoor Playground Owners with Kelly Hale
Pluie Founder Addie Gundry Talks Launching A Physical Product and Entering The Play Cafe Industry!
Просмотров 2009 месяцев назад
Pluie Founder Addie Gundry Talks Launching A Physical Product and Entering The Play Cafe Industry!
Indoor Playground Owner Business Coaching Call With Monkey Around Play Cafe Owners!
Просмотров 7099 месяцев назад
Indoor Playground Owner Business Coaching Call With Monkey Around Play Cafe Owners!
How To Tell Your Brand Story On Social Media And On Your Website With Mariana from Brand Magnetic
Просмотров 62011 месяцев назад
How To Tell Your Brand Story On Social Media And On Your Website With Mariana from Brand Magnetic
Interviewing Play Cafe Owner Couples And Asking The Tough Questions!
Просмотров 48911 месяцев назад
Interviewing Play Cafe Owner Couples And Asking The Tough Questions!
Indoor Playground Business Tour With Owners Casey and Laura of Village Play!
Просмотров 6 тыс.11 месяцев назад
Indoor Playground Business Tour With Owners Casey and Laura of Village Play!
Play Cafe Owner Interview With Alera Owens From Project Play Museum In Texas!
Просмотров 4,7 тыс.11 месяцев назад
Play Cafe Owner Interview With Alera Owens From Project Play Museum In Texas!
How This Teacher Launched a Digital Products Business (And How YOU Can Launch Your Own!)
Просмотров 61111 месяцев назад
How This Teacher Launched a Digital Products Business (And How YOU Can Launch Your Own!)
What I Wish I Could Say To Every Indoor Playground Owner BEFORE Their Opening Day
Просмотров 1,7 тыс.11 месяцев назад
What I Wish I Could Say To Every Indoor Playground Owner BEFORE Their Opening Day
Awesome video, thank you for the intel. :) Is a machine that can produce up to 100Lbs/Day with 48 Lbs Capacity considered big enough? My roaster also recommended a small ice bin next to the coffee machine to further optimized the workflow and not always having to reach to the ice bin. And a second ice bin to keep the milk near by.
I think all of that sounds great!! In most states you will also need to keep any counter creamer you leave out for customers on ice!
Really detailed! I love all the details
Thank you!!! Lucky for you, its hard for me to be brief ;)
Thanks for this video! I’m curious, What all do you have on your menu? Is it mostly aimed towards the kids, or the adults?
Coffee and espresso was of course only for adults- but we did milk steamers, cocoa, iced tea, lemonade, smoothies at one point (we stopped them because of the ice thing I talked about here) and such for kids! Thats mainly what I'm referring to in this video-- the coffee / cafe side! As for snacks we had the muffin tin snack trays that I share in other videos for kiddos along with other lite options , then pastries muffins bagels etc for adults! We did sandwiches and stuff for a time but stopped. To be honest we didnt really want people staying all day (mainly due to the young age of the kiddos! They got cranky if they overstayed) so we chose not to offer full meals . Worked great!
So I guess this question was kinda answered when you said to basically keep the name simple and easy to remember, however, would you say that having a longer name is something I should avoid? I know what I want to name my play cafe/ learning space, but I think that the name that I have in mind, may be too long compared to the average 2 worded catchy names. The name I have in mind is fitting for our vision, but I would hate for the length of it to be the reason why we lose potential families (as you mentioned the struggle to find a business online). Thanks.
I do think short and simple is better than longer and complicated- however, there are more important factors! Uniqueness, for example, is more important. If you can't shorten the name and still be unique, i'd prefer the longer name! You can also have a longer "official" name and a shorter "nickname". for example, my client Alera's business is called "project play discovery museum". However, she refers to it as simply project play. Hope that helps :)
great video for first business owner
I make lot of sense about business
Love the shorter form content, super excited to be following along for another year!
Thank you so much for the feedback :) I am working on keeping it brief !
Is there a difference in permits or liability/waiver requirements when you offer slides, rock walls, etc. vs targeting more towards imaginative play, sensory, etc?
Your business liability insurer will ask for a list of equipment and yes, your rates can go up significantly based on what you offer and your insurer may also want your waiver to have added language based on what equipment you have. Your NAICS code may also change based on type of play which can change which insurances and permits you need , depending on your area. All are different.
This is so awesome!! I absolutely love this. This is so similar to what I plan to open.
Alera is so awesome! Definitely follow Project Play on all platforms :)
we would also appreciate an information on who should we contact for indoor play designs and where we can get all the tools and materials. To be used in any country. like from where we can ship it. thanks!
