How to Set Up Custom Post Types when you have many categories and subcategories

Hi,

This is such a powerful plugin and I love how it looks on other sites. I just want to make sure that I set it up correctly.

I’m trying to set up a comprehensive business directory for parents on my website
in a particular region. As I will have hundreds of listings in many categories, I think more people might use a drop-down search than a location map.

These are the categories I want to separate listings into.
• Attractions
• Childcare
• Eating Out
• Fitness
• Kids Classes
• Medical Practitioners
• Pampering
• Parties
• Pregnancy & New Mum Support
• Professional Services
• Shopping

Most of these categories will have sub-categories which I will set up using Custom Post Types. Is it best to set them up as separate custom post types.

E.g.
Attractions > Museums
Attractions > Art Galleries
Kids Classes > Art & Craft
Kids Classes > Dance
Shopping > Baby Goods
Shopping > Baby and Kids Clothes

or nest them all under one category
Directory > Attractions > Museums
Directory> Attractions > Art Galleries
Directory > Kids Classes > Art & Craft
Directory > Kids Classes > Dance
Directory > Shopping > Baby Goods

I also want my users to be able to search for categories and subcategories? E.g. a user can search for kids classes but can also search just for dance. Can Customised Search show nested categories?

What is the best way to set this up. I have purchased a membership so have access to Custom Post Types.

I am planning to offer very basic free listings with a short description and then offer paid listings which would have additional information. The paid listing would be the same price for all the categories.

Thanks,

Reena