A family entertainment center (or centre), often abbreviated FEC in the entertainment industry (also known as an indoor amusement park or indoor theme park), is a small amusement park marketed towards families with small children to teenagers, and often entirely indoors or associated with a larger operation such as a theme park. They usually cater to “sub-regional markets of larger metropolitan areas.” FECs are generally small compared to full-scale amusement parks, with fewer attractions, a lower per-person per-hour cost to consumers than a traditional amusement park, and not usually major tourist attractions, but sustained by an area customer base. Many are locally owned and operated, although there are a number of chains and franchises in the field. FECs are sometimes called family amusement centers, play zones, family fun centers, or simply fun centers. Some non-traditional FECs, called urban entertainment centers (UECs), with more customized and branded attractions and retail outlets, are associated with major entertainment companies and may be tourist destinations. Others, sometimes operated by Non-Profit organizations as Children’s Museums or Science Centers. FECs may also be adjuncts to full-scale amusement parks.
Helpful things to do when starting your own Family Fun Entertainment Center
Make a study of the area where your Family Entertainment Center will open and make sure the area will support it. The local Chamber of Commerce can help you with information in your chosen area. You may consider professional help in this study.
Every business needs a Business Plan — a Business Plan based upon your business needs. Your Business Plan should list a program such as:
- What product line will be operating.
- Customer market, supply and demand for your service.
- How to obtain your market and the product you market.
- Other businesses competing with you and what your competitive edge will be
- Last, but not least, the amount of expenses you will accumulate compared to the profit you plan to gain in a given
time.
Make sure your necessary financing is available when you are ready to begin the project. JIM’S JUNGLE PLAY & DESIGN will recommend financing if needed.
The location of your business is very important. Make sure the location is easily accessible to the market you are accommodating.
A very important element in designing a play system is adequate ceiling heights at entry points and exits of the playsystem. Fire and city codes need to be checked for restrictions. A well-designed play system needs to have easy accessibility for the children as well as for the parents to observe while the children play.
JIM’S JUNGLE PLAY & DESIGN recommends you employ an architect in your area to develop a site plan or design. If needed, we will work with you and the architect to accomplish your goals.
After following the steps above, JIM’S JUNGLE PLAY & DESIGN will work with you to design the play system best suited for your budget and location.
Build Your Own!
Select from our components to design the play equipment of your dreams!
JIM’S JUNGLE PLAY & DESIGN
PO Box 6258
Abilene, Texas 79608
(325)-665 7274
jimsjungleplay@gmail.com