Pop-Up toddler play sessions

Parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers looking for indoor activities, especially in winter, and families who want a play-based birthday party.

Per-child or per-family entry fees, multi-session passes and private party bookings, minus hall rental costs.

• Comfortable with young children and their parents
• Organised with setup, bookings and safety checks
• Local marketing through social media and parent groups

• Commercial general liability insurance, check that it covers activities in rented venues and that the venue's own requirements are met
• Hall rules on bookings, storage and use of equipment, plus any municipal rules for commercial activity in community spaces
• Child safety, supervision ratios and first aid training, check what parents and venues expect
• Selling food may need a public health permit, so consider keeping snacks out or asking your health unit
• Winter driving and the physical work of setting up and packing away equipment

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on how much soft play equipment you buy, storage, insurance and marketing. Hall hire is usually paid session by session. These figures are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many sessions you run, your ticket prices and attendance. Setting up and packing away is physical work, and winter driving can add to the effort.

Check that your liability insurance covers activities in rented venues and meets each venue's requirements. Also check hall rules on bookings, storage and equipment, municipal rules for commercial activity, child safety and first aid expectations, and any food permits.