Are you wanting to start a new venture? Maybe you’ve spotted a gap in the market in your local town? People are always having babies and want places to go with them, so how about running with the idea to start a play cafe? It could be that you wished there was a space like this when you were raising your kids. Let’s have a look at everything you need to put in place and how to start a play cafe business.
Find Your Location & Venue
The first thing you need to figure out is your location and venue. Where exactly are you going to open this play cafe? It needs to be accessible for parents and kids, so parking nearby is a good idea. It also needs to be walkable and not too far out of the way. That way. you will get passing trade as well as people coming just to you. There might not be many options about where to open as some towns have lots of units that are full. You need to check the amount that you are going to pay for rent too.
Work On Your Branding
When looking at how to start a play cafe you need to work on your branding. This is part of what is going to sell your space to people and get people to follow you. Your branding needs to be on point. Showing exactly what you are all about whilst being consistent across your signage to social media. Simple is good and working with a professional graphic designer is a great idea so you get everything you need in the sizes and formats you require them.
Choose Your Play Equipment
Another huge part of the cafe is going to be the pay equipment for the kids. Lots of parents love wooden toys these days. Many have basic plastic toys at home so you need to give people a reason to come to you. Pastel colours, wooden toys, Montessori style stuff is a great idea. However, you might want a larger site with more soft play space so kids can burn off energy. A LEGO corner is always a great idea, for kids of all ages! It’s a good idea to look at what else is open and available nearby too. You need to stand out from the crowd. Figure out what type of establishment you want to be and run with it.
Be All Inclusive
Inclusivity is important. Think about everything from sensory play areas to accessible entrances and toilets. You could even have specific opening hours or classes for children with certain and specific needs. Maybe even the homeschooling community. What age range are you aiming at? These are all questions you need to ask yourself when you start a play cafe.
Get Your Social Accounts & Website
How are people going to find you? How will they know where you are, what time you open, and what special offers you have got going on? Open your social media accounts and build a simple website. That way you can detail the most frequently asked questions and answers that you will likely be asked. Your social media accounts can build a following even before you open. Document the journey of how to start a play cafe and you will get people excited about being involved from the very beginning. This is a great way to build your following and have an audience ready to visit once you are open.
Offer Discounts
Discounts are a great way to get people through the door. A great way to get people coming through the door when you first open is to offer a discount. Maybe something for people who are following you online. If you experience certain days that are quiet once you have opened, you can offer discounts or deals at certain times. How about £1 hot drinks on Thursday afternoons? Or 2 for 1 play on Wednesday mornings?
Food & Drink
What food and drink are you going to offer? This is so important when you start a play cafe. Is it going to be basic tea, coffee, and cake? Or are you going to have light lunches and perhaps after-school meals for kids? You also need to look into certification for offering food and drink. There might be courses you need to go on or certificates to earn for other parts of setting up the business too.
You Don’t Need To Provide Wi-Fi
It can be so expensive when you start a play cafe. Whilst you might need a phone line for the till, you don’t have to offer free Wi-Fi for parents. If you want your play cafe to be a place where parents and children enjoy time together, don’t have that Wi-Fi available. So many parents sit on their phones whilst kids play. If you want to encourage play and that bonding of relationships, keep the internet connection just for your card machine.
Offer Parties & Private Hire
Another great idea when you start a play cafe is to offer parties and private hire. You might have parents and followers who really want to host their child’s birthday party at your establishment. There could be a group who want to meet at your space every week or once a month and will pay for private hire. These can be great ways to make additional money.
When you look into how to start a play cafe, it can be extremely exciting. However, there is so much to do and you also need to consider how much you can take on by yourself. Depending on the size of your space and how busy your cafe gets, you might need to hire a member of staff too. Starting and growing a business is a fantastic idea and if you have the passion and creativity, you can really make it a success.
