Whether you’re launching a new attraction, expanding an existing park, or looking to diversify your offerings, finding the right business ideas for your attraction is key to long-term success. From thrill-filled adventure parks and family play spaces to immersive theme parks and cutting-edge VR arenas, the options are endless, and evolving.
In this guide, we'll dive into creative and profitable business ideas for attractions, helping you identify opportunities that align with your goals and market demand.
Why start an attraction business?
Attractions can be a great business opportunity, especially if you tap into an idea that meets local demand. Families, tourists, and communities are increasingly prioritizing experiences over things, creating growing interest in entertainment that’s engaging, memorable, and shareable.
Attractions come in all shapes and sizes, from indoor playgrounds and escape rooms to go-kart tracks and immersive VR arenas. The best part? You don’t need a massive theme park or millions in startup capital to get started. Many successful attractions launch with one standout experience, then grow and diversify over time.
Attractions also appeal to a wide audience: kids, teens, adults, corporate groups, school trips, and everything in between. This broad customer base helps drive consistent traffic year-round and creates multiple opportunities for monetization, including ticket sales, party bookings, food and beverage, memberships, and merchandise.
Plus, attraction venues are built for repeat business. When you offer something fun, social, and memorable, people come back—often bringing their friends or family with them. And with the right systems in place, running an attraction can be not only enjoyable but highly profitable.
If you're looking for a business idea that blends creativity with community and offers real revenue potential, an attraction might be just the ticket.
Business ideas for attraction venues
Whether you're starting from scratch or expanding an existing venue, choosing the right type of attraction can make all the difference in how fast you grow and how profitable your business becomes. Below is an expanded list of high-potential attraction business ideas, each with strong guest appeal and multiple opportunities for monetization.
1. Trampoline parks
Trampoline parks have surged in popularity over the last decade and remain one of the most dynamic indoor attractions. These venues feature interconnected trampoline zones for free jumping, dodgeball, foam pits, slam dunk lanes, and more. Many parks also include ninja warrior courses or climbing walls to create a more diverse experience. They are highly popular with families, school groups, and birthday parties, and have strong appeal among tweens and teens looking for active recreation.
Starting a trampoline park requires an indoor space with sufficient ceiling height (typically 18 feet or higher), padded flooring, and specialized equipment. Safety and liability management is essential, so staff training, waiver systems, and high-quality gear are must-haves. Trampoline parks tend to perform well with revenue from general admission, memberships, party packages, food and beverage, and add-on experiences.
Read more: How to Open a Trampoline Park: Costs, Equipment, and Business Plans
2. Roller rinks
Roller skating rinks have seen a revival in recent years, tapping into a sense of nostalgia for adults while appealing to kids and teens who love music and movement. A typical roller rink includes a smooth oval floor, skate rentals, a DJ booth or music system, and lighting effects to enhance the vibe. Some venues also host themed nights, learn-to-skate lessons, and school programs.
These venues don’t require as much vertical space as trampoline parks and can operate in mid-sized buildings like converted warehouses. Roller rinks offer strong group appeal, making them ideal for birthdays, fundraisers, and community events. Additional revenue can come from concessions, arcade games, and skate merchandise like glow-in-the-dark accessories or branded apparel.
Read more: How To Open a Roller Skating Rink: A Step-By-Step Guide
3. Water parks
Water parks are among the most exciting and family-friendly attraction types. Whether designed as a large outdoor park or a compact indoor facility, water parks offer slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, splash zones, and more. Their appeal spans from toddlers to adults, and they’re especially popular in vacation destinations or warm-weather regions.
Running a water park requires significant planning and investment, particularly in terms of infrastructure, safety systems, water treatment, and staffing. However, they offer some of the longest guest dwell times, with visitors often staying for several hours. High-margin revenue streams include food courts, cabana rentals, locker fees, and photo packages.
4. Wake and aqua parks
Wake parks and inflatable aqua parks have grown in popularity as a modern take on water-based fun. Wake parks use a cable system to pull wakeboarders across a body of water, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to motorboats. Aqua parks, meanwhile, consist of inflatable obstacle courses anchored on a lake or lagoon.
These attractions appeal mainly to older kids, teens, and young adults, especially in warm climates or near vacation hubs. Startup costs vary depending on location, permits, and infrastructure, but they generally require less investment than traditional water parks. Monetization opportunities include hourly passes, equipment rentals, lessons, and lakeside food and beverage operations.
5. Adventure parks
Adventure parks typically include ropes courses, climbing structures, balance challenges, and zip lines. These outdoor attractions focus on physical challenges and are popular for school excursions, youth camps, corporate team-building, and active families. They're especially well-suited to wooded or natural settings but can also be built on open land.
