How to Open a Trampoline Park: A Step by Step Guide

Here are the most important factors to consider when you want to start a trampoline park:

1. Location — Choose a location that is easily accessible and has ample space to accommodate trampolines and other recreational equipment. Consider areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping centers, industrial parks, or near schools and family-friendly neighborhoods.
2. Zoning — Ensure the chosen location complies with local zoning laws and regulations for recreational facilities. You may need to obtain special permits or approvals from local authorities to operate a trampoline park.
3. Trampolines — Invest in high-quality trampolines that are safe, durable, and suitable for various age groups. Ensure they meet safety standards and are designed to withstand heavy usage.
4. Safety equipment — Implement comprehensive safety measures, including padded mats, netting, and protective gear for visitors. Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment to prevent accidents and injuries.
5. Trained staff — Hire and train staff to supervise the trampoline park, enforce safety rules, and provide assistance to visitors. Staff should be knowledgeable about safety protocols and emergency procedures.
6. Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
7. Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN.
8. Licenses and permits — Obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate your trampoline park legally. This may include business licenses, health and safety permits, and liability insurance.
9. Maintenance — Develop a regular maintenance schedule to ensure all trampolines and equipment are safe and well-maintained. This includes inspecting for wear and tear, cleaning, and replacing any damaged parts.

You May Also Wonder:

Is a trampoline park profitable?

Trampoline parks can be profitable if they are well-managed and attract a steady flow of customers. Factors such as location, pricing, marketing strategies, and the overall customer experience can greatly impact profitability. It’s essential to conduct thorough market research, develop a solid business plan, and effectively manage expenses to maximize profitability.

What happens during a typical day at a trampoline park?

During a typical day at a trampoline park, customers engage in various activities centered around trampolines. This includes jumping on trampoline mats, participating in organized games and activities, testing their skills on obstacle courses, practicing flips and tricks in foam pits, and engaging in dodgeball or basketball games on trampoline courts. Trampoline parks may also offer other amenities such as arcades, party rooms, and snack bars to enhance the overall customer experience.

What is the growth potential of a trampoline park?

The growth potential of a trampoline park largely depends on factors such as market demand, competition, location, and the ability to adapt and innovate. Trampoline parks have gained popularity in recent years, offering a unique and active entertainment option for individuals and families. However, market saturation and changing consumer preferences can affect the growth potential. To sustain growth, trampoline parks can consider diversifying their offerings, expanding to new locations, introducing new attractions, and targeting niche markets.

What type of business is a trampoline park?

A trampoline park is typically categorized as an entertainment or recreational facility. It falls within the broader category of the amusement and recreation industry. Trampoline parks provide a venue for people of different ages to engage in physical activities, have fun, and socialize. From a business perspective, trampoline parks operate as commercial enterprises, offering services and experiences for which customers pay a fee.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Trampoline park industry trends

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The U.S. trampoline park industry was worth $654 million in 2021 after experiencing good growth since their introduction to the market in 2006.((https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/trampoline-parks-industry/))
• Growth forecast – The U.S. trampoline park industry is projected to grow modestly during the coming years.
• Number of businesses – In 2021, 701 trampoline parks were operating in the U.S.
• Number of people employed – In 2021, the U.S. trampoline park industry employed 6,676 people.

Trends and challenges

Trends

• The average age of trampoline jumpers is getting higher.
• Trampoline jumping is being recognized as a good form of exercise.

Challenges

• Injuries in trampoline parks have risen, resulting in tighter regulations.
• Insurance rates are on the rise for trampoline parks due to a number of lawsuits that have come about due to injuries.

How much does it cost to start a trampoline park business?

Startup costs for a trampoline park range from $180,000 to $300,000. Costs include the space rental and preparation, trampolines and safety equipment, and an operating budget.

Alternatively, you could purchase a trampoline park franchise like Urban Air Trampoline or Big Air Trampoline. 

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your trampoline park business, including: 

• Trampolines
• Safety equipment including nets
• POS system

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Setting up a business name and corporation	$100 - $500	$300
Business licenses and permits	$100 - $300	$200
Insurance	$100-$500	$300
Website	$500 - $1,000	$750
Space rental and preparation	$100,000 - $150,000	$125,000
Trampolines and safety equipment	$50,000 - $100,000	$75,000
Labor and operating budget	$30,000 - $50,000	$40,000
Sales and marketing budget	$500 - $1,000	$750
Total	$181,300 - $303,300	$242,300

How much can you earn from a trampoline park business?

You should be able to charge about $20 per hour per person. Your profit margin after all costs should be about 20%. 

In your first year or two, you could have 50 customers a day, 6 days a week, bringing in $312,000 in revenue. This would mean $62,400 in profit, assuming that 20% margin. 

As you gain traction, you might double your customers. With annual revenue of $624,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $124,800. 

You could bring in additional revenue by selling food and beverages, or hosting special events.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a trampoline park. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Funding the startup costs
• Keeping visitors safe

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a trampoline park, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research could give you the upper hand even if you’ve got the perfect product. Conducting robust market research is crucial, as it will help you better understand your customers, your competitors, and the broader business landscape.

Analyze your competitors 

Research trampoline parks in your area and online to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews.

• Make a list of trampoline parks that offer similar services. 
• Review your competitors’ services – their features, pricing, and quality – and marketing strategies.
• Check out their online reviews and ratings on Google, Yelp, and Facebook to get an idea of what their customers like and dislike.
• Identify your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. 

This should identify areas where you can strengthen your business and gain a competitive edge to make better business decisions.

Why? Identify an opportunity

You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing an indoor trampoline park that has an indoor playground for small children, or a trampoline park that has a dodge ball league.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your services and products

In addition to charging for admission to the park, you could have a café and sell food and beverages. You could also offer other attractions in your park and charge more for access to those.

