Your Own Play Centre or a Franchise? What You Need to Know Before Investing in Equipment
The equipment in a play centre should never be a random collection of attractions. It is what determines the success of the venue — whether children will want to come back, and whether parents will be willing to pay for the experience again. Even at the planning stage, it is worth thinking carefully about safety, the layout of the space, the division into zones, and ensuring the equipment is suited to the age of your young visitors. Read on to find out exactly what you should be paying attention to — and which path is right for you: building a play centre from scratch, or going down the franchise route.
How to Divide the Space in a Play Centre?
Not so long ago, play centres were often seen as little more than places where parents could leave their children while running errands. That perception is clearly changing. More and more parents are looking for spaces that have been thoughtfully designed: spaces that offer something beyond spontaneous physical activity.
For this reason, the equipment in a modern children's play centre cannot simply be a random assortment of attractions. It needs to be well considered, varied, and divided into functional zones.
You can design it yourself, or join a franchise and work with the ready-made Xtreme KiDS model. In either case, you should ensure the space is divided in a way that makes it easy for parents and children to choose the right attractions.
„We designed the zones in Xtreme KiDS so that parents can easily match the space to their child's age and abilities. Each zone has clear signage indicating the recommended age and height, making it easier to choose the right play area and avoid situations where a child uses equipment that is not suited to their level” – says Ewa Kądziela, Regional & Franchise Development Manager Xtreme Brands.
Active Movement Zones
- X Gym – When designing a play centre, it is important to account for the needs of older children, for whom spontaneous play alone is no longer enough. In Xtreme KiDS venues, we create mini gyms that support the development of motor skills, coordination, and muscle strength, while helping to establish healthy habits for the future.
- X-Fitness – A love of physical activity can also be nurtured in children through themed exercise classes. Fitness is a great way to improve the physical health and wellbeing of younger children, while also helping them make new friends. Xtreme KiDS play centres also host classes for children and their carers together, so that children can develop a love of physical activity by taking part alongside the people they love.
Challenge Zones
Rope structures, obstacle courses, climbing elements, trampolines, tunnels, and balance elements make up the zones that allow children to push their own limits (such as the X-Ninja zone). The equipment used in these areas develops strength, coordination, and balance, teaches children to plan their movements, and meets the expectations of those looking for more engaging and intensive activities.
Zone for the Youngest
The toddler zone (X-Baby) is designed for children aged 0 to 6. Equipment in this area should include relatively low elements and soft surfaces with no sharp edges. Simple forms are key here — ones that do not overstimulate children, but give them the opportunity to develop their motor skills and social abilities. The most popular elements include ball pools, small slides, ride-on toys, manipulative toys, and sensory panels.
Event Zones
Dedicated event zones allow for the organisation of parties and themed celebrations. At Xtreme KiDS, guests can choose from four party rooms, each with its own unique style: the Gold Room, the Disco Room, the Cloud Room, and the Fluo Room. The carefully chosen décor and equipment in each room is what makes parties there feel truly special for the birthday boy or girl.
Café Zones
Although they are not play spaces, adult zones are an equally important part of any play centre. Comfortable furniture and catering facilities transform the venue into a place where every member of the family feels at ease. Carers can enjoy a moment to themselves without losing sight of their children — which is why it is so important to furnish this area with chairs, armchairs, and tables where they can enjoy a hot coffee or finish an important work task, and to position it thoughtfully within the overall layout.
Which Structural Elements Should You Choose?
Solid structures are one of the most important elements of any play centre. The focus here, however, should be on quality rather than quantity — equipment should be suited to the age, abilities, and developmental needs of young children. It should support a variety of forms of movement: climbing, sliding, jumping, and other forms of sensory play.
The most popular options are structures combining tunnels, passages, bridges, foam obstacles, trampolines, sports courts, and climbing elements. When well designed, these can support the development of gross motor skills, coordination, sensory integration, and independence. They also teach children how to form social connections, work together, and play safely under adult supervision.
Safety and Standards
One of the most important criteria when selecting equipment for a children's play centre is safety. All elements should comply with the following standards: PN-EN 1176 and PN-EN 14960.
