Adding the right attraction can work wonders for mini-golf venues. It’s an opportunity to draw in crowds, boost revenue, and promote positive word-of-mouth. But choosing the right attraction can be tricky – so we’re here to help.
Join us as we look at the attractions you could introduce at your mini-golf venue, including the anticipated cost to create them and the potential for return on investment (ROI).
Why build new mini-golf attractions?
Building a new attraction at your mini-golf venue is an exciting opportunity to inject fresh energy into your business, appeal to a broader audience, and set yourself apart from the competition. In today's entertainment landscape, visitors are looking for unique, engaging experiences that they can't find anywhere else. A new attraction not only revitalizes your venue's appeal, but also stimulates buzz and anticipation, encouraging both new and returning customers to see what's new.
Beyond the immediate draw of novelty, a well-conceived attraction can enhance your venue's reputation for innovation and fun, leading to increased foot traffic, higher customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, a stronger bottom line. Whether it’s through leveraging cutting-edge technology, embracing immersive themes, or adding interactive elements that engage visitors in new ways, investing in a new attraction is a strategic move that can yield significant returns, fostering growth and ensuring your venue remains a must-visit destination.
Arcade zone
Expense: Medium
ROI potential: High
Introduce an arcade zone to elevate the entertainment value of your mini-golf venue. From retro classics that evoke a sense of nostalgia to the latest high-tech video games offering immersive experiences, an arcade is a dynamic space that can complement the laid-back fun of mini-golf.
The initial setup requires purchasing or leasing gaming machines, creating a secure and engaging layout, and potentially updating electrical systems to support the new equipment. But from there, it can be a powerful revenue-maker! Think of all the groups looking for a little more fun after their round of golf finishes – your arcade section could have mass appeal, encourage longer stays, and promote repeat visits, making it a valuable addition. Ultimately, the cost will depend on how many machines you want to add.
Case study: Dave & Buster's success can largely be attributed to its extensive array of arcade machines. By combining state-of-the-art gaming technology with a wide selection of games ranging from classic arcade favorites to the latest virtual reality experiences, Dave & Buster's creates a dynamic environment that appeals to both adults and children alike.
Did you know? Popular arcade games can generate anywhere from $350-$1000 in weekly revenue.
Escape room
Expense: Medium to high
ROI potential: Very high
If you have space to utilize at your mini-golf venue, an escape room might just be the perfect addition. This immersive experience locks players in a themed room where they must solve puzzles, uncover clues, and work together to escape before time runs out. Tailoring the theme to complement your mini-golf course can create a cohesive entertainment experience that appeals to a wide demographic.
The initial setup can be costly, but once your escape room is set up, you can include it in party packages and reap the benefits of cross-selling by offering guests a fun and varied day out.
Case study: Red Herring Escape Rooms in Melbourne, Australia, is an add-on attraction run by the successful Australian indoor mini-golf brand Holey Moley. With three distinct rooms and a distinct brand of its own, Red Herring is a masterclass in utilizing space for additional revenue streams. After escaping, guests can play mini-golf, grab a drink at the bar, or sing in a private karaoke room. It’s this broad range of cross-sell activities that are worth noting and something that could be very beneficial to emulate at your mini-golf venue.
Read this next: How to Open an Escape Room Business in 8 Steps
Themed courses
Expense: Medium to high
ROI potential: Very high
Embarking on a themed adventure, whether it’s through a pirate’s cove or a prehistoric jungle, can turn a simple game of mini-golf into an epic saga. The investment here varies with the theme’s complexity, but a well-crafted narrative can significantly boost foot traffic, offering a robust return on investment through its unique draw.
Consider adding dress-up elements to delight guests and encourage them to take plenty of pictures at your venue. The right theme could be a marketing masterstroke and immensely benefit your mini-golf venue.
Case study: Bubbeljungle Golf in the Dark in the Netherlands is a glow-in-the-dark course where putters piece together a narrative involving a famous singer's kidnapping. The venue's glow-in-the-dark aesthetics and attention to detail to land the theme makes the course incredibly shareable on social media, generating strong brand awareness.
Interactive obstacles
Expense: Medium
ROI potential: High
Adding a layer of interactivity with dynamic obstacles like water jets or moving platforms invites a whole new level of engagement. These technological tweaks offer a fresh challenge to players and are a talking point that can encourage repeat visits, striking a compelling balance between cost and increased visitor engagement and experience.
Ultimately, the cost of adding these attractions will depend on what you want to go for. Moving parts require more maintenance in the long run but can be valuable drawcards to attract guests.
Case study: Can Can Wonderland in Minnesota has some of the most impressive courses out there, and its secret lies in the design. They tasked mini-golf enthusiasts with submitting their dream course ideas and then had local artists and creatives execute the vision. From music-themed holes to massive loops and natural disasters, there’s plenty to attract guests and entice coveted word of mouth.
Advanced technology: AR and VR
Expense: High
ROI potential: Very high
Stepping into the future with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can redefine the mini-golf experience. Though the upfront costs are steep, including both hardware and software investments, the novelty and immersive depth these technologies offer can justify higher ticket prices and attract a tech-savvy crowd, promising a significant return.
While you can add AR and VR elements to your mini-golf course, you might also want to consider utilizing space in your venue to add a separate attraction that can be packaged with your golf. Golf simulators are a natural choice and can help you appeal to golf enthusiasts looking to test their long game after putting on your miniature courses.
Case study: Five Iron is an indoor golf franchise where guests can play virtual rounds. With venues across the United States, it appeals to professionals and first-timers alike – offering lessons, corporate events, and kids’ parties. The concept is continuing to grow, and Five Iron now serves up a taste of other virtual sports, such as soccer, hockey, and dodgeball (featuring zombies).
Did you know? The global golf simulators market size is expected to hit around USD 3.4 Billion by 2030. So, now could be the ideal time to add a golf simulator area to your mini-golf venue!
Ready to build your next mini-golf attraction?
Selecting your mini-golf venue's next major attraction is a thrilling venture, requiring a balance of creativity, budget awareness, and market insight. Whether you lean towards the nostalgic allure of traditional features, dive into the immersive world of themed narratives, or push the envelope with cutting-edge tech, the aim is to craft unforgettable experiences. The key to success? Blending innovation with insight to keep your guests returning time and time again.
Remember, in the competitive landscape of mini-golf, the best investments are those that stand out not only for their uniqueness but also for their ability to resonate with and captivate your audience. Now, it’s your turn to apply these insights and drive your mini-golf venue to the forefront of fun and innovation!