Launching an adventure park requires thoughtful layout planning, trained safety staff, and high-quality climbing gear. While setup costs can be significant, operational overhead is relatively low once the park is established. Revenue is generated through admission tickets, group bookings, memberships, and branded gear sales.
6. Amusement parks
Amusement parks are large-scale attractions that combine roller coasters, thrill rides, themed zones, and entertainment shows. These are major destinations that draw regional or even international visitors and require a substantial upfront investment, including land acquisition, ride installation, staff hiring, and safety systems.
Due to the high barrier to entry, amusement parks are best suited for seasoned investors or operators with access to significant capital and real estate. However, they also offer enormous revenue potential through ticketing, food and beverage, retail, ride upgrades, parking fees, and licensing opportunities. For new entrepreneurs, it may be wiser to start smaller and scale over time.
7. Axe throwing venues
Axe throwing venues have carved out a niche in the competitive adult leisure market. Guests throw axes at wooden targets in individual lanes, often while enjoying drinks and music. These venues appeal primarily to adults and are ideal for team-building events, birthdays, date nights, and bachelor(ette) parties.
The space requirements are minimal—many axe throwing venues fit into retail units or small warehouse spaces. Safety and supervision are critical, so operators must follow local regulations and offer proper training. Adding a bar or food service can increase dwell time and revenue.
8. Bowling alleys
Bowling remains a timeless group activity with mass appeal. Traditional bowling alleys are evolving into bowling entertainment centers (BECs), featuring neon lighting, digital scoring, upscale dining, and accompanying attractions like arcades or escape rooms. Bowling serves all ages and works well for casual guests, league players, and corporate events.
Operating a bowling venue involves upfront investment in lanes, ball return systems, and maintenance. However, the business model offers multiple revenue streams, including lane rentals, birthday parties, bar service, food sales, and league fees. Many modern bowling centers also add VIP lounges and themed nights to increase engagement.
9. Climbing gyms and walls
Climbing attractions are great for guests who enjoy physical challenges and active entertainment. Climbing gyms feature bouldering walls, belay-assisted climbs, and even themed climbing zones for kids. They're ideal for birthday parties, fitness classes, school groups, and casual climbers alike.
These venues require indoor space with high ceilings and investment in climbing walls, safety mats, and belay systems. With safety as a top priority, you'll need certified staff and liability coverage. Revenue comes from day passes, memberships, coaching, gear rental, and snack or retail sales.
10. Escape rooms
Escape rooms are immersive puzzle-based experiences where small groups solve challenges to "escape" within a set time. They offer high replay value and can be themed around mystery, horror, science fiction, or historical events. Escape rooms are especially popular for birthdays, corporate events, and friends looking for a unique night out.
Compared to other attractions, escape rooms require less physical space and capital to start. However, they do require creativity, frequent updates, and strong storytelling. Operators can increase profits with group discounts, photo packages, merchandise, and themed snacks or drinks.
Read more: How to Open an Escape Room Business
11. Go-kart tracks
Go-kart racing offers adrenaline-fueled excitement for kids, teens, and adults. Indoor and outdoor tracks cater to a broad range of guests and support group bookings, birthday parties, and tournaments. Many venues also host leagues or races that encourage repeat visitation.
Building a go-kart venue requires significant space and investment in track construction, barriers, and electric or gas-powered karts. Safety equipment and staff training are essential. In addition to per-race fees, venues can offer memberships, party packages, arcade games, and branded racing merchandise.
Read more: Go-Kart Franchise Guide: How to Start, Run and Grow a Profitable Track
12. Laser tag arenas
Laser tag is a high-energy game that combines teamwork, competition, and technology. Guests suit up with vests and phasers and navigate dark arenas filled with obstacles and lighting effects. It's a proven hit for kids, teens, and even adults looking for nostalgic fun.
Laser tag venues typically operate in mid-sized indoor spaces and can be standalone or part of a larger FEC. Once the arena is built and equipment installed, ongoing costs are relatively low. Monetization comes from single-session sales, birthday packages, group bookings, memberships, and combo deals with food and drink.
Read more: How to Start a Laser Tag Business in 10 Steps
13. Ice skating rinks
Ice skating rinks offer year-round or seasonal entertainment for all ages, especially in regions where winter recreation is popular. These venues attract a mix of families, school groups, holiday tourists, and amateur skaters. They can also host figure skating lessons, hockey leagues, and themed events like disco nights or “Frozen”-themed family sessions.
