Startup cost
$1.0M–$3.0M
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start an Indoor Trampoline Park
Decision Snapshot
Trampoline Park
Idea Score
50
Profit margin
39%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Very high
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start an Indoor Trampoline Park business - Background
At the 2000 Summer Olympics, trampolining became an official Olympic sport. Since then, the sport has grown quickly—and so has the indoor trampoline industry. In 2011, there were only between 35 and 45 indoor trampoline park businesses. Today, there are over 500 parks in just the United States—making this the fastest-growing segment of the out-of-home entertainment industry. As the demand for indoor places to jump continues to grow, the industry is expected to as well.
You may also be interested in additional unique business ideas.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Trampoline Park business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening an indoor trampoline park?
The costs involved in opening an indoor trampoline park business are often high. Startup costs average in the low seven figures, because trampoline parks usually must be custom built. There are two steps business owners can take to reduce their buildout costs slightly, although they can’t be completely eliminated.
First, business owners should get quotes from multiple contractors. Business owners should contact several contractors that specialize in indoor trampoline parks and ask them to submit a bid. Obtaining multiple bids not only shows what different contractors will charge for the work, but it also gives the business owner several designs to consider. One design may be simpler than the others and, therefore, significantly cheaper.
Second, business owners can look for a building that already has a wide open space. Choosing a location that has a large, open area will reduce any costs associated with demolishing walls, counters or other structures that are already in place.
Some buildings that may be good locations are old industrial buildings and old barns. Both provide lots of open space and are usually in low-rent areas. Although they may be in rural or industrial areas, guests will usually drive to an indoor trampoline park business even if it’s a little out of the way because it provides a unique business.
Read our indoor trampoline park purchasing guide to learn about the materials and equipment you’ll need to start an indoor trampoline park, how much to budget, and where to make purchases.
What are the ongoing expenses for an indoor trampoline park?
The largest ongoing expenses for an indoor trampoline park business include rent and common area maintenance, which together should be between 15 and 20 percent of gross revenue, labor costs, which should be between 20 and 25 percent. Trampoline parks that don’t serve food usually have labor costs closer to 20 percent, while those that have food tend to be closer to 25 percent. Insurance typically runs between 6 and 7 percent of gross revenue.
Other ongoing expenses include marketing costs, trampoline repair costs and utilities.
Who is the target market?
An indoor trampoline park business’ ideal customer is a family that has active children and discretionary income. Trampolines are a fun way for kids to burn off some energy while having fun, and a family with discretionary income can afford to bring kids to the trampoline park.
How does an indoor trampoline park make money?
An indoor trampoline park business makes money by charging guests a fee for a set amount of jump time. Many also rent equipment (e.g. specialized jumping socks) and sell refreshments.
How much can you charge customers?
Indoor trampoline park businesses typically charge around $10 per hour of jumping time. Rates are slightly higher in high-rent areas, and they may be a little lower in less-populated areas.
How much profit can an indoor trampoline park make?
While the startup costs for an indoor trampoline park are high, so is the profit potential. One trampoline park in California has a gross revenue of $2 million and a profit margin of 39 percent — which equates to an annual profit of $780,000. A business owner who opened a park in New Jersey expected a profit margin of 25 percent.
How can you make your business more profitable?
An indoor trampoline park business can increase its profitability by adding concessions and other forms of entertainment. Transforming a facility that’s exclusively dedicated to trampolines into one that’s a trampoline-focused family entertainment venue can double guests’ time in the park and increase revenue by as much as $1 million annually.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at an indoor trampoline park?
In a typical day, a business owner will welcome guests, explain how to enjoy the trampolines safely and respond to guests’ requests. They also may help serve guests refreshments, prepare for any scheduled parties and clean the facility, although these tasks may also be done by employees.
When not interacting with guests, a business owner will spend their time scheduling and managing employees, inspecting and repairing equipment, and marketing the business.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful indoor trampoline park?
Indoor trampoline park business owners don’t need any specific training before they open a trampoline park, but they ought to have strong communication skills (in order to clearly explain safety protocols), good customer service abilities, and decent general business skills. Business owners who want to improve in any of these areas may want to attend a relevant seminar or a class at a local community college.
While it isn’t required, business owners may want to become certified service technicians. Getting certified as a service technician can help a business owner keep their maintenance costs low, as they’ll be able to perform a lot of the maintenance their trampolines need themselves. The International Association of Trampoline Parks offers two levels of certified service technicians exams.
What is the growth potential for an indoor trampoline park?
Most indoor trampoline park businesses serve a single city. In areas where there is already at least one trampoline park, competition may be stiff. In cities that don’t have any, though, an indoor trampoline park business can fill a unique niche in the out-of-home entertainment industry. People from all over the city may be willing to drive to the trampoline park, because it’s something different.
Should you consider joining a franchise?
Joining an indoor trampoline park franchise can be a good option for entrepreneurs who prefer to use a proven model rather than start from scratch. While joining one can mean slightly higher initial costs and less control, a quality franchise offers great benefits such as initial and ongoing support, marketing assistance, and brand recognition.
Opening an indoor trampoline park franchise typically requires $1,000,000-$3,000,000. Larger indoor trampoline park franchises like Sky Zone typically cost more, while more niche favorites like Rockin’ Jump often have lower startup costs.
Interested in joining an indoor trampoline park franchise? Check out our favorites.
What are some insider tips for jump starting an indoor trampoline park?
When designing an indoor trampoline park, only 50 to 55 percent of of the space should be devoted to trampolines. Leaving about half of the space without trampolines provides plenty of room for a welcome area, concession stand and seating. It also lets a business expand in the future and add another entertainment option without relocating (and having to build-out another place).
How and when to build a team
Because indoor trampoline park businesses have large facilities and are open long hours, most business owners hire at least a few employees from the outset. Entry-level employees can help process guests when they first arrive, serve guests refreshments and run parties. Eventually, a successful trampoline park that has other features may have 35 to 40 employees.
Part 2 - Is an Indoor Trampoline Park business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Trampoline Park business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Trampoline Park Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Indoor Trampoline Park business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.