Hi there! I have several videos about this but here is one from a play equipment manufacturer that also handles all the designs, in any country! ruclips.net/video/0LqCU1kj6UM/видео.html
Here is another video you may find helpful! This is a virtual design service that allows you to purchase your own materials and hire local contractors to execute the design. ruclips.net/video/K_jhAu6Gjhw/видео.html
My wife has the idea to open something like this. Recommending your channel. We’re from Bangalore India btw, most of your tips still resonate. Irrespective of the country/location
Thank you! Im so glad my videos are still helpful!
Delegate, delegate, delegate!!! Also could you do a video where you interview an architect? Thank you!
Totally agree! And i'd love to! What would you like to hear about from an architect?! Build out suggestions? What the process of working with an architect looks like? Id love some ideas!
Awesome! How to source a good/trustworthy architect, common timeline estimates, build out suggestions, dos and don’ts, things that are sometimes overlooked, and what would help a new business stand out from competition! Thank you!
@@angelcalcorzi8106on it! Ive interviewed play space designers about this but not an architect. Thanks so much for the idea!
Yes this video was very helpful 👍🏾!
Thank you so much!
Your content is so helpful! Thank you! I notice you talk alot about owners who are still in that young parent stage of life, but do you do much consulting for those of us whose kiddos are grown and we technically COULD wear more hats at the beginning? There are jobs I'm definitely planning on outsourcing, but some of those tasks you listed actually get me excited! What's your advice for owners who actually want to be operators for a couple years before turning it over to management? What's the typical burnout timeframe r people like me?
Thank you! And great question! Id love to make a video ASAP about this, but in short- everyone has to outsource SOME things in order to do EVERYTHING (and do it well). Everyone is different in WHAT they outsource, though! Its most common to outsource the day-to-day (baristas, customer service, cleaning, etc) since its most affordable and easiest to train for! Its more expensive to outsource things like marketing, for example. But its all about knowing your strengths and what brings you joy as well! I went to school for business and finance so i LOVED the business growth components! Im less creative though, so planning cute events and executing amazing classes was tougher for me. Others LOVE working with the kids, and struggle with the business / numbers side! My advice is-- even if you PLAN to work in your business, have a plan to be fully staffed and ensure the numbers still work. You NEVER know what might happen. I had an unexpectedly complicated pregnancy and birth which took me OUT of my business 100%. Im so thankful my business plan still worked out when i had to remove myself. Figure out what you LOVE doing in your business, and have fun doing it! But don't make it so you HAVE to in order for the biz to survive. Always have back ups ❤️❤️❤️
RESOURCES/ VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: Why it's so hard from an emotional perspective/ when customers become competition: ruclips.net/video/jkS9qgq09mY/видео.html Why it's so hard to bring your kids to work: ruclips.net/video/SmX82iS6SOo/видео.html Recurring / High Ticket Revenue Tips: ruclips.net/video/A7BQXm4W2YA/видео.html What happens when you fail: ruclips.net/video/_ggpJwMI2ek/видео.html How much it costs to open an indoor playground: ruclips.net/video/qrCP5lvmSo8/видео.html
Not a parent but as a former kids its almost always feces on a slide or sum
I broke the rim at sky zone when I was dunking
Thank you for this video!!! I didn’t know they had a turn key option! 🤯
Thank you for the small details , for me it helps a lot 👍🏾!
Thanks for watching and for the kind words!
Employees are the main reason I’m not opening a second location. Unfortunately entry level employees can be difficult. Lots of great suggestions. Definitely interested in your AI video
It's shocking just how much time and energy managing a team takes! Here's that A.I. Training link: www.michelecaruana.com/using-ai-for-your-play-cafe-business
She has a very cute play area
Sure does!
This was an excellent video, thank you I like the shorter videos
Thank you for the feedback! I like shorter videos too!
Fantastic video to kick off the new year! Thank you Michele! 🙌
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Definitely prefer the shorter summaries.
Thanks so much for the feedback! I'm also well aware I said it would be a short video, then it turned out to be 25+ minutes 🤪 hopefully this was worth the watch! Trying to work on keeping my videos shorter and more concise in the future! 😁
How did you do the survey? On what platform i.e. Facebook.
I recommend using a google form to track all of your responses! Facebook, moms groups, other social media platforms, if you've built an email list, etc. You can also ask local businesses like daycares preschools etc if they can email out or post the survey for you to get more responses!
So if you are not there "on-shift" but in an owner capacity, could you not have them say in your office with you for some behind the scenes stuff? Maybe not phone calls, but for things like responding to emails, party planning, blog posts, etc?
I think every family dynamic is different! My kids were baby/ toddler age and it was just easier for me to do things like this at home, which I did do! We didnt have a huge office at our play space, so no room for a ton of things to occupy them- they'd just end up going through our supply cabinets and making a mess- LOL! We did have a pack n play which helped but I really just preferred to do admin stuff at home. This helped my staff also feel more empowered to problem solve themselves and become less reliant on coming to me for things which helped everyone!
