indoor amusement park business plan

Introduction

The definition of indoor playground, what makes an indoor playground business plan necessary, indoor playground industry statistics, how can your indoor playground business plan use market research, is indoor playground profitable, what general themes do indoor playgrounds have, what is required to begin creating your indoor playground business plan.

How to Ensure Your Indoor Playground’s Safety?

Indoor Playground Rules and Regulations

Ways to maintain your playground.

Ways to Improve Your Indoor Playground

The Ultimate Guide to Your Indoor Playground Business Plan

This is the complete manual for creating a business plan for your indoor amusement park.

 If you are a newbie in the indoor playground industry and are wanna start your indoor playground business plan but don’t know how to start. Then why not start with the advice in this guide to provide you with a better foundation to enter the indoor playground industry? This guide introduces you to the indoor playground business plan from multiple dimensions and aims to provide a comprehensive content guide.

What is an indoor playground? An indoor playground  is a recreational space that provides recreation and entertainment for children, and its customizability and playability have made it increasingly popular in the entertainment industry. Children can have a fun and educational experience in an indoor playground and gradually build their knowledge of their surroundings while playing.

Indoor playgrounds are a lucrative business. It satisfies children's play needs while allowing the business owner to return a profit. Additionally, for the business owner, its benefits include bringing in a steady customer base, ancillary revenue opportunities, increased employment opportunities, community building, and the ability to operate year-round.

According to the data, the indoor playground market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.79% from 2021 to 2028 to reach USD 42.64 billion. This means that the indoor playground industry is growing at a rapid pace. Hence starting an indoor playground business plan is an up-and-coming option.

After you decide to launch an indoor playground business plan, you can conduct market research to gather and examine data regarding your target market, clients, and rival businesses. Specifically, it can include the local consumption level and population density, relevant data about other indoor playgrounds in the neighborhood, and so on. It is beneficial for you to lay a good foundation for the stages that follow, such as choosing a location and determining the park's target audience.

When it comes to indoor playground profits, it is indeed a crucial concern. The answer is positive – indoor playgrounds are a profitable business. Research indicates that the indoor entertainment market reached $24.35 billion in 2020, with an expected annual growth rate of 10.3% through 2028. This signals a rising demand in the indoor playground market. Revenue primarily comes from tickets, merchandise, food and beverages, and advertising.

Generally, the most common themes for indoor playgrounds include forest, ocean, candy, pirate ship, macaron, circus, space, sports, and more. Each theme will differ in the main colors, style of attractions, and choice of stickers. For additional inspiration, you can refer to our Themed Playground Equipment . If you have other creative ideas, feel free to communicate with us. We offer professional customization services to turn your imaginative ideas into reality.

1.Find a Location

Choose areas with large passenger flow, convenient transportation, and a high density of children to ensure that your indoor playground can have enough audiences. This can be family entertainment centers, shopping centers, child care centers, restaurants, community centers, churches， fitness centers, etc. And of course, it's related to the cost of your venue.

2.Identify target customers

Who is the intended audience for your indoor playground? Smaller toddlers or kids who enjoy taking on new challenges? That's something you have to think about. The target audience of your indoor playground also determines the type of indoor playground equipment and indoor layout you need to buy.

3.Planning your budget

On average, costs range from $50,000 to $500,000. This depends on many factors, including your site costs, indoor playground equipment costs, transportation costs, installation costs, insurance costs, operating costs, and labor costs. You can refer to our budget list for specific figures: https://www.dreamlandplayground.com/starting-an-indoor-playground-business

4.Design Your Indoor Playground

This must begin after you have determined your exact venue. Send your site dimensions to the designer, who will plan the appropriate interior layout based on your actual site size. The design process involves choosing the overall style and theme of the indoor playground and selecting the right indoor playground attractions， materials used, and placement. You need to be involved in the design process so that the designer can better design the best solution according to your wishes.

5.Buy indoor playground equipment

What are the indoor playground attractions divided into? According to the function, the attractions of indoor playgrounds are usually divided into:

Play Structure:  The most common type of indoor playground, consisting of frames. Contains steps, tunnels, some soft obstacles, etc. It is also the attraction with the most space for creativity. Numerous options exist based on your requirements and circumstances.

Slide: The Indoor Playground's most thrilling feature. It is also possible to modify the slide's style to fit the theme.

Ball Pit:  Consists of a large number of plastic balls. Often combined with a slide to make a more interesting attraction.

Climbing Structure:  Curious children find it hard to resist the thrill of climbing. Children's coordination abilities can be greatly improved by using this attraction.

Soft Play Area:  A play area more suitable for younger children. The facilities included are soft obstacles. Children can burrow around in a castle made of soft blocks.

The specific choice of attractions also needs to be adjusted according to the ages of your indoor playground audience, indoor playground layout, theme, cost, and other factors.

6.Obtain business licenses 

To operate in a state, the majority of small enterprises simply require one or two licenses. However, since indoor playgrounds involve children, your business may require multiple state-specific licenses. To safeguard children from poor quality operations, licensing standards for firms that relate to children are frequently more specific and detailed.

7.Install the indoor playground

After starting your indoor playground business plan, it is very important to find a reliable supplier. You can either get the installation drawings from your equipment supplier and install it yourself, or the supplier can arrange for workers to come to your venue to install it. The latter might provide your indoor playground business with a great deal of convenience.

Get in touch with us if you're stumped about creating an indoor playground and don't know where to begin. Dreamland Playground can provide you with a full range of services, such as design, manufacture, installation, and post-purchase assistance.

8.Recruit staff

An indoor playground can't afford to be without employees. Their jobs include charging at the entrance, instructing children alongside certain programs, cleaning and inspecting the indoor park regularly, and so on.

9.Marketing and Branding Your Indoor Playground

Everything is in place, but don't forget that you still need to market your indoor playground, customers won't automatically come just because you're sitting at home. Your indoor playground needs to be attractive and well-known enough to attract a steady stream of visitors. There are many ways to advertise, such as:

①Design a logo for your indoor playground to make it more representative

②Establish a website, regularly update indoor playground activities and promotions on the website, and set up a convenient online ticket purchase system

③Establish social media accounts and publish content related to indoor playgrounds. It can be daily play, cleaning and maintenance videos, reminders of promotional activities, etc.

④Online advertising marketing

⑤Send flyers or post advertisements around the indoor playground to attract potential customers nearby.

How to Ensure Your Indoor Playground’s Safety?

Your indoor playground business plan should take safety into account while designing. After all, your customers are children, and children are more likely to get hurt during play than adults with self-control. This requires:

1.Post safety tips and precautions in the park

2.Arrange staff to maintain order and ensure the safety of children

3.Routine inspection

4.Install the equipment under professional guidance

5.Emergency Preparedness

6.Ensure the use of age-appropriate equipment

7.Exit and entrance instructions

8.Buy amusement equipment that meets standards

In addition to the things that your indoor park does for itself. Don't forget to make player rules and regulations for your indoor playground, which will help the indoor playground stay alive for a long time.

1.Players are advised to wear appropriate clothing and avoid carrying sharp decorations

2.For health and safety reasons, please remove your shoes before entering the playing area. All participants are required to wear socks.

3.Please follow staff instructions to ensure safe and proper use of playground equipment.

4.Some programs may have age or height restrictions. For everyone's safety, kindly abide by these limitations.

5.Restrictions on children's age and height

6.Maintain a distinction between play and recreation areas. Keep play areas clean and safe by prohibiting snacks and beverages.

7.No climbing on walls or nets in non-climbing areas

8.It is recommended that young children play with an adult watching over them to make sure they are safe and happy.

9.Please keep all toys in the designated play areas and do not take toys out of these areas.

10.Smoking is strictly prohibited in the indoor playground.

11.Please make sure your child does not have any illnesses that could infect other children.

1.Examine all play equipment frequently for indications of corrosion, deterioration, or loose parts.

2.Sanitize the indoor environment, play equipment, and toys regularly to maintain environmental hygiene. Deep clean play equipment that tends to harbor dirt, especially items such as ball pits, tunnels, and crawl spaces.

3.Repair and replace broken parts to avoid safety problems due to damaged parts

4.look out for edges of any equipment to avoid injury.

5.Keep the humidity and temperature in your indoor playground at ideal levels.

6.Record every cleaning and repair for easy verification later.

Ways to Improve Your Indoor Playground

1.Provide party services such as birthday parties to expand the business of involving customers in the indoor playground.

2.Add a café or snack bar to provide a space for customers to rest and increase revenue simultaneously.

3.Sell related theme peripherals to strengthen the brand memory of the indoor playground.

4.Holiday seasonal events to drive traffic

5.Referral program, old customers recommend new customers to spend, and can provide discounts and gifts. Increase customer retention rate while also attracting more new customers.

6.Appropriately add or adjust attractions and themes. Avoid a static environment leading to customer boredom.

7.Establish a customer feedback mechanism to improve the existing content of the park on time based on real customer feedback.

After reading this ultimate guide, you should already have an idea of how to start your indoor playground business plan. Processes include finding a location, identifying target consumers, planning a budget, designing the site and purchasing equipment, installing, recruiting staff, and advertising the indoor playground.

Still looking for a professional playground supplier ? Contact us and let us provide you with professional one-on-one service to turn your indoor park dream into reality. Dreamland Playground is committed to providing you with a full range of services, from consulting to design to production and installation, we will be your reliable partner. Through careful market research, a well-planned indoor layout, and selected play equipment, we help you refine your indoor playground business plan. Your indoor playground will become a happy place for children to grow up.

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Amusement Park Business Plan

Amusement parks attract an enormous population, so high demand and high-profit margins make amusement parks a huge yes for starting a business.

Anyone can start a new business, but you need a detailed business plan when it comes to raising funding, applying for loans, and scaling it like a pro!

Need help writing a business plan for your amusement park business? You’re at the right place. Our amusement park business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write An Amusement Park Business Plan?

Writing an amusement park business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Products and services:.

Highlight the amusement park facilities or attractions you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your business. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of amusement park you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following amusement park businesses:

• Theme parks
• Water parks
• Adventure parks
• Animal theme parks and zoos
• Adventure resorts
• Edutainment parks
• Regional and local parks
• Describe the legal structure of your amusement park, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established amusement park, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future Goals

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your amusement park business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your main attractions:

Mention the amusement park attractions your business will offer. This list may include,

• Roller coasters
• High-height water slides
• Interactive experiences
• Ferris Wheel
• Themed areas

Entertainment & shows:

Safety & security measures.

: Discuss the park’s dedication to security and safety in brief. Describe the steps taken to assure visitor safety, including ride inspections, employee training, emergency response methods, and security measures.

Additional facilities

In short, this section of your amusement park plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your amusement park business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your amusement park business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, equipment & machinery:.

Include the list of equipment and machinery required for the amusement park, such as rides & attractions, safety equipment, audio & visual equipment, maintenance & repair tools, lighting & electrical system, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your amusement park business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your amusement park, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your amusement park business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample amusement park business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful amusement park plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our amusement park business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need an amusement park business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful amusement park business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your amusement park.

How to get funding for your amusement park business?

There are several ways to get funding for your amusement park business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your amusement park business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your amusement park business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your amusement park business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any amusement park business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

How do I write a good market analysis in an amusement park business plan?

Market analysis is one of the key components of your business plan that requires deep research and a thorough understanding of your industry. We can categorize the process of writing a good market analysis section into the following steps:

• Stating the objective of your market analysis—e.g., investor funding.
• Industry study—market size, growth potential, market trends, etc.
• Identifying target market—based on user behavior and demographics.
• Analyzing direct and indirect competitors.
• Calculating market share—understanding TAM, SAM, and SOM.
• Knowing regulations and restrictions
• Organizing data and writing the first draft.

Writing a marketing analysis section can be overwhelming, but using ChatGPT for market research can make things easier.

How detailed should the financial projections be in my amusement park business plan?

The level of detail of the financial projections of your amusement park business may vary considering various business aspects like direct and indirect competition, pricing, and operational efficiency. However, your financial projections must be comprehensive enough to demonstrate a comprehensive view of your financial performance.

Generally, the statements included in a business plan offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.

What key components should an amusement park business plan include?

The following are the key components your amusement park business plan must include:

• Executive summary
• Business Overview
• Market Analysis
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Operations plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

Can a good amusement park business plan help me secure funding?

Indeed. A well-crafted amusement park business will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping them make better financial decisions.

So, if you have a profitable and investable business, a comprehensive business plan can certainly help you secure your business funding.

What's the importance of a marketing strategy in an amusement park business plan?

Marketing strategy is a key component of your amusement park business plan. Whether it is about achieving certain business goals or helping your investors understand your plan to maximize their return on investment—an impactful marketing strategy is the way to do it!

Here are a few pointers to help you understand the importance of having an impactful marketing strategy:

• It provides your business an edge over your competitors.
• It helps investors better understand your business and growth potential.
• It helps you develop products with the best profit potential.
• It helps you set accurate pricing for your products or services.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Indoor Playground Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Indoor Playground Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Indoor Playground business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their indoor playground businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Indoor Playground business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Fun Space is a startup indoor playground business located in Kansas City, Missouri. The company is founded by Christine Gregory, an indoor playground manager with over ten years of managerial experience working at KC Indoor Play. Christine has garnered a reputation for being a positive role model for her employees and a dedicated leader. She is confident that her ability to effectively manage a team of employees, build rapport with customers, and maintain a fun, safe, and profitable operation will help her to quickly attract customers and employees to her new indoor playground. Christine plans on recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day to day complexities of running an indoor playground – marketing and sales, child supervision, party and event hosting, playground maintenance, and financial management.

Fun Space will provide a unique indoor play environment for children ages 4-12 and a quiet room for parents to enjoy some downtime. The Fun Space indoor playground will be the ultimate choice in Kansas City for parents looking for a clean, safe, and educational option for their kids.

Product Offering

The following are the products and services that Fun Space will provide:

• Open Play Sessions
• Children’s Parties
• Classes/Guided Activities
• Drop-In Daycare
• Quiet Room for Parents
• Retail: Toys and Games
• Snacks and Beverages

Customer Focus

Fun Space will target parents and caregivers of children ages 4-12 in Kansas City. The company will target parents who are looking for a fun way for their children to develop physical fitness and social skills while participating in educational activities. The company will also target parents looking for a hassle-free party venue to host their childrens’ birthday parties or other events. No matter the customer, Fun Space will deliver the best service, pricing, and peace of mind that their children will have fun in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

Management Team

Fun Space indoor playground will be owned and operated by Christine Gregory. She has recruited her former assistant manager, Eric Nichols, to help manage the indoor playground and operations.

Christine Gregory is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She has been working at a local indoor playground company for over a decade. Christine has garnered a reputation for being a positive role model for her employees and a dedicated leader. She is confident that her ability to effectively manage a team of employees, build rapport with customers, and maintain a fun, safe, and profitable operation will help her to quickly attract customers and employees to her new indoor playground.

Eric Nichols has been Christine Gregory’s loyal assistant manager for over five years at a local indoor playground. Christine relies strongly on Eric’s reliability, organizational skills, and commitment to excellence in customer service that will be essential for the new indoor playground to run smoothly.

Success Factors

Fun Space will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly and highly qualified staff of professionals trained in childcare, safety, early childhood education, and physical fitness who will supervise children and lead group activities.
• Wide range of activities and services available to exceed the expectations of both parents and children.
• Fun Space indoor playground offers the best pricing in Kansas City. The pricing structure provides the most options for parents and is more cost effective than the competition.

Financial Highlights

Fun Space indoor playground is seeking $250,000 in debt financing to launch its indoor playground. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the indoor playground space and purchasing equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Indoor playground build-out: $50,000
• Equipment, supplies, and materials: $30,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Fun Space indoor playground.

Company Overview

Who is fun space.

Fun Space is a newly established indoor playground in Kansas City, Missouri. Fun Space will provide the best indoor play options for children ages 4-12. The indoor playground will focus on fun, educational activities for kids that will support their physical fitness and social development. Fun Space will also offer services for parents including a quiet room that they can retreat to for a little downtime, to get some work done, or to watch their kids play. There will be guided activities for parents to do with their kids and educational classes for each age group. In addition to its daily activities, Fun Space will also host birthday parties and other events on the weekends.

The indoor playground will be staffed with professionals highly qualified and experienced in childcare, safety, education, and fitness. Fun Space staff remove all concerns of parents by providing a welcoming environment that is safe, clean, and educational. Fun Space indoor playground will be the ultimate fun choice for children and value for parents.

Fun Space indoor playground History

Fun Space is owned and operated by Christine Gregory, an indoor playground manager with over ten years of managerial experience working at KC Indoor Play. Christine is a dedicated leader with an ability to effectively manage a team of employees, build rapport with customers, and maintain a fun, safe, and profitable operation. These skills will help her to quickly attract customers and employees to her new indoor playground.

Since incorporation, Fun Space indoor playground has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Fun Space, LLC to transact business in the state of Missouri.
• Has been approved for all required licenses and permits to run an indoor playground.
• Has a contract in place to lease a 10,000 square foot facility.
• Reached out to multiple playground equipment companies to get quotes and begin the design process.
• Began recruiting a staff of accountants, marketers, childcare providers, and other indoor playground personnel to work at Fun Space.

Fun Space indoor playground Services

• Daily Open Play Sessions

Industry Analysis

The indoor playground industry in the United States is valued at $658M with an estimated 667 establishments in operation across the nation. Major market segments include families with children ages 0-9, families with children ages 10-12, and families with children ages 13-18.

