MARWEY: The Global Certified Indoor Trampoline Park Manufacturer & Turn-Key Factory

A trampoline park is generally considered a good business investment, particularly when operating as a modern Family Entertainment Center (FEC).

The global trampoline park market shows strong growth, projected to grow at a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 17% through 2030. Success depends on a strong business plan, a good location, diversified attractions (beyond just trampolines), and excellent safety/management practices.

Revenues vary significantly based on location, size, and business model (independent vs. franchise). Industry reports suggest the average annual revenue for an indoor trampoline park can be between $1 million and $3 million USD.

A significant portion of revenue often comes from parties, group events, concessions, and additional attractions.

Starting a trampoline park is a major undertaking that requires significant planning, capital, and attention to safety and legal compliance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to approach starting a trampoline park business:

1. Market Research and Business Concept

The foundation of your business is understanding your market and defining your unique offering.

• Target Market: Define your primary customer base. Is it families with young children, teenagers (for dodgeball/fitness), or corporate groups? This affects your park design and pricing.
• Competition Analysis: Research all direct (other trampoline parks) and indirect (bowling alleys, laser tag, indoor playgrounds) competitors in your region. Analyze their pricing, attractions, and what they do well or poorly.
• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Determine how you will stand out. Will you focus on high-end attractions, a specialized theme, fitness classes, or superior party packages?
• Business Model: Decide between an Independent Park (full creative control, no royalties) or a Franchise (established brand, proven operations, but with fees and less flexibility).

2. Develop a Comprehensive Business Plan

This document is essential for securing financing and guiding your operation. It should include:

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of the entire plan.
• Company Description: Your mission, vision, and legal structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.).
• Market Analysis: Detailed findings from your research, including target audience and competitive landscape.
• Products & Services: Detailed list of all attractions (main court, dodgeball, ninja course, foam pit), party packages, concessions, and other revenue streams (fitness classes, merchandise).
• Management Team: Who will run the business and their relevant experience.
• Financial Plan:
• Startup Costs: Detailed estimates for equipment, building improvements, licenses, insurance, pre-opening marketing, and working capital (often $1.5 million to over $4 million total).
• Funding Strategy: How you will finance the park (SBA loans, investors, self-funding).
• Projections: 3-5 year financial forecasts (P&L, cash flow, break-even analysis).

3. Secure a Location and Facility

The property is one of the most critical factors for a trampoline park's success and safety.

• Size and Height: Look for a building with a large open floor plan. Industry guidelines often recommend a minimum of 18,000 - 20,000+ square feet and a clear ceiling height of at least 17 - 18 feet (5.2 - 5.5 meters) to accommodate safe jumping.
• Zoning: Confirm the location is properly zoned for a commercial family entertainment center/indoor recreational use. This is a common early hurdle.
• Accessibility: Choose a highly visible location with easy access, high traffic flow, and ample parking.
• Lease/Purchase: Secure the property with favorable lease terms or purchase the building.

4. Design and Equipment Procurement

This is where your vision is translated into a physical space.

• Professional Design: Work with experienced architects and a reputable trampoline park equipment manufacturer (like MARWEY) to create a safe, efficient, and engaging layout that maximizes jump area and minimizes congestion.
• Attraction Mix: Select a variety of attractions based on your target market (e.g., more ninja/warrior courses for teens, a dedicated toddler zone for families).
• Equipment Quality: Ensure all equipment is certified and meets international safety standards (e.g., those from the ASTM or the International Association of Trampoline Parks - IATP). Get multiple bids from suppliers.

5. Legal, Insurance, and Compliance

This is the most crucial step for risk management.

• Business Registration: Register your business entity and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Licensing & Permits: Obtain all required local and state licenses, including a General Business License, Zoning/Land Use Permits, and a Fire Safety Certificate. If you serve food, you will need Health Department permits.
• Liability Insurance: Trampoline parks are considered a high-risk business. Secure a robust commercial general liability insurance policy—this will be a significant ongoing expense.
• Waivers: Implement a mandatory, legally sound liability waiver system for all participants, which is essential for risk mitigation.
• Safety Protocols: Develop detailed safety rules, staff training programs, and emergency procedures.

6. Staffing and Operations

• Hiring: Recruit and hire your management team and court monitors. The court monitor is a critical role for safety.
• Training: Provide comprehensive training focused on emergency response, first aid, customer service, and enforcing safety rules.
• Technology: Implement a robust Point of Sale (POS) and ticketing system that can handle online bookings, waivers, scheduling, and tracking sales.

7. Marketing and Launch

• Pre-Launch Marketing: Build buzz by creating a website, social media presence, and local campaigns (press releases, local event sponsorships) months before opening.
• Pricing Strategy: Set prices for jump time, party packages, and concessions based on your cost analysis and competitor pricing.
• Grand Opening: Plan a large, well-publicized launch event to generate excitement and initial cash flow.

The time for a trampoline park to achieve a full Return on Investment (ROI) can vary, but industry benchmarks suggest that a profitable park typically begins to see substantial financial gains and can reach profitability within 18 to 24 months post-launch.

Key factors influencing this timeline include the initial investment size, rent/lease terms, operational efficiency, and effective marketing.

