Are you considering starting an indoor playground franchise business? As parents increasingly seek fun and safe spaces for their children to play, indoor playgrounds have become a thriving business opportunity. Check out the following section for the recent growth statistics and projections of the indoor playground market!
Franchising is one of the most efficient ways to enter this booming market. If you’re unsure about the kids indoor playground franchise cost and indoor playground franchise opportunities, read on! This guide will walk you through starting an indoor playground franchise, from understanding the industry to managing multiple locations.
Understanding the indoor playground industry
Before diving into any business venture, it's crucial to understand the industry you're entering. The indoor playground industry caters to families looking for a safe, entertaining, and climate-controlled environment for their children to play. It often includes slides, ball pits, climbing structures, and themed play areas.
Ready for the statistics regarding why this is an excellent industry to start your franchise business? The global family/indoor entertainment centers market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% from 2021 to 2030, reaching $69.55 billion by 2030. Further, the Global Playground Equipment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% from USD 4.1 billion in 2019 to USD 7.99 billion by 2026.
The market size for the soft-contained play industry (including indoor playgrounds) is about $400 million in the United States.
Your target audience will be families with children between 9-12, as they account for the largest indoor playground industry revenue share.
Why choose an indoor playground franchise
Starting any business from scratch can be daunting, but franchising offers a proven business model with established branding and operational systems. Here's why choosing an indoor playground franchise can be a smart move.
Established brand
Franchises offer the distinct advantage of carrying a well-known brand name. Having an established name allows you to draw in guests faster. Conversely, attracting guests to an entirely new and unknown business takes much more time and effort.
Training and support
Franchisors typically provide comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to best practices, helping you run your business efficiently. With this support, you can hit the ground running when you open your franchises, knowing those in business with you will support you.
Reduced risk
With a franchise, you're not alone in your business journey. You benefit from the experience and success of the franchisor and fellow franchisees. You gain knowledge and expertise from these individuals invested in your success.
Identifying key industries
Indoor playground franchises typically cater to a broad range of key industries or target markets within the family entertainment sector. Identifying your target market is crucial. Your indoor playground will likely cater to families with children, but consider niches within this broader market. We know that your largest demographic is families with children between 9-12, but can you expand your reach even further?
Consider if there are things you can do to attract other age ranges, too, like toddlers and children older than 12. Could you incorporate an adult exercise area for parents to work out while their kids play? Consider also what kind of packages, classes, and sessions you would like to offer and if they will appeal broadly to your target market. You can also host groups and parties at your franchises.
Market research
Conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for indoor playgrounds in your chosen location. Analyze your competitors, their strengths, and weaknesses, and identify gaps in the market that your franchise can fill. A well-researched market strategy is essential for success.
Things that you should cover in your research include location analysis, competitor analysis, target demographic research, market trends, financial viability, marketing and promotions, seasonal fluctuations, and a general risk assessment of the market and your franchising plan.
Business plan for expansion
A detailed business plan is imperative to expand your indoor playground franchise successfully. Your plan should encompass your franchise's vision, mission, and values, providing a clear sense of purpose and direction. Set specific goals and objectives supported by a well-defined budget and financial projections considering all expansion costs and potential revenue streams.
Lay out your growth strategy, whether it involves opening new locations, renovating existing ones, or pursuing alternative avenues for expansion. Include an operational plan that covers staffing, training, and operating procedures. Lastly, establish a timeline that pinpoints key milestones for your expansion project, ensuring a structured approach to growth.
Franchise selection process
Selecting the right franchise is critical for a successful expansion endeavor. Start by thoroughly researching various indoor playground franchise options, paying close attention to fees, royalties, and the level of support each franchisor offers. Reach out to current franchisees to gain insights into their experiences and satisfaction levels. Ensure your chosen franchise aligns with your values and long-term business objectives, as this alignment will resonate with your target market and community.
Seek legal and financial advice to review franchise agreements and assess the financial viability of the opportunity. Visit existing franchise locations to observe operations firsthand, taking note of facility quality and guest satisfaction. Making an informed choice during the franchise selection process is paramount to the success of your expansion plans.
Legal and regulatory requirements
Starting a franchise involves legal and regulatory considerations. Consult with legal and financial professionals to navigate contracts, lease agreements, and franchise disclosure documents.
Ensure you obtain all relevant licenses and permits and comply with local and national regulations, including safety standards for children's play areas.
Managing multiple locations
If you want to expand your indoor playground franchise, efficient multiple-venue management is essential. To maintain quality and guest expectations, you must implement consistent processes and branding across all locations.
Build a strong management team to oversee day-to-day operations at each site and continuously train and support your staff to ensure consistent service and adherence to safety protocols. You must also spend time with marketing professionals to develop a marketing strategy that works for all your locations. It should promote your brand and attract guests to each site.
Most importantly, though, you must use venue management software that helps you efficiently run multiple venues. All-in-one cloud-based technology is ideal for the modern attractions business. With cloud-based systems, you can monitor your venue and make real-time operational adjustments from anywhere. Utilizing all-in-one management systems simplifies the task of running your venue, reducing stress and costs.
Ensure that the system you select provides fast and powerful POS, online and in-store ticketing, digital waivers, guest feedback tools, group and party booking capabilities, reporting and reconciliation features, and other tools vital to your venue's smooth operation and continued growth.
Unleash your indoor playground franchise potential
Starting an indoor playground franchise can be rewarding, providing families with a fun and safe place for children to play while offering you a profitable business opportunity.
You can successfully launch and expand your franchise in this growing market by understanding the industry, conducting thorough research, using robust indoor playground software systems, and following a well-structured plan.
Contact us to discover how ROLLER can help your business grow at scale, increase revenue and conversions, and deliver great guest experiences.
Read this next: Food & Beverage Cost Control Systems
