Timeline of Indoor Playground Setup Process: Design to Opening

The process of establishing an indoor playground usually entails nine distinct stages, from final design through the grand opening of the playground: final design → deposit payment → production → site preparation → transportation → installation → inspection → soft opening → grand opening. All of these processes depend on the size of the project, the degree of customization required, the production process, distance of transport, and the conditions of site preparation.

After the approval of the project scope, the process of designing normally starts based on the existing area, height of the ceiling, age range, capacity, theme, and the chosen attractions. After the completion of the design, the payment of a deposit is made before the manufacturing process commences. This is when the buyer can start preparing the site. After the completion of the equipment manufacturing, it is then packed and shipped to the desired location.

There cannot be an exact timetable for each indoor amusement park project because each one is different from another. While smaller projects will be done more quickly, larger and more tailored projects will take longer. Proper planning of each step helps keep construction, permits, staffing, promotion, and the projected opening date on track.

How Much Time Is Needed for Establishing an Indoor Playground?

Usually, the project schedule will consist of production time, transportation time, installation time, and total time of the project. The production time period runs from design approval to the completion of the necessary equipment parts. Transportation time period will vary according to the destination and transportation medium used. Installation time period usually starts from the beginning of the assembly at the site till installation inspection completion. Installation time period can also be affected by the on-site preparation and transportation conditions.

The estimation of the beginning date requires drawing up the time frame and interdependencies between all stages, after which it should be decided which operations can be performed at the same time. For example, equipment manufacturing and site preparation operations can generally be performed in parallel. Hence, the overall time for the entire project is not just the sum of the times of each individual stage, but it is related to dependent operations and inspections/approvals required in a certain order.

Because an indoor amusement park will have many phases before it opens to clients, it is important to properly outline these different phases and their interrelationships.

Project Timeline of the Indoor Playground 

There are usually nine major stages of indoor amusement park projects, starting from design confirmation until the opening. Even though the time frame is not necessarily the same for each project, generally the steps involved include:

1. Final Design → 2. Deposit → 3. Production → 4. Site Preparation → 5. Delivery  → 6. Installation → 7. Inspection → 8. Soft Opening → 9. Grand Opening

There is no set schedule for opening an indoor playground. The whole project follows a sequential process that includes activities like order confirmation, design, manufacturing, delivery, preparation of site, installation, acceptance, and even approval if needed at the local level. Please consider both the overlap of time between each activity and also the time taken for the approval process in your project schedule.

Phase 1-2: Finalization of Design, Deposits and Project Launch

What Will Occur After You Make the Payment?

Most times, the deposit is paid, and the design is also confirmed. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the production will be started at once. Even before the production starts officially, there are certain things that your supplier will ask you to confirm regarding the project such as the dimensions of the site, type of equipment required, how the equipment will be arranged on the site, complete description of the project, selected theme, and the intended age group for the kids’ playground.

Finalize Site Dimensions Prior to Manufacturing

Prior to starting with the process of production, it is very important that the supplier collects all the necessary data concerning the construction site of the buyer, such as the measurements of the playground in terms of its length and width, the ceiling height, the location of columns and beams, the location and size of doors and fire exit points, etc.

Accurate site measurements can minimize the need for rework, sizing issues, and installation delays. In case the site measurements change after approval of the design, an agreement needs to be reached between the buyer and the supplier about the modifications required in the design/layout.

Approve the Final Indoor Playground Design

Once the appropriate site data has been verified, then the client would review and approve the indoor playground design. This includes reviewing the floor plan, the 3D design view, the arrangement of the equipment, the colors, and themes to be used, among other things.

Major changes should be agreed upon before the start of production. Changes made after the start of production may require design modifications, component replacements, increased costs, and extended production time. Once both the buyer and the supplier have approved the final design in writing, the supplier can commence production based on the approved version.

Phase 3-4: Indoor Playground Equipment Production and Site Preparation

How Is Indoor Playground Equipment Manufactured?

From the customers' point of view, this is where the approved indoor playground design is brought to life. Production includes main components such as steel structures, platforms, soft flooring, slides, safety nets, climbing walls, and other play features. Wall murals, floor graphics, and LED lights may also be included.

The supplier coordinates the production of all these components so they can be assembled into an entire playground according to the agreement. Large scale and complex designs may need more time in production.

Quality Checks Before Indoor Playground Equipment Ships

Following the manufacturing of the various parts, there is often a test done in the warehouse prior to shipment. This is done with regard to things such as the size, number, surface finishes, ways of connecting, etc., so that these are consistent with the approved specifications. The parts will be identified and categorized for ease of assembly.

