Indoor play centre with parties and drop-in

Parents and caregivers of babies to primary-school-age children, plus party hosts, daycares, homeschool groups and class instructors who rent the space.

Drop-in fees or memberships, party packages, session fees for classes you run, hourly room hire to instructors, and snack or add-on sales.

• Friendly with children and parents
• Booking and scheduling
• Budgeting and managing a lease
• Keeping a space clean and safe

• Zoning, building and fire code requirements, including maximum occupancy, which differ by municipality and province
• Commercial general liability insurance, and a waiver process for visiting families
• Safety standards for equipment and surfaces, plus daily cleaning routines
• Check whether your province's child care licensing applies if children are ever left without a parent or guardian
• Staff screening such as vulnerable sector checks, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Serving food at parties may need a permit from your local public health unit
• Lease costs are a fixed monthly risk, and summer can be quieter. In Quebec, check French-language signage and service rules

Startup costs are typically around $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the size of the unit, the play equipment and surfaces, your party room fit-out and insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on drop-in numbers, birthday party bookings and class rentals. Expect at least about 30 hours a week.

Check zoning, building and fire code requirements including maximum occupancy, equipment and surface safety standards, insurance and waivers, whether child care licensing applies, staff screening, and public health permits for serving food at parties.