Figuring out how much to charge at your indoor playground is the ultimate puzzle. Price it too high and nobody comes. Price it too low and you’re just spinning your wheels. Here at Mizone, we’ve helped countless owners find that sweet spot where families are happy and the business is thriving. Let’s talk about how to set your prices so you’re not just surviving, but making some real money.
The Cost Breakdown: What You Need to Know
First, you have to get real about your expenses. There are two types of costs: the ones that stay the same no matter what, and the ones that change based on how many people show up.
Fixed Costs (The monthly bills that never go away):
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Rent: This is a big one, likely between 15,000 a month. The location and size of your space are the biggest factors here. -
Wages: Your team will cost you roughly 10,000 each month. This covers your managers, staff, and cleaning crew. -
Depreciation: Remember that expensive equipment? It loses value over time, so factor in around 5,000 monthly.
Variable Costs (The bills that change with your customer count):
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Utilities: Electricity and water will likely run you 3,000 a month. -
Maintenance: Keeping everything clean and in good shape can cost 4,000 monthly. -
Supplies: Don’t forget small things like socks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning materials, which add up to 1,500 a month.
Finding Your Break-Even Point: To stay in business, you need to know exactly how many kids need to walk through your door just to cover your costs. The formula is simple: take your total monthly fixed costs and divide that by your ticket price minus your variable cost per kid. For example, if your fixed costs are 15, and each kid costs you $5 in variable expenses, you’ll need 2,000 kids a month to break even. If that number looks impossible, it’s time to either raise your prices or cut your costs.
Know Your Competition and Your Customers
You can’t set prices without knowing what everyone else is doing.
Local Market Research: Find out what other playgrounds in your area are charging. If you’re in a high-end neighborhood, you can charge premium prices—maybe 35 for entry. If you’re in a more suburban area, you’ll need to be more competitive, likely in the 25 range.
Standing Out: Want to charge a little more than the competition? Give customers a reason to pay extra. Think about adding a STEM learning zone, an awesome cafe with great food, or special themed events. If you offer something unique, people will be happy to pay a little more for the experience.
Smart Pricing Strategies to Boost Your Bottom Line
This is where you get strategic with your pricing.
Timed and Age-Based Pricing:
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Weekends and Holidays: Charge about 30% more when demand is high. If your regular price is 20 on a busy Saturday. -
Slow Days: Offer discounts on weekdays to fill up those empty hours. A weekday special of $12 a child can work wonders. -
Age-Based Rates: Toddlers (1-3 years old) don’t use as much equipment, so a lower price like 12 feels fair. Charge your standard rate of 20 for kids 4-12. For adults, either let them in free or charge a small fee of about $5 to cover costs.
Membership Programs: Memberships are a great way to get steady income and build customer loyalty.
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Basic Membership: Offer unlimited visits for around $60 a month. -
Premium Membership: For about $100 a month, add in a free guest pass and discounts on birthday parties. -
VIP Tier: For your most loyal customers, a $150 plan with priority booking and free snacks can be a huge draw.
The Pro Tip: Offer a discount for an annual membership. It gives you cash up front and guarantees repeat business.
More Ways to Make Money
Don’t rely just on entry fees. Diversify your income streams.
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Birthday Parties: These are golden. Charge anywhere from 800 for private parties. -
Café: A good cafe with decent food and coffee can be a major profit center. -
Merchandise: Sell branded socks and toys. These small impulse buys add up fast. -
Special Events: Host things like “parents’ night out” or holiday camps to bring in extra cash when you’re normally slow.
The indoor playground market is booming, and with the right strategy, you can build a business that not only brings joy to families but also puts money in your pocket. At Mizone, we’re not just about equipment; we’re about helping you build a smart, profitable business. Ready to get started?