Next, the equipment will be packaged, and the required documentation and installation materials will be arranged. The components will be properly labeled, and the packing list, assembly instructions, and installation plans will be made available to the installation crew.

What Should Be Prepared Before Indoor Playground Installation?

Meanwhile, it is necessary to prepare the site for installing the indoor playground. Depending on the scale of the project and local regulations, site preparation may include flooring, wall construction, engineering work, lighting, ventilation, fire safety systems, ceiling work, and other related construction. The major works of site preparation must be completed before the delivery of equipment, or at least before the beginning of its installation.

The site preparation requirements will depend on the specific project and may also be limited by local building codes. In many cases, all major work can be completed during the equipment manufacturing period, before delivery of the equipment. However, for the installation team, it is necessary to have a safe and sufficiently prepared place for work.

Can Site Construction and Equipment Production Happen at the Same Time?

Yes. Both equipment production and construction activities can be done simultaneously, which might reduce the time required for completing the whole process.

Once the final design is approved and all the site requirements are approved, the supplier can begin producing the equipment, while the client prepares the site. Once the equipment is delivered, the major construction and site preparation should already be complete.

Phase 5: Shipping, Customs Clearance, and Equipment Arrival

How Long Does International Playground Equipment Shipping Take?

The transportation time varies from destination to destination depending upon the mode of transport, ship/vessel or flight time schedule, port congestion and handling conditions, customs clearance, and final delivery. Do not calculate delivery time by considering only the transportation time.

In the stage of transportation, the equipment will be shipped from the warehouse or other loading points of the supplier, whereas all the export documents will be prepared for export. After that, the goods will go through origin processing and international shipment to reach the destination point where import customs declaration and final delivery have to be done.

What Should You Check When Playground Equipment Arrives?

Upon delivery of the goods, you need to verify the number of packages and inspect whether the outer packaging is damaged. Compare the packages received with those stated in the packing list from the supplier. Take pictures of the damages found in the packages or cartons before unpacking. The damages should then be noted in the relevant delivery document.

Arrange the components in order of arrival according to the areas within the amusement park where the installation is to take place. In this case, it will be easy for you to identify all the components during the installation process without going through each box in the package.

Phase 6-7: Indoor Playground Installation and Safety Inspection

How Is Commercial Indoor Playground Equipment Installed?

The basic frame is normally mounted first. Following that, depending on the design and installation drawings that have been approved, the platforms, ride equipment, slides, safety nets, shock absorbing surfaces, and decorative elements will be added one after another in a systematic way.

The process of mounting depends on the design of the amusement park and on the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Proper planning helps organize the work in a logical way.

Professional Installation vs. Self-Installation

Depending on the type of amusement park that one wishes to set up, installation teams may be needed or beneficial. Large multi-level and specialized parks need professional installation teams while small, simple playgrounds may be suitable for buyer installation, provided the manufacturer allows it, qualified help is available, and the installation instructions, local laws, and insurance terms permit it. Buyers should confirm the installation requirements before making a purchase.

Irrespective of the installer, the installation must be done as per the installation documents, the approved design, and the local safety requirements. Proper installation is essential to ensure that the equipment works as expected.

What Should Be Checked After Indoor Playground Installation?

Following completion of installation, the indoor playground should be inspected, and the results should be documented according to the manufacturer’s instructions and other relevant guidelines before it begins operating. The major parts that require inspection include:

• Structural stability and major connecting components
• Safety nets and safety barriers
• Soft cushioning zones and impact prevention zones
• Entries, exits and passages
• Slides, platforms, climbing equipment, and other major play equipment
• Apparent deficiencies in structural components

The completion of the installation process does not imply that the amusement park is ready to start operating. This is because there is still a final inspection which would reveal whether there are problems in need of correction. Any issues identified should be corrected before customers use the facility.

Are Local Permits and Inspections Required Before Opening?

Approval requirements vary from one country, state, province, or city to another. In certain cases, requirements may include building, fire safety, electrical, accessibility, and occupancy or use permits. The equipment may also need to comply with regulations that apply to amusement devices. Check with local authorities or qualified professionals to confirm the requirements.

Get the requirements at the start of your project. Do not wait until installation begins to check permit and approval requirements. There may be other documentation and inspections needed by the authorities.

Phase 8-9: Staff Training, Soft Opening, and Grand Opening

Staff Training and Indoor Playground Opening Preparation

Following installation of the equipment, operators must plan staffing and operating procedures to ensure that the venue runs safely and efficiently.