The main sources of revenue for industry operators are the entry fees and ticket sales, followed by food and beverage sales, and lastly merchandise sales. Market drivers include an increase in disposable income and fitness awareness. Indoor playground industry operators can maintain a competitive advantage by providing competitive pricing, extended hours, or activity options the competition does not offer.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Fun Space will target parents and caregivers of children ages 4-12 in Kansas City. The company will target parents who are looking for a fun way for their children to develop physical fitness and social skills while participating in educational activities. The indoor playground will also target parents looking for a hassle-free party venue to host their childrens’ birthday parties or other events. No matter the customer, Fun Space will deliver the best service, pricing, and peace of mind that their children will have fun in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

The precise demographics for Kansas City, Missouri  are:

Customer Segmentation

Fun Space will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Parents/caregivers of children ages 4-12
• Parents/caregivers looking for a party/event venue
• Parents/caregivers looking for a safe, clean, educational, fun place for their children to play

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Fun Space indoor playground will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

KC Indoor Play

KC Indoor Play is a fun indoor playground for children ages 2-10. The indoor playground is conveniently located in a busy retail district in Kansas City, close to a childrens’ clothing shop and a toy store. KC Indoor Play is able to provide a wide variety of services for parents and children. The company’s offerings include educational classes for different age groups, free play, daycare, and an arcade. KC Indoor Play also hosts birthday parties and other events. KC Indoor Play’s promise is to deliver quality service that will keep both children and parents wanting to come back. KC Indoor Play’s team of experienced childcare professionals assures children are supervised by highly trained playground monitors to ensure safety and fun.

Kidz Play Place

Kidz Play Place is a Kansas City-based indoor playground conveniently located within a five- mile radius of three elementary schools. Kidz Play Place provides a unique indoor playground environment for children ages 4-13 that includes a small water park, arcade games, and trampolines. The owners of Kidz Play Place are former childcare professionals so they know what appeals to kids and parents alike. Parents can purchase open play time for their children in 2-hour time slots. Season passes are also available and will save customers 20% off their purchase.

Kary’s Kids Indoor Playground

Kary’s Kids Indoor Playground is a Kansas City indoor playground that provides educational games, classes, and events for children ages 0-10. The company is run by party-planning experts who have years of experience planning and hosting childrens’ parties. Parents can rest assured their children are well-supervised and the playground is safe and clean. Children can enjoy free-play sessions, an arcade, and educational games. Parents can also drop their children off for full-day and half-day supervision at Kary’s Kids daycare.

Competitive Advantage

Fun Space indoor playground will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified staff to include professionals trained in childcare, safety, early childhood education, and physical fitness who will supervise children and lead group activities.
• Wide range of offerings available to exceed the expectations of both parents and children.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Fun Space indoor playground will offer the unique value proposition to its customers:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees to supervise open play sessions, lead educational activities, and host fun parties, all while ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of the children at all times.
• Unbeatable pricing – Fun Space indoor playground has multiple pricing options to give parents flexibility when choosing which services they want to purchase. Parents can pay per session, per week, or per season for open play sessions, daycare,  and educational programs. There is also an a la carte option for parents who want to purchase one specific activity or play area.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Fun Space indoor playground is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Christine Gregory has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service to her customers. Many of these contacts have communicated to Christine that they kept bringing their kids back to her previous place of employment because they were happy with the service she was providing. Once Christine advised them she was leaving to open her own indoor playground, many have expressed interest in coming to Fun Space and help spread the word of the new location to their friends and families.

Professional Associations and Networking

Fun Space indoor playground will become a member of professional associations such as the National Indoor Playground and Cafe Association and the Association of Play Industries. The company will focus networking efforts on expanding its customer base.

Print Advertising

Fun Space indoor playground will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events, and to put in magazines, newspapers, and direct mailers.

Website/SEO Marketing

Fun Space indoor playground will employ an in-house marketing director to design and maintain the company website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services the indoor playground will offer. The marketing director will also manage Fun Space’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Kansas City indoor playground” or “indoor playground near me”, Fun Space indoor playground will be listed at the top of the search results.

Social Media Marketing/Influencer Marketing

The company will create social media accounts on multiple platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The marketing director will manage the accounts and maintain an active presence to promote the playground. Fun Space will recruit social media influencers such as busy parents who have a loyal following on social media  to help promote the indoor playground.

The pricing of Fun Space indoor playground will be moderate and on par with competitors. However, the company will offer a wider variety of pricing packages and options to give customers flexibility so they feel they receive value when purchasing the company’s services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Fun Space indoor playground.

Operation Functions:

• Christine Gregory will be the Owner and Manager of the company. She will oversee all staff and customer relations. Christine has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Eric Nichols – Assistant Manager who will co-manage the staff and oversee the day to day operations of the playground.
• Brandon Scott – Bookkeeper/Accountant who will provide all budgeting, accounting, tax payments, and financial reporting.
• Debra Alexander – Marketing Director who will provide all sales, marketing, and PR campaigns.
• Brian Baker – Event Coordinator who will plan and oversee all parties and events hosted by Fun Space.

Milestones:

Fun Space indoor playground will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

9/1/2022 – Finalize contract to lease indoor playground space.

9/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the management team.

10/1/2022 – Finalize contracts with playground equipment suppliers.

10/15/2022 – Begin build-out of the indoor playground.

11/22/2022 – Begin networking at industry events and implementing the marketing campaign.

12/1/2022 – Fun Space indoor playground opens for business.

Christine Gregory is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She has been working at a local indoor playground for over a decade. Christine has garnered a reputation for being a positive role model for her employees and a dedicated leader. Christine is confident that her ability to effectively manage a team of employees, build rapport with customers, and maintain a fun, safe, and profitable operation will help her to quickly attract customers and employees to her new indoor playground.

Eric Nichols has been Christine Gregory’s loyal assistant manager for over five years at the former indoor playground. Christine relies strongly on Eric’s reliability, organizational skills, and commitment to excellence in customer service that will be essential for the new indoor playground to run smoothly.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Fun Space indoor playground are the indoor playground fees that will be charged for open play sessions, classes, toys, snacks, and parties. Customers will be able to choose from a variety of pricing options including tiered packages, a la carte, and season passes.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff an indoor playground. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of 30-minute sessions per month: 6,500
• Average fees per month: $60,000
• Office lease per year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, indoor playground business plan faqs, what is an indoor playground business plan.

An indoor playground business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your indoor playground business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your indoor playground business plan using our Indoor Playground Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Indoor Playgrounds?

There are a number of different kinds of indoor playgrounds, some examples include: Bouncy Structures, Trampoline Park, and Variety Entertainment.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Indoor Playground Business Plan?

Indoor playgrounds are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. This is true for a business for an indoor playground or a play cafe business plan.

What are the Steps To Start an Indoor Playground Business?

Starting an indoor playground business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop An Indoor Playground Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed indoor playground business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your indoor playground business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your indoor playground business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Indoor Playground Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your indoor playground business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your indoor playground business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Indoor Playground Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your indoor playground business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your indoor playground business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

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Amusement Park Business Plan Sample

Published Feb.26, 2021

Updated Apr.19, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

Amusement Park Business Plan for Starting Your Own Theme Park

Do you want to build an amusement park? Well, amusement park is a large facility that contain gardens, play areas, amusement rides, games and other entertainments. The amusement park business can be extremely profitable and enjoyable to run. If you possess the ability to manage the park activities and maintain the technical structure, you must not delay planning about opening it.

Like all other businesses, the first step would be to create a detailed business plan. Before launching your business, you’ll have to develop accurate amusement park marketing plan, personnel plan and financial plan.

In this guide on how to start a theme park business we’re providing business plan of Holiday Ventures. Through this, you can know the important details that must be included while making business plan for your startup.

Amusement Park Business Plan Summary

2.1 the business.

Holiday Ventures will be a registered and licensed family amusement park based in Charlotte. The business will provide amusement rides, slides, magic shows, themed events, games, picnic areas, and entertainment for people of all ages.

Under the supervision of experienced managers and with the collaboration of responsible employees, the business will provide people with unforgettable joyful experience.

2.2 Management of Amusement Park

Managing an amusement park requires is not so easy. You will need highly responsible personnel who have the required technical skills, and efficient supervisors who would adhere to your business values. To ensure a structured and organized management, you must first make a theme park business model.

To manage your finances, you should also analyze how much does it cost to run an amusement park in your business model. If you don’t have a clear idea of startup costs, you should explore some amusement park business plan examples like this one to get an analogous idea of your finances.

2.3 Customers of Theme Park

The customers of a theme park can be categorized in the following groups:

• Youngsters & Adults
• Senior Citizens

2.4 Business Target

The business target of Holiday Ventures is to establish a name in amusement park business domain. The startup aims to include more activities and entertainment opportunities by the end of first five years. Financially, the company’s profitability targets can be seen from the following graph.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Holiday Ventures will be owned by Adam Redford. Adam completed his MBA from Harvard University and proceeded to work in notable institutes as senior manager. After serving as an operation manager in Herschend Family Entertainment for seven years, Adam has decided to launch his own business.

3.2 Why the amusement park business is being started

Adam always wanted to start his own business. Due to his inclination towards recreation and entertainment industry, he decided to build a theme park. He had several ideas to bring innovation in amusement parks. As without innovation it would be very difficult to earn fame in a field so saturated.

3.3 How the amusement park business will be started

Step1: Create amusement park business plan template

The first step is to explore how to create an amusement park. After detailed research, you would have to prepare an accurate business plan for your startup. Ideally, the business plan must contain accurate resources, expenses, management system, and financial projections of your business.

Step2: Risk Analysis

Before launching your startup, you must carry out a detailed marketing and risk analysis. Your critical risks problems and assumptions business plan amusement park must study

• Positive and negative risks involved in starting this business.
• Proper strategies to avoid, deflect, or resolve risks.

The risks may range from unexpected injuries, mechanical hazards, technical issues, financial ups and downs, and more.

Step3: Define the Brand/ Establish Physical Presence

After planning all the aspects of your business you should start establishing a physical presence. It is the time when you acquire licenses and registrations – while also hiring staff for running your business. Procuring the inventory and installation of rides, games, and other entertainment staff must also be started side-by side.

Step4: Web & Social Media Presence

Through using online tools, you can run cost-effective campaigns to let your target customers know about you. Moreover, establishing online presence can help you in managing large scale operations such as ticketing systems etc. in a much efficient way.

Step5: Promote and market

Lastly, you have to start executing your advertisement and sales strategy to gain more and more customers.

Services of Amusement Park

Amusement parks may contain many types of entertainment and services. Since it takes a lot of planning and management in organizing each activity, you must decide your offerings as early as possible. Before you make an amusement park business plan, you should decide the services you want to provide.

In this amusement park project report sample we’re listing the services of Holiday Ventures. So that you can get an idea of what type of entertainment is in demand these days.

Amusement Rides & Fun Game Challenges

At us our customers will find a huge variety of amusement rides and games. Our major offerings in amusement rides and family fun activities will include:

• Roller Coaster Ride
• Train Rides
• Pendulum Ride
• Frisbee Ride
• Pirate Ship Ride
• Drop Tower Ride
• Amusement Slides

Our fun game challenges will include:

• Skipping Stones
• Ball Cupping
• Bridge Ball
• Bridge the gap
• High Rollers
• Mud Skipping
• Ride the Wave
• Slippery Wall Climbing

Gardens & Picnic Services

For families who would want to arrange reunion and picnics, we’ll offer immersive and natural garden areas. We’ll also facilitate them by arranging peaceful and recreational outdoor space for them.

Themed Events, Shows & Nights

We’ll also organize themed shows, magic shows and musical nights. Through our website and social media accounts, we’ll keep our customers’ updated about the incoming activities.

High Quality Food

To provide our visitors with one-in-all recreation, we’ll offer high quality local food and some international cuisines.

Marketing Analysis of Amusement Parks Business

Excellent work.

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

After having an in-depth knowledge of how to start amusement park you must start doing marketing analysis. Marketing analysis studies the current and forecasted market stats to analyze whether a business can succeed in a marketplace or not.

Moreover, this analysis explores the interest and expectations of potential customers. Knowing your customers will help you in predicting their buying trends and estimating monthly and yearly sales. Through a rough idea of expected, optimistic and pessimistic sales, you can define amusement park feasibility study pdf. Overall, the information will help you in setting pricing policies that can enable to earn profit while also drawing more and more people to your site.

In this business plan small amusement park we’re providing the marketing analysis done for Holiday Ventures. It is recommended to do marketing analysis according to your specific location, if you are starting this business. The stats will also be different in case you’re looking for indoor amusement park business plan.

5.1 Market Trends

Hundreds of amusement park businesses are running in the United States. However, only a few of them are well-known and profitable. According to IBISWorld, amusement parks all over the U.S. collectively holds a market size of $13 billion. The business is expected to grow and earn more annual revenue in the coming years. This growth and profitability is forecasted on the basis of newer trends that business owners are incorporating in their amusement parks.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Our potential customers are divided into the following groups:

5.2.1 Youngsters & Adults

Youngsters and adults living in our city will be our primary customers. Young people are enthusiastic to take thrill rides and participate in physical activities. Thus, they are expected to avail all of our services.

5.2.2 Teenagers

Secondly thrill-seeking teens will also be our target customers. As people of this age group are usually careless, we will ensure strict supervision by our guides and instructors. This will be done to ensure their safety and protection.

5.2.3 Senior Citizens

Senior citizens are not likely to take part in our amusement activities. However, we believe that they will avail our space for reunions and picnics. They are also expected to roam around in the facility to explore our beautiful gardens.

5.2.4 Tourists

Tourists who will be looking for thrilling and joyful break will also be our potential customers.

5.2.5 Children

Though we are not providing any entertainment specifically for kids. Still, we believe them to enjoy our simple rides and slides.

5.3 Business Target

• To earn a net profit margin of $32k per month by the end of the third year.
• To expand our offerings and also include water sports by the end of the first five years.
• To achieve an average rating above 4.75 within 6 months of our launch.
• To achieve a Net Promoter Score above 75% within a year of our launch.
• To maintain a Customer Satisfaction Score above 90% throughout our service years.

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices are almost in the same range as that of our competitors. However, the prices of food items are a little higher due to the supreme quality we’re providing.

Marketing Strategy of Amusement Park Business

After you know everything about how to build an amusement park, you should start exploring ways to promote it. In this sales strategy, you can see the competitive aspects and advertisement plan of Holiday Ventures.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

Our first competitive advantage is that we are providing an all-in-one recreation. At a single place, our customers will be able to enjoy thrilling rides, arrange friends’ and family reunions, and enjoy high quality food and drinks.

Secondly, we’ll develop an overall schedule business plan for amusement park to update our customers about the upcoming themed events.

Lastly, we’ll make the best possible use of technology. Through our website, our customers will be able to book area and time for their reunions. And issue any guidelines or requirements regarding their picnic/ event.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We’ll advertise us through Google Local ads Services, social media, and local newspapers.
• We’ll offer a 60% discount on our amusement rides and fun outdoor games for the first two months of the launch.
• We’ll keep track of our repeat customers through online transactions, to offer them exclusive benefits.
• After every $140 transaction, we’ll gift $30 to our customers. The gifted amount will be valid for one month.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 sales yearly, 6.5 sales forecast, personnel plan.

Since there are a lot of risks involved in running an amusement park, you’ll need highly responsible and efficient staff to help you manage it. In this free sample amusement park business plan, we’re listing the staff recruited by Holiday Ventures along with their expected salaries.

Business plan for investors

7.1 company staff.

• 1 Operation Manager
• 1 Sales Manager
• 5 Lifeguards and Instructors
• 8 Recreation Workers
• 1 Amusement Ride Engineer to assure technical assistance
• 2 Technicians to help maintain mechanical infrastructure
• 3 General Amusement Park Attendants
• 1 Web Developer to develop and maintain company’s sites
• 1 Sales Executive to execute the marketing business strategy
• 2 Parking Attendants
• 4 Cooks & Waiters

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Starting an amusement park requires a lot of investment. First, you’ll need to purchase or rent a large space for amusement rides and games. Second, the cost of amusement rides, their installation and maintenance are also high. Therefore, it is essential to make a detailed financial plan to realize accurate amusement park construction costs.

Your financial plan should state major strategies to balance your investment with the earned profits. Moreover, by analyzing break-even, profit and loss projections, balance sheets, and gross margins, your plan should figure out a financial trajectory to prevent you from running into loss.

To give you an idea of how to develop an accurate financial plan, we’re providing the financial plan of Holiday Ventures here.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis, 8.3 projected profit and loss, 8.3.1 profit monthly, 8.3.2 profit yearly, 8.3.3 gross margin monthly, 8.3.4 gross margin yearly, 8.4 projected cash flow, 8.5 projected balance sheet, 8.6 business ratios.

Download Amusement Park Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGS capital writers specialize in business plan themes such as bowling alley business plan , media production business plan , aerial tourism business plan , internet radio business plan , movie theater business plan , trampoline business plan and many others.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than €1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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How To Write a Business Plan for Amusement Park in 9 Steps: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on amusement park.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for an amusement park ! The amusement park industry is a thriving one, with an estimated value of $xxxxx billion in 2020 and projected growth of xx% in the next five years. As families seek safe and entertaining experiences, now is the perfect time to embark on your journey to create a unique and exciting amusement park that caters to their needs.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of writing a business plan, it's imperative to research the amusement park industry . Gain insights into current trends, customer preferences, and the latest advancements in attractions and technologies. This research will not only provide a solid foundation for your business plan but also help you identify potential gaps in the market that your amusement park can fill.

Next, it's vital to identify your target market and demographics . Determine who your ideal customers are, their age groups, interests, and preferences. This information will guide your decision-making process when designing attractions, entertainment options, and food and beverage services.

Once you've gathered sufficient information about the industry and your target market, it's time to conduct a feasibility analysis . Assess the potential demand for your amusement park in the chosen location, considering factors such as population size, tourist activity, and local competition. A thorough feasibility analysis will help you gauge the viability of your business idea and make informed decisions moving forward.

