356: Buying, Running, and Pivoting a Play Café: Hard Lessons, Smart Decisions, and What Comes Next with Kaylinn
The Profitable Play PodcastShow Notes
What’s it really like to buy an existing play café instead of starting from scratch?
In this candid conversation, I sit down with Kaylinn from Kay’s Play Days — former owner of Monkey Around Play Café and now floor manager at Wise Wonders Children’s Museum — to talk through the real behind-the-scenes of purchasing, running, and ultimately closing a play space.
Watch on YouTube instead: https://youtu.be/FV7nwc-nBZA
She shares what she wishes she had verified before buying, lessons around finances and leases, and the operational realities that don’t always show up in a business plan. We also talk about the personal side of ownership — how the long hours and stress impacted her family — and why stepping into a museum leadership role has given her more balance without leaving the industry she loves.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or simply questioning whether ownership is right for you, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and practical lessons you can apply immediately.
We Cover:
• Buying vs. starting from scratch • Due diligence and financial transparency • Lease and landlord challenges • Hidden operational realities of ownership • Why she’d skip bounce houses next time • Simple ways to empower your team • Creative staffing partnerships • The personal and family impact of ownership • Pivoting into a museum leadership role
Connect with Kaylinn Follow @kaysplaydays on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook
Ready to Open Your Own Play Café? Get the complete step-by-step blueprint inside Play Café Academy + a free month of Play Maker Society. Start here!
More 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]
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