6 Smart Survival Strategies for Play Cafes This Summer
Summer can be a challenging season for indoor play cafes, with families heading outside and routines shifting. But with a little creativity and strategic planning, you can stay profitable, relevant, and even grow your reach during the warmest months. Here are six smart ways to survive (and thrive!) this summer:
1. Diversify Your Revenue Streams
Think beyond playtime.
Add coffee, smoothies, or light snacks to your offerings—giving parents a reason to linger (and spend).
Introduce small retail items like sensory kits, travel-friendly toys, or branded merch to create impulse buys and giftable moments.
2. Offer Summer Camps (Smartly)
Day camps are a great way to fill slower weekdays—but make sure you know the rules.
Check your state’s licensing laws to see if you qualify for a summer camp exemption (many allow short-term programs under a certain hour or day threshold).
Keep it themed, hands-on, and fun: think STEAM projects, art weeks, sensory explorations, and more.
3. Host Seasonal, Experience-Based Events
When the weather drives people outside, create a reason to come back in.
Plan special events like character tea parties, petting zoos, pony rides, or summer glow parties.
Keep them short, affordable, and experience-rich. Bonus if they’re Instagrammable!
4. Adjust Your Hours to Match Demand
If weekday traffic slows, cut back hours and focus your energy where it counts.
Consider opening just for mornings, rainy days, or weekends.
Offer private play or party rentals during slower times to maximize space and staff efficiency.
5. Make Your Space About the Experience
Shift the narrative: you're not just a play place—you're an experience destination.
Create limited-time themed experiences, interactive sensory setups, or rotating photo ops.
Families will come back for what’s new, not just what’s available.
6. Go Offsite
If the people aren’t coming to you, go to them.
Offer offsite soft play setups, balloon garland installations, or helium balloon deliveries—especially now that places like Party City are closing.
Weddings, birthday parties, and community events are all opportunities to keep your brand out there (and earn revenue without depending on foot traffic).