The next step is to evaluate potential locations for your amusement park. Consider factors like accessibility, infrastructure, zoning regulations, and proximity to your target market. Be sure to choose a location that offers convenience and ample space to accommodate the scope and size of your amusement park.

Speaking of scope and size, it's important to determine the desired scale of your amusement park. Will it be a small-scale park catering to a specific niche or a large-scale one with a wide range of attractions? Understanding the scope of your amusement park will help in making decisions regarding investment, staffing, and overall operations.

No business plan is complete without a comprehensive financial plan . Calculate the initial investment required, including land acquisition, construction costs, equipment purchases, and operational expenses. Determine revenue streams, such as ticket sales, food and beverage services, and additional offerings like birthday packages and special events. Your financial plan should also include projected income statements, cash flow analysis, and return on investment projections.

To better position your amusement park in the market, analyzing the competition is crucial. Understand what sets your park apart from existing ones and what unique selling proposition you can offer. This USP and market positioning will help you attract your target market and stand out in a crowded industry.

Lastly, create a marketing and promotional strategy to generate awareness and drive footfall to your amusement park. Utilize various channels, both online and offline, to reach your target audience and entice them with enticing offers, discounts, and engaging content. A well-thought-out marketing strategy is essential for successfully launching and sustaining your amusement park.

Now that you have an overview of the key steps involved in writing a business plan for an amusement park, it's time to dive deeper into each step and bring your dream to life. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts that will guide you through each step of the process, helping you build the foundation for a successful amusement park venture.

Research The Amusement Park Industry

When starting a business in the amusement park industry, conducting thorough research is crucial to your success. Understanding the market, trends, and consumer preferences will provide you with valuable insights that will help you make informed decisions.

Here are some important aspects to consider when conducting research:

• Industry Trends: Stay updated with the latest industry trends to identify emerging attractions, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and offer unique experiences.
• Market Analysis: Analyze the current market and identify potential gaps or opportunities. Determine the demand for amusement parks in your target location and evaluate the level of competition in the area.
• Regulations and Compliance: Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that govern the amusement park industry. This includes safety standards, licensing requirements, and permits. Compliance is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of your customers.
• Customer Demographics: Understand your target market and their preferences. Determine the demographics of families, age groups, and interests to tailor your offerings accordingly.
• Industry Associations: Join industry associations and attend trade shows to network with professionals in the field. This will allow you to gain insights, share experiences, and stay up to date with industry developments.

Tips for Researching the Amusement Park Industry:

• Read industry publications and research reports to gain in-depth knowledge of the amusement park industry.
• Visit established amusement parks to observe operations, attractions, and customer experiences.
• Connect with other amusement park owners or industry experts to learn from their experiences and gather valuable insights.
• Utilize online platforms and social media to engage with potential customers and gauge their interest and feedback.

By thoroughly researching the amusement park industry, you will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding necessary to effectively plan and operate your own amusement park.

Identify The Target Market And Demographics

Identifying the target market and understanding their demographics is crucial for the success of your amusement park. By knowing who your target audience is, you can tailor your offerings and marketing strategies to effectively attract and engage them. Here are some key steps to help you identify your target market and demographics:

• Research the demographics of your local area: Gather information about the population size, age group distribution, income levels, and cultural backgrounds of the people living in the vicinity of your proposed amusement park. This data will provide valuable insights into the potential customer base you can cater to.
• Define your ideal customer profile: Determine the characteristics of the individuals or families who are most likely to visit your amusement park. Consider factors such as age range, interests, spending habits, and preferences. This will help you create targeted experiences and attractions that appeal to your desired audience.
• Conduct market surveys and focus groups: Engage with your potential customers through surveys and focus groups to gather feedback on their expectations, preferences, and priorities when it comes to amusement parks. This qualitative data will provide valuable insights into their needs and desires.
• Analyze competitors' target markets: Study your competitors' target markets and demographics to identify any gaps or areas of opportunity. Understanding who they are attracting and who they may be overlooking can help you position your amusement park uniquely in the market.

Tips for Identifying Your Target Market And Demographics:

• 1. Research local demographics thoroughly: Use reputable sources such as census data, market research reports, and online resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the population in your area.
• 2. Segment your target market: Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on specific segments within your target market. This will allow you to develop customized offerings that resonate with each group.
• 3. Engage with potential customers: Connect with individuals who fit your target market profile through surveys, polls, or even social media to gather valuable insights directly from them.
• 4. Stay updated on market trends: Keep an eye on emerging trends and changes in consumer behavior within the amusement park industry. This will help you adapt your offerings and marketing strategies to remain relevant.

Conduct A Feasibility Analysis

Before moving forward with your amusement park business plan, it is crucial to conduct a feasibility analysis to determine the viability of your venture. This analysis will help you assess the potential risks, challenges, and opportunities associated with your amusement park concept.

Firstly, research and gather relevant data on the amusement park industry, such as market trends, customer preferences, and industry growth projections. This will provide you with insights into the overall market landscape and help you identify potential demand for your offerings.

• Study industry reports, trade publications, and news articles to stay updated on the latest industry trends and developments.
• Conduct surveys or focus groups to gather feedback from your target audience and gain insights into their expectations and preferences.

Next, analyze the competitive landscape. Identify existing amusement parks in your target location and evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and unique offerings. This analysis will help you refine your own value proposition and identify opportunities to differentiate your park from the competition.

• Visit other amusement parks to observe their operations, customer experiences, and pricing strategies.
• Research online customer reviews and ratings to understand customer satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement.

Furthermore, examine the financial feasibility of your amusement park business. Evaluate the projected costs involved in establishing and operating the park, including land acquisition, construction, equipment, staffing, marketing, and ongoing maintenance expenses. Compare these costs to the expected revenues and estimate the time it will take to achieve profitability.

• Seek guidance from financial experts or consultants to ensure the accuracy of your financial projections.
• Consider various scenarios and contingencies, such as lower-than-expected attendance or higher operating costs, to assess the financial risks involved.

Lastly, evaluate the legal and regulatory requirements for establishing an amusement park in your chosen location. Research zoning regulations, permits, licenses, and safety regulations that apply to amusement parks. Ensure that your proposed location complies with all necessary legal and safety standards.

By conducting a thorough feasibility analysis, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with your amusement park business. This analysis will equip you with the necessary insights to make informed decisions, refine your business plan, and increase the chances of success for your venture.

Evaluate Potential Locations For The Amusement Park

Evaluating potential locations for your amusement park is a crucial step in the business planning process. Choosing the right location can greatly impact the success and profitability of your park. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating potential locations:

• Accessibility: Ensure that the location is easily accessible for your target market, considering both local and out-of-town visitors. Proximity to major roads, highways, and airports can play a significant role in attracting visitors.
• Demographics: Analyze the demographics of the surrounding area to determine if it aligns with your target market. Consider factors such as population size, age groups, and income levels. A suitable location should have a sufficient population to draw from.
• Competition: Research the presence of other amusement parks or entertainment venues in the area. Assess the level of competition and identify any gaps in the market that your park can fill.
• Available Land: Evaluate the availability and affordability of land in potential locations. Consider the size and layout required for the amusement park, including space for parking, attractions, and facilities.
• Infrastructure: Assess the existing infrastructure in the area, such as utilities, transportation, and amenities. The location should have adequate infrastructure to support the smooth operation of your park.
• Engage with local authorities and zoning boards to understand any regulations or permits required for operating an amusement park in each potential location.
• Consider the seasonality of the location. If the area experiences harsh weather conditions that could affect park operations, explore options for indoor facilities or seasonal adjustments.
• Visit each potential location in person to assess the surrounding environment and visualize the park's fit within the area.

By thoroughly evaluating potential locations and considering these important factors, you can make an informed decision that sets your amusement park up for success.

Determine The Scope And Size Of The Amusement Park

When it comes to determining the scope and size of your amusement park, there are several factors to consider. It is essential to carefully analyze these factors to ensure that your park meets the needs and expectations of your target market.

Firstly, consider the available space for your amusement park. Assess the land or property you have acquired or plan to acquire and determine if it provides enough room for the attractions, facilities, and infrastructure you envision for your park. Take into account the size requirements for each of the attractions, as well as any additional amenities you plan to include, such as food and beverage services or event spaces.

Tip 1: Use a professional surveyor or architect to accurately measure the available space and create a detailed site plan. This will help you determine the best layout for your amusement park and ensure that all attractions and facilities can fit harmoniously within the designated area.

Next, consider the number of attractions and rides you plan to offer. This will depend on your target market, the size of your amusement park, and the budget you have allocated for purchasing or building these attractions. Balancing a diverse range of attractions, from thrilling roller coasters to interactive rides and virtual reality experiences, will attract a wider range of visitors and increase the appeal and longevity of your park.

Tip 2: Conduct market research to understand the preferences and interests of your target market. This will help you determine the optimal mix of attractions and rides to offer in your amusement park.

Additionally, consider the capacity of your amusement park. How many visitors can your park comfortably accommodate at any given time? This will depend on the size of your park, the layout of the attractions, and the availability of supporting facilities such as restrooms, dining areas, and parking. Ensuring that your park can handle high visitor numbers will not only enhance the customer experience but also maximize revenue potential.

Tip 3: Consult with industry experts and professionals to determine the ideal visitor capacity for your amusement park. They can provide insights based on industry standards and best practices.

In conclusion, determining the scope and size of your amusement park is a critical step in the business planning process. Carefully consider the available space, the number and types of attractions, and the capacity of your park to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for your visitors.

Develop A Comprehensive Financial Plan

Developing a comprehensive financial plan is crucial for the success of your amusement park. This plan will outline your projected revenue, expenses, and profitability, giving you a clear understanding of the financial feasibility of your business.

In order to develop a financial plan, you will need to start by outlining your sources of revenue. This may include ticket sales, food and beverage services, birthday packages, special events, and sponsorship or advertising opportunities. Estimate the number of visitors you expect to attract, as well as the pricing for each revenue stream.

Next, you will need to consider your expenses. This includes both one-time costs, such as construction and equipment, as well as ongoing operational costs like staff salaries, maintenance, utilities, and marketing expenses. It is important to be thorough in identifying and estimating these expenses to ensure the accuracy of your financial plan.

Tips for developing a comprehensive financial plan:

• Consider seeking the expertise of a financial advisor or consultant who has experience in the amusement park industry. They can provide valuable insights and help ensure the accuracy of your financial projections.
• Take into account seasonality in your revenue and expense projections. Amusement parks often experience fluctuations in visitor numbers and corresponding revenue throughout the year.
• Include a contingency fund in your financial plan to account for unexpected expenses or fluctuations in revenue. This will help safeguard your business against unforeseen challenges.
• Regularly review and update your financial plan as your amusement park progresses. This will allow you to make informed decisions and adjustments as needed to ensure the financial health and sustainability of your business.

Once you have detailed your projected revenue and expenses, you can calculate your expected profitability. This will give you an idea of the potential return on investment and help you make informed decisions regarding pricing, cost control, and revenue growth strategies.

A comprehensive financial plan serves as a roadmap for your amusement park, helping you track your progress, make informed decisions, and attract potential investors or lenders. It is essential to invest time and effort into developing a realistic and thorough financial plan to set your business up for success.

Analyze The Competition

When starting an amusement park, it is crucial to thoroughly analyze the competition in your target market. Understanding what other amusement parks in your area or similar locations have to offer can help you differentiate your park and attract a unique customer base.

First, make a list of all the existing amusement parks in your target area. Research their size, offerings, target demographics, and any unique features they may have. This information will give you a clear understanding of what you're up against and help you identify opportunities for differentiation.

Next, visit these amusement parks as a customer yourself. Observe and analyze their operations, customer flow, staff interactions, and overall visitor experience. Take note of what they do well and where there may be room for improvement.

Once you have gathered this information, compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of your competition with your own business idea. This analysis will help you identify gaps in the market and determine how you can position your amusement park as an attractive alternative.

• Identify Unique Selling Points: Look for aspects of your competition that you can differentiate from. It could be a particular theme, exclusive attractions, or a focus on customer service. Highlight these unique selling points when developing your own park's value proposition.
• Consider Pricing Strategies: Compare the ticket prices and pricing structures of your competitors. Assess whether there is an opportunity for your amusement park to offer better value for money or unique pricing options, such as discounted family passes or annual memberships.
• Examine Marketing Strategies: Analyze the marketing and promotional efforts of your competition. Look for gaps or weaknesses in their strategies that you can exploit. Consider how you can leverage various marketing channels, such as social media, targeted advertising, and partnerships, to reach your target audience effectively.
• Assess Customer Feedback and Reviews: Read customer reviews and feedback about your competitors' parks. Pay attention to recurring complaints or praise. This will provide valuable insights into areas where you can outperform your competition and exceed customer expectations.

Tips for analyzing the competition in the amusement park industry:

• Stay updated on industry trends and developments by attending trade shows and conferences.
• Regularly monitor your competition's websites, social media accounts, and other online platforms to stay informed about their latest offerings and initiatives.
• Network with other industry professionals and experts to gain valuable insights and learn from their experiences.

Define The Unique Selling Proposition And Market Positioning

Defining your unique selling proposition (USP) and market positioning is a crucial step in creating a successful business plan for your amusement park. It is essential to clearly identify and communicate what sets your park apart from competitors and how you will position yourself in the market.

Firstly, you need to determine what unique elements or features your amusement park will offer that will attract customers and differentiate you from others in the industry. This could include special themed areas, exclusive attractions, innovative experiences, or exceptional customer service.

Once you have identified your park's USP, you can then develop a clear market positioning strategy. This involves identifying your target audience and creating a brand identity that resonates with them. Consider the demographics, interests, and preferences of your target market to tailor your marketing efforts effectively.

Here are some tips to help you define your USP and market positioning:

Research your competitors:

Conduct market research:, emphasize your unique features:, create a compelling brand story:, communicate your usp consistently:.

By defining your USP and market positioning, you will be able to attract the right target audience, differentiate yourself from competitors, and establish a strong brand presence in the amusement park industry.

Create A Marketing And Promotional Strategy

Creating a strong marketing and promotional strategy is essential for the success of your amusement park. This step will help you attract your target market, build brand awareness, and ultimately drive foot traffic to your park. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind as you develop your strategy:

• Identify your target audience: Clearly define the demographic and psychographic characteristics of your target market. This will help you tailor your marketing messages and channels to effectively reach and engage your desired customers.
• Highlight your unique selling proposition: Clearly communicate what sets your amusement park apart from the competition. Whether it's your innovative attractions, exceptional customer service, or impeccable safety record, focus on showcasing your unique features and strengths.
• Utilize a mix of traditional and digital marketing: Take advantage of both traditional marketing channels, such as billboards, print advertisements, and radio spots, as well as digital marketing tactics, including social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and online advertising. This multi-channel approach will help you reach a wider audience and increase brand visibility.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations: Consider partnering with local businesses, organizations, or influencers who align with your target market and brand values. Collaborative efforts, such as cross-promotions and sponsorship deals, can help amplify your reach and credibility.
• Create compelling content: Engage your audience through informative and entertaining content. This can include blog articles, videos, podcasts, and social media posts that highlight the unique experiences and offerings of your amusement park. Encourage user-generated content to foster a sense of community and word-of-mouth promotion.
• Offer incentives and promotions: Attract and retain customers by offering special promotions, discounts, and packages. Consider running limited-time offers, loyalty programs, or exclusive access to new attractions or events to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

Tips for an Effective Marketing and Promotional Strategy:

• Utilize social media platforms to engage with your audience, share updates, and run contests or giveaways.
• Invest in professional photography and videography to showcase the excitement and appeal of your amusement park.
• Monitor and respond promptly to customer reviews and feedback, both online and offline.
• Collaborate with local tourism boards and travel agencies to promote your amusement park as a tourist destination.
• Consider leveraging influencer marketing by partnering with social media influencers who have a strong following and influence within your target market.

By developing a comprehensive marketing and promotional strategy, your amusement park can effectively communicate its value, attract the right customers, and drive business growth. Regularly evaluate and adjust your strategy based on market trends, customer feedback, and the changing competitive landscape to ensure your park remains relevant and successful.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for an amusement park requires careful research and analysis of the industry, target market, and competition. By following the nine steps outlined in this checklist, you can effectively plan and establish a successful amusement park that caters to families and provides a unique and safe environment for entertainment.

Remember to conduct a thorough feasibility analysis to ensure the viability of your business idea and evaluate potential locations that are accessible and appealing to your target market. Developing a comprehensive financial plan is crucial in determining the cost and profitability of your amusement park, while analyzing the competition helps you identify potential opportunities and differentiate your park from others.

Defining a unique selling proposition and market positioning is essential in attracting and retaining customers, while creating a compelling marketing and promotional strategy helps you reach and engage with your target audience. By incorporating all these elements into your business plan, you can increase your chances of success and create an amusement park that offers an enjoyable and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

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Crafting a Successful Indoor Playground Business Plan: 10 Essential Elements for Entrepreneurs & Investors

Unveiling the blueprint for operational efficiency, revenue growth, and guest satisfaction

Opening or expanding an indoor playground or play center is an exciting venture, but success hinges on careful planning. A well-structured business plan not only guides your journey but also attracts investors. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the ten crucial elements you must include in your indoor playground business plan. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or seeking investment, these key components will set you on the path to operational excellence, revenue growth, and unparalleled guest satisfaction.

1. Market analysis: Understanding your playground's landscape

Before laying the foundation for your indoor playground, conduct a thorough market analysis. Explore the demand for indoor play spaces in your target location. Identify competitors, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and discern market trends. This section should provide a clear snapshot of your playground's potential within the existing market.

