Setting up an entertainment venue is an exciting venture that blends creativity, business strategy, and community engagement. Whether you’re planning a trampoline park, arcade, soft play centre, or multi-activity space, creating an environment that people want to visit again and again takes more than just good ideas. It requires smart planning, the right equipment, and a focus on customer experience – from layout and safety to branding and even details like takeaway bags.
Here’s a guide to setting up a successful entertainment venue that entertains, impresses, and endures.
Define Your Concept and Target Audience
Start with a clear idea of what kind of experience you want to offer. Are you catering to families with young children, teenagers, corporate groups, or a mix? Your theme, pricing, activities, and even your branding will hinge on understanding your target audience.
For example, a family-focused venue might include soft play, sensory rooms, and toddler-friendly cafés. Meanwhile, a teen or adult-oriented venue could centre around immersive tech experiences or active attractions like trampoline park installations.
A strong concept helps differentiate your venue from competitors and gives visitors a reason to choose you over other options in the area.
Choose the Right Location
Location is key to any entertainment business. Look for areas with good transport links, ample parking, and a strong population base. Visibility from main roads or shopping areas can also give you a boost.
The site itself should offer enough space for your core attractions and support facilities like toilets, seating areas, food outlets, and staff rooms. High ceilings and open-plan layouts are especially important if you’re considering attractions like trampoline park installations, climbing walls, or indoor sports zones.
Invest in High-Quality Installations
Once you’ve secured a location, it’s time to bring your space to life. Choosing the right equipment and installations is critical — not just for fun, but for safety and longevity.
If you’re going for an active play concept, working with a professional supplier of trampoline park installations is essential. These specialists can design and install custom layouts tailored to your space, ensuring everything is built to industry safety standards. From foam pits and dodgeball courts to wall-running zones and basketball hoops, modern trampoline parks offer much more than just bouncing.
Other installations might include virtual reality games, laser tag arenas, or interactive climbing walls, depending on your audience and budget. Always think long-term — investing in quality now will reduce maintenance costs and downtime later.
Don’t Overlook the Details
The best entertainment venues get the basics right and then go the extra mile. Think carefully about your layout — people should be able to navigate the space easily, with clear signage and zones for different age groups or activity levels.
Cleanliness, lighting, temperature control, and staff visibility all contribute to the overall atmosphere. Food and drink areas should feel safe and comfortable, and toilets must be well-maintained.
Small touches like branded takeaway bags for food, merchandise or party gifts can leave a lasting impression on customers. If you’re offering birthday packages or on-site cafés, having printed takeaway bags not only reinforces your brand but also adds a touch of professionalism that families and organisers will appreciate.
Safety and Compliance
Entertainment venues, especially those with physical activities, must comply with strict safety regulations. Make sure your installations meet all relevant British Standards, and have regular inspections and risk assessments carried out.
Train staff thoroughly — not just in customer service, but also in health and safety, first aid, and emergency procedures. Parents need to trust that their children are safe in your venue, and teens and adults want to feel secure and supported while enjoying high-energy activities.
Marketing and Customer Experience
Once your venue is ready, it’s time to get the word out. Build an engaging website, set up social media accounts, and consider introductory offers or launch events. Collect reviews and feedback from early visitors and use them to fine-tune your offering.
Customer experience should remain your top priority. From the moment someone walks through the door to the time they leave (hopefully with a smile and a branded takeaway bag), every detail counts.
