Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Casares.
Hi Colleen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband and I have four children, ranging in ages from 15-3. We are also an active duty military family, so we have spent a lot of time in play places over the years. When we saw that Catalillies was being sold it just felt right for us to step up. We took a leap of faith and purchased the play café with a vision of continuing to offer a warm, welcoming space for local families. As parents, we understand how important it is to have a safe and fun environment where kids can play while parents can relax and connect. We saw so much potential in the space and are excited for the opportunity to make it our own.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say 98% of it has been smooth! My biggest hurdle has been learning marketing for a new business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Catalillies Play Café, we specialize in creating a family-focused space where children can play, explore, and celebrate while parents feel comfortable and welcomed too. We offer indoor open play, birthday parties, seasonal camps, special events, and community-centered experiences designed for young families in the Williamsburg area.
What we’re most proud of is the atmosphere we’ve built since taking ownership of the café last year. We’ve worked hard to create a space that feels personal, clean, safe, and genuinely inviting — not just a place for kids to burn energy, but a place where families can make memories together. From themed camps and kids’ night out events to thoughtfully planned birthday celebrations, we focus on experiences that feel meaningful and stress-free for parents.
What sets us apart is the heart behind everything we do. As a family-owned business, we understand what parents are looking for because we live it ourselves. We truly care about our community and the families who walk through our doors, and we’re constantly looking for ways to grow, improve, and create something special for them. We want every family who visits Catalillies to feel like they belong here.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I think the indoor play industry will continue shifting toward more experience-driven and community-focused spaces. Parents are looking for more than just a playground — they want clean, safe environments where their children can socialize, learn, and play creatively, while also having a comfortable experience themselves.
We’re also seeing a growing demand for spaces that combine entertainment with enrichment, like themed camps, sensory-friendly play, educational activities, and events that bring families together. Convenience is becoming increasingly important too, so memberships, flexible programming, online booking, and private events will continue to grow.
Pricing:
- entry for 1 child $18
- entry for 2 children $30
- entry for 3+ children $42
- Birthday Rentals start at $400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catalilliesplaycafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catalilliesplaycafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catalilliesplaycafe
