Small local kids' play and party centre

Parents and carers booking birthday parties, families paying for casual play, and instructors or groups hiring the space.

Party packages and room hire, entry or session fees, and hourly hire to class providers. Weekends are busiest, so weekday classes and playgroups help fill the week.

• Customer service with parents and kids
• Organising bookings and staff rosters
• Safety awareness and calm under pressure
• Basic marketing to local families

• Check with your local council about planning, change of use and building approvals for the premises
• Working With Children Check requirements for you and any staff, which differ by state and territory
• Fire safety, exits, occupancy limits and play equipment safety standards, so check what applies
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• If you serve food, register with your local council and check food safety rules
• Lease costs and quiet periods, since rent is due whether or not bookings come in

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, the fit-out, the play equipment and how large the space is. Get quotes for each part before you commit to a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, how many parties you book and how busy casual sessions are. That is revenue, not profit, and rent is due whether or not bookings come in.

Check with your local council about planning, change of use and building approvals. Also look at Working With Children Check requirements (these differ by state and territory), fire safety, occupancy limits, equipment standards, insurance, and food registration if you serve food.