Operators can choose between permanent indoor rinks and seasonal outdoor setups. While the initial investment in refrigeration systems and maintenance can be significant, rinks have high guest turnover and flexible programming options. Revenue can come from public skating sessions, skate rentals, lessons, group bookings, concessions, and holiday events. Offering beginner-friendly features like skate aids and warm-up lounges can also increase accessibility and guest comfort.
14. Mini golf courses
Miniature golf courses are a low-barrier, family-friendly attraction with wide audience appeal. Themed courses—such as pirate adventures, glow-in-the-dark experiences, or jungle settings—can elevate the guest experience and make your venue stand out. Mini golf is suitable for guests of all ages and is especially popular for casual group outings, birthday parties, and tourist destinations.
Mini golf requires modest land or indoor space and is relatively low maintenance compared to high-motion attractions. The setup includes obstacles, artificial turf, and themed decor. You can boost profitability through group packages, food and beverage sales, event nights, and by bundling mini golf with arcades or escape rooms. It’s also a great anchor attraction in multi-attraction FECs.
Read more: Unmissable Mini Golf Attraction Ideas
15. Museums and interactive exhibits
Museums are evolving from quiet, hands-off environments to engaging, interactive spaces that inspire curiosity and repeat visits. Whether focused on science, history, pop culture, or art, museums serve school groups, families, tourists, and lifelong learners. They can range from nonprofit institutions to for-profit “edu-tainment” centers that emphasize immersion and play.
Starting a museum requires thoughtful curation, a compelling theme, and high-quality exhibits. Interactive components like hands-on installations, virtual reality exhibits, or workshops increase visitor engagement. Monetization strategies include admission fees, memberships, guided tours, gift shop sales, café service, and rotating exhibits that bring guests back throughout the year.
16. Indoor playcenters
Indoor playcenters cater primarily to families with young children, offering soft play structures, climbing frames, ball pits, and imaginative play zones. These venues provide a safe, weather-proof space where kids can burn energy while parents relax. Some playcenters also offer toddler zones, sensory rooms, and STEM-based activity areas.
Playcenters typically require moderate indoor space and high-quality, safety-rated equipment. They are strong performers for weekday visits, birthday parties, and memberships. Ancillary revenue streams include snack bars, retail items like socks or toys, and adult-friendly seating areas with coffee or Wi-Fi. Technology like digital waivers and online booking systems helps streamline operations and improve the guest experience.
Read more: How to Open an Indoor Playground
17. Multi-attraction family entertainment centers (FECs)
Multi-attraction FECs combine several activities—such as mini golf, arcades, laser tag, and bumper cars—into one destination. This model maximizes cross-sell potential and keeps guests on-site longer. It appeals to a broad audience, including families, corporate groups, teens, and schools, making it ideal for locations with high foot traffic.
These venues require more space and higher startup costs but allow for diversified revenue and strong return visits. Operators can rotate attractions seasonally or upgrade offerings to stay fresh. Popular revenue streams include bundled admissions, birthday parties, memberships, arcade credits, food and beverage sales, and branded experiences.
Read more: 13 Unique and Profitable Family Entertainment Business Ideas
18. Virtual Reality (VR) attractions
Virtual reality attractions are immersive experiences where guests wear headsets and enter computer-generated environments—ranging from escape rooms and roller coasters to zombie battles or space adventures. VR appeals to tech-savvy guests, gamers, teens, and adults looking for something new and social.
Launching a VR attraction requires investment in quality headsets, gaming PCs or consoles, and software licenses. Some experiences are room-scale, while others use pods or simulators. Staff training and sanitation procedures are essential. Venues can charge premium rates for timed sessions, offer multi-player bookings, and sell snacks, drinks, or merchandise themed around the VR worlds.
19. Indoor skydiving
Indoor skydiving provides the thrill of freefall without jumping out of an airplane. Using vertical wind tunnels, guests experience the sensation of flight in a safe and controlled environment. It’s a unique, premium attraction that appeals to adventure-seekers, birthday celebrants, tourists, and corporate groups.
Opening an indoor skydiving facility requires a large space and significant investment in wind tunnel equipment, soundproofing, and training. However, it commands high ticket prices and offers a memorable experience that encourages referrals and return visits. Additional income comes from photo/video packages, branded flight suits, and event bookings.
Monetization tips for your attractions business
Once you’ve selected your attraction concept, the next step is setting up your business to generate consistent and growing revenue. Beyond ticket sales, there are many ways to optimize guest spending, increase operational efficiency, and create repeat business.
Here are several practical monetization tips to help you get started:
Add food and beverage options
Adding a snack bar, café, or full-service dining area can dramatically increase guest spend and lengthen their stay. Even basic options like popcorn, drinks, or combo meals can generate strong margins. Consider themed items that align with your attraction to create a unique experience and boost impulse purchases.