Actionable steps:

• Identify target location demographics : Conduct in-depth demographic research to understand the age groups, income levels, and family structures in your target area.
• Competitor SWOT analysis : Perform a thorough SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for each competitor to identify market gaps and potential areas of differentiation.
• Trendspotting : Explore emerging trends in indoor play spaces, from technology integration to themed experiences. Consider how these trends align with your vision.
• Local partnerships : Research potential partnerships with local businesses, schools, or community organizations to strengthen your market presence.

2. Unique selling proposition (USP): Setting your playground apart

Define what makes your indoor playground unique. Is it innovative attractions, themed zones, or exceptional services? A compelling USP not only attracts guests but also entices investors. Clearly articulate what sets your playground apart and why families will choose it over competitors.

• Themed zones and attractions : Develop detailed plans for unique themed zones and attractions within your indoor playground, ensuring they align with your target audience's interests.
• Exceptional services : Outline innovative services, such as personalized birthday packages, VIP memberships, or educational programs, that set your playground apart.
• Interactive elements : Incorporate interactive elements such as augmented reality games, interactive floors, or smart wristbands to enhance the overall experience.
• Storytelling : Craft a compelling narrative around your playground's theme, creating an immersive experience that resonates with families.

Read this next: 5 Captivating Indoor Playground Design Ideas

3. Target audience: Tailoring experiences to families

Understanding your target audience is paramount. Outline the age groups, interests, and preferences of the families you aim to attract. Tailor your offerings to meet their needs, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for both children and parents.

• Age-specific offerings: Develop age-specific play areas and activities to cater to the diverse needs of children, from toddlers to pre-teens.
• Parent-focused amenities : Integrate amenities like comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and a cafe to cater to parents, ensuring a family-friendly environment.
• Feedback loops : Establish regular feedback mechanisms, such as surveys or focus groups, to understand the evolving preferences of your target audience.
• Community engagement : Actively engage with local communities through events, sponsorships, or school partnerships to build a loyal customer base.

4. Business structure: Building a solid foundation

Define your indoor playground's legal structure. Whether it's a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation, choose a structure that aligns with your business goals. Clearly outline ownership details, responsibilities, and organizational hierarchy.

• Legal consultation : Seek legal advice to determine the most suitable business structure, considering liability, taxation, and ownership considerations.
• Operating agreements : Draft comprehensive operating agreements, clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing structures for all stakeholders.
• Insurance planning : Research and secure comprehensive insurance coverage, including liability insurance and coverage for potential property damage or injuries.
• Financial management software : Implement robust financial management software to track expenses, revenue, and overall financial health.

5. Financial projections: Charting the path to profitability

Investors and entrepreneurs alike seek a clear picture of your playground's financial future. Provide detailed financial projections, including startup costs, operational expenses, and revenue forecasts. Demonstrate a path to profitability over the short and long term.

• Detailed startup budget : Break down startup costs into categories, including equipment purchase, interior design, marketing, and personnel.
• Revenue streams : Clearly define multiple revenue streams, such as admission fees, membership plans , and merchandise sales. Read next: How Elevate Generated $600,000 in Membership Revenue in 4 Months
• Conservative forecasting : Present conservative financial forecasts, considering potential challenges and market fluctuations.
• Investor ROI : Clearly articulate the return on investment (ROI) expected over different timeframes.

6. Safety and compliance: Ensuring a secure environment

Safety is paramount in indoor playgrounds. Outline comprehensive safety protocols, risk management strategies, and compliance measures. Ensure your business plan reflects a commitment to creating a secure environment for children and peace of mind for parents.

• Safety protocols manual : Develop a comprehensive safety manual that outlines protocols for equipment maintenance, emergency procedures, and staff training.
• Regular inspections : Implement a routine inspection schedule for equipment, play areas, and facilities to ensure ongoing safety compliance.
• Certifications and licenses : Obtain all necessary certifications and licenses for operating an indoor playground, showcasing your commitment to safety.
• Emergency response plan : Clearly define and train staff on emergency response protocols, including evacuation procedures and communication plans.

Read this next: How to Manage Risk at Your Attractions Venue

7. Marketing and promotion: Generating buzz and footfall

Craft a robust marketing strategy to generate awareness and attract families to your indoor playground. Utilize a mix of online and offline channels, social media, influencer partnerships, and promotional events. Clearly outline how you plan to create a buzz around your opening and sustain customer engagement.

• Pre-launch campaign : Build anticipation with a pre-launch campaign, utilizing social media teasers, exclusive invites, and influencer partnerships.
• Opening events : Plan grand opening events with special promotions, discounts, and interactive activities to attract a large audience.
• Content marketing : Develop a content calendar for ongoing marketing efforts, including blog posts, videos, and social media content that showcases the playground's offerings.
• Loyalty programs : Implement loyalty programs or referral incentives to encourage repeat visits and word-of-mouth marketing.

8. Technology integration: Streamlining operations and enhancing experience

In the digital age, technology is a game-changer. Outline how you'll leverage indoor playground technology to streamline operations, enhance guest experience, and gather valuable data . From online booking systems to interactive attractions, showcase your commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

• Online booking system : Implement an efficient online booking system that allows guests to reserve play sessions, birthday parties, and special events. Your online booking system should be optimized to increase conversions and spend per head! Read next: How Ninja Warrior UK Achieved Over 3 Million Bookings In 4 Years
• RFID technology : Explore RFID technology for seamless access control, cashless transactions, and tracking visitor behavior for data-driven decision-making.
• Data analytics tools : Invest in data analytics tools to gather insights on customer preferences, peak hours, and popular attractions, optimizing operational efficiency.
• Mobile app development : Consider developing a mobile app that enhances the user experience, provides information, and offers exclusive promotions.

Read this next: Visitor Management Systems: What Are They & How to Choose One

9. Customer feedback and improvement: A continuous loop

Customer satisfaction is the heartbeat of any successful business. Detail how you plan to collect and analyze customer feedback regularly. Showcase your commitment to a continuous improvement loop, addressing concerns, and evolving to meet the ever-changing expectations of your guests.

• Real-time feedback systems : Implement real-time feedback systems, such as in-app surveys or touchscreen kiosks, or event ROLLER’s Guest Experience Score , to capture immediate customer sentiments. But remember, the questions you ask and how you deliver this feedback system can have a meaningful impact on response rates and your ability to make informed decisions. Read next: How Flying Squirrel Saves Time & Resources By Collecting Feedback
• Data analysis for improvement : Regularly analyze customer feedback data to identify trends, areas of improvement, and opportunities for enhancing the overall experience.
• Staff training programs : Conduct ongoing staff training programs based on customer feedback, ensuring a customer-centric approach at all levels.
• Public acknowledgment : Acknowledge and publicly address positive customer feedback, showcasing your commitment to excellence.

10. Partnership and expansion strategies: Scaling the success

For entrepreneurs eyeing expansion and investors seeking growth potential, outline strategic partnership and expansion plans. Whether it's franchising, collaborating with complementary businesses, or venturing into new locations, demonstrate a clear roadmap for scaling your indoor playground's success.

• Franchise model : If applicable, develop a comprehensive franchise model, including franchise fees, support systems, and guidelines for maintaining brand consistency.
• Market research for expansion : Conduct thorough market research when considering expansion, identifying locations with high potential and minimal competition.
• Collaborative ventures : Explore collaborative ventures with businesses that complement your indoor playgrounds, such as food and beverage partnerships or educational tie-ins.
• Agile business model : Design an agile business model that allows for scalability, ensuring your indoor playground can adapt to changing market dynamics.

Crafting a robust indoor playground business plan is not just a formality; it's your roadmap to success. By incorporating these ten essential elements, you not only appeal to investors but also set the stage for operational efficiency, revenue growth, and guest satisfaction.

However, the journey doesn't end with a well-documented plan; it begins. As you embark on this exciting venture, consider how ROLLER can be your strategic partner in achieving these outcomes. From seamless ticketing to data analytics that drives operational efficiency, ROLLER empowers you to deliver a great guest experience. Get in touch to see how ROLLER can transform your indoor playground business.

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Amusement Park Business Plan

Business plans for amusement parks creating a roadmap to success.

If you are planning to start an Amusement Park or Family Entertainment Center, having a comprehensive business plan is crucial for success. A business plan serves as a roadmap that outlines your objectives and strategies, and helps you make informed decisions about resource allocation, operations and organization. At ParkProfs, we understand the importance of a well-crafted business plan for amusement park operators. Our team of experts can help you develop a customized plan that addresses your unique needs, challenges, and goals. Whether you are starting a new venture or want to enhance your existing park, our business plan services can provide you with the insights that are needed to operate a profitable business….

Amusement Park Business Model Defining your Strategy and Operations

A successful Amusement Park business model requires a clear understanding of your target audience, competitive landscape, and value propositions. At ParkProfs, we work closely with you to identify your market niche, analyze industry trends, and develop a winning strategy that differentiates you from the competition. We help you define your operations model, including staffing, equipment, safety protocols, and guest experience. By leveraging our industry expertise and best practices, we can help you create a seamless and efficient operational framework that maximizes guest satisfaction and profitability.

A tailord Business Plan by ParkProfs

At ParkProfs, we recognize that every Park executive has unique goals and challenges, which is why our business plans are tailored to your specific needs. The topics that we always cover in our plans include: * Financial analysis and projections: We help you develop a comprehensive financial model that forecasts revenue, expenses, cash flow, and helps you make informed decisions about pricing, investment, and cost management. We also assist you in identifying potential funding sources and preparing investor presentations. *Operational planning and resource allocation: We work with you to develop an efficient and effective operational plan that includes staffing, equipment and inventory management. We also help you identify key performance indicators and metrics to measure operational efficiency and effectiveness. *Human Resources Management: We assist you in developing a robust HR strategy that aligns with your business objectives and values. This includes recruitment, onboarding, training, management traning and employee engagement.  *Risk Management and Safety Protocols: We help you establish clear policies and procedures that minimize the risk of accidents and incidents, to ensure safety of your guests and employees and to protect the business from potential liability or reputational harm. Partner with ParkProfs for a profitable and succesful business plan for your Entertainment Park or Concept.

Entertainment Concepts for whom ParkProfs has developed a Business Plan:

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• Beginners Guide , Indoors Playground

How To Start An Indoor Playground Business In 11 Steps

Written by ownplayground team.

Since the mid-1990s, indoor playgrounds have continued to grow in popularity. Over time, indoor play areas have quietly developed into a legitimate industry, with a variety of options for children and their parents. While some indoor playgrounds cater to the youngest visitors , namely preschool-aged and under, others include activities for children of all ages and in some cases, adults as well.

So, how viable is the Indoor Playground Business? With increasing concerns about childhood obesity, many parents are looking for a fun, safe, and controlled environment for their kids, where they can be physically active; run, jump, and climb without the worry of serious injury , and where they can play hard, without parents having to worry about their security and safety. The indoor playground market fits that niche perfectly and has only continued to grow in recent years. 

If starting an indoor playground business seems like a viable option, we will explain, step by step, the best way to move forward!

Find Your Niche

There are different versions of indoor playgrounds .  

Many cater to the youngest children, from toddlers to preschool, while others focus more on preteens through adults. Although some indoor playgrounds focus solely on physical activities, like: 

Others include additional attractions, such as: 

• Video games 
• Skee ball 
• Other competitive features

Before moving forward, it is important to find a niche, or a focus.  

Perhaps you’re interested in opening an indoor playground with a focus on rock climbing or zip lining ; or maybe a sports-oriented indoor playground, with some organized games, such as indoor soccer or dodgeball is closer to what you’re considering. 

Still, other indoor playgrounds focus more on gymnastic activities, such as trampolines and tumbling.

To truly create a viable business, it is important to pick one area of specialty, and be the best at it. 

By offering something with a unique area of focus, that’s a little bit different than other indoor playgrounds , you can target a specific customer base. You can also focus on the community at large, and provide something that other, similar businesses, do not.

Investigate the Competition

Indoor playgrounds are plentiful, but each one seems to offer something slightly different. 

While some focus on gymnastic style play, others focus on different amenities, such as virtual reality video gaming, or go-carts, or a carnival style playground model where kids can earn tickets for prizes.  

When considering a new business, it is important to understand the local competition.

Whatever the niche of the business, it is important to also provide something better, and different than direct competitors. 

It’s important to understand who the competitors are, and how to outperform them, whether you provide: 

• Longer hours
• Lower entrance fees 
• A better variety of activities and gaming options. 

Planning, Planning… You’ll Want to Have a Plan

Before starting any business, it is important to create a workable plan that outlines every aspect of the business. You need to make decisions that address:

• What is the main revenue stream? 
• Aside from admissions, are there other viable ways to create revenue for the playground? 
• What services can be included?  
• Will there be food served? If so, will there be hot food to order or vending services? 
• Will the facility have the capacity to host children’s parties?

Exploring the different amenities within the playground design and creating a business plan that outlines the various revenue streams, can help a small business owner: 

• Secure funding 
• Estimate overall costs 
• Determine what type of supplies and staffing will be necessary once the business is up and running.

You’ve Heard it Said, “Location, Location, Location”

When trying to create a commercial business, whether it’s an indoor playground, a deli, or a dry cleaner, it is important to find the right location.  

First, you will want to consider the demographics in the surrounding area. For an indoor playground, it’s important to find a location that is easily accessible for families, perhaps: 

• In a commercial area 
• Close to schools
• Well established neighborhoods.

The right location can make a business, and conversely, the wrong location can break a business. 

Take the time to research an area thoroughly, find out why previous businesses have failed, and make sure the location makes sense for the type of business envisioned. It is important to find a location that is: 

• Convenient for families 
• Perhaps accessible by public transportation 
• In a location deemed safe for children and families.

Create Hype

Once a location is selected, it is time to start advertising.  

While, it may seem too soon, it is truly never too early to start advertising an upcoming business venture.  

Simple steps, like: 

• Placing a sign at the chosen location alerting those passing by of the upcoming business 
• Creating a Facebook and Instagram page to track the progress of the playground, from start to finish
• Creating a dedicated website to alert people that an indoor playground is “Coming Soon”.

Any kind of upfront, pre-opening advertising will help create excitement and anticipation surrounding this business venture. In addition to the passive advertising techniques listed above, consider some direct marketing as well, things such as: 

• Mail pieces to the community 
• Including discount coupons for admission 
• Perhaps a free drink, for all guests who arrive on opening day.

Select the Right Equipment

With the growing popularity of indoor playgrounds , there are many manufacturers of playground equipment to choose from. Quality and durability are important, as is safety. Before committing to any particular choice of equipment, it is important to thoroughly research each manufacturer.

In addition to cost, there are other considerations when selecting a manufacturer: 

• Which companies offer comprehensive warranties on equipment? 
• Which manufacturers include equipment assembly in their pricing package? 
• Do any of the manufacturers have local representation, such as a sales or service personnel, who can assist with questions and simple repairs and replacements?

It is also important to select equipment from manufacturers who prioritize the safety of their apparatus.  

When running a business that includes playground equipment, amusement park rides, or sports related apparatus, safety must be of the highest concern. 

Any reputable manufacturer should be able to produce paperwork certifying the safety of their equipment.  This is a vital piece of the puzzle when putting together an indoor playground.

Understand the True Cost

It is impossible to create admission fees, invest in marketing, or price food items until the true cost of creating and running an indoor playground is established.  

Many things need to be considered when determining the cost of the business . Renting a space and buying the equipment is only one small factor. 

Not only are there licensing requirements and insurance guidelines ; there are also plenty of other administrative and operational costs: 

• Utilities, such as electric and water
• Free-Wi-Fi for customers 
• Salaries for staff
• Cost for consumable materials 
• Cleaning supplies 
• Basic upkeep.  

It can actually seem slightly overwhelming. By creating a list of estimated expenses, business owners can better manage and understand what drives cost.

Understand Safety Guidelines and Licensing

It is important for business owners to understand the safety concerns, as well as any local regulations regarding this type of business. Since indoor playgrounds can carry some inherent risks based on the physical nature of activities, it is critical to learn all there is to know about keeping customers safe . 

Learn the requirements in terms of safety precautions, and any restrictions on the type, size, or height of the play equipment to ensure all regulatory guidelines are being met.

This is also a great time to start: 

• Pricing insurance
• Obtaining any necessary licenses or permits
• Maintaining appropriate paperwork
• Meeting all regulatory guidelines 
• Maintaining licensing information.

Invest in Strategic Marketing

This is where understanding the competition really comes in handy. While it is important to understand what your competitors offer that customers absolutely love; it is equally important to understand what customers aren’t getting, or don’t like, from the competition! 

It is vital to find the customer’s “pain point”. A pain point is a defined weakness that prevents a customer from getting exactly what they want. 

Find that , and marketing is a cinch!

A pain point can be anything. Perhaps competitive indoor playgrounds are charging a high per person rate. This can be an easy pain point to solve, even without lowering prices. Solid ways to address high prices from competitive businesses could be:

• Offering a buy two, get one free rate
• Offering customers a ½ price ticket for a return trip within 60 days
• Offering a separate child’s ticket price vs. adult ticket price 

Another big parental complaint about indoor playgrounds is the noise! 

They are loud, with plenty of screaming, wild kids. 

Creating an indoor playground that includes a quiet space for Mom and Dad could potentially be a huge selling point! 

Next, the level of cleanliness. 

Everyone has heard stories about how dirty ball pits really are! 

Focusing on cleanliness and disinfecting the equipment could easily turn an indoor playground into a parental favor over the competition.

The important thing is to find out what matters most to the parents, and direct marketing to meet their needs and address their pain points! This is an easy way to differentiate a business from the competition.

Hire Talented People

It’s important to pick the right employees. For an indoor playground, ideally, employees should:

• Love working with children
• Be outgoing

It is important to select a few employees that are experienced with basic first aid, in the event of minor scrapes and scuffles.

Think about every area of the business that requires staffing: 

• Staff to handle admissions
• Answer customer inquiries 
• Take phone calls. 

