329: Summer Revenue Rescue for Indoor Playground Owners (Even WITHOUT Summer Camps)

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The Profitable Play Podcast

Michele Caruana

350 episodes

1 week ago

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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Entrepreneurship

Business

329: Summer Revenue Rescue for Indoor Playground Owners (Even WITHOUT Summer Camps)

The Profitable Play Podcast

45 minutes 35 seconds

6 months ago

329: Summer Revenue Rescue for Indoor Playground Owners (Even WITHOUT Summer Camps)

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