Toddler play space with a small café

Parents, grandparents and carers of young children, plus local mothers' groups and playgroups.

Entry fees per child or session passes, memberships, small party bookings, and coffee and snack sales.

• Friendly with children and parents
• Organising rosters and bookings
• Keeping a space clean and safe
• Basic bookkeeping

• Council approval for the use of the premises, plus building and fire safety requirements; check with your local council before signing a lease
• Working with Children Check requirements for staff differ by state, so check your state's rules
• Check which Australian Standards apply to your play equipment and flooring, and keep inspection records
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Food registration with your local council if you serve anything beyond packaged items
• Winter and school-holiday swings in visitor numbers, and a long lease to commit to

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, play equipment and café set-up. These are estimates. A long lease is a big commitment, so check approvals with your council before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $45,000, depending on location, opening hours and café sales. Visitor numbers can swing with winter and school holidays. These are estimates of revenue, not profit.

Check council approval for the premises, plus building and fire safety requirements, before signing a lease. Also check your state's Working with Children Check rules, Australian Standards for play equipment and flooring, insurance, and food registration if you serve more than packaged items.