Additional staff to: 

• Help run events and parties 
• Supervise games and equipment
• Oversee the snack bar. 

While some employees can fill more than one role, it is really important to have the right fit.

Turnover in employment is a huge business expense that can, with the right staff in place, be reduced dramatically. 

The cost to advertise jobs, interview and train new people, pay salaries, buy uniforms, etc. It all adds up. By picking talented and dependable people, and treating them well, retaining employees is much easier. 

The right employees will be equally invested in making the business a success.

Use Social Media for Promotion

Social media is an incredible tool. 

Studies indicate that nearly 80% of Americans use some type of social media app. (Source: Social Media use in America ) 

Using social media to create excitement prior to opening is only the beginning! 

Creating regular updates, focusing on different aspects of the business, and offering small benefits, such as a reduced price one day a week, free beverage refills, or other little perks through social media keeps followers interested in the organization.

Plus, customer reviews are a great way to get free, positive advertising! 

Creating regular social media posts and encouraging customers to leave comments about their experiences is the best free advertising in the world!

How Much Does It Cost to Build an Indoor Playground from the Ground Up?

This question is a bit hard to answer, as prices can vary tremendously depending on what the business offers.   

However, there are certain factors that can create fluctuation in a pricing model. Let’s take a look at what they are and discuss each one in detail:

Age Range of Targeted Customers

• Type of Activities Offered 
• Liability rates by location

Obviously, opening an indoor playground in Los Angeles or New York City will cost a lot more money than opening one in Topeka, Kansas!  

For the most part, indoor playgrounds require a large space, so in midsize to large cities, large spaces come with a premium price. It is important for potential business owners to research rental and purchase rates based on square footage in the targeted location.  

Sometimes making a small change to a different zip code can save a good deal of money.

Taxes and rental rates vary widely depending on locations. 

Location is one of the most important factors when creating a business, however, what may be considered a great location for a supermarket, may not be the best location for an indoor playground. 

When considering costs, it is important to weigh the cost factor against the benefits of the selected location. For example, building an indoor playground off of a main thoroughfare, but close to well established family neighborhoods may cost less and work in favor of the business. 

It is more important that kids and their parents find the location convenient, rather than ensuring that it’s on the busiest road in town.

Size of the Total Space

The size of an indoor playground can vary dramatically. 

Playgrounds designed for toddlers and preschool-aged children can be considerably smaller than those that are designed with older kids, teens, and adults in mind.

For example, an indoor playground built for toddlers and preschoolers could be housed in a 2000 square foot space rather easily, including areas for parents to relax, a snack bar, and other amenities.   

Conversely, a large scale, family size indoor playground can require spaces larger than even 15,000 square feet. It all depends on: 

• The type of activities included in the playground
• The focal activities provided
• The demographic the business is designed to serve.

Age range will dramatically affect nearly every aspect of an indoor playground. From the overall size, to the types of services offered, to the number of customers serviced daily. 

Age range is probably the single biggest factor in determining what an indoor playground will look like. 

Oftentimes, playgrounds designed for younger children operate almost like a traditional ‘Mommy and Me” class where parents and kids can pay an hourly rate for activities that are group led. 

Since toddlers and preschoolers tire or need naps, this is a customer base that will not be spending all day inside, so creating 2 hours ‘appointment’ times can encourage a steady stream of patrons all day long and increase daily revenue over a more free form style of service. 

The operating hours can mimic a basic workday in many cases, thus cutting costs in terms of salaries and staffing.

Obviously, indoor playgrounds catering to older kids and adults will need to operate longer hours and provide a variety of activities designed to keep kids and adults engaged and having fun for several hours at a time.

Types of Services Offered

While the age range of the targeted customer base will dramatically affect the size of the area needed, the customer demographics affect costs in other ways also. 

The older the patron, the more extreme some of the activities need to be. For example, when attempting to appeal to older teens and adults, attractions such as indoor ziplines and indoor go-karts are much more expensive to design and run, but they bring in more revenue as well.

Admission prices can be based on general activities, with specialized services, such as ziplining, virtual reality play, and bowling , for example, charged separately from general admission. 

Using this kind of a pricing model, the business can cater to both wealthier families as well as the more frugal. Offering a la carte services is a great way to build value and create additional revenue streams.  

Additionally, indoor playgrounds can make money in other ways as well. Consider including an arcade. 

Arcade games are easy to maintain and are easy money-makers. 

Catering children’s birthday parties with a variety of package deals and services is also an easy extra revenue stream. 

Watch which activities pull in the money. Then you can rotate out the activities that don’t create a significant revenue stream and bring in new ones!

Liability Insurance Costs

This is another tricky area.  

Liability expenses to insure an indoor playground will vary widely based on location, along with the size and scope of the activities and services offered. 

While insurance rates and maintaining liability insurance for a large scale indoor playground may seem daunting, the type of services offered should drive up costs for customers at a similar rate. 

That is why it is important to keep an eye on popular activities, and quickly move out attractions that aren’t paying the bills.

Additionally, liability rates can vary dramatically between different insurers. It is very important to obtain at least 3 or more quotes when deciding on insurance. 

Also important to note, there are usually different factors that can affect rates as well, such as special consideration or discounts provided by insurers. For example, some insurers will offer discounted rates to minority or women-owned businesses. Additionally, just like car insurance can be affected by certain safety factors, so can liability insurance for an indoor playground. 

It is very important to take the time to review all quotes and discuss all options for providing liability for your business. 

What About an Indoor Playground Franchise?

Another option for starting an indoor playground business is owning a franchise. 

While at times, franchising can lower overall investment costs, it isn’t a guarantee. However, with a business model that is fairly complex, an indoor playground can be somewhat daunting for many small business owners. 

Franchise ownership provides business owners with all the perks of owning and operating their own business, but with the strength and backing of a well-known name.

Benefits of a Franchise

There are many benefits to investing in a franchise, especially with a business like an indoor playground. In reviewing franchise operations for a mid-range indoor playground that services children from about age 2 to age 12, they offer several benefits to their franchise owners, such as:

Market Research

Lease negotiations, professional installation, design and equipment, training and support.

• Discounts on Equipment and food/beverages

Territorial Protection

Advertising.

A well-established franchise already understands the market, and as such can provide new business owners with a wealth of information. For companies that have a long standing history, market research will consist of factors that as someone new to the industry, may not have even thought about!

A large scale indoor playground company understands the value in terms of rental space, and they know exactly what it should cost to rent a building for their franchises. 

Taking into account some of the market fluctuation in different areas of the country, franchise owners can rest assured that they will not be taken advantage of in terms of leasing prices. The franchise company should be true experts.

Oftentimes franchise companies partner with a specific group of builders around the country or region to handle all of the builds and installations for their franchise owners. This allows the owner to sit back and let someone familiar with the equipment complete all the necessary installations. 

There is no need to reach out to several installers, obtain quotes, customer feedback, etc. They can simply get the job done.

Again, franchise companies have the benefit of experience. They know what designs are most appealing to customers and they know which equipment and attractions are guest favorites. There is no guesswork here for the franchise owner. No worries about removing and replacing equipment that is not popular, as the business model has already been established.

It is hard to overestimate the benefit of good training and support. 

Understanding an industry, the market, and demographic serviced by the business, not to mention what works and what doesn’t, is truly key to the overall success of a business. 

With a successful franchise, owners have the benefit of being trained on what works! Previous owners have already gone through the trial and error, so the hard work has been done. Good franchise companies will offer ongoing support, particularly in the first couple of years, as the business owner truly gets up to speed.

Whether it is equipment, rent, or food products, buying in large quantities usually means deep discounts. When working with a franchise business, the individual business owner gets the benefit of a large company’s buying power, even though they are only buying for their location. 

By using specific vendors already contracted with the franchise, owners will pay well below cost for items.

Again, plenty of research has taught franchise companies what a territory needs, and doesn’t need, to be successful. As a franchise owner, you can be guaranteed that you won’t be crowded by additional franchise owners, as each territory is already defined.

A well-recognized name and a good reputation are fantastic advertising. Franchise owners get the benefits of a familiar name, national advertising, as well as local support. 

While they choose to increase advertising through social media, or on local radio, having the national support of a network of established advertising is almost like money in the bank.

What Playground Business Will You Start?

Ultimately, it is up to each individual person or business owner to decide what works best for them. 

Many people prefer to have the support of a well-known company backing them as they start their own business endeavor. Other people want complete autonomy to create their own space, recognize their own vision, and have the freedom to do business however they choose. 

Each method has its own risks and rewards. Either way, the indoor playground industry has continued to grow and develop over the past 2 or 3 decades and shows no signs of stopping any time soon!

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How to Start an Amusement Park

Amusement, or theme, parks feature rides, games, and entertainment options in an outdoor or indoor venue. Customers typically pay a single entry fee for access to the entire park.  The successful amusement park model focuses on the customer's entire experience, offering a wide range of services and entertainment options including parking, trams, restaurant options, water parks, roller coasters, live animal attractions, stage shows, arcade games, attractive interactive landscaping, and family friendly fun. The larger the property you own, the more entertainment choices you are able to offer your customers.

Learn how to start your own Amusement Park and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start an amusement park by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Amusement Park
• Form your Amusement Park into a Legal Entity
• Register your Amusement Park for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Amusement Park
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Amusement Park
• Get Amusement Park Insurance
• Define your Amusement Park Brand
• Create your Amusement Park Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your amusement park. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Amusement Park Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your amusement park?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening an amusement park.

Even if you are opening a 5,000 square foot indoor facility that offers entertainment like bounce houses, arcade games, and pizza, you are looking at a significant investment of at least $250,000 for the building, design, and installation. If you are seeking to open a major amusement park featuring roller coasters, waterparks, and live entertainment you may be looking for investors interested in a multi-million dollar opportunity. You will need about 200 acres of land that is able to be developed for your purpose and local infrastructure ready to support the anticipated traffic.

What are the ongoing expenses for an amusement park?

Operational expenses are significant and must be part of your annual budget. They begin with but are not limited to:

• Property/Ride maintenance
• Operation of restaurants and gift shops
• Development of new rides and attractions
• Licensing, taxes, and liability insurance

Who is the target market?

This depends largely on the theme of your park. Some parks focus solely on family friendly entertainment, others work best for teens and young adults, and real-life adventure parks like zip-lines, go-carts, and mixed athletic challenges can target adults.

How does an amusement park make money?

The general income is created through the standard entry ticket price. However, add-ons are where the real profit is found and those can include premium prices charged for additional services like food, T-shirts, collectibles, framed photos, and other valuable items. The rides or theme are the attractions that bring customers to your door, but it is the extras that bring you the money.

Most small entertainment venues anticipate their customers visiting for two to three hours. For an arcade, you can charge $10 to $20 for a flat entry fee while more complicated indoor parks may charge $20 to $50 per person. A large amusement park can charge between $40 and $100 per person, depending on variety of amusements and size of the park.

How much profit can an amusement park make?

A busy small indoor park can see profits of $100,000 to $200,000 per year while the large outdoor venues can generate millions in revenue during the season.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Offer premium services for an additional cost. These services may include no-waiting for rides, collectible drink cups, photo-ops, loyalty programs, and season passes. If you see a service that a customer may want, they are probably willing to pay for it.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your amusement park is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

In most states, it is necessary to obtain an amusement park license. Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an amusement park business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

For information about local licenses and permits:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
• Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in  US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Liability Waivers

To avoid liability and potential lawsuits, amusement parks should have their clients sign waivers.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional release of liability form for your amusement park when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Certificate of Occupancy

An amusement park is generally run out of a large outdoor space (though they can be indoors). Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a  location :
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to an amusement park business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a location :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your amusement park will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Amusement Park needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Amusement Park.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an amusement park

Marketing for this project needs to flood all media channels including television, radio, traditional print, overactive social media presence and grassroots promotion at community fairs and activities. An extra push should be scheduled around popular holiday periods like the 4th of July, Christmas, and school vacations when families are searching for entertainment options.

How to keep customers coming back

You will attract your first customers through constant and consistent advertisement in the community with initial entry fees that offer value for the dollar. A tent-pole attraction like new roller coaster or familiar theme-based entertainment creates more initial interest. Customers will keep coming back when they have an extraordinary experience from the moment they buy their ticket until they leave the parking lot.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

You must be a highly motivated individual ready to sink a large initial investment into the concept, design, and implementation of your amusement park. You may need extensive knowledge in the operation of rides, restaurant and guest services, landscaping design, business practices, and have significant leadership skills.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at an amusement park?

Even if you are opening an small, indoor theme park, you will still need to have knowledge and understanding of all of the following tasks:

• Preparing/cleaning property, restrooms, and buildings to welcome guests
• Selling tickets for entry to the park
• Addressing concerns and issues presented by customers that can include service problems, health issues, lost children, found articles, quality of product, etc.
• Maintaining rides and games to ensure fair and safe operation
• Proper food handling and safety practices to provide a healthy restaurant experience
• Money handling
• Coordinating with wide range of vendors that help to maintain and repair the facility
• Developing and training of staff
• Developing a management team able to step in when you are not present
• Hiring of entertainment talent for live shows
• Caring for live animal attractions and exhibits

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful amusement park?

For the person looking to open a new amusement or theme park, you will need to have a wide range of skills or the ability to hire a team with them. These skills might include:

• Keen eye for the missing entertainment need in your target market
• Solid understanding of excellent management practices
• Strong leadership ability
• Excellent ability to address and respond to customer service concerns
• Attention to detail able to identify areas of the operation that require cleaning, maintenance, and repair
• Creativity and desire to re-imagine offered rides, amusements, foods, and added-value products on a consistent basis
• Knowledge of popular trends and emerging technology that may be able to be included in your park
• Ability to build and maintain a strong staff ready to support you and the park at all times
• Good understanding of profit and loss and the ability to adjust the business model as needed

What is the growth potential for an amusement park?

If you create a unique experience for your customers that cannot be found in any other entertainment facility, there is the possibility of franchising your amusement park format and expanding the business model over time. If you are building a theme park featuring roller coasters and other large rides, your expansion may be restricted by the size of the property that you have. When you create a destination-park, to which customers travel from far away for their vacation, you need to be able to offer an experience that is difficult to consume in a single day, generating return business.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an amusement park?

As an entrepreneur, indoor family-focused amusement parks are becoming more popular as parents look for new ways to keep their kids active and healthy. Research your local community and find the niche market that your idea will fill, such as laser tag, trampolines, indoor mini-golf, or other activities that encourage physical interaction. For a large scale project, you will need a theme that focuses on an emerging pop-culture connection that is now found in other accessible entertainment venues but lacks a supersized experience ready to be consumed anywhere nearby.

How and when to build a team

You will need to start utilizing experts from the very first moment. Park designers can help you hone the theme and targeted audience. Once construction begins, you will need to start hiring your management team with skills in restaurants, entertainment, property management, and specialized skills for rides and games.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• Franchise opportunity for a children’s amusement park
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions

Real World Examples

• Ohio business
• NYC business
• Atlanta business

Further Reading

• Designing tips
• Tips for starting an amusement park
• Learn about more Family Fun Business Ideas!

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Fun Center Business Plan

Helping family entertainment center developers find and secure their funding with a professionally prepared fun center business plan.

Fun Center Business Planning - Made Easy

If you are looking for some business planning help with you fun center startup, laser tag center or indoor playground business plan, we have the answer in our fun center business plan package. The Family Entertainment Center website is part of the FEC Network of amusement business resources for fun centers, indoor party centers and laser tag attractions.

The body of the plans are written by a sales and marketing executive with 25 years experience in the Family Entertainment Center (FEC) industry and a list of completed fun center projects in seven countries around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, and Europe. The included Financial Statements have been developed in part by a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) and are based on current North American industry data.

The   fun center business plan   is simple to use, thorough and complete with everything you need to get your idea in front of potential funders, including a full set of amusement industry financial statements. For most of us, developing financial statements is a royal pain in the you-know-what ! We recognized this early on in the process of providing completed   business plans   for our customers.

This was the easiest to use, simplest thing we have found since starting our fun center research. Until we found this business plan, we had no idea what things would cost, how many visitors to expect or how much money we could earn. Highly recommend this FEC package. Carl & Ramona Preston, NJ

To help ease and simplify the task of completing this critical component of any business plan, the financial statements are user-friendly, yet comprehensive and accurate within today's   amusement industry . As you modify your financial statements - your income and expenses, cashflow and revenue projections are automatically updated.

Simply follow the included guide-lines, add your local data to the Microsoft Excel spread sheets where indicated and watch your financial statements come to life! It's easy and simple to run a variety of multiple scenarios. Add activities, modify any component of your entire financial picture and see immediately how it could affect your operations; start-up costs and revenues. Its like having a Chartered Accountant reviewing your business plan as you work.

Two Business Plans to Choose From

Children's Entertainment Center

• 24 Page Word Document
• 6 Page Financial Statements
• Amusement Specific
• Telephone Support

Family Entertainment Center

• 37 Page Word Document
• 27 Page Financial Statements
• Bonus: How to Start Guide

Our Fun Center Business Plan packages are a completed document with financial statements and are based on existing facilities and industry data .

Children's entertainment center business plan sections & information.

This CEC Business Plan option - is perfect for new amusement developers who are looking to open an indoor party center, jump-n-bouce inflatable attraction, edutainment center, toddler play cafe, or similar business focused on ages 10 years and under. The children's entertainment center (CEC) plan includes the following sections and information:

Written Plan

Executive Summary Business Overview Industry Analysis and Trends Market Analysis Target Market Demographics Competitive Analysis Business Ownership and Management Location and Facility The CEC Product Staffing Requirements Attraction Mix Family Friendly Services Selling Prices and Cost Structure

Financial Statement

Business Startup Costs Financial Assumptions and Projections Cashflow Year One Cashflow Year One to Five Income Statements Year One Income Statements Year Two Business Return on Investment Run Unlimited "What-if" Scenarios Project Your Staffing Costs Average Dollar Per Visit Spending Two Year Forecasts Includes Industry Averages Over 190 Individual Line Items

Marketing Plan

The Market Strategy Product Positioning Pricing Strategy Promotional Strategy Competitive Analysis Birthday Parties Group Events Web and Social Media Community Marketing Corporate Sponsorships Edutainment Growth Strategy Staff Training

Information contained within the plan and financial statements comes from several sources. First, information from the annual reports as published by IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions).