How much should you charge for trampoline park admission?

Your prices should depend on market prices in your area, but also on your operating costs.

Once you know your costs, use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be families, but also younger adults, so you should market in TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Where? Choose a trampoline park location

You’ll need to rent out a large space for your park unless you decide to build a facility. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing a suitable location for your trampoline park, you may want to follow these suggestions:

1. Demographics: Choose areas with many families and young adults.
2. Visibility and Accessibility: Ensure it’s near main roads with good parking.
3. Competition: Avoid saturated markets; offer unique experiences.
4. Size and Layout: Space should accommodate trampolines, safety zones, and potential expansion.
5. Local Regulations: Confirm the area’s zoning allows for recreational use.
6. Nearby Amenities: Being near eateries and shopping centers is a bonus.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Trampoline Park Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “trampoline” or “adventure park”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Jump Scape Ventures” or “BounceBeyond Zone” over “AeroFitness Jump” or “BounceFit Hub”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead and reserve your business name with your state, start the trademark registration process, and complete your domain registration and social media account creation. 

Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick a name, reserve it and start with the branding, it’s hard to switch to a new name. So be sure to carefully consider your choice before moving forward. 

Step 4: Create a Trampoline Park Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: Provide a brief summary of your trampoline park business plan, highlighting its unique features, target audience, and financial outlook.
• Business Overview: Describe the nature of your trampoline park business, its location, the size of the facility, and the variety of trampoline-based activities and services you plan to offer.
• Product and Services: Explain the different activities and services available at your trampoline park, including standard trampoline jumping, dodgeball games, fitness classes, party packages, and any additional offerings.
• Market Analysis: Analyze the demand for indoor trampoline parks in your target market, considering factors like demographics, competition, and trends in family entertainment.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify existing trampoline parks and similar entertainment venues in your area, highlighting your park’s competitive advantages, such as unique features or pricing strategies.
• Sales and Marketing: Describe your sales and marketing strategies, including how you’ll attract customers through advertising, promotions, and partnerships with schools or organizations.
• Management Team: Introduce yourself and any key team members involved in running the trampoline park, emphasizing their experience in the leisure and entertainment industry.
• Operations Plan: Detail the day-to-day operations of your trampoline park, including safety protocols, staffing requirements, maintenance schedules, and hours of operation.
• Financial Plan: Present financial projections, including startup costs, revenue forecasts based on expected attendance and pricing, and profitability estimates for your trampoline park.
• Appendix: Include any supplementary materials, such as images of the trampoline park layout, safety guidelines, or marketing materials, to support your trampoline park business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to trampoline parks. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your trampoline park will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts. Here’s how to form an LLC.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation. Read how to start a corporation here.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have. 

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a trampoline park business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.  

Step 8: Apply for Trampoline Park Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a trampoline park business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your trampoline park business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Clubspeed, or lilYPad, to manage your tickets, payments, and memberships.

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Create a website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism. You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

Your customers are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. SEO will help your website appear closer to the top in relevant search results, a crucial element for increasing sales. 

Make sure that you optimize calls to action on your website. Experiment with text, color, size, and position of calls to action such as “Buy Tickets Now”. This can sharply increase purchases. 

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Social Media Challenges: Leverage the power of social media by creating fun challenges or competitions related to trampoline activities, encouraging users to share their experiences and tag your park for a chance to win prizes.
• Local SEO — Regularly update your Google My Business and Yelp profiles to strengthen your local search presence.
• Themed Nights and Events: Host themed nights or events, such as glow-in-the-dark trampoline sessions, family nights, or fitness-focused evenings, to attract different customer segments and keep the experience fresh.
• Partnerships with Schools and Groups: Establish partnerships with local schools and community groups, offering special discounts or exclusive sessions for students and their families to generate regular group bookings.
• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program where existing customers receive discounts or free sessions for every new customer they bring in, creating a word-of-mouth marketing effect.
• Collaborate with Fitness Influencers: Partner with local fitness influencers to promote your trampoline park as a fun and effective workout destination, reaching a broader audience interested in fitness and a unique exercise experience.
• Birthday Party Packages: Design attractive birthday party packages with special perks like personalized decorations, discounted group rates, and exclusive access to certain areas, making your trampoline park a go-to destination for celebrations.
• Customer Loyalty Programs: Introduce a loyalty program offering discounts, freebies, or VIP access for customers who frequent your trampoline park, encouraging repeat visits and building a loyal customer base.
• Online Video Content: Create engaging and shareable video content showcasing the excitement of your trampoline park, including customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and highlight reels to increase online visibility.
• Local Sponsorships: Sponsor local sports teams, community events, or youth programs to enhance your park’s community presence and build positive associations with your brand.
• Online Booking Discounts: Offer exclusive discounts or perks for customers who book their trampoline sessions online, incentivizing online reservations and streamlining the customer experience.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your trampoline park meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your trampoline park business could be:

• Experience gravity-defying fun at our trampoline park, where excitement knows no bounds
• Soar to new heights and unleash your inner acrobat in our thrilling trampoline park
• Jumpstart unforgettable memories and endless laughter in our one-of-a-kind trampoline wonderland

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a trampoline park business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in trampoline parks for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in trampoline parks. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a trampoline park business include:

• Park attendants – monitor visitors, customer service
• Marketing lead – create and implement marketing strategies
• General manager – scheduling, accounting

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Trampoline Park – Start Making Money!

Trampoline parks offer a fun and adventurous experience for kids and even adults. They’ve been growing in popularity and have evolved into a $650 million industry. By starting your own trampoline park, you’ll be providing a great place for family fun in your community and making a nice living.

Now that you understand the business, you’re ready to get your successful trampoline park jump-started!