Staff must be trained to supervise children, ensure facility rules are followed, oversee equipment use, and manage guest flow. Staff must also be trained in daily equipment inspections, cleaning and disinfection, emergency procedures, incident response, and equipment maintenance.

Why Should an Indoor Playground Have a Soft Opening?

The soft opening enables the operator to carry out testing of the venue operations during the soft opening period before the official opening of the venue. The staff members are able to observe the front desk operations, guest movements, communication among the staff, the cleaning process, behavior of the visitors, operating status of the equipment, and whether the rules for the visitors are clear and realistic.

During the soft opening period, the staff members are able to assess how different areas in the venue operate.

Indoor Playground Grand Opening

Now that the installation process is complete, all required safety checks and local approvals are in place. The staff members have been trained, and the operating procedures have been tested. As long as all other local conditions are satisfied, the premises can be opened to the public.

The operators may begin the promotion of the opening of the facility and carry out trial operations if allowed. The promotional activities include opening promotions, member services, birthday parties, social media releases, and local advertisements. Please synchronize the activities according to the project timeline and invite only those customers who are ready to come at the right time.

What Can Delay an Indoor Playground Opening and How to Keep the Project on Schedule?

This delay in production or in opening could be due to poor planning, poor decision-making, lack of preparation on the site, transport problems, or poor coordination among the team members. The problem can be avoided through proper planning and coordination, although the opening date can still be delayed by uncontrollable factors beyond the buyers or suppliers.

Late Design Changes

These changes after the design clearance could cause production delays and raise the cost of production. All design aspects have to be sorted out before production starts.

Incorrect Site Dimensions

Any errors in the dimensions of the room, doorways, ceiling height, columns, and beams will result in design discrepancies and may cause work to be done over. Please make sure that all site dimensions have been checked before finalizing the design.

Construction Site Delays

Shipping and Customs Clearance Delays

Allow time for the shipping process, export processing, international shipping, customs clearance and delivery to customer's site. Clearly identify the responsible person for each process.

Permit and Inspection Delays

Required permits or inspections for construction, fire protection, electrical, accessibility and usage may impact the opening date. Please confirm the required permits and inspections as soon as possible.

Steps to Ensure Indoor Playground Project Completes on Time

One of the most efficient means of eliminating unnecessary delays and ensuring timely completion of the project is through the coordination of all stages of the project and task distribution among the team members.

• Finalize the design of the project before the production stage begins.
• Arrange the construction site in advance during the production of the equipment to ensure that the site is ready for delivery and installation.
• Inquire about the documents required for transportation and import in advance to ensure no delays in customs clearance.
• Check the installation conditions such as pathways, floor readiness, roof height, and presence of water and electricity infrastructure.
• Allow enough time for licensing and inspection procedures; do not wait until the last minute.

Coordination in design, production, construction, transportation, and installation will make the process from signing the contract to the business opening a lot easier.

Work With Dreamland Playground From Design to Installation

Based on the agreed-upon scope, Dreamland Playground will be able to offer you such services as custom design, manufacture of the equipment, shipping organization, installation plans, technical consultancy and even overseas installation. Prior to starting the project, please verify the service scope and responsibility divisions.

Regardless of whether you are going to build your own FEC, game cafe, shopping mall entertainment area or any other commercial space, our project team will organize all the equipment and installation needs according to your available space, theme, age group and site specifics.

Are you ready to create a schedule for your project? Kindly provide your floor plan, measurements, and specifications to Dreamland Playground so we can talk about the next process.

FAQs About the Indoor Playground Installation Timeline

How Much Time Is Needed for Installing an Indoor Playground?

It depends on the size of the amusement park, its layout, number of levels, types of equipment, number of construction personnel and access routes. Having chosen the design and scope of work, you may ask the supplier for a quotation.

How Long Does Indoor Playground Equipment Take to Produce?

Production time may be different due to many factors like project scale, equipment type, customization options and manufacturing requirements. Once the design and specifications are finalized, please contact the supplier for a production estimate.

What Should Be Completed Before Indoor Playground Installation Starts?

Prior to installation, it is advised that you clean up the workspace and finish the construction and flooring work as per the agreement. It should be verified whether water and electrical connections, fire protection systems, safe access routes, and sufficient space for equipment, are available.

Can Playground Production and Site Construction Happen at the Same Time?

Yes. After the design and the on-site specifications are validated, production and on-site construction may be carried out simultaneously, as long as the construction is based on the design layout and does not affect the installation process.

What Causes Indoor Playground Projects to Be Delayed?

These include late design modifications, inaccurate measurement, site delays, delays at transport or customs, missing parts, and delayed approval. Proper role assignment and coordination will be helpful to minimize the risks of delays.