Communities are always looking for places to gather. Indoor playgrounds are excellent places to do that. They bring families together and help people forge lifelong friendships. Entrepreneurs who want to learn how to start an indoor playground business can begin with these simple strategies to launch a business that remains the best year-round play area for their community.
Conduct Market Research
Understanding the local market is essential when planning an indoor playground business startup. Entrepreneurs should identify their target audience and locate any competition. The results will inform their business plan for securing financing and launching the company.
Choose an Optimal Location
Location is another crucial detail for any business. A future playground should be in an accessible area that is also safe. Properties close to neighborhoods or schools may be best to consider while learning how to open an indoor playground. Families are already in those areas, so they will not need to go out of their way to visit.
Find a Reputable Supplier
An indoor playground will not be successful without safe, interactive equipment. Researching the best suppliers in the industry is essential to starting an indoor play center. Entrepreneurs will have long-term success if they purchase playground structures from companies with high safety standards, flexible financing options and positive reputations.
Challenges Entrepreneurs Should Anticipate
Starting a new company comes with challenges. Future business owners should expect their visitors to need food, beverages and bathrooms. Accessible parking areas are also necessary. Those things require getting permits and drafting timelines with local contractors.
Accessing funding can also be tricky. While financial solutions are available through lenders, playground equipment suppliers also provide some financing options specifically for the structures. Diversifying can be a good idea, but it can take some time because the comparison process requires additional research while learning how to start an indoor play center.
3 Best Indoor Playground Equipment Suppliers
When entrepreneurs feel confident that they know how to start an indoor playground business, they should compare manufacturers to find the best options. Getting leading equipment will keep kids safe and put any indoor play area ahead of local competition.
1. Soft Play
Soft Play is one of the best indoor playground equipment manufacturers in the country. People rely on the company for interactive structures that teach kids valuable skills while inspiring their imaginations. Soft Play has helped people plan play areas for over 40 years, so entrepreneurs will find supportive representatives ready to help them with everything from customization to understanding safety standards.
Key features:
- Soft Play equipment encourages active play, helping kids develop skills through inclusive, custom products.
- Each product can work within numerous markets for location flexibility, like inside retail spaces or health care facilities.
- All equipment meets ASTM and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) safety standards for customers within the United States.
2. Go Play Systems
Go Play Systems caters to indoor play spaces. Company leaders help clients make 3D designs to fully envision their playground before purchasing begins. Clients enjoy products that maximize space usage, keep kids safe and use materials that prioritize the environment.
Key features:
- Business owners enjoy a free playground design process, so they can envision the perfect design without complicating their finances.
- Same-day funding and a variety of equipment leasing options are available.
- Go Play Systems team members support clients through design, manufacturing, installation and ongoing maintenance needs.
3. Indoor Playgrounds International
Indoor Playgrounds International provides some of the best customer service support for indoor playground business owners. The company’s highly trained team members assist with early market research, enabling entrepreneurs to feel confident. Indoor Playgrounds International also helps with design and installation throughout the U.S. Additional products are available, like laser tag supplies and video game consoles.
Key features:
- Franchising partnerships are available for entrepreneurs who may feel overwhelmed about starting their business from scratch.
- Financing solutions come from numerous partners, which improves the likelihood of approval.
- An 18-month limited warranty covers a wide range of equipment.
Methodology for Selecting Great Playground Providers
Entrepreneurs may feel more confident when comparing playground equipment manufacturers when they know which factors make brands stand out. These are the essential criteria behind this list of top playground equipment suppliers:
- Alignment with top-tier indoor playground safety standards that ensure every product undergoes rigorous manufacturing
- Financing options so every business owner has the same opportunity to provide an indoor play area for their community
- A diverse product roster so every indoor playground entrepreneur can design a venue that is unique to their community’s needs
While data on indoor play business costs and revenue varies between each company, there are other financial details entrepreneurs can compare. They can mitigate ongoing expenses by securing great financing options and high-quality equipment that meets the best safety standards.
Comparing the Best Indoor Playground Equipment Providers
To provide a clear, at-a-glance summary, the table below directly compares the key features of the top equipment providers. This will help you easily evaluate them based on critical factors, such as safety compliance and financing solutions.
| Company | Safety Requirements | Financing Options |
| Soft Play | Compliance with ASTM and ADA safety standards for all equipment for customers within the U.S. Full compliance with the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act Intertek certifications for all manufacturing facilities | Special lease-purchase programs that come with tax advantages |
| Go Play Systems | Compliance with ASTM standards for play equipment | Same or next-day financing approval |
| Indoor Playgrounds International | Compliance with U.S., Canadian and international safety standards for all products Play equipment made from exclusively premium materials | Financing solutions that can be arranged with numerous lenders |
Launch an Indoor Playground Company
Entrepreneurs who want to bring their communities together can learn how to start an indoor playground business. Conducting market research, comparing the best suppliers and deciding what their community needs will help any future business owner start a venue where people can make happy memories for generations to come.