The first sets out general safety requirements and testing methods for playground equipment, and also covers installation, inspection, and maintenance. The second relates to inflatable play equipment intended for children up to the age of 14, and sets out safety requirements, methods for addressing risk, and ways of reducing accidents among users. Compliance with these standards across all Xtreme KiDS play centre equipment is confirmed by the ECBSiR Safety Certificate.
In addition, it is worth carrying out regular checks on the technical condition of all structures. Equipment should be maintained and kept clean. These measures not only ensure the safety of young visitors and the peace of mind of their carers, but also extend the lifespan of the equipment itself.
How Much Does It Cost to Equip a Play Centre?
The cost of equipping a play centre depends on factors including floor area, the type of attractions, and the number of levels. Modular structures — such as a jungle gym — are typically among the most expensive elements. Climbing walls, larger slides, and themed zones also account for a significant share of the budget. The final cost also depends on the operating model — whether you are working independently or within a franchise.
Xtreme KiDS play centres have a minimum floor area of 600 m², which places them among the largest play centres and children's entertainment venues in most classifications. In the franchise model, investors can benefit from cost optimisation — support covers finding the right location, completing the fit-out on a turnkey basis, and negotiating terms with equipment suppliers (learn more about the franchise model).
The capital required to launch an Xtreme KiDS play centre is 475,000 PLN. Independently equipping a play centre of a similar size and offering could cost as much as 700,000 PLN net.
Play Centre Equipment and the Premises — The Most Common Mistakes
Some of the most common mistakes made by people opening their first play centre are underestimating the cost of the project and failing to match the equipment to the ceiling height of the premises. Both of these issues can lead to limitations in how the space can be arranged at later stages. In the franchise model, this risk can be reduced at the planning stage — the investor draws on the experience and know-how of a team that has designed and launched play centres across many different locations.
Another frequent mistake is overcrowding the space with too many attractions, which reduces the overall comfort of visitors. A play centre should meet the developmental needs of different age groups — both younger and older children. Limiting the offering to just one age group can reduce the potential for visits from families with children of mixed ages, as well as the likelihood of repeat visits.
Alongside the comfort of children, the wellbeing of carers is equally important. This means creating a space where they can relax and feel in control. If a parent cannot see what their child is doing, they will not be able to enjoy their coffee in peace. Placing children's activity zones and the adult area too far apart from one another is a mistake.
What to Look for When Choosing Equipment for a Modern Play Centre?
At Xtreme KiDS, we have developed an approach that keeps both children and parents coming back to our play centres. The spaces and equipment are tailored to the needs of visitors of all ages — there is something here for everyone.
We ensure that our play centre equipment does not simply give children a chance to let off steam, but above all provides opportunities for engaging and development-focused activities. The equipment and range of additional classes are matched to children's needs at each stage of their development, allowing them to build new movement, cognitive, and social skills through play. We also pay close attention to the comfort of carers when designing our venues. A welcoming interior, comfortable sofas, and a well-stocked café allow them to unwind after a long day or catch up on work (Wi-Fi is also available).
Planning to open a play centre? Find out what the process looks like in the franchise model. Sign up for a free online webinar!
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
- What determines the equipment needed for a play centre?
The equipment required for a play centre depends on several factors, including floor area, ceiling height, and the layout of the space. It should be suited to different age groups and their developmental needs. Safety is also an important consideration when making your choices. - What elements make up the standard equipment of a play centre?
Standard play centre equipment typically includes: a main structure such as a jungle gym or other modular form (bridges, tunnels, passages, and foam elements), smaller elements such as trampolines, slides, and ball pools. It is also important to include furniture and appliances for the catering and café areas, as well as changing rooms and bathrooms. - Does play centre equipment need to be certified?
Yes, play centre equipment must comply with applicable safety standards. Depending on the specific attraction, the relevant standards are: PN-EN 1176 and PN-EN 14960. All elements — including structures, slides, bridges, tunnels, and climbing elements — should hold a certificate of conformity with the relevant standard, as well as a manufacturer's declaration. - What determines the cost of equipping a play centre?
The cost of equipping a play centre depends on factors including floor area, the number of levels in the structure, and the type of attractions. - How much space should a play centre have?
The amount of space needed in a play centre depends on the planned attractions and the needs of the target audience in a given location. For our Xtreme KiDS venues, we recommend premises with a minimum floor area of 600 m².
