350: My 7 Best Pieces of Advice for Indoor Playground Owners as We Head Into 2026
The Profitable Play PodcastShow Notes
As I wrap up 2025, I wanted to record an episode that goes deeper than trends (but YES, my annual trends prediction is coming up next!)— because what I’m seeing across the industry right now isn’t necessarily a lack of ideas.
It’s a lack of foundations.
BLOG for this episode
After a full year of interviewing indoor playground and play café owners, working through countless 1:1 sessions, and supporting owners inside Play Maker Society, the same patterns keep showing up — regardless of location, size, or years in business.
Owners are busy, but still stressed.
They’re marketing constantly, but not converting.
They’re deeply involved, but exhausted.
This episode brings together the seven pieces of advice I’m giving to (and getting from!) current owners right now — not based on theory or predictions, but on what I’m actively seeing work (and not work) in real businesses.
These are the areas where small leaks are creating big problems — and where tightening the fundamentals can immediately change how a business feels to run in terms of quality of life for YOU, the owner.
In this episode, I break down: Why what you post matters more than how often you post How most websites and patched-together booking systems quietly lose you money Why open play can’t be the thing holding your business up How recurring and high-ticket revenue change how the business feels to run Why email is still one of the most effective tools owners aren’t fully using How cafés, retail, and small add-ons raise spend per visit without more traffic What actually has to be in place for you to step out without everything breaking
I also share real examples from owners I’ve interviewed, coached, and worked alongside — including how some have intentionally reduced owner dependency, diversified revenue, and designed businesses that work even when they’re not physically present.
This episode isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about tightening what’s already there and focusing on the few things that actually make a difference right now.
If you’re heading into 2026 feeling busy but still stretched thin, this will help you get clear on where your attention really needs to go next.
RESOURCES/ BUSINESSES MENTIONED: BLOG for this episode Little Leaf Play IG Little Play Avenue IG (BLOG) Maximizing Cafe Profits (And Why You NEED A Cafe) Evergeen Facebook + IG Ad Basics Google Ad Basics Interview with Jayci From Tiny Play Interview with Justine from Liv and Mimis Interview with Jessalyn from The Playroom WV The Art Factory and Party Place Grandma's Playroom
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
More from The Profitable Play Podcast
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.