Indoor trampoline parks have boomed in recent years. Kids and even adults are delighted by playing and jumping on trampolines. Jumping on trampolines is not only fun, but it’s also a great way to get fit and stay in shape. Bouncing on a trampoline has several health benefits, including building strength, improving bone density and enhancing balance.

Whether you’re thinking about opening a trampoline park or enhancing the one you have, now is a great time to get started. Parents are on the lookout for healthy and fun activities for their kids. Likewise, health-conscious adults can’t wait to add fun and adventure to their workout routine. Owning a commercial trampoline park can be a rewarding, profitable experience, especially as the indoor park industry grows.

Insights Into How to Start a Trampoline Park

Before starting a trampoline park or upgrading a current park, you must have a plan in place. It seems simple in theory, but there’s much more to consider. To develop a strong trampoline park business plan, you’ll have to know:

  • What you will need to run your business
  • Who your customers will be
  • Who will serve your customers

In this guide, we’ll show you how to open an indoor trampoline park, covering everything from trampoline park design tips to equipment costs and funding. We’ll also look at trends and exciting ideas for improving a trampoline park. Building a trampoline park requires a passion for fun and a drive to succeed.

It also takes solid business know-how and finances to back up the effort. Once you see your customers smile and the revenue starts to roll in, you’ll be glad you took the leap.

Read the full guide or skip to a specific section:

Overview of a Trampoline Park Business

Trampolines were developed in 1934 and were initially used to train astronauts and athletes. However, trampolines became popular with the general public once people realized how much fun they were and continue to be.

Trampolines truly took off around 2004 when the first indoor trampoline park opened. Since then, trampoline parks have grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with about 1,500 parks globally.

Indoor trampoline parks are highly popular and continue to grow because they appeal to all ages. They offer a healthy way to have fun with friends, family, and community members. People don’t just jump at trampoline parks either — they also play games like dodgeball or basketball, making it even more fun and engaging for visitors.

Ready to start building a trampoline park?  Be sure to request a quote or free design consultation today!

1. How Does a Trampoline Park Make Money?

A trampoline park business charges customers a fee for jumping on trampolines for a certain amount of time. For example, you might charge customers $10 for an hour, and $15 for two hours. You might also charge customers to rent gear, like special jump socks. Lastly, you can offer snacks and drinks or other forms of entertainment to increase your profit further (and to provide additional energy for your guests!).

2. Who Will Be the Target Market?

Trampoline Park Fitness and Fun

Trampoline parks offer fun and fitness for adults, kids and families. Trampoline parks are still mostly kid-focused, providing the perfect solution for parents who want to find a healthy activity for their kids. Also, kids love to have birthday parties at an indoor trampoline park, and parents enjoy the convenience of hosting a birthday party outside of their homes.

Overall, families with disposable income will be your target market.

3. What Location Is Best?

The best way to find the ideal location for your indoor trampoline park is to first research the competition. Competition can be fierce in a city with numerous trampoline parks, so it may be best to distance yourself from those locations. However, many cities and towns still don’t have indoor trampoline parks, which can be a perfect opportunity for those looking to enter the business. Even an out-of-the-way location can attract customers because most people are willing to drive to have a unique and fun experience.

You must also consider the building you wish to use for your business and ensure it’s appropriate for trampoline park use. Naturally, indoor trampoline parks require high ceilings and a large open space as guests bounce to new heights. For example, a former industrial building or warehouse may be the perfect spot.

Other areas to consider when choosing your location include whether parking will be readily available for your customers, and what the nearby businesses are. For instance, if you can lease a large building near a supermarket, parents will appreciate being able to shop and have fun with their kids all in the same location.

4. How Do You Design and Manufacture a Trampoline Park?

Per the International Adventure & Trampoline Association (IATP) guidelines, business owners should procure a building with at least 18,000 square feet to provide ample space for trampolines and other amenities. Make sure the ceiling height is at least 17 feet, measured from the floor to the lowest potential obstruction. Taller is typically better, but if you meet the minimum requirement then you’re in the clear.

