Aug
Why Outdoor Play Equipment Increases Family Visits to Restaurants and Holiday Parks
Families often choose where to eat or stay based on how well the venue caters to children. For restaurants, holiday parks, and other hospitality venues, outdoor play areas can strongly influence that decision. Adding play equipment is more than a nice extra. It is a proven way to attract more family visits, improve customer satisfaction, and boost business performance.
Outdoor play equipment attracts more families to restaurants and holiday parks by keeping children engaged and parents relaxed. It encourages longer visits, higher spending, and repeat business. With the right design, even small venues can offer safe, inclusive, and appealing play spaces that boost customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
This blog explores why outdoor play equipment is so effective for hospitality venues, supported by relevant statistics and real behaviour trends. It also outlines what operators should consider when planning an outdoor play area and the long-term benefits for both families and businesses.
What Families Look For in a Leisure Venue
When planning a day out or short break, families want a place where children are entertained and parents can relax. A safe outdoor space for play can make a visit smoother, more enjoyable, and more likely to be repeated.
In a 2023 report by VisitEngland, 41 per cent of families with children aged under 16 said that child-friendly facilities were a key factor when choosing a day trip destination. Similarly, research from KAM Media found that 71 per cent of parents are more likely to visit a hospitality venue that has suitable facilities for children, with outdoor play areas ranking among the top three priorities.
These figures reflect a clear behavioural pattern. When children are entertained, adults can unwind, and venues that provide for this are seen as more welcoming and better suited to family needs.
Parents are also more inclined to choose venues that allow for movement and play before or after a meal. A static meal experience can be stressful with young children. By offering a space where children can be active and explore, hospitality venues remove a common barrier for family dining and leisure time.
Business Benefits of Outdoor Play Equipment
Longer Visits and Increased Spend
When children are occupied, parents stay longer. This often leads to increased spending on food and drinks. A 2022 CGA survey revealed that families with young children spend on average 20 percent more per visit in venues that provide play facilities compared to those that do not.
Play areas reduce the pressure on parents to rush. When children are happy and active, adults are more comfortable ordering an extra drink, dessert, or even booking another activity or overnight stay. Small additions to average spend, repeated across multiple families per day, can have a significant impact on weekly revenue.
Repeat Visits and Word of Mouth
Creating a positive experience encourages loyalty. If families know your venue caters well to children, they are more likely to return. They also talk to friends, to school groups, and on social media. Positive reviews often highlight features like playgrounds and outdoor spaces, increasing visibility and trust in your venue.
According to TripAdvisor data, venues with family-friendly amenities receive 40 percent more five-star reviews from parents than those without. These reviews are especially influential during school holidays, weekends, and travel planning.
Many parents also follow local recommendations via community groups or parenting forums, where play areas and family-friendly facilities are often shared and discussed. Having visible, well-maintained play equipment can boost your venue’s reputation in these informal networks.
Event Opportunities and Group Bookings
Outdoor play areas naturally lend themselves to group bookings such as children’s birthday parties, school outings, and local community events. These bookings often bring large groups and generate income beyond standard daily trade. Offering space for celebration packages can be an additional revenue stream with minimal extra setup.
Restaurants and holiday parks can further develop their offer by including catering options, exclusive use of play areas during quiet periods, or themed events. These extras increase customer engagement while helping to build a wider community around your venue.
Why Holiday Parks and Restaurants See the Most Value
Holiday Parks
Holiday parks thrive on experience and atmosphere. Providing outdoor play areas gives children a place to run, climb, and explore, adding value to the stay and making the park more memorable. Play zones also take pressure off indoor facilities during busy periods, helping with capacity and staff management.
Many parks choose to install equipment for a range of age groups, ensuring both toddlers and older children have options. This makes it easier for families with multiple children to enjoy the space together, leading to a more satisfying stay.
There is also a seasonal advantage. In the spring and summer months, play areas become a key part of the daily routine for guests. With appropriate surfacing and design, these areas can remain usable throughout autumn and winter.