The initial investment to open a commercial trampoline park is substantial and highly variable.The cost includes facility build-out, equipment purchase and installation, insurance, and initial working capital.

• Total Startup Costs: Can range widely, with smaller centers starting around $250,000 to $500,000 USD and large-scale Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) often requiring $1 million to over $4 million USD. 
• Trampoline Equipment Cost (MARWEY Focus): The cost of the main trampoline and attraction equipment can be a major part of the budget, typically ranging from $50,000 to over $300,000 USD for high-quality, medium-to-large installations, depending on complexity (e.g., standard courts, foam pits, ninja courses, interactive elements).

For a comprehensive indoor playground that may or may not include trampolines, the investment is similar to a small-to-medium trampoline park.

Startup Cost Estimate: Typically between $250,000 and $400,000 USD for a medium-sized indoor play facility (2,000 to 9,000 square feet). 

Equipment Costs: Non-trampoline soft play equipment can range from $20,000 to $150,000 USD depending on the size and complexity of the structure, climbing walls, or ninja courses.

A commercial trampoline park requires a significant facility size and high ceiling height for safe operation.

• Minimum Size Recommendation: The International Adventure & Trampoline Association (IATP) suggests business owners secure a building with a minimum of 18,000 square feet (approx. 1,672 square meters).
• Optimal Size for FECs: Many modern parks and franchises prefer larger spaces, often starting from 25,000 to 35,000+ square feet.
• Ceiling Height: A critical factor is the ceiling height, which should be at least 17 to 18 feet (approx. 5.2 to 5.5 meters) from the floor to the lowest obstruction for safe jumping.
• Trampoline Area: The actual trampoline area typically accounts for about 45% to 50% of the total venue space.

For Owners/Investors: Yes, the initial investment is high due to the specialized commercial equipment, facility fit-out, and comprehensive insurance requirements.

For Customers: Relative to other entertainment options, prices vary. Typical admission is charged per hour, which can range from $15 to $30 USD per hour depending on the region and park features. Birthday parties and group events are generally considered premium-priced packages.

The primary disadvantages and risks for a trampoline park business include:

• Higher Risk of Injury: Trampoline parks, by their nature, carry a higher risk of injury (e.g., fractures, sprains) compared to many other family entertainment options, leading to higher insurance costs and potential liability.
• High Initial Investment: Significant upfront capital is required for the facility, equipment, and safety padding.
• Operating Costs: High ongoing costs for safety maintenance, regular equipment inspections, liability insurance, and trained staff (court monitors/referees).
• Perceived Risk by Customers/Landlords: The public perception of injury risk can deter some customers, and some commercial landlords may be hesitant to lease space to a high-liability business.

Insurance is one of the most substantial and critical operating expenses due to the high-risk nature of the business.

General Liability Insurance: Costs can be very high and are subject to location, state regulations, and the park's safety history. While some smaller estimates exist, industry-specific insurance providers often report that comprehensive annual General Liability policies (with a minimum of $1 million per-occurrence limit) are hard to get and very expensive, often in the tens of thousands to potentially over $100,000 USD per year depending on the carrier and coverage limits required.

• Age Limits: Most commercial trampoline parks set an age limit for unsupervised or solo jumping, often requiring children under the age of 6 to be accompanied by an adult, or they may have dedicated soft-play areas for toddlers. There is typically no upper age limit.
• Best Age: Trampoline parks are designed to be enjoyed by all ages, but the most enthusiastic user groups are often school-age children (ages 6 to 12) and teenagers. Modern FECs with ninja courses and other attractions aim to attract young adults and families as well.

• Residential Permits: In many regions, a permit is not required for a standard above-ground or in-ground trampoline. However, some homeowner associations, city ordinances, or insurance policies may have restrictions or requirements. It is best practice to always check with the local municipality (zoning/building department) before installation.
• Commercial Parks (MARWEY Customers): A wide array of permits, licenses, and safety certifications are strictly required to operate a commercial trampoline park (e.g., building permits, fire safety, zoning, and amusement/recreation licenses).

The money required to start a trampoline park is substantial and highly variable. The total initial investment typically ranges from $500,000 up to over $8 million, depending heavily on the business model and size.

General Range for Initial Investment

• Independent or Smaller Park: $500,000 to $3,000,000

  Large-Scale or Franchise Park (e.g., Urban Air, Altitude): $1,700,000 to over $8,000,000 (This higher figure includes franchise fees, extensive attractions, and substantial leasehold improvements).

Breakdown of Major Costs

The majority of the startup capital is allocated to three key areas:

• Leasehold Improvements and Build-Out ($500,000 - $1,500,000+): This is often the largest single expense. It covers converting an empty warehouse or retail space (typically 20,000 to 40,000 square feet) to meet safety codes, installing HVAC, electricity, fire suppression systems, flooring, and constructing party rooms.
• Trampoline & Attraction Equipment ($100,000 - $750,000+): Purchasing, shipping, and installing the trampolines, foam pits, ninja courses, climbing walls, and other specialized safety equipment.
• Working Capital & Other Fees: This includes initial security deposits, permits, pre-opening staff salaries, marketing, and the significant cost of liability insurance. (For franchises, the upfront Franchise Fee alone can be $50,000 to $150,000+).