On average, most trampoline parks in the U.S. are between 25,000 and 35,000 square feet, and between 45 and 50 percent of the building’s total square footage should comprise the trampoline court. With the extra space, you’ll have room for a lounge, bathrooms and other exciting entertainment options if you wish to expand your business in the future. You want to design the layout to keep food areas, restrooms and check-in separate from the trampoline court.

The actual trampoline area should consist of about 50 to 60 trampolines. The trampolines will be connected and surrounded by cushioning so that jumpers will either fall onto another trampoline or on top of a cushion no matter which way they fall.

To manufacture the trampoline park, you’ll first want to find a reputable builder. Leave it to the pros: a trampoline park builder will use licensed contractors, engineers and other professionals to ensure they’ve created a durable, high-quality park. Alternatively, you might also be able to purchase an already existing trampoline park so you do not need to build an entirely new park.

Understanding Trampoline Park Costs: What You’ll Need to Budget

The first step to funding your indoor trampoline park includes developing a business model. A trampoline park business model will state what your company offers that is of value to customers in a way that sets you apart from competitors. It should also include startup costs, the sources of your finances, your marketing strategy and projected revenue and expenses.

To help you start planning your business’s financial aspects, let’s look at how much it generally costs to build a trampoline park and the expected revenue.

1. How Much Does It Cost to Open a Trampoline Park?

When we look at how much trampoline parks cost and consider the initial trampoline park setup, the leading price point is the trampoline court. The bulk of the cost will be a custom build that suits your building or space configuration. You will normally incur the following costs for the equipment:

  • Trampoline flooring: You have two options. You can buy units by square foot, where the final price will be determined by the size of your facility. Alternatively, you can purchase prebuilt trampoline floors.
  • Basketball hoops: Basketball hoops may cost anywhere from $20 to $50 each.
  • Toys: You will likely want to include various toys, such as soft footballs and basketballs. Depending on the type, quality and amount, these can cost between $100 and $500.
  • Refreshments: To get started, stocking drinks and snacks can cost a few thousand dollars. Standard refreshment options include bottled water, sports drinks, fountain drinks, fruit, candy, soft pretzels and pizza.
  • Trampoline socks: Depending on the quality and quantity you purchase, jumping socks for trampolines can cost a few dollars a pair.

To save on manufacturing costs, contact several contractors and get quotes so you can compare them before making a choice. You’ll be off to a good start if you can find a building with the space requirements for your trampoline park.

2. What Funding Options Do You Have?

There are several ways to find funding for your indoor trampoline park. Every year, thousands of entrepreneurs open new businesses with a little help. Here are just a few financing options for your business:

  • Use your savings: The easiest way to finance a company is to tap into your checking or savings account. Though it can be a significant out-of-pocket cost, using your own money also shows your dedication to your business to potential investors, which may help secure additional funding in the future. You might sell personal assets to fund your business as well.
  • Use credit cards: Credit cards may come in handy to purchase necessary items for your business, but remember that credit cards come with high interest rates. If you choose to use credit cards, go with one that offers rewards programs for businesses to get a bit back from your spending.
  • Get a bank loan: You may be able to obtain a bank loan for your business, but these can be challenging to get. One nice thing about a bank loan is that they typically offer lower interest rates than a credit card.
  • Borrow from friends or family: Borrowing from friends or family is a popular option for business owners and can be an easy way to obtain funding. Make sure to sit down with them and go over loan terms such as how much is to be borrowed, interest charged and repayment. Make sure everything’s in writing for reference.
  • Apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan: You may be eligible for an SBA-guaranteed loan. Through the SBA, you may be able to borrow as much as $5 million — more than enough to start a trampoline park. Certain restrictions apply, and you must comply with SBA standards. If you choose this route, an SBA lender can guide you through the process.
  • Get a microloan: If you have most of the funds you need but need to fill a gap, you may be eligible for a microloan, which averages $13,000 and can go up to $50,000. A microlender, instead of a bank, is usually more flexible with loan requirements. However, they tend to charge slightly higher interest rates than banks.
  • Reach out to an angel investor: If you can’t get a loan or don’t have enough assets, you may be able to find someone interested in investing in your business. An angel investor is an individual who will invest in your business usually in exchange for an equity stake in the new company.
  • Use crowdfunding: You might consider using a crowdfunding website to raise money for your business. Friends, family and strangers can use the site to donate money and help you reach your goal. It helps to promise donors something in exchange, and you’ll need a good story to generate excitement about your business.

