If you've ever been around kids, you know how beneficial an indoor playground can be for their body and mind development. As a business owner, building a popular indoor playground is not only a highly rewarding investment, but it also brings joy and benefits to most children and parents in the area.However, in the early stages, this idea can bring a lot of confusion—like figuring out how to open an indoor playground. I’ll walk you through how to get prepared in a simple and easy-to-understand way—let’s take a look together.
1. Market Research
By conducting detailed market research, you can understand the proportion of children in an area, their age distribution, and the spending power of parents—helping you determine whether the area meets your expectations.
In general, if an area has a large number of children aged 0–12 and most families have a middle-to-high income level, the demand for an indoor playground will likely be strong. On the other hand, if your research shows that most families have lower spending power, you can adjust ticket prices and the size of your playground accordingly.
After you’ve figured out your customers, the next step is to check out your “competitors.” Visit their parks yourself, pay attention to their decor, facilities, and ticket prices—and then think about what could make your playground stand out. For example, if most parks nearby are old-fashioned, bringing in high-tech equipment could be your advantage. Or, if indoor playground tickets in the area tend to be expensive, offering better prices might attract more customers.
After you’ve done all that, the final step is to decide on the overall style of your indoor playground based on current trends and what local kids enjoy. Trust me, this research will give you a solid understanding of the industry and how to run an indoor playground—you won’t feel like a total beginner anymore.
2. Location Selection
Choosing the right location is one of the most important steps in opening an indoor playground. It’s the key factor that determines whether your business will be profitable. The right spot can bring in quality customers, reasonable rent, and manageable operating costs.
First, you need to identify your target audience, as children of different age groups—and their parents—have different needs. For example, kids aged 0–3 usually need parental supervision but don’t require a large play area, so locations near residential communities work well. Meanwhile, children aged 6–12 prefer more challenging activities and need more space, making areas around large entertainment centers or shopping malls a better choice.
Next, you need to think about things like foot traffic, whether it’s easy to get to, and if there are nearby places like coffee shops or supermarkets—put all these together with rent and your budget, and you’ll probably find a good spot. But one thing to watch out for: check if there are already competitors nearby, and if there are, study them and find a way to stand out with something different.
3. Budget Planning
Before everything starts, you need to make a detailed budget plan that covers things like venue, equipment purchase, delivery, and installation costs.
For example, if I plan to open an indoor playground of about 300 square meters, after careful evaluation, the total cost would be around 500,000 RMB. With that estimate, I can start preparing my funds.
Only when you know how much money each stage needs can you move forward efficiently and avoid wasting money on things you didn’t plan for.
4. License & Permits
If you want your indoor playground to run for a long time and make parents feel confident, you’ve got to get all the licenses and permits ready first. Make sure everything follows the local laws and rules. The papers you’ll need include a business license, a fire safety permit, and a health permit. Since each area’s requirements can be different and the process might take some time, it’s best to check what you need early and leave enough time to get it done.
5. Equipment Purchasing & Transportation
When buying equipment, choose items that match your playground’s style and target audience—you can refer back to the market research we discussed earlier. The better you understand your customers’ needs, the more you can tailor your playground to them, making it a hit with kids and parents alike.
Safety should always be your top priority. If a child gets hurt because your preparation wasn’t thorough or the equipment doesn’t meet standards, all your hard work could be wasted. Since you want your equipment to be both safe and fun, choose suppliers with proper certifications who also provide after-sales support. This will help you avoid problems down the line and give parents peace of mind.
Next, check the latest logistics quotes and choose a reliable transportation company with reasonable pricing to deliver your equipment. Shipping costs can vary a lot depending on weight, distance, and transport method, so it’s a good idea to compare several options based on your budget and pick the one that works best for you.
6. Design, Decoration & Installation
Safety should always come first when designing an indoor playground. Children under 12 are still developing, and their coordination skills are not yet strong. That’s why the playground floor should be non-slip and cushioned, with all corners and sharp edges properly padded. Professional designers can also help you plan an efficient layout to minimize the risk of accidents.
Next, the designer will divide the play areas based on different ages and functions. Younger kids get their own soft play zones with things like ball pits, building blocks and trampolines; older kids can try more exciting activities such as slides and climbing areas. The parents’ rest area should be near the play zones, with charging ports and baby care facilities, so parents can relax easily while keeping an eye on their kids.
With the right mix of lighting, colors, and decorations, you can create a space that truly stands out in kids’ minds. Bright, saturated colors bring energy and joy, while pairing them with softer tones helps balance the atmosphere. Warm, gentle lighting makes the space feel open and welcoming without straining children’s eyes. Themed decorations can also transport them into a tropical jungle or an underwater world!
Once the decoration is nearly finished, you can schedule the equipment delivery and installation. According to online data, installation costs make up about 15% of the total equipment price. While that may seem a bit high, professional installers can improve playground safety and help reduce future maintenance expenses.
7. Staff Recruitment & Opening Preparation
Congratulations! Reaching this stage means your indoor playground is finally ready to open! It’s time to hire your team and provide professional training — covering customer service, emergency response, and basic first aid — to ensure everyone is both friendly and well-prepared. Next, create eye-catching posters, plan exciting opening promotions, and spread the word through social media and local channels to draw in your very first visitors!
Deciding to open an indoor playground is definitely a bold move! But with the right preparation and by following our tips, you can turn that bold idea into a rewarding reality. Get your budget ready, make a solid plan, and take the leap with confidence — your dream playground is waiting!
