Neighbourhood soft play centre for under-8s

Parents and carers of babies, toddlers and primary school children, plus families booking birthday parties and playgroups.

Entry fees per child or session, memberships and multi-visit passes, birthday party packages, and cafe and snack sales.

• Customer service with families
• Managing staff and rosters
• Marketing to local parents
• Keeping a venue clean and safe

• Council planning approval or change of use for the premises, and building and fire safety rules, check with your local council before signing a lease
• Public liability insurance and an incident reporting routine, as children's injuries are a key risk
• Equipment safety: check which Australian Standards and safety inspections apply to your fit-out
• Working with Children Check requirements for staff differ by state, so check your state's rules
• If you serve food, register with your local council and meet food safety rules, including allergy handling
• High fixed costs such as rent and wages, and quieter school-term or weather-dependent periods

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $80,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, how much soft play equipment and fit-out you choose, and whether you add a cafe corner and party room. Get quotes before signing a lease.

Check council planning approval or change of use, and building and fire safety rules, before signing a lease. Also check Australian Standards for equipment, public liability insurance, your state's Working with Children Check rules for staff, and food registration if you serve food.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, session pricing and party bookings. Fixed costs like rent and wages are high, and school-term or weather-dependent periods can be quieter. Expect around 40 hours a week or more.