Indoor soft play center

Parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers and young children, plus families booking birthday parties and local groups.

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

• Customer service with families
• Organizing staff and bookings
• Budgeting and managing a lease
• Keeping a space clean and safe

• Child safety: check which safety standards apply to play equipment in your state and have it installed and inspected properly
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Zoning, certificate of occupancy, fire code and accessibility (ADA) requirements, which vary by city and county
• If you sell food or drinks, check health department permit rules
• Background checks for staff who work with children, and parent waivers (check with a local attorney)
• A big upfront cost and a lease commitment, so test demand before you sign

Startup costs are typically around $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the size of your unit, the play equipment, fit-out and insurance. These are estimates, and a lease is a big commitment, so test demand before you sign.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your size, pricing, opening hours and how many birthday parties you book. This is an estimate, not a guarantee, and rent and staffing costs come out of it.

Check which safety standards apply to play equipment in your state and have it installed and inspected properly. Also check zoning, certificate of occupancy, fire code, ADA requirements, health permits for food, insurance, and background checks for staff working with children.