3. How Much Profit Does a Trampoline Park Make?

The initial costs of opening a trampoline park are high, but the profits can be high, too. Some big names in the industry make millions in total yearly revenue.

How much you want to charge customers per hour to jump on trampolines is up to you. However, consider your location. If your business is in a high-rent area, you may be able to charge slightly higher than average. On the other hand, if your business is in a low-rent area, you might want to charge lower than average to better fit the demographic.

The most substantial expenses for running a trampoline park include rent, maintenance and labor costs. You’ll also need to pay for insurance, marketing and utilities. If you become a certified service technician through the IATP, you’ll be able to maintain your trampoline park on your own.

You can drastically increase profits and keep families in the facility longer by adding concessions and other forms of entertainment. No matter what you do, you can typically expect to wait an average of eight to 12 months to see a return on your investment.

Franchise vs. Starting a Trampoline Park

Opening a trampoline park franchise might be the way to go for individuals who want to benefit from an established business with a well-known brand name. However, startup costs are usually higher for opening a franchise than starting a business from scratch. The advantages of owning a franchise include:

  • Widespread brand awareness
  • Access to an established customer base which otherwise could take years to build
  • Increased chance of success because you’ll use proven methods and products
  • Assistance with site selection, construction, financing, training and opening the location
  • Ongoing support for advertising, management and more

Owning a franchise indeed offers many benefits. However, when you operate a franchise, you are only partially independent.

If you prefer to set the rules, start your own trampoline park. When you have complete ownership of your business, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

  • Freedom to choose the products and services you offer
  • No initial franchise fee
  • No ongoing royalty or advertising fees
  • Freedom to manage your business as you wish
  • No restrictive franchise agreement

Starting your trampoline park from scratch might be best if you want complete business freedom. However, if you are willing to pay the higher initial costs, and deal with certain restrictions in exchange for additional support, a franchise can be a profitable, supportive path to take.

Safety Regulations and Insurance Needs

When creating a trampoline park setup, it is crucial to understand and adhere to safety regulations, such as the ISO 23659:2022 standard, which offers various relevant information. It includes in-depth safety requirements regarding trampoline park design, construction, routine inspection and general maintenance.

Certain vital aspects to consider include:

  • Design and construction: Your trampoline park must be designed to prevent injuries, with features such as padded frames and the inclusion of safety nets where applicable.
  • Inspection and maintenance: Regular park equipment inspections are required. Then, you must rectify any potential hazards. You should also have proper and compliant maintenance protocols to ensure equipment remains safe and in correct working order.
  • Operational requirements: You must train staff in safety procedures and knows what to do in emergencies. You should also include clear signage and safety instructions that are easily visible to all park users.

Insurance is another critical component to put in place before you open your doors for business. Your trampoline park should have comprehensive liability insurance to cover potential accidents or injuries. Insurance types include:

  • General liability insurance: Covers any bodily injury and property damage claims.
  • Product liability insurance: Protects you against any claims related to equipment defects.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: Covers employee injuries while on the job.