Restaurants and Hospitality Venues
In restaurants, a well-positioned play area gives parents peace of mind. When children are occupied nearby, adults can relax, enjoy their food, and stay longer. This creates a calmer atmosphere for all guests, reducing the chance of disruptions and improving the overall service experience.
Play equipment does not have to be large or intrusive. A well-chosen timber unit or compact trim trail can provide a focal point that enhances your outdoor seating area and helps to define your venue as family-friendly. It also provides an opportunity for branding and identity, making your outdoor space more distinctive and memorable.
Operational Considerations When Installing Play Equipment
Before installing an outdoor play area, there are several practical points to consider:
Space and layout: Consider how the play area will fit into your existing space. It should be visible from adult seating and kept separate from traffic routes or car parks.
Equipment choice: Choose equipment suited to the typical age group visiting your venue. Caloo can advise on options that balance play value with space efficiency.
Maintenance: Opt for materials that are durable and require minimal upkeep. Timber, steel, and rubber surfacing are commonly used for this reason.
Accessibility: Think about children with additional needs. Inclusive equipment and accessible surfacing can help widen your appeal to more families.
Compliance: Ensure all equipment meets safety standards such as BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177. Caloo handles this as part of our end-to-end service.
Types of Equipment That Work Well
Caloo provides outdoor play solutions suitable for all types of hospitality venues. Popular choices include:
Timber multiplay units with slides, bridges, and platforms
Clamber stacks and trim trails for active physical play
Springers and toddler play panels for younger children
Rope bridges and climbing nets for older age groups
Safety surfacing such as wetpour, rubber mulch, and artificial grass
All equipment is designed for high durability and compliance with current safety regulations. We can advise on the best layout and product mix based on the space available and the age range of your typical visitors.
Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space
You do not need a large site to make outdoor play equipment work for your venue. Even a modest courtyard or beer garden can accommodate a few compact features. What matters is thoughtful design and clear supervision lines for parents.
A successful play area should feel integrated into your site, not bolted on. This means matching materials to your surroundings, keeping it clean and inviting, and ensuring there is enough seating nearby for families to enjoy the space together.
Our team at Caloo works with restaurants, holiday parks, and family friendly destinations across the UK. We handle consultation, design, equipment supply, surfacing, installation, and ongoing support.
FAQs
Do outdoor play areas need planning permission?
Not always. Small installations typically do not require planning permission, but it is wise to check with your local authority.
Can I fit a play area into a small space?
Yes. Compact designs like springers, mini climbers, or short trim trails are perfect for smaller outdoor settings.
Is safety surfacing essential?
Yes. Safety surfacing helps protect children from injury and is required to comply with BS EN 1177.
Can equipment be tailored to fit the style of my venue?
Yes. Timber units and colour custom options allow us to create a space that blends well with the surroundings.
Book Your Free Consultation
Outdoor playground equipment is a practical and proven way to increase family visits to your hospitality venue. Caloo has extensive experience working with restaurants, holiday parks, and leisure destinations across the UK.
Book your free consultation and site visit today to see how we can help you create a safe, attractive, and engaging space for families.
Resources
VisitEngland. (2023). “Great Britain Day Visits Annual Report 2023.” VisitBritain.org. July 2023. Available at: https://www.visitbritain.org/media/4413/download. Published 6th March 2025.
KAM Media. (2024). “Family Dining Report 2024.” KAM Insight. January 2024. Available at: https://kaminsight.com/insights/family-dining-2024/
CGA. (2022). “Hospitality at Home: Family Habits and Spending.” CGA Strategy. October 2022. Available at: https://cgastrategy.com/uk-on-trade-data-insights/
TripAdvisor. (2023). “Why Family Friendly Venues Perform Better.” TripAdvisor Insights Blog. June 2023. Available at: https://www.tripadvisor.com/blog/family-venue-performance