Secondly, the resources and experience of the FEC Network team members. With close to 40 years combined experience in the fun center industry, we have helped many entrepreneurs design, build, open and successfully operate their own family entertainment centers. From Canada and the USA to Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we have had a hand in developing many successful fun centers. To ensure on-going accuracy within the plan, we communicate on a regular basis with existing owner/operators which provides a real-time monitor for the accuracy and relevance of the data included within each plan package.

A Microsoft Word document contains the body of the plan, along with a 6 page Microsoft Excel spread-sheet that contains all of your financial statements. All core information such as city, state, management team, local market data, etc is hi-lighted for easy modification. Simply fill-in the high-lighted areas with your own information - complete some local research and the plan is ready for distribution - its really that simple!

With 6 pages of financial statements, the total plan length is 28 pages - a perfect length for potential investors (see side-bar).

Preview the financial statements

Startup Costs

Page 1 of 6

Assumptions (Formulas) Page

Page 2 of 6

Income Statement(s)

Pages 3 - 6

Business Plan Length

A typical Investor reviews 500 business plans each year, perhaps more. Of those 500 business plans, the majority are filed, lost or disregarded. Reasons for this are numerous, but Investors commonly complain that many of the business plans they receive are thick, overly ponderous documents. Many Investors will reach for the thin business plans first, finding this strategy most appealing when sifting through several hundred candidates. The ideal length for a business plan, according to many Investors, is 25 pages, with appropriate appendices.

A side note.... Many Investors encourage management to write their own business plan, or at least be involved in the research and development of the plan opposed to hiring an outside professional. The management team needs to feel responsible for the contents of their business  plan because they have to perform. Outsiders, such as an accounting firm, assisting a team with their plan, is fine but they should never write the entire document. Outsiders don't have to live up to the plan, management does.

This is a perfect reason for the use of an industry specific fun center 'template' plan. It gives you a solid accurate base to work from, but leaves enough local research and elbow grease to make you intimate with your plan and the local opportunity. Instead of starting at square one and working for 6 months or more, you can step in with a well written plan and spend a couple of weeks refining it for your business goals.

- Courtesy of Northwestern Capital Group

We had some of our own research already completed, but really needed a plan that showed us how to pull it all together. This fun center business plan worked perfect for our edutainment center, thank you! Suzanne Moore, CA

Family Entertainment Center Business Plan Sections & Information

This business plan package is best suited for developers looking to start a full feature family entertainment center (FEC) project that offers multi-attractions for all age groups. The plan includes the following sections and information:

Executive Summary Business Overview Industry Analysis and Trends Market Analysis Target Market Demographics Competitive Analysis Business Ownership and Management Location and Facility The FEC Product Staffing Requirements Attraction Mix Family Friendly Services Selling Prices and Cost Structure

Plan Attachments

Primary Residential Population Population Demographics Visitor (tourist) analysis Total Estimated Population Percentage(%) of Age Breakdown Competitive Attractions Capacity Estimates Vehicle Parking Requirements Allocation of Interior Space Lease Cost Estimate Estimated Construction Costs Mezzanine Cost (optional laser-tag) Kitchen & Service Equipment Costs Booths, Tables & Seating Startup Costs Project Budget Birthday Parties Admissions Laser Tag Blacklight Minigolf VR Stations Other Attractions Games (coin-op and redemption) Group sales Food & Beverage Total Estimated Sales Operating Expenses as (%) Staff Schedule & Budget Staff Schedule & Proposed Staffing Total Salaries Expense to Income Analysis Year One P&L Year Two P&L Five Year P&L Five Year P&L Cumulative Profit & Loan Payment ROI Analysis

Fun Center Business - Built On Reality

Both Fun Center Business Plan packages are built on current amusement industry data. A complete document with financial statements based on existing facilities in the North American market. For our International buyers, we offer the same plan and materials. Generally speaking family amusement here, is on a par with family amusement in most markets, outside of local food and beverage, some group and party demographics and service offering, we find our data and plans are compatible with projects elsewhere. * Unfortunatley, the plans are only available in english language. The written component of our business plan is provided in a professional, industry specific manner that can be presented to individual investors, or institutional investors, including the SBA. These are not fitness center plans or restaurant plan templates that need to be re-written to fit your amusement business.

We subscribe to various amusement industry reports, we speak directly with existing operators, we have spent time studying and monitoring fun centers and the indoor playground business from many diverse markets and communities and have taken that raw data and compiled it into an easy to use, accurate set of 'Linked' Microsoft Excel spread sheets and an editable Microsoft Word document that you can use immediately.

Getting Started - 7 Easy Steps

The Fun Center Business Plan package is available on-line for immediate download. No waiting - you can get working on the plan today! Once your purchase notification has been received, you will receive an instant reply confirmation email with your download links. Simply follow the email instructions to access and securely download the plan to your desktop.

Any problems, can't find or access the file - No worries, call the office direct we are here to help (604-755-7942)

• The plan materials are compatible with both Mac and PC.
• Secure your payment.
• Automatic reply email with download links.
• Download the plan package to your desktop.
• Open the documents (Word document & Excel sheets).
• Save a copy of the files to work from.
• Get started!

This was the easiest way for me to finally get my business plan completed and move our project from dream to reality, thank you. Marina Guiertez, FL

CEC BUSINESS PLAN - $89.95

Starting a children's indoor party center business?  Our CEC business plan is your best choice for facilities focused on ages 10 years and younger. Indoor playground's tend to be the attraction of choice, along with parties, toddler play, food service and other age apropriate acticities and programs.

FEC BUSINESS PLAN - $129.95

Starting a multi-attraction family entertainment, fun center business? Our FEC business plan is your best choice for facilities focused on all age groups. Attractions, food and beverage, party and group activities, build-out, staffing and more. Easy WORD document with XLS financials.

Download samples here...  

  Download samples to compare both plans (email for both plans will be sent to you)

Purchase Bonus

PLUG-AND-PLAY, OUR FUN CENTER BUSINESS PLAN PACKAGES WILL SAVE YOU HOURS OF TIME AND HEADACHE VS. STARTING FROM SCRATCH. AND AS A THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS... GET THESE ADDED BONUSES FOR FREE:

TOP 10 FEC MISTAKES TO AVOID Learn from those that have been here before. This 10 page ebook offers a quick review of the most common fun center mistakes made by those just starting out. A $29.95 retail value - Free with your fun center business plan!

STARTUP TIMELINE This 12 month startup timeline will help keep you focused on your goal. The things you must do along the way and at what point in the planning process important milestones need to b completed. An invaluable guide to help keep you and your project plan on track.

FUN CENTER FUNDING - RAISING CAPITAL The number one hurdle for most new business entrepreneurs - how to get funded. In this Raising Capital ebook, discover some of the alternative methods and options for funding your new fun center business, what bankers and other investment partners look for and how to identify if your project is better suited as an equity opportunity or a term loan.

As an accountant the financial data verified our own assumptions and research, but the word document was dynamite. I am not a writer and the plan saved me volumes of time and frustration - money well spent and highly recommended. Andy Sampson, ON

Upgrades and Plan Options

The Family Entertainment Center (FEC) plan is at the core of our Startup Academy program. An online, go at your own pace fully coached and mentored amusement business feasibility and planning program. If you find that you need a little more support, coaching and mentorship and business development assistance, we will refund you the purchase price towards enrollment in the complete Startup Academy program*.

You can learn more about Startup Academy at our sister site: Fun Center Academy We also offer two additional FEC business plan packages that include our complete library of guidebooks and the operating manuals and forms . More information on these other business plan packages can be found when you click on the "Order Now" button below.

Do you ship to our address?

No. To save our customers from having to rewrite the materials, rather than ship hard copies of the plan, the plans are available as immediate downloads and can be edited with any Word processor, and spreadsheet application.

What if we have questions about using the plan?

No worries, we are available 6 days a week via email or telephone and love helping new amusement entrepreneurs with their project plans. You are welcome to reach out to us any time.

Is there any special software needed to install?

No. Our plans are standard Word and Excel format, compatible with either OS X or Windows. While you can view the materials on any device, plans are best used with your desktop computer, as modifcation and editing can be difficult on mobile.

Where does your plan data come from?

Data for our fun center business plans comes from a variety of sources. We use information reported by the industry association IAAPA as well as data from Government sources, Commerce reporting and various trade magazines, and our own 25 years industry experience working with a variety of suppliers, operators and projects.

Are the plans appropriate for all fun center projects?

No. While our plans are thorough and a great tool for many, they are not for every project. Amusement carnivals, theme parks, stand alone bowling facilities, water parks, large scale multi-use projects and outdoor adventure parks are not appropriate. The core expertise of our plans are indoor projects offering multiple attractions, typically under 50,000 sqft. As well as smaller, community based party centers and edutainment centers.

Are the materials relevant to Canadian markets?

Yes. However, there is no specific reporting data available exclusively for the Canadian market. Data from IAAPA is researched across many countries and reported in aggregate. That said, markets between the US and Canada are very similar with differences mainly coming from cultural service requirements, as opposed to attractions and traffic.

Do you offer the plans in other languages?

No. Materials on this site are available in English only.

Are the plans current?

The plans are updated as new market forces and/or relevant data appears. Our most current update was 2020.

...this is just a quick note to tell you that we purchased the Developers Package and happily, it's better than we thought it would be. The plan reads very professionsl and the financial statements are very thorough and easy to understand, and work as promised. It's always a stab in the dark purchasing on-line, but we feel it has been money well spent. Gina Ransome, IL

GET IT ALL - INSTANT DOWNLOAD!

Fast, easy, secure payments by PayPal. No PayPal? No Problem! You can use any major credit cards to make your purchase.

* Refund towards the Startup Academy program is subject to project scope and current program enrollment. Talk to us for details.

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• Amusement Hub Store
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On the web since 1999, the FEC Network is the online amusement business resource for startups, owners, operators and suppliers.

FEC Network Inc. | 27-45957 Sherwood Drive | Chilliwack, BC., Canada V2R-5Y2 | 604.791.0028

• Business & the Community
• February 4, 2023

How to Start an Amusement Park Business: A Guide for Entrepreneurs

• Creating a comprehensive business plan is critical to getting your amusement park off the ground.
• Work with industry experts to ensure everything is up to code and running smoothly.
• Secure funding through grants, loans, investors, or crowdfunding platforms.
• Choose a location that is accessible and allows for the type of attractions you plan to build.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking for your next big business venture, you might want to consider opening an amusement park. It’s a great opportunity to bring joy and entertainment to people of all ages while also providing yourself with a profitable business. But before you start building rollercoasters and hiring staff, there are some key steps you should take in order to ensure the success of your amusement park. Let’s look at a few essential tips for starting up your amusement park business.

Create a Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is the first and most important step in getting your amusement park off the ground. Your plan should include market analysis, financial statements, potential funding sources, operations plans, staffing strategies, and marketing strategies , outlining every aspect of how you plan to run your business. Having a clear plan from the start will help keep you on track as your project progresses.

Work with the Right People

Your business venture will never be complete if you don’t partner with the experts in the industry. This could include amusement park designers, equipment suppliers, contractors, etc. Having the right people in your corner will help you make sure that everything is up to code and running smoothly.

This may also include engineers who have the experience and knowledge to design custom attractions for your park. In that case, you might consider working with Alpine Engineering for their quality and attention to detail. Alpine Engineering has been manufacturing custom amusement rides for a variety of parks around the world since 1971, so you can be sure that your project is in good hands.

Secure Funding

Once you have a business plan, it’s time to secure funding for your project. Depending on the scope of what you intend to build and the size of your budget, securing funds can be one of the biggest challenges when starting up an amusement park business. Researching potential grants or loans that may be available to entrepreneurs can help make this process less daunting—but even then, it can still take some time and effort before any money comes through. There are many ways to secure funding for your business, such as:

Applying for grants

Grants are the most common method of funding an amusement park business. Many organizations offer grants specifically for those looking to start up a small business or new venture, so it’s worth researching which ones may be available in your area and how you can apply.

Getting a Bank Loan

Banks are also a great source of capital when starting up an amusement park business. You can take out a loan with a bank to help you pay for the costs associated with your project. The amount of the loan, its terms, and its interest rate will depend on the size and scope of your business plan.

Find Investors

If you’re looking for more financial support, you might consider looking for investors willing to invest in your business . This can be a great way to get the capital you need in exchange for a percentage of ownership in your company.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is the process of raising money through online platforms such as Kickstarter or GoFundMe. You can create a campaign outlining your project and the amount of money you’re looking to raise, then let people donate small amounts towards funding your amusement park business.

Choose a Location

Choosing the right location is one of the most important factors when opening any business—especially when setting up an amusement park! You want to pick somewhere with plenty of space that is also easily accessible by car or public transportation so customers won’t have trouble getting there. You also want to look into zoning laws to ensure that what you want to build is allowed in that particular area (or if there are any other restrictions).

Starting an amusement park business can be exciting and intimidating for entrepreneurs looking for their next big venture! By following these steps—creating a business plan, securing funding, choosing a location—you can help ensure that your project gets off on the right foot from day one and sets itself up for success down the line. Good luck as you embark on this new adventure!

About the Author

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How to Start an Amusement Park

Last Updated: March 20, 2024 Approved

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 28 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 22 testimonials and 80% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 285,559 times. Learn more...

The amusement park industry has shown steady attendance and revenue growth over the past twenty years. But not all parks are a success. While a well-planned amusement park can generate steady revenues and enormous amounts of capital, a poorly planned one can be a money-pit. To make sure your amusement park is a success, both with your guests and your investors, you will need to plan carefully, gather an experienced team to oversee the design and construction, and carefully train your staff to ensure a smooth opening.

Planning Your Park and Attracting Capital

• Adventure – Thrill rides, mystery, action.
• Futurism – Discovery, exploration, science, robotics, science fiction.
• International – Flavors of the world, areas with national themes.
• Nature – Animals, gardens, natural wonders.
• Fantasy – Cartoon characters, magic, myths and legends.
• History and Culture – Historical ambiance, areas with period themes.
• Movies – Rides based on films, stunt shows, behind the scenes.

• Your business concept: what sort of park you are creating, your strengths and weaknesses, long term goals, and performance indicators, beyond the bottom line, which will let you know you are succeeding or failing.
• Market research: the nature of the amusement park industry, the size of the market and how much of it you must capture to show a profit, who are your customers, who are your local competitors, how will you advertise your park.
• A marketing plan: how you will communicate with customers and grow your customer base.
• An operations plan: identify the individual projects that will lead to completing your larger goals. To begin with, these might include steps to build the park like finding a favorable location, deciding the type of park to build, and hiring an architect, or steps to run the park like hiring experienced managers, deciding on the number of staff needed and their pay, placing ads, and hiring staff.
• Financial projections: the first thing potential investors will look at, they include: start-up costs such as purchasing land, construction and equipment; operating costs including staff, insurance, utilities, and supplies; marketing costs; and revenue projections from ticket sales, concession sales, games, gift shops, and other sources. Project costs and revenues for at least the first five years.
• You can find a sample business plans for an amusement park here .

• A one minute “elevator pitch” – This pitch should be practiced until you have it down cold. It tells a story that explains the opportunity in the marketplace and how you intend to exploit it, and should make investors want to know more. You will use it both at chance meetings – cocktail parties, elevators – and to start off formal pitches.
• A compelling PowerPoint presentation – The key here is to keep it short and simple. A good presentation should take less than 15 minutes, meaning 12 to 15 slides that summarize the content of your business plan.
• An exit strategy – Make sure your PowerPoint presentation discusses how investments will be monetized, whether that means paying dividends, recapitalizing (borrowing money to buy out investors), going public, or selling to another operator. [5] X Research source

• In addition to your business plan and design, you will need to write an investor proposal letter . Send it out very judiciously, usually after you have already attracted some investment. [7] X Research source
• Amusement parks can be a tough sell. To improve your odds, start with people who have invested in amusement parks or entertainment in the past. [8] X Research source
• Investors receive hundreds of unsolicited proposals, most of which never go read. Your best bet is to use connections who can recommend you to potential investors. [9] X Research source

Building Your Amusement Park

• Ease of access for local residence and tourists.
• Surrounding neighborhood and businesses.
• Potential for expansion.
• Zoning rules for the proposed site and the surrounding area.

• You will likely need state and or local food/alcohol service licenses, public entertainment licenses, amusement park licenses, and more.
• All states except for Alabama, Mississippi, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and South Dakota regulate amusement parks, so you will need to be sure your park conforms to their regulations.
• You will also want to make sure your park conforms to the standards of the ASTM International F-24 Committee on Amusement Ride and Devices.

Opening Your Amusement Park

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.gaebler.com/Starting-an-Amusement-and-Theme-Park-.htm
• ↑ https://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1072&context=gradconf_hospitality
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/allbusiness/2013/07/09/8-mistakes-entrepreneurs-make-when-pitching-to-investors/
• ↑ https://waynewilson.typepad.com/newsletter_jun_07/2007/06/7-ways-to-monet.html
• ↑ https://www.apogeeattractions.com/articles/c_15steps.htm

About This Article

To start an amusement park, decide what type of park you want to open, such as an adventure park with rides or an international park with flavors of different cultures. If you're unsure about going it alone, opt for a franchise so you have support from a larger organization. Next, draft a business plan containing details about your concept, marketing plan, and how your park will operate. Use this plan to attract investors for your project, then hire architects and construction professionals to build your park. For tips on how to design your park and acquire the necessary licenses to open, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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8 Family Entertainment Business Ideas

To start a family entertainment center or family fun center , you should have a clear idea of the kind of business you want to have. Arriving at this decision means that you have already taken into consideration the market population, competition, real estate, drive times, demographics, and other factors at the location you are eyeing. You can check these in detail in our complete guide .