Business Licensing and Legal Considerations

Gaining the right business licensing and permit requirements for a trampoline park involves complying with local, state and federal regulations. If you need insights into specific licensing requirements for your area, consult the SBA guide on applying for licenses. In general, there are a few critical licenses and permits you’ll likely need:

  • Business license: The first step to legally operating your trampoline park is to obtain a general business license from your local government.
  • Zoning permits: You must make sure your chosen location is zoned for recreational purposes. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a zoning permit.
  • Building permit: This may be required if you’re building a new trampoline park or making major modifications to an existing one.
  • Health and safety permits: These confirm your park meets hygiene and safety standards and are particularly important if you intend to sell food and beverages.

Apart from licenses and permits, you’ll need to consider certain legal matters and requirements, which are equally important. Some top items to be aware of include:

  • Liability waivers: As a precaution, make sure anyone using your trampoline park signs a liability waiver. These documents can help protect your business if a legal matter comes up.
  • Employment laws: You must know and comply with the local and federal employment laws, including fair labor standards, workers’ compensation and anti-discrimination laws.

Securing the necessary licenses and permits and adhering to legal requirements allows you to operate your trampoline park smoothly and efficiently and avoid potential legal issues.

Staff Training and Management

In order to create a successful trampoline park, you should develop a comprehensive training program for your employees. Well-trained staff help ensure the safety of your guests, and they can enhance the overall customer experience. Top things to consider when compiling your staff training programs are:

Trampoline Park Staff Training
  • Safety training: Train staff in all safety protocols, including proper equipment use, emergency response procedures and first aid. You should also conduct regular refresher courses to help keep safety a top priority in employees’ minds.
  • Operational training: All your employees should be well-versed in the park’s daily operations. This includes opening and closing procedures, equipment maintenance, and handling customer queries.
  • Customer service training: It’s essential to emphasize friendly and professional customer interactions. Training should cover elements such as effective communication, conflict management and creating a welcoming environment for all guests.

By investing in staff training and management, you can create a safer, more enjoyable and memorable experience for your customers, which is crucial for the long-term success of your trampoline park. You can go beyond basic staff training and implement the following strategies for quality customer service:

  • Incentive programs: Incorporate incentive programs that reward excellent customer service and adherence to safety protocols to keep your team motivated.
  • Regular feedback: Create a system that collects and acts on customer feedback regarding employees. This will help you identify areas that require improvement while recognizing staff who perform well.
  • Team building: Host regular staff meetings and create a positive and cohesive environment by incorporating team building exercises. This will improve morale and increase collaboration and better relationships.

How to Market Your Trampoline Park and Grow Your Business

Because trampoline parks appeal to all ages, you’ll want to market your business to different age groups to maximize your revenue. Targeting different demographics separately and holding events throughout the day to appeal to each group is best.

For example, you might offer evening dodgeball games or daily morning fitness classes for adults. For kids, you can hold an after-school jumping club. You can promote every class and event where your target audience spends a lot of time, such as at libraries or recreation centers. These classes, clubs and events will keep customers coming back to help your business grow. Other marketing ideas and techniques for your indoor trampoline park include:

  • Put up signs and fliers throughout the neighborhood.
  • Hand out brochures.
  • Give away discount coupons to entice people to check out your trampoline park.
  • Advertise on your website.
  • Use social media.
  • Manage your business reviews.
  • Partner with other local businesses.
  • Invest in email marketing.

Whether you’re just getting started or have owned a trampoline park for years, these tips will boost your business to the next level.

1. Improve Your Ticket System

Many customers appreciate the convenience of purchasing tickets online. To appeal to all kinds of customers, set up an efficient system that allows customers to buy tickets quickly and securely online and on-site. Make it easy for customers to select the date, time and quantity of tickets. Also, allow customers to sign digital waivers so they can start jumping and having fun the moment they arrive. You might encourage customers to book online to ensure they get tickets before they sell out.

New trampoline park owners will want to have this system in place before they open their doors. Existing park owners should add the option to purchase tickets online if they do not have this feature. You can also add the option to buy upgrades like VIP passes to make more profit and increase customer satisfaction.

2. Offer Competitive Deals

Offer customers exceptional deals and stand out from the rest. You can boost sales and attract large groups by offering discounts for group purchases.

