Play areas in restaurants and hotels: a guide before you install
A play area can make a family choose your restaurant or hotel and stay longer. But it also adds responsibility and maintenance. This guide covers what is worth deciding before you install anything.
1. How much space you have (and its height)
Measure the usable floor area and the ceiling height. With little space you can build compact areas; with more height, multi-level structures. Everything is designed to measure: this is what our indoor play areas are like.
2. Where to put it
- In view of the tables, so adults can see the children.
- Away from emergency exits, kitchens and staff routes.
- With controlled entry and separated from the area for the youngest children if there is one.
3. Who is responsible
Set the rules of use (ages, heights, footwear, accompanying adult) and display them. Confirm with your insurer that the play area is covered. Supervising the children is up to those with them, but the safety of the equipment is up to you: that is why EN 1176 matters.
4. Cleaning and maintenance
A play area needs a routine: a visual check before opening, cleaning as the manufacturer instructs and a more thorough periodic inspection. You will find the detail in the maintenance guide.
5. How it fits your business
- Restaurants and cafés: designed so adults can eat and chat while the children play.
- Hotels and campsites: one more reason to choose your accommodation for family holidays and weekends.
- Shopping centres: a space that extends the visit.
Measure the effect in your case: before installing, note occupancy and average spend of families; afterwards, compare it with the new period.
For guidance only. Requirements depend on your country, region and local authority: check them with the relevant authority before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
How much space does a restaurant play area need?
It depends on the venue and what you want to include. It is designed to measure from your floor area and ceiling height; tell us the space available and we will propose a layout.
Is a permit needed to install a play area in a restaurant or hotel?
Possibly. It depends on your municipality and on whether the area changes the activity or the licence of the venue. Check it in writing with your local authority before you buy.
Who takes care of maintenance?
The owner of the venue. You do the daily check and cleaning; technical inspections of the structure can be done by the manufacturer or another specialist service. We offer inspection and maintenance of the structure (we do not clean the balls).
Other sections: Products · Installation and maintenance