Depending on what you have gathered in your initial analyses of the factors surrounding your business venture, you now probably have an idea if you are leaning towards an indoor family entertainment center, outdoor, or a mix of both. The question now is what kind of entertainment space is appropriate and feasible for you?

Get inspiration from these top family entertainment center facilities:

1. Arcade and video games

According to IAAPA’s 2020 Benchmark Series Survey on family entertainment centers, arcades and video games are the most common attractions for FECs. In the same study, it is also found that arcade games represent top revenue sources, tapping into different age groups, so a video game arcade business is really a no-brainer. Should you opt to open a different kind of FEC though, you can always consider adding arcade games to your floor plan. You can leave it unmanned with self-service kiosks as your employees to lower your expenses.

2. Bowling alley

You can never go wrong with a couple of lanes in your FEC if you want to draw in the entire family as your target market. Bowling also attracts larger groups of customers, and revenue streams can go from play times, shoe rentals, and F&B offerings.

3. Miniature golf course

A mini-golf course is another family magnet that can cater to all age groups. If you have a lot of real estate for your FEC, either an indoor or outdoor miniature golf course can do you good. According to a professional group of business advisors, opening this kind of business will rack up around $500,000 for land lease and improvements, décor, architectural plans, insurance, basic equipment, POS/ticketing/redemption systems , and golf equipment.

4. Indoor playground or soft play

In the IAAPA survey mentioned earlier, toddler areas and facilities like inflatables, indoor playgrounds, and ball crawl rank third among top revenue sources for FECs. You can also offer party or event spaces, food and beverages, and areas where adults can have fun while their kids are in the zone.

5. Laser tag arena

For an FEC like this, because the experience is highly immersive, investment in the design, aesthetics, and gameplay is crucial to your success. Building a winning laser tag arena calls for a professional sync of lights, sound, voice, and other factors that will create a competitive and fun environment for customers. You can consult a design consultant to help you make the magic happen.

6. Trampoline park

Another fun-for-the-whole-family FEC, a trampoline park promotes fun and healthy activities for both kids and adults. Unlike arcades and other simpler FEC types, trampoline parks should take particular interest in optimal guest safety. This means that insurance is one of the most important costs for opening this kind of business in case something goes sideways.

7. Outdoor adventure facility

Ziplines, rope courses, go-kart tracks, paintball arenas, batting cages, bumper boats and cars, and rock climbing walls are some of the most popular participatory outdoor facilities you can consider for your business. Complement outdoor adventure offerings with a curated selection of indoor attractions like arcade games, food service varying from vending machines to mini restaurants, and you’re good to go!

8. Birthday party or events venue

To offer party or events bookings at your venue, allot some real estate to accommodate a certain maximum capacity of guests you have in mind. This will draw different segments to your FEC like families, corporate gatherings, and school activities, giving your business a high-revenue activity during usual low-revenue periods. Tie the bundle up with game passes for indoor activities and attractions, food packages, and loyalty promotions to seal the deal.

No matter what kind of FEC you choose to push through, you can make your business concept a solid idea by drafting your market feasibility study and FEC business plan .

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Related posts, what are good interview questions to ask when hiring a general manager.

If you are looking for how to hire a general manager for family entertainment center business, you must prepare a set of interview questions for your prospective candidates to assess if they are the right person for the job. This will also enable you to check if an applicant is a good fit for your company culture, your team, and your business. To help you ask the right questions that generate the answers and outcomes that you hope for, we talked to Embed's very own Kash Ahmad, Chief Management Consultant in Operations at NASA. Ahmad has over 25 years of extensive experience in the amusement and hospitality industry, including recruiting general managers for top family entertainment centers in the business. Choosing the right general manager for your FEC is crucial to ensure that your company culture has a steady footing: "A good leader can make all the difference. Different employees work differently depending on the manager. Taking the time to make the right selection for the manager you’re going to bring on board is essential. If you bring in the wrong person who doesn’t believe in your culture or plan, does not care about your employees, or doesn’t care about the business that much, it can really move your culture backward," emphasizes Ahmad.

• Jul 22, 2022 9:00:00 AM

Where Do We Hire a Good General Manager?

Talent can come from everywhere. However, finding a culturally good fit for your family entertainment center's general manager can be quite a challenge. Company culture and values carry great weight in choosing leaders such as GMs for your team. Settling for just anybody can discourage good employees, run guests out the door, and cripple the energy to go to work. This is one of the reasons why you have to take into consideration where you scout for this role. Before you can start, you have to be prepared with some of the key aspects of the job hunt, such as the general manager's role, responsibilities, and the required skills and characteristics. To help you search for the right place for your FEC's next leader, we talked to recruitment and hospitality veterans David Curtis, Senior Director of Talent at Dave & Buster’s, and Beth Standlee, CEO & Founder at TrainerTainment. Here's where you can pool prospects for your FEC's general manager:

What are the Important Skills & Qualities of a General Manager?

Looking for how to hire a general manager for your family entertainment center? There are specific skills, qualities, and characteristics that you need to be on the lookout for. Whether you have a mom-and-pop FEC or are already scaling into a chain, hiring a general manager is necessary and beneficial to keep your daily operations in check, your staff in their best professional shape for your guests, and your business in its most innovative and successful form yet. To help you on your talent acquisition journey for this vital role, we talked to David Curtis, Senior Director of Talent at Dave & Buster’s, Beth Standlee, CEO & Founder at TrainerTainment, and Embed's very own Kash Ahmad, Management Consultant in Operations at NASA. According to our industry experts, the following are the non-negotiables when it comes to hiring a general manager:

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Water Park Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Hospitality, Travel & Tourism » Water Park

Are you about starting a water park business ? If YES, here is a complete sample water park business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Creating a business that targets children and adults is one sure way of making money especially if the business is laced with all that is required for them to have fun. The real deal in starting a water park business is securing a facility that is large enough to contain water play facilities and other outdoor games for children, and also a place where parents/guardians can hangout while their wards play.

It should be in a location that can attract the kind of clients that would pay to make use of your water park. It might take you months to get an ideal facility, so it is better you inform your real estate agent well in advance to help you with the search.

Starting a standard water park is akin to starting a family entertainment center and it can be expensive, but you can be rest assured that you will make your money within few years of launching the business. If your water park facility is of high standard and it is located close to a residential estate with loads of growing families, you will attract loads of children especially on weekends and special holidays.

You should be able to convince parents and school managements to make use of your water park facility on a regular basis. Below is a sample water park business plan template that can help you to successfully write your own with little or no difficulty.

A Sample Water Park Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The water parks industry consists of amusement parks that feature water – play areas, such as waterslides, splash pads, spray – grounds (water playgrounds), lazy rivers or other recreational bathing, swimming and barefooting environments. Please note that these parks may be indoors, outdoors or a combination of both.

The Water Parks industry has made a big splash over the five years to 2017, as industry revenue was bolstered by rising per capita disposable incomes, falling unemployment rates and a generally improving economy. Increased consumer spending has played into the industry’s growth as consumers splurged on discretionary items such as water park tickets.

The industry’s biggest water parks are owned and operated by global players such as Walt Disney Co. and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. The Water Parks industry’s recent growth is set to continue during the next five years. The strengthening macroeconomic climate will boost discretionary spending, which will help the domestic tourism sector.

The Water Parks industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much thriving in all parts of the world especially in developed countries such as united states of America, Canada, United Kingdom , Germany, Australia, Switzerland and Italy.

Statistics has it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 156 licensed and registered water parks  who are into franchising responsible for employing about 49,982 employees and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $3 billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at 10.0 percent between 2011 and 2016.

A recent report published by IBISWORLD shows that due to the seasonality of the Water Parks industry, industry operators concentrate themselves in regions where there is favorable weather. Therefore, the largest water parks are located in states like Texas and Florida.

The colder climates of the Rocky Mountains and New England regions attract only 3.8 percent and 6.0 percent of industry establishments, respectively. The report shows that the Southeast region has the most industry establishments of any geographic area in the United States.

In 2017, this region is expected to contain 27.7 percent of industry establishments, with Florida having the most establishments of any state with 11.5 percent. The largest industry operators are located in Florida because of the favorable weather and vacation destination appeal of the state.

In recent time, the Water Parks industry has experienced revenue growth despite many families being time – strapped. While the industry contended with mounting competition from alternative leisure activities such as bouncing castle, fitness centers and cinemas, many operators generated industry revenue growth on the basis of convenience.

In the coming years, the industry revenue is forecast to grow as family entertainment centers such as water parks will continue to enhance their product portfolios to attract families, despite their reduced leisure time.

In summary, starting a water park business in the United States of America can be stressful, it requires enough cash to acquire land large enough to accommodate the kind of facility that can comfortably attract families and also cash required to equip the facility to meet the standard expected by potential users.

2. Executive Summary

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is a standard amusement cum water park business that will be located in a growing community in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida. Our basic aim of setting up the business is to contribute our quota in ensuring that children cum families who live in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater and neighboring cities have a facility for their children to catch fun to the maximum.

We have been able to secure a standard facility in a central and easy to locate area in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater. We will be engaged in operating water – play areas, such as waterslides, splash pads, spray – grounds (water playgrounds), lazy rivers or other recreational bathing, swimming and barefooting environments et al.

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is going to become the number one family focused recreation facility in the whole of Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida and we will work hard to build our facility to match the needs of the average family in the community.

We conducted a thorough research and feasibility studies and we were able to come to the conclusion that Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is the right place to open our water park. As a matter of fact, our major aim of starting Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is to encourage families in the community to cultivate the habit of going out for recreational activities.

Our water park facility is specifically designed to take care of children as well as parents. We have active childcare services for toddlers and we have membership packages that are highly discounted for families or churches and schools who would want to regularly make use of our facility for camping.

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a business, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is owned and managed by Reginald Sawyer. Reginald Sawyer has a degree in Business Management coupled with 10 years’ hands on experience in the water parks industry working for some of the leading brands in the United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. will provide recreational facility for residents of Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida which is why we have been able to put up a facility that can help us achieve the goal. We are optimistic that everyone who makes use of our water park facility will definitely derive fun and have value for their money. These are the services and amenities that will be made available to our clients in our facility;

• Operating water – play areas such as waterslides, splash pads, spray – grounds (water playgrounds), lazy rivers or other recreational bathing, swimming and barefooting environments et al
• Operating water attractions
• Operating recreational bathing facilities
• Selling merchandise
• Selling food and beverages

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision of starting Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is to build a world – class water park recreational facility and also to contribute our quota in encouraging families and residents in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater to actively engage in recreational activities.
• Our mission for establishing Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is to create a movement in the community that supports total engagement of family in fun filled recreational activities.
• We want to contribute our quota towards ensuring that Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater communities produce some of the happiest children and families in the whole of the United States of America.

Our Business Structure

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is in business to become the leading outdoor water park facility in the whole of Florida and we are fully aware that it will take the right facility, management and organizational structure to achieve our goal.

We will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, honest, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders. As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more.

Our business will not be built only for the purpose of giving our customers value for their money, but also we will ensure that we make our work environment highly conducive for all our employees. In view of that, we have made provisions for the following positions to be occupied by highly qualified and experienced staff;

• Chief Executive Office – CEO

Facility Manager

• Accountant/Cashier
• Marketing and Sales Officer
• Water Park Safety Instructor/Assistant (5)
• Customer Care Executive/Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, appraising job results and developing incentives
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for operating and managing the water park facility
• Ensures that the facility is in tip top condition at all times
• Responsible for managing food and beverage services
• Manages membership and registration services
• Handles other relevant facility operation

Water Park Safety Instructors/Assistant (5)

• Responsible for operating water – play areas, such as waterslides, splash pads, spray – grounds (water playgrounds), lazy rivers or other recreational bathing, swimming and barefooting environments et al
• Ensures that children and adults alike follow laid down safety measures when they make use of our water park

Marketing and Sales Officer (2)

• Identifies and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the organization in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the organization.

Accountant/Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for the organization
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc.
• Serves as internal auditor for Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc.

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes members by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the organization’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the management in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

Cleaners (3):

• Responsible for cleaning in and around the facility
• Cleans up after customers
• Maintains a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows, etc. if required.
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the facility center manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. provides water play recreational facility for families in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida. We are aware that there are competitions in the water parks industry which is why we took out time to conduct an effective SWOT Analysis before investing our hard earned money into the business.

We know that if we get things right before starting our water park, we will not have to struggle before attract loyal clients and building our membership base to a level where we can easily breakeven in record time.

We hired the services a HR and Business consultant with bias in business structuring to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our company and he did a pretty good job for us. Here is a of the result we got from the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc.;

One of the obvious strength that will definitely stand as a plus for Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is the fact that our facility is centrally located in a densely populated – residential area in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida; our location is in fact one of our major strengths.

We equally have a team of highly qualified professionals who will work with our clients to achieve their aims making use of our water park facility and lastly our gate fee/membership package is one of the best that anybody living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida can get; it is affordable.

We looked into our Business model and we were able to identify two major weakness. One is the fact that we are a new business.

The second is the fact that we may not have the financial resources required to match up with existing water parks as well as family entertainment and recreation facilities and even government own entertainment and recreation facilities in Florida when it comes to acquiring latest recreational vehicles and generating the needed hype that can drive traffic towards our facility.

• Opportunities:

We are centrally located in one of the busiest and densely populated area in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida and we are open to all the available opportunities that the city has to offer.

Some of the threats that are likely going to confront Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. are unfavorable government policies , inclement weather, demographic / social factors, downturn in the economy which is likely going to affect consumer spending and lastly, the emergence of new competitors within the same location where our water park facility is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The Water parks industry has indeed benefited from recent marketing campaigns which are targeted towards encouraging people to participate in recreation activities, as well as consumer trends toward healthy living.

Going forward,  people who are part of the baby boomer generation are expected to sign up for recreational club memberships or make use of recreation facilities in their communities, as they become more family cum health – conscious as they grow older.

However, patrons of water park recreation centers are anticipated to increasingly pick up membership from less expensive camping and recreational centers as against expensive all – inclusive clubs.

The trend in the industry is such that if a facility is well – equipped and positioned close to a residential area or a place where people can easily access without much stress, there is the likelihood that the facility will enjoy high patronage. External factors such as domestic trips by US residents and consumer spending will definitely impact industry’s performance.

Just like in other business ventures, the owners of water parks are always looking for ways to increase their market share; they go as far as signing deals with high schools and religious organizations et al to make use of their facility. In an increasingly saturated market, water park operators will try to bring in revenue year-round.

Large, destination water parks dominate the industry, attracting international visitors and operators are expected to continue trying to attract nontraditional markets by providing extra services

Lastly, it is a common trend that as water parks grow, it becomes necessary for them to develop new service offerings or install new facilities that will help them attract more people. Little wonder some water parks now have other facilities targeted towards adults / parents. So, it is very important for water park facilities to continue to improvise if they want to grow their business.

8. Our Target Market

The target market for water parks cuts across people from different backgrounds. The fact that people visit or register in water park recreational facilities makes marketing the business interesting. The target market for water parks can be categorized into three various groups.

The first group are the families who are looking towards creating time for children cum family hangouts and bonding. The other group of people are schools who would want an ideal place to take students / children to during excursions or playtime et al.  The last group of people are religious organizations and clubs.

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. will work towards providing services, facilities and environment that will help us reach out to our target market. These are the category of people that we intend marketing our family entertainment center to;

• Households and families in an around Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida
• Churches and Religious centers
• Corporate organizations
• Travelers/Tourists

Our competitive advantage

The Water parks industry is indeed a highly competitive industry. Clients will only make use of your facility if they know that you can provide the enabling environment and facility for them to catch maximum fun. We can boast of having access to multi – skilled and flexible workforce, proximity to key markets and carrying out regular maintenance to keep facilities in a good condition.

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is located close to a densely populated residential area in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida; this is obviously going to give us an edge amongst our competitors.

We equally have a team of highly qualified professionals who will work with all our clients to achieve their aims of making use of our water park facility and lastly our gate fee cum membership package is going to be one of the best that anybody living around Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida can get; it is affordable.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Water Parks industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract customers on a regular basis. Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. will generate income by offering the following services;

• Operating water – play areas, such as waterslides, splash pads, spray – grounds (water playgrounds), lazy rivers or other recreational bathing, swimming and barefooting environments et al

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field. It would be hard to create a sales forecast with a newly opened business like water park because the statistics that will be provided will be on a short term basis.

Experts say that usually a business should be in operation for at least one year before they can generate the statistics that will be accurate in forecasting; statistics should be at least one-year-old in order to show the trends and patterns in consumer spending.

We expect to welcome a minimum of 12,000 customers i.e. 0ne thousand customers per month within our first year of operations and then in subsequent years, we will grow by 25 percent on more. Below are the sales projection for Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc., it is based on the location of our water park facility and the services we will be offering to our members;

• First Fiscal Year: $240,000
• Second Fiscal Year: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year: $750,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major competitor offering same services as we do within 4.5 miles’ radius.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Our marketing strategies will be directed towards achieving specific objectives that support the strategic goals of the organization. The truth is that all that we do will be geared towards creating new market channels, increasing sales and our market share.

We will leverage on improving on our services and facility to ensure that we win new clients and retain old members. As part of our sales and marketing strategies, we will pay attention to the promotion of our water park facility so as to attract families to enroll.