It was also very hard to concentrate on-site due to distractions and noise. It took me way longer to do any admin task if i was at the cafe
📡📡📡
Curious, what makes it so hard? Edit: and does it get easier?
I think this video really explains it! A lot of other owners agreed with it, so I hope its helpful! ruclips.net/video/jkS9qgq09mY/видео.htmlsi=Z6WPWE7BBNLTMdAF
@PlayCafeAcademy ty!
Hi! Would you be able to provide an updated version of this? This is so helpful.
I try to do update videos when i have something new to add or information has changed, but this video is still accurate in 2025! There was a big shift after covid (hence this update!) and i expect another to come later this year after the new administration has settled in here in the U.S. . As soon as I get new info or things change, look out for an update! :)
I absolutely love the ever block houses. How did she go about building those and deciding how to build them
Her husband did it. They just took measurements to decide how many blocks they'd need.
Such a wonderful video! Is there any way we can see an updated 2024 version? I’m highly considering this in my area.
Yes i do plan to! Not too much has changed, though! My free funding class linked in the description is also fully updated if you're looking for info right away! :)
Hi! How do I get access to this challenge? Also, I am considering purchasing your package (the $700 one and I’m wondering if this is included?) Also, can I email you and have direct communication if I have questions once I sign up? These videos are incredibly helpful!
Hi There! Any challenges mentioned in old videos have closed. They are not included in Play Cafe Academy. However, when you enroll in Play Cafe Academy, you DO get 1 free month of unlimited access to Play Maker Society, my group coaching program! Inside, you will find access to every paid challenge and workshop I have hosted, as well as access to myself and over 300+ other indoor playground owners, ready to help and answer questions. Access to Play Maker Society is ONLY open to those enrolled in Play Cafe Academy. Hope this helps. We'd love to have you!
Thank you :) that helped a lot
thanks for the kind words, glad it helped!
Hi are you looking for a professionals RUclips thumbnail designer or video seo experts?
Minnesotan here! This looks amazing and these play spaces save the sanity of many snow moms 😅
I feel that! Indoor play spaces are a lifesaver when the weather isn't cooperating. 😉
Great information!
Thanks for watching and for the kind words!
Great conversation! Took so many notes
So glad it was helpful!!
Thank you so much for this! I am an ex-teacher passionate about imaginative, multigenerational and inclusive play spaces and am looking at setting up my heavily themed fantasy village here in Wales, UK. I am neurodivergent myself and find that there are no sensory-friendly options for us to go with our children. I am hoping it is the right call!
I wish you all the best! Thanks for the kind words and for being here!
Would this work for grandchildren?
Great question! Yes, as long as you are still following your states labor laws!
There should be a house rule that all guests must be with an accompanying child or with a group that brought a child/children
Strong video. Thank you for covering all those open ends concerning in brief. Well organized, to the point, plain English. Appreciate your work.😊
Thanks so much, glad it was helpful!
I love that you also love Crime Junkie! 🎉❤
One of my faves!
Last month i realized i set my prices 15% too low! Ive been debating the right way to announce the price increase and this video gave me a good idea! Your videos always touch on something im currently going through, good stuff! Best wishes Ashima! Have fun out there!
I'm so glad the video was helpful, and congrats on the price increase!
I can’t find the link for the walls you were talking about. Can you post it?
Here you go! www.everblocksystems.com/our-products/
so much valuable content in this video , you are so talented and over qualified to run a cafe playground 😊
Thanks for the kind words!
I absolutely LOVE your stuff! Is there a video where you decided what your working hours should be?
Hi! Were you able to negotiate rent starting after your buildout was complete? Or were you paying rent during those months of build out?
We negotiated several months of rent-free buildout! Our landlord was also our contractor, which had pros and cons, but a PRO was that they moved efficiently AND agreed to not charge rent until it was complete, whenever that happened to be (so, no set number of months. We started being charged on our opening date). It ended up being 4.5 months rent free.
Hi! Im new in these community Nicole from Puerto Rico. Never thought. Would find these kind of content in podcast or YT!
So happy you found my channel! Thank you!
I found that my local mall gives amazing month-to-month or year lease, but crazy reduced rate. And being in a state that’s gets cold weather, northern Vermont, being inside a mall is a great place to be . And the mall managers are super nice.
Just keep in mind there are reasons for the lower rates! Also, shorter leases are not always better- if you put a lot of love money and care into a space but your lease suddenly is not getting renewed by the mall you can lose a lot of that investment and time 💔 which i have seen happen a ton in mall play spaces specifically! But its great if you are just looking to test your concept and are not planning on a full build out with permanent structures :)
This is such valuable information that you only get through experience! Thanks so much!
thanks so much for the kind words, so glad it was helpful!