Consider offering deals for monthly passes and encourage customers to sign up in advance.

Remember to include enticing package deals for special events like birthday parties or corporate events to attract various customers. Outline everything a party package includes on your site and how much it costs so customers can make decisions quickly. Include items such as party favors, food and any other items that come with the package. Consider giving customers the option to upgrade or customize packages. Find ways to make your trampoline park the perfect setting for a memorable celebration.

3. Upgrade Your Food Options

Make sure to offer food kids and adults love, including healthy items, to appeal to a broader audience. Today’s consumers are more aware of healthy eating, so think outside of the pizza box.

Consider ways to increase food sales. For example, you might give customers the option to add food packages to their tickets at a discounted price. Let customers know exactly how much they’ll save upfront, and advertise your food deals online and in-store.

4. Offer Innovative Equipment

Your equipment is the most crucial element of your trampoline park. If you offer unforgettable ways for kids and adults to have fun, they’ll be back for more adventure in the future. Choosing new, exciting equipment will also make you stand out from other trampoline parks, especially if customers have an experience they can’t find anywhere else.

You can fully use your space by adding a variety of equipment and engaging activities for kids and families. For example, you could:

  • Install the interactive game STOMP into any small space. STOMP is a fun, high-action game where players compete against each other as they stomp their way to the highest score. STOMP is a piece of freestanding play equipment that adds a memorable touch to your park. A game like STOMP can be the factor that makes a family choose your park over competitors.
STOMP Interactive Game
  • Elevate your trampoline park where competitors can’t reach you — consider adding an adventure playground the entire family can enjoy. At Soft Play®, we offer adventure playground systems that’ll attract customers and make them return the next time they crave a thrilling experience.

Our challenging, innovative adventure structures are designed to engage people of all ages and abilities – perfect for families who want to experience the adventure together. Our belayed and non-belayed adventure courses use state-of-the-art equipment to take customers high into the sky for a unique climbing experience. You can add an adventure course to the indoor space, or consider expanding your trampoline park to the outdoors.

You might charge an additional fee to use an adventure course, or offer package deals that include access to the adventure course. Or, you could include the course in the general ticket cost, and watch your overall sales skyrocket.

5. Show Customer Appreciation

Make your customers feel appreciated by providing top-notch customer service and staying in touch. Give them the option to receive special deals through email and keep customers engaged. Share the news of new equipment or any events you might have to celebrate your customers. Let them know the park is designed for their enjoyment, and share pictures of the equipment in action to provide a better visual. Make customers feel like you haven’t forgotten about them, and they won’t forget about you.

Make Your Trampoline Park Even Better With Soft Play

Entrepreneurs need to set themselves apart from the competition if they want their business to thrive.

So, if you’re ready to start an indoor trampoline park or upgrade your current park, you must determine what will make customers choose your park over another. How can you differentiate yourself and offer a unique experience that will keep customers coming back?

One way to boost the fun level and excite customers to return is to offer adventurous indoor play equipment. At Soft Play, we have what you need to build an unforgettable indoor trampoline park.

We offer innovative, non-traditional play structures and equipment to make kids jump for joy and to help grow your business. For example, you can make your trampoline park a place where kids can bounce around on trampolines and swing on a Wobble Hopper, maneuver and balance through a Wiggle Waggle maze, play on a non-belayed ropes course, or climb up a Roller Run.

We also offer many large and small play systems to keep kids and parents happy and active for hours.

Get a Customized Trampoline Park Solution With Soft Play

Take your indoor trampoline park to new heights by enhancing it with ultra-fun play equipment. If you have something unique in mind, we offer customization options to fit any theme or vision. All of our equipment is manufactured to the highest quality and installed by professionals who care.

Soft Play equipment can increase your business revenue by attracting more families to your trampoline park. For a free quote on park attractions, adventure park inquiries, or other trampoline park business needs, contact us today and experience the difference of Soft Play.