Successful planning: How many square meters does your indoor playground need?

Planning and designing an indoor playground is an exciting challenge that requires careful consideration of size, location, and integration into existing facilities. In this article, we will highlight the key aspects to consider when building a successful Family Entertainment Center (FEC). From the average and maximum size, to the minimum requirements and the benefits of integration into hotels and other facilities — we cover everything you need to know to get your FEC project on the right track.

Average and maximum size

In Central Europe, most indoor playgrounds range between 1,000 m² and 4,500 m², with an average size of about 2,500 m². This size range allows for a variety of play equipment and attractions to appeal to a broad audience. However, there are also larger facilities that can encompass up to 10,000 m² or more, demonstrating the diverse possibilities for design and equipment.

Minimum size of an indoor playground

The minimum size for a standalone Family Entertainment Center (FEC) is about 500 square meters. This area can be sufficient to offer a basic selection of play equipment and simultaneously provide space for visitors during peak times such as weekends or holidays. However, a larger area can allow for more versatile attractions and increase capacity, which can have a long-term positive impact on visitor numbers and revenue. Therefore, it should be carefully considered whether a larger initial investment in a more extensive area might be a more profitable strategy to fully exploit the potential of your FEC.

Integration into existing facilities

Integrating indoor playgrounds into existing facilities such as cafés, restaurants, or hotels offers an excellent opportunity to diversify the offering and improve the customer experience. By introducing an indoor playground as an additional attraction, these facilities can manage with less space, as the playground provides added value without needing to be the main attraction.

In particular, there has been a trend in recent years for hotels to set up larger indoor playgrounds that are close to the amenities of an FEC. These hotels expand their offerings with various attractions that go beyond the traditional playground, thus providing a more comprehensive experience for families. In addition to enriching the stay of hotel guests, these facilities also allow access for day visitors. This opens up an additional source of revenue for hotels and increases their visibility and attractiveness by offering a destination for family outings and leisure activities that go beyond the scope of the hotel operation.

Location and surroundings

In urban areas, where space is limited and more expensive, smaller facilities can be successful. In contrast, larger facilities are often preferred in rural or suburban areas where more space is available. The choice of size depends on the catchment area and possible synergies with other facilities. These include, for example, shopping centres, hotels and resorts, tourist centres, and event centres.

Do you have questions? We are happy to advise you and provide valuable input. We can also offer you a geodata-based analysis of your planned location. Contact us for more information!