The ultimate 6-step guide to open an indoor play park

Are you looking to open an indoor play park but don’t know where to start? Play In Business is here to help!

Did you know that indoor play parks are becoming increasingly popular? In recent years, they have seen huge growth, becoming essential places for family entertainment. But do you know the steps to create an indoor play park? It’s an exciting project, but also complex! In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to create your indoor play park and turn your idea into reality. From market research to its opening, each step is crucial to the success of your indoor play park project.

Step 1: market research and business plan

It all starts with market research. This step is very important as it allows you to understand the expectations of your future customers and the offers of your competitors. But, why is this so important? Because it helps you identify a unique project for your indoor play park and anticipate market trends. This is key to creating an offer that truly meets the needs of your target audience.

Brief steps of market research:

• Identifying your target audience: Who are your potential customers?
• Competition analysis: What are your competitors offering and how can you differentiate yourself?
• Evaluating market trends: What are the current and future trends in the play park industry?

Then, it’s time to write a solid business plan. This document is essential as it serves as a roadmap for your indoor play park. It helps you structure your project, define your goals and strategies, and most importantly, convince investors like banks of the potential of your indoor play park. A business plan should include:

• Executive summary: An overview of your project and its objectives.
• Company description: Your vision, mission, structure, and who are the partners.
• Market analysis: The results of your market research.
• Organization and management: How your business will be structured and managed.
• Product or service line: What you will offer.
• Marketing and sales: How you plan to attract and retain your customers.
• Budget and financial forecasts: Your financial plan including revenue forecasts and funding needs.

Combining thorough market research with a well-designed business plan significantly increases your chances of success in the competitive indoor play park sector.

Step 2: finding funding for your Indoor Play Park

What funds do you currently have?

Even if you have enough savings to open your indoor play park, consider the possibility of having part of the project financed by a bank. This can offer tax and financial benefits.

Often, banks look for complementary financing. In this case, be prepared to offer some guarantee or collateral to the banks. This is an important decision: measure well how far you are willing to commit financially.

At the same time, explore grant options. If you have already established contacts with local administrations; ask them if there are financial aids available for projects like yours. Do not be discouraged by an initial refusal. Obtaining grants requires perseverance and tenacity. Address different administrative levels: municipal, departmental, regional… and multiply the requests.

Step 3: choosing the right location

Finding the perfect place to open your indoor play park is a crucial decision. You must not only find an easily accessible, visible, and safe location, but also consider the commercial and demographic context of the area.

A commercial area?

A location in a commercial area, near restaurants, shops, and other attractions, can be extremely beneficial for opening your indoor play park. These areas naturally attract a large number of people and provide increased visibility to your play park. Moreover, the proximity of these businesses can make your leisure complex more attractive for families looking for a full day of activities and entertainment.

Or a small town?

On the other hand, choosing a small town where there is not yet an indoor play park can be wise. In these places, your park could quickly become a key attraction, filling a gap in the available leisure options. This approach can also foster a closer relationship with the local community like Savane Kids in Poilly-Lez-Gien, which is an advantage for marketing initiatives and customer loyalty.

Call on building professionals like Play In Business to draw the layout plan, thus ensuring the viability and compliance of your project!

In summary, whether you opt for a dynamic commercial area or a small town with little competition, the important thing is to choose a location that maximizes your visibility and meets the needs of your target audience.

Step 4: design and layout

It is now time to unleash your creativity to design a space that is both fun and safe. Here are some key elements to consider for the design of your indoor play park:

Thematic and targeting

Think about the theme of your indoor play park. What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? This should match the interests and expectations of your target audience. For example, a park focused on adventures could delight a younger audience, while a sports-themed park could attract teenagers and adults.

Adapt the areas according to the different age groups and needs. A play area is generally designed for children, while a trampoline park can attract a wider audience, including adults. Make sure each space meets the specific needs of its audience.

Layout and spaces

Organize the space in a way that is both attractive and functional. Think about the layout of the games, rest areas, catering, and the flow of movement in the park to avoid congestion and ensure a pleasant experience for all.

Safety and compliance

Safety is an aspect you cannot afford to neglect. Strictly adhere to safety standards, especially those established by AFNOR. These standards ensure that your facilities are safe and suitable for risk-free playful use.

By incorporating these elements into your planning, you create an environment that is not only fun and engaging, but also safe and suitable for all your visitors. This will greatly contribute to the success and reputation of your indoor play park.

Step 5: construction and installation

The construction and installation phase is when your vision really starts to take shape. At Play In Business, we are dedicated to turning your dream into reality, managing the entire construction and installation process of your indoor play area or trampoline park.

At Play In Business, we ensure:

• Complete project management: Play In Business takes care of all the construction and installation. Our team of experts works closely with you to ensure that every aspect of your vision is faithfully realized.
• A personalized 3D model: Before starting work, we create a 3D model of your indoor play park. This allows you to visualize the final product and make changes if necessary, ensuring that the final result matches exactly your expectations.
• A to Z presence: Our service covers all stages, from the first step to the final completion of the project. We take care of all the details, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of your indoor play park.
• Adaptability and flexibility: During the construction phase, our team remains adaptable and ready to adjust plans as needed. We understand that flexibility is essential to meet the specific requirements of each project.

Step 6: marketing and promotion

Success in opening your indoor play park largely depends on your marketing and promotional strategy. In today’s connected world, digital marketing, especially on social media, is a key element in gaining visibility and attracting customers.

Social media marketing strategy

• Importance of social media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, for example, are powerful tools for reaching a wide audience. Use them to share attractive images, updates about the park, and special offers.
• Hiring a community manager: For optimal management of your online presence, consider hiring a community manager. This professional can create and maintain a consistent brand image, interact with your audience, and manage online promotional campaigns: they will surely bring you customers!

Promotion and opening events

• Launch events: Organize opening events or special themed days. These events are perfect for generating interest around your new indoor play park.
• Special offers and promotions: Offer special deals for the first visitors or promotions for groups or family events. This can encourage people to try your indoor play park and share their experience.

By combining a strong presence on social media with attractive launch events and leveraging the power of word-of-mouth, you can create an effective marketing strategy that increases the visibility and popularity of your indoor play park from its opening.

So, are you ready for the adventure?

Opening an indoor play park is an ambitious but rewarding project. By following these steps, you will lay solid foundations for your success. Remember, good planning and meticulous execution are the keys to success!

Dreaming of creating your own indoor play park? Contact Play In Business for expert advice and start your adventure today!