Neighbourhood Soft Play Centre

Parents and grandparents of babies, toddlers and children up to about 8, plus daycares, school groups and party hosts.

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

• Customer service with families
• Organising staff rotas and bookings
• Cleaning and safety routines
• Local marketing

• Zoning, occupancy, fire and building inspections, check with your municipality early
• Commercial general liability insurance, and ask insurers about their requirements for play equipment
• Check which safety standards your equipment should meet and how often it needs inspecting
• If serving food or drinks, a permit from your local public health unit may be needed
• Staff screening and supervision rules for working with children, plus WCB/WSIB coverage when you hire (rules vary by province)
• Lease costs and quiet periods such as summer, when families play outdoors

Estimates are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the size of your leased unit, the soft play structures and toddler area you install, and any seating or café tables. Lease costs are a key factor.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on drop-in play, memberships and birthday parties. Quiet periods such as summer, when families play outdoors, can affect income.

Check zoning, occupancy, fire and building inspections with your municipality early. Also check liability insurance requirements for play equipment, which safety standards your equipment should meet, food permits if you serve drinks or snacks, and staff screening rules.