Read more: Top Concession Stand Foods: Bestselling Food and Drinks for Maximum Profit
Offer upgrades and premium experiences
Give guests the option to enhance their visit through upsells such as VIP access, fast passes, souvenir photo packages, or extended play sessions. These premium experiences are often low-cost to implement but can significantly increase average transaction value.
Read more: Maximize Revenue with Smart Upselling
Embrace group bookings and events
Birthday parties, school excursions, and corporate events offer high per-booking revenue and predictable demand. Design turnkey event packages that are easy to book and include food, entertainment, and party hosts for added convenience and profitability.
Read more: Take the Stress Out of Party Planning with Self-Service Tools
Build memberships or loyalty programs
Recurring revenue from memberships and loyalty programs provides stability and incentivizes return visits. Offer exclusive perks like early access, discounts, or members-only hours to make these programs appealing and valuable.
Read more: 10 Membership Benefits Ideas To Attract and Retain More Members
Implement smart, scalable software
The right technology can make your operations more efficient and your guest experience more enjoyable. Consider software platforms that support online booking, self-service check-in, and digital waivers. These tools reduce staff workload and streamline the guest journey.
Key tech investments to consider:
- Online booking and ticketing: A mobile-friendly checkout increases conversions and enables guests to plan ahead.
- Digital waivers: Let guests complete waivers before arrival to reduce delays and avoid paperwork.
- Self-service kiosks: Improve speed at check-in and food counters, and promote upsells at the point of purchase.
- Mobile food and beverage ordering: Allow guests to order from their phones to reduce queues and increase in-venue spending.
- Automated guest feedback: Collect real-time feedback through post-visit surveys to inform improvements and boost retention.
Using an all-in-one venue management platform like ROLLER helps you manage these systems in one place, minimize admin tasks, and scale your operations smoothly.
Sell merchandise and branded souvenirs
From T-shirts and mugs to themed accessories and toys, merchandise reinforces your brand and gives guests a tangible memory of their experience. Position your retail area near exits or integrate items into packages to increase sales.
Host seasonal events and limited-time offers
Give guests a reason to return with seasonal attractions—think Halloween haunted houses, holiday lights, or summer splash days. Limited-time experiences create urgency and are ideal for promotions and themed merchandise.
These strategies can help turn your attraction into a well-rounded, high-performing business that’s designed not just to entertain—but to grow.
Conclusion
The attractions industry is booming, fueled by a growing demand for immersive, shareable experiences. Whether you're launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, exploring innovative business models for attractions can position you for long-term success.
Remember, it's not just about choosing a great concept; it's about pairing it with smart strategies, guest-focused design, and the right tools to support growth. With the right approach, your attraction can become a must-visit destination that keeps guests coming back.
Looking to diversify your business model and engage guests in new ways? Book a demo to see how ROLLER can help you boost revenue, streamline operations, and delight guests.
Frequently asked questions about business ideas for attractions
What are unique ways attractions can generate revenue?
Attractions can generate revenue in unique ways beyond just ticket sales. These include offering upsell experiences like VIP tours or fast passes, selling branded merchandise, and hosting seasonal or limited-time events. Attractions can also rent out space for private events, launch paid loyalty programs, and monetize through digital channels like mobile ordering or virtual content.
How can theme parks attract more visitors with business innovations?
Theme parks can attract more visitors with business innovations by enhancing convenience and personalizing the guest experience. Implementing technologies like dynamic pricing, mobile food ordering, and self-service kiosks makes visits smoother and more enjoyable. Introducing new themed zones, rotating experiences, and bundled promotions also keeps the offering fresh and encourages repeat visits.
What are some profitable side businesses for entertainment venues?
Profitable side businesses for entertainment venues include food and beverage services, arcade games, merchandise sales, and photo booths. These additional offerings help increase average spend per guest and provide extra value during visits. Many operators also introduce mobile apps, subscription boxes, or co-branded products to extend revenue opportunities beyond the venue.
How do attractions use technology to boost revenue?
Attractions use technology to boost revenue by streamlining operations and enhancing the guest journey. Online bookings, self-service kiosks, and mobile ordering reduce staff load and increase transaction volume. Automated feedback tools and CRM systems help tailor offers to guests, while analytics software allows venues to identify trends and optimize pricing and scheduling.
Are subscription models effective for theme parks and attractions?
Yes, subscription models are effective for theme parks and attractions, especially for venues with high local visitation or repeat customers. These models offer predictable monthly or annual income while building customer loyalty. Subscriptions can include unlimited visits, member-only events, and special discounts—making them appealing to frequent guests and families.
Read next: Best Revenue Models for Attractions: Subscriptions, Ticket sales, and More
