Children’s Play Centre Businesses for Sale

Create magical experiences for families when you buy one of our children's play centres for sale. Contact us today to explore available opportunities.


Buy a children's play centre business now


Children's play centres have become essential community hubs where families gather, children burn energy and parents enjoy precious downtime. The indoor play sector has grown significantly over recent decades, evolving from simple ball pits to sophisticated entertainment venues offering climbing frames, slides, role-play zones and themed party rooms.

Acquiring a children's play centre allows you to build a business around laughter and family happiness. We have experience supporting acquisitions in this rewarding sector, and we're ready to help you find a soft play or activity centre that matches your ambitions. Browse our available businesses below or get in touch for personalised assistance.

Looking to sell your Children’s Play Centre Business

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What are the benefits of owning a children's play centre?

• You will provide a valuable service to families in your area, creating happy memories for children and relief for parents

• You can generate multiple income streams through admission fees, party bookings, café sales and special events

• You have potential for strong weekend and school holiday trading when demand peaks

• You can develop repeat business through membership schemes and loyalty programmes

• You will operate in a sector with relatively stable demand that isn't heavily affected by economic fluctuations

• You can create a vibrant workplace atmosphere that's energetic and fulfilling

"Children's play centres represent a fantastic opportunity for people-focused entrepreneurs. The combination of regular customers, party bookings and café revenue creates a robust business model with genuine growth potential in the right location."

Paul Williamson, Managing Director

What types of children's play centres can I buy?

Soft play centres

These venues focus on padded play equipment suitable for younger children, typically featuring ball pits, foam structures, tunnels and slides. They're designed for safety and are particularly popular with parents of toddlers and pre-school children.

Adventure play centres

Larger facilities catering to older children with more challenging equipment, including high climbing frames, zip lines, obstacle courses and sports areas. These centres often attract a broader age range and can host larger parties.

Combined play and party venues

Many centres have evolved to prioritise the party market, with dedicated rooms, catering facilities and entertainment packages. This model can provide substantial income from weekend bookings while maintaining weekday admission revenue.

The process of buying a play centre business

We've streamlined the acquisition process to make buying a children's play centre as straightforward as possible:

1. Identify a suitable play centre from our listings or through our advisory service

2. Request comprehensive information, including turnover, party bookings, equipment inventory and safety certificates. We may ask you to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) at this point.

3. Arrange a viewing to observe the facility during operating hours and assess customer flow

4. Complete your due diligence, examining financial records, lease agreements, staff contracts and equipment maintenance history

5. Negotiate terms covering the purchase price, equipment condition guarantees and handover support

6. Work with your solicitor to finalise all legal documentation

7. Complete the transaction and take ownership of your new business

After the acquisition, you may need to register the business under your ownership and update relevant safety certifications. We'll guide you through these requirements to ensure a smooth transition.

Why purchase a play centre through Ernest Wilson?

• Around 75 years of experience in UK business sales

• Successfully completed over 40,000 business transactions

• Excellent client feedback demonstrating our service quality

• Many offices across the UK provide regional market knowledge

• Expertise across diverse business sectors

• Professional team of specialists dedicated to your success

• No upfront fees to worry about

• Financing support is available when required

Start your play centre journey today

Transform your entrepreneurial ambitions into reality by acquiring one of our children's play centres for sale. Whether you're drawn to the soft play sector or adventure centre market, we'll support you throughout your buying journey. Get in touch with our team now to begin.

If you currently own a play centre and are considering selling, we can assist with that too. Arrange a valuation to get started now and discover your business's market value.

Frequently asked questions about buying children's play centres

Are children's play centres profitable?

Children's play centres can generate healthy profits when operated effectively. Your income will come from various sources, including entrance fees, birthday party packages, café sales and potentially classes or special events. Profitability depends on factors such as location, local competition, facility quality and your ability to maintain high safety standards whilst controlling costs.

What qualifications do I need to run a play centre?

There are no mandatory qualifications to own a play centre, though relevant experience in childcare, hospitality or business management proves valuable. You will need to ensure all staff have appropriate DBS checks and first aid training. Many owners complete health and safety courses specific to play facilities, and you'll need to understand food hygiene regulations if operating a café.

What licences are required for a children's play centre?

Your play centre will require several licences and certifications, including food business registration if you plan on serving food, appropriate insurance coverage and regular safety inspections of play equipment. You may also need a premises licence depending on your services, and all equipment must comply with BS EN 1176 safety standards and undergo regular inspections.

How much does it cost to buy a children's play centre?

Purchase prices vary considerably based on size, location, equipment quality and business performance. Our children's play centres for sale range from smaller community venues to large commercial operations. The investment required reflects factors including property lease terms, existing customer base and condition of facilities. Contact u

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