Our unique selling proposition is that we are well positioned and people can easily access our facility, our prices are affordable and we have a complete package for families, clubs, schools and religious organizations. Parts of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

• Open our water park facility with a big party for all and sundry
• Advertise our water park facility on national dailies, local TV and radio stations
• Promote our water park facility online via our official website and all available social media platforms
• Introduce our water park facility by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to religious organizations, schools, households and key stake holders in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
• Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness and also to give direction to our water park facility
• Adopt direct mailing coupon marketing approach
• Position our signage / flexi banners at strategic places in and around Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our consistent members especially those that registered as a family or groups
• Engage in roadshows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our water park facility.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our branding and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice in the whole of Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our water park facility. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc.;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based sport events and competitions
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our billboards in strategic locations all around Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida
• Engage in roadshow from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• List Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. on local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our water park in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and vehicles are well branded with our corporate logo.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Our pricing system is going to be based on what is obtainable in the industry, we don’t intend to charge more and we don’t intend to charge less than what our competitors are charging as gate or members fees.

Be that as it may, we have put plans in place to offer discount services once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers especially when they refer clients to us or when they register as a family, group or a religious organization and schools. The prices of our services will be same as what is obtainable in the United States’ open market.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards / Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for admission into our water park facility without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

This is what it would cost us to set up Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. in the United of America;

• The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – $750.
• The cost for legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,500.
• Marketing promotion expenses (8,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $10,000.
• The cost for hiring Business Consultant – $5,000.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,800.
• The cost of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• The cost for leasing facility for the water park – $250,000.
• The cost for facility remodeling and equipping the facility with various water play facility – $250,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and utility deposits – $3,500
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $100,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory – $15,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, video games, snooker board, tables and chairs et al) – $10,000.
• The cost of launching a website – $600
• The cost for our grand opening party – $15,000
• Miscellaneous – $15,000

We would need an estimate of $750,000 to successfully launch a small but standard water park park in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater – Florida.

Generating Startup Capital for Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc.

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is owned and managed by Reginald Sawyer. He decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our startup capital;

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $250,000 ( Personal savings $200,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $500,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business closes shop.

One of our major goals of starting Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over to pick up membership in our water park parks is to equip our facility with state of the entertainment equipment and make our services affordable.

Rainbow Ruby® Water Parks, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID : In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business : Completed
• Acquiring facility and remodeling the facility (construction of water play spots inclusive): In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Packaging, Marketing/Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed family entertainment equipment, gym and fitness equipment , electronic appliances, office appliances and suppliers: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key stakeholders in the industry: In Progress

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• Theme Park Vacations

9 Best Indoor Amusement Parks in the U.S.

Oct 18, 2013

See recent posts by Amanda Norcross

You don’t need summer weather to visit an amusement park! You can find all the elements of a great amusement park—including roller coasters and rides, midway games and delicious food—at these indoor amusement parks across the U.S. Here are eight places to play indoors, even when snow or rain covers the ground outdoors.

1. Nickelodeon Universe – Rutherford, NJ

Nickelodeon Universe at the American Dream mall in Rutherford, New Jersey, spans 8.5 acres, making it the largest indoor amusement park in North America. Opened in 2019, it features 35-plus roller coasters, rides and attractions (including live entertainment on the Nickelodeon Slime Stage), as well as meet-and-greet opportunities with Dora the Explorer, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and SpongeBob. Bonus: Dreams Mall also has a newly opened indoor skating rink and will soon welcome an indoor water park.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Meadowlands

2. Nickelodeon Universe – Bloomington, MN

The country’s biggest mall is also home to a huge indoor amusement park, complete with roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. Kid-friendly Nickelodeon brings its universe to the Mall of America , with thrill rides, log flumes, kiddie rides and more. With a Nick-based theme park, young kids won’t find as many height restrictions as they do at outdoor amusement parks, but thrills can still be found for older guests on rides that dip, spin and twirl.

Recommended Hotel: Radisson Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America

3. Adventuredome – Las Vegas, NV

Vegas isn’t just for adults! At Circus Circus, you’ll find the 5-acre Adventuredome , an indoor theme park featuring roller coasters, water rides, free-fall towers, laser tag, bumper cars and more. The casino’s hottest thrill rides include the Canyon Blaster, Inverter, Sling Shot and El Loco—the names should say enough to make your teen excited. Toddlers will like the smaller, easy-going carousel and rides in the dedicated section for younger kids.

Recommended Hotel: Circus Circus Hotel & Casino Las Vegas

4. I-X Indoor Amusement Park – Cleveland, OH

This 20-acre indoor park, located in Cleveland, Ohio, features the Kidzville zone for small kids and Thrill City for adventure seekers, both with Ferris wheels. I-X Indoor Amusement Park also offers roller coasters, a Scrambler, Tilt-a-Whirl, water flume, swings, ziplines and a carousel. Be sure to catch a live show while you’re there.

Recommended Hotel: Sonesta ES Suites Cleveland Airport

5. iPlay America – Freehold, NJ

The 115,000-square-foot iPlay America , located “where the city meets the boardwalk,” features a go-kart speedway, Skyscraper ride, Kite Flyer, Happy Swing, Dizzy Dragons and bumper cars for thrills, as well as more than 200 arcade games where kids can test their skills and challenge their competitive siblings. When you need a break, grab a bite to eat at City Square Bar & Grille or Sonny’s Boardwalk Grill.

Recommended Hotel: Radisson Hotel Freehold

6. Parthenon at Mount Olympus Resort – Wisconsin Dells, WI

One of the best indoor water park resorts in the. U.S. is also home to an indoor amusement park! Mt. Olympus  offers an indoor amusement park with a kiddie swing, spring ride, spinning teacups, bumper cars, laser tag, rock climbing wall, and go-karts. There’s also an arcade an onsite accommodations and dining. Water park, amusement park, sleep, repeat!

Recommended Hotel: Mount Olympus Resort

7. Tom Foolerys Adventure Park at Kalahari Resort – Wisconsin Dells, WI

Like Mt. Olympus, Kalahari offers both an indoor water park and theme park (as well as onsite accommodations and restaurants)! Called Tom Foolerys Adventure Park , this indoor amusement park offers a roller coaster, zombie apocalypse attraction (Arizona Sunshine) and optical illusion tunnel for older kids, while youngsters can enjoy the carousel, Lil’ Toucan Climb ropes course and Sky Rangers airplane ride. Other attractions include a rock climbing wall and Ferris wheel.

Recommended Hotel: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Wisconsin Dells

8. Funplex – Houston, TX

The Funplex in Houston has it all: rides including bumper cars, a giant trampoline, and Ferris wheel; activities such as bowling, go-karts and roller skating; and more than 140 arcade games. This indoor amusement park—perfect for all ages—also offers virtual reality roller coaster, car and motorcycle experiences!

Recommended Hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston – Westchase

9. KidZania USA – Frisco, TX

Okay, so it’s not quite an indoor amusement park since it doesn’t offer roller coasters and rides. But it does offer unique amusements you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S. (yet). KidZania , which is an interactive kid-sized city, gives kids the opportunity to try more than 100 professions—firefighter, journalist, surgeon, you name it. Designed for ages 4 to 14, each activity teaches kids valuable life skills while inspiring them to be creative. KidZania will open its first location in Frisco, Texas, in fall 2019, with plans to expand throughout the U.S. in coming years.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Frisco

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Haunting photos show a Six Flags in New Orleans that has been abandoned for almost 2 decades

• During Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, Six Flags New Orleans was completely flooded.
• Since then, the park has stood abandoned, save for visits from urban explorers and alligators.
• A lease was signed in October 2023 to begin redeveloping the land, but work has not started yet.

Before Hurricane Katrina hammered the Gulf Coast in 2005, killing almost 1,400 people and destroying millions of dollars  worth of property, there was a Six Flags just outside New Orleans.

After the storm, the park was flooded. Once the waters finally receded, the question became: What should we do with this park?

Almost two decades later, Six Flags New Orleans still sits abandoned, now a time capsule of life before Katrina. However, as of August 2023, plans for a $500 million development are moving ahead, reported Axios New Orleans. A lease was signed two months later in October. But no ground has been broken, meaning, for now, it's still sitting silently.

Here's what it looks like now, how it's been used since the storm, and what the city has decided to do with the park.

The Six Flags was left submerged in floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

After the floodwaters receded, what was left of the amusement park was a wasteland.

The park, which spans 140 acres, has been abandoned since the hurricane.

The sign still reads "Closed for Storm."

The park opened in 2000. Originally called Jazzland, it was acquired by Six Flags in 2003 and renamed Six Flags New Orleans (SFNO).

Its location in a low-income neighborhood (New Orleans East) that's far away from other classic New Orleans tourist attractions, like the French Quarter, was not ideal.

The park was one of the least profitable parks in the Six Flags family.

The financial issues continued even after Jazzland turned into a Six Flags.

SFNO took its inspiration from the city, including areas based on the famous architecture of the French Quarter.

The real French Quarter is home to hundreds of years of history.

After the storm, the park was left standing in 4 to 7 feet of water, and it had extensive wind and flood damage.

Almost all of the "flat rides" were submerged, according to Modern Day Ruins.

The severity of the damage caused the park to close indefinitely.

The gates remain locked.

In 2006, Six Flags declared the park a "total loss" and reportedly tried to get out of its 75-year lease.

The city of New Orleans took over in 2009, according to Abandoned America.

There have been numerous attempts to reopen or revamp the park.

According to the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report , Southern Star Amusement announced its plans to completely refurbish and even expand the park in 2008. However, these plans were canceled in 2009.

Later, in 2009, Nickelodeon announced its own plan to turn the park into a Nickelodeon-themed attraction.

These plans were also scrapped, reported NOLA.com.

By 2011, the city of New Orleans had approved plans to construct a shopping center called Jazzland Outlet Mall in its place.

But, as The New Orleans Advocate reported, just two years later, this idea was called off, too.

Another proposed idea in 2011 was reopening the park under its original name, Jazzland.

While the Industrial Development Board of New Orleans originally went with the outlet mall plan, Jazzland continued pursuing its idea and maintained its interest in purchasing the land in 2017, according to NOLA.com.

The Industrial Development Board turned over decision-making power to the mayor in May 2017.

Mitch Landrieu was the Mayor of New Orleans from 2010 to 2018 — his term ended in May that year. It became his decision in 2017.

When another company made its interest in the land known, pitching the "Dreamlanding Festival Park," Mayor Landrieu didn't approve.

NOLA.com reported in 2018 that current mayor LaToya Cantrell also passed on Dreamlanding Festival Park.

In 2019, new mayor LaToya Cantrell announced she was "running numbers for demolition" on the park, but ultimately, it stayed standing.

According to NOLA.com, the demolition was predicted to cost $1.3 million. Instead, Mayor Cantrell has since decided on a different route.

In October 2021, Bayou Phoenix was chosen as the redeveloper of the park.

Bayou Phoenix's plan includes "a sports complex, an indoor/outdoor waterpark and hotel, a logistics center, a mega travel center, and the redevelopment of the Eastover Country Club, Golf Course and Residences."

The choice was made official in October 2021.

Even after the redeveloper was selected, the park still stands as a marker of the devastation that the storm caused almost 20 years ago.

There are also parts of New Orleans proper that haven't recovered.

But the land hasn't been completely ignored over the years. Many movies have been shot at the park, like "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters," which transformed it into Circeland.

" A reported 100 alligators were removed from the site as it was being prepared for the crew to take over," according to NOLA.com.

Blockbusters that have taken advantage of the decidedly creepy atmosphere are "Jurassic World" and "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes."

According to Wired , the "Jurassic World" crew filmed at the park for nine weeks. 

The last film shot at Six Flags New Orleans was "The Park," released in 2023.

As NOLA.com reported, in addition to "The Park," other movies filmed at SFNO include "Deepwater Horizon," "Reminiscence," "Project Power," and "Stolen."

TV shows have also used the site. Freeform's "Cloak & Dagger" had an episode focused on the park in 2018.

"Cloak & Dagger," one of the TV shows that's part of the larger extended Marvel universe, took place in New Orleans — so of course, the characters had to visit the landmark in an episode fittingly titled "Funhouse Mirrors."

A documentary, "Closed for Storm," was released in November 2020. It's about the rise and fall of the park.

YouTube documentarian Jake Williams told NOLA.com it took five months to get permission from the city of New Orleans to film inside the park. Speaking of abandoned places, "They're like museums," he told the site, "like walking through a period of time."

The film is now streaming on Tubi, as well as VOD.

Watch the trailer here.

But besides filming, the park has stood empty, making it a popular attraction for urban explorers.

There are plenty of YouTube videos.

Much of the park is still intact. Visitors have said it looks like the site of a "Leftovers"-esque disappearance as if all of the park's visitors magically vanished.

"Walking into the abandoned amusement park 10 years after Hurricane Katrina devastated it was an eerie experience. Gone was the scent of cotton candy and the sounds of laughter as I walked into the abandoned Six Flags Amusement Park. It was like the whole world had died, and I was the only one left. It wasn't just surreal. It was apocalyptic," photographer Seph Lawless told the New York Daily News in 2015.

Visitors should know there are dangers at SFNO, including alligators that live in the park's waterways.

You can see them in this YouTube video, for one.

A deal was finally reached in March 2023 to begin developing. In October, a lease was signed.

"I applaud NORA (New Orleans Redevelopment Authority) and Bayou Phoenix on reaching this critical milestone toward the redevelopment of the blighted former Six Flags site," Cantrell said, according to 4WWL.

In May 2023, NORA said Bayou Phoenix's 700-page plan still had holes and most likely needed to be redone, according to NOLA.com.

By October, Bayou Phoenix finally signed a lease for the land. As Biz New Orleans reported, the next step is raising $500 million to begin construction, and signing tenants. According to the report, the site could contain "a water park, a youth sports facility, two hotels, an 8.5-acre man-made lake, a movie studio, an amphitheater, and retail outlets."

But that hasn't happened yet.

So, for now, the park stands as a testament to the long-lasting and apocalyptic impact of Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast.

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Plan summer trips to these theme parks not too far from Indianapolis

Summer is almost here!

Get started on making your plans with our guides to some of the closest theme parks to Indianapolis.

Cedar Point

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio opened up for the season on May 4, 2024.

Is there a waterpark? Yes, Cedar Point Shores opens up on May 25 for the summer.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

How far is it from Indy? 280 miles or about 4.5 hours away (depending on traffic, construction).

For ticket prices, event calendar, park hours and information about planning your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: Cedar Point roller coasters in your future? Hours, tickets, rides at Sandusky, Ohio park

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge has a number of locations across the country so you have some options deciding where you want to go.

Is there a waterpark? Yes; Their indoor waterpark is open year-round, but their outdoor pool opens up Memorial Day.

How far is it from Indy? The closest location in Mason, Ohio is 130 miles away, or about 2.5 hours (and another park on our list is right next door, Kings Island !).

For waterpark pass prices, a list of all the attractions and dining options and information about how to book your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: Everything you need to know to plan your family summer getaway to Great Wolf Lodge

Holiday World

Holiday World , located in Santa Claus, Indiana, opened May 11, 2024 and they have a new attraction for 2024 called Good Gravy!

Is there a waterpark? Yes; Splashin' Safari opens May 18.

How far is it from Indy? About 141 miles, or approximately just under three hours.

For ticket prices, event calendar, park hours and information about how to plan your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: Holiday World opens for the 2024 season this weekend. Here's everything you need to know.

Kentucky Kingdom

Kentucky Kingdom , located in Louisville, Kentucky, opened May 11, 2024.

Is there a waterpark? Yes; Hurricane Bay opens May 25.

How far is it from Indy? 118 miles, which is approximately two hours, depending on traffic.

Read the full guide here: What you need to know if you're planning a road trip to Kentucky Kingdom

Kings Island

Kings Island is open on the weekends until May 20, then they open up for the week for the rest of the season and is located right next to a Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio.

Is there a waterpark? Yes; their Soak City Water Park opens May 25.

How far is it from Indy? 130 miles away from Indianapolis or about a two hours (sometimes longer, depending on traffic) drive.

Read the full guide here: Kings Island is open for the 2024 season. Camp Snoopy will be open soon.

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter  @itskatiewiseman .

Plan summer trips to these theme parks not too far from Louisville

Summer is almost here!

Get started on making your plans with our guides to some of the closest theme parks to Louisville.

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge has a number of locations across the country so you have some options deciding where you want to go.

Is there a waterpark? Yes; Their indoor waterpark is open year-round, but their outdoor pool opens up Memorial Day.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

How far is it from Louisville? The closest location in Mason, Ohio, is about 130 miles away, or from 2 to 2 and a half hours, depending on the route.

For waterpark pass prices, a list of all the attractions and dining options and information about how to book your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: Everything you need to know to plan your family summer getaway to Great Wolf Lodge

Holiday World

Holiday World opened May 11, 2024, and they have a new attraction for 2024 called Good Gravy!

Is there a waterpark? Yes; Splashin' Safari opens May 18.

How far is it from Louisville? About 80 miles; about an hour and a half drive.

For ticket prices, event calendar, park hours and information about how to plan your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: Holiday World opens for the 2024 season this weekend. Here's everything you need to know.

Kentucky Kingdom

Kentucky Kingdom opened May 11, 2024.

Is there a waterpark? Yes; Hurricane Bay opens May 25.

Read the full guide here: When does Kentucky Kingdom open in 2024? How much do tickets cost? Rides? What to know

Kings Island

Kings Island is open on the weekends until May 20, then they open up for the week for the rest of the season and is located right next to a Great Wolf Lodge .

Is there a waterpark? Yes; their Soak City Water Park opens May 25.

How far is it from Louisville? About 130 miles, or a 2-3 hour drive, depending on the route.

Read the full guide here: Kings Island is open for the 2024 season. Camp Snoopy will be open soon.

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter  @itskatiewiseman .