About the Family Entertainment Center Industry

From Bowling and Laser Tag to Go Karts and Trampolines, This Industry is Always on the Cutting Edge of Fun

Family entertainment centers (FECs) are indoor amusement parks that offer a variety of attractions for all ages. The industry traces its roots to bowling centers and themed restaurants, which began offering more entertainment choices, such as arcades and miniature golf, to appeal to a broader demographic.

FECs at a Glance

FECs appeal to ages 8 to 14 and their parents
FECs are distinct from destination amusement parks because they’re local and relatively affordable
North American families go to FECs three to five times a year, spending $12 to $22 per visit, according to the International Amusement Park Association
August tends to be the industry’s busiest month as families seek out fun activities before school begins

The market remained relatively steady over the years and has seen significant growth in the U.S. thanks in part to exciting new concepts that keep the industry relevant.

Trampoline Trend

Trampoline parks are the latest twist on the traditional FEC.

The indoor trampoline park debuted in the early 2000s, inviting guests of all ages to train like an Olympic gymnast in a 15,000-square-foot facility with wall-to-wall trampolines. Today, there are more than 850 trampoline parks in the U.S. alone, according to the International Adventure and Trampoline Parks Association. Trampoline parks offer different types of programs, including dodgeball, freestyle jumping competitions and even adult fitness classes.

Not Jumping on the Bandwagon

Urban Air Adventure Park occupies its own niche. Part trampoline park, part FEC, an Urban Air facility features not only trampolines of various configurations but a diverse mix of attractions, such as mini golf, go karts, bowling, ropes course, zip lines, laser tag and indoor skydiving. That’s smart because FECs that lean too heavily on one concept are vulnerable to the changing whims of the park-going public. After all, when is the last time you saw a standalone arcade?

Urban Air has risen above the competition by always innovating. We keep our franchisees on the cutting edge of fun by offering the newest and best attractions that foster brand loyalty and repeat visits.

Ready to jump on board? We’re always looking for talented, business-minded people to take our brand further. Contact us today to learn about territories near you!

Hear Directly From Our Owners

“Urban Air was the right opportunity for me because when I found out I was having another child I knew I needed to take a step back from the overnight travel I was doing with my previous career and focus more on family. Owning my own business allows me to..”
Brandy Gilbert | Current Single-Unit Franchisee - Coon Rapids, MN
“I'm a father of two [...] and my wife is my best friend and business partner. We have a lot of activity in our lives that just surround movement, and being engaged and active. We are highly participatory in our youth and also in our businesses that we have”
Cody Herndon | Multi-Unit Franchisee - Waxahachie, TX & Tulsa, OK
“Urban Air has definitely changed our life. For us, the difference between a corporate job and Urban Air, is relying on a paycheck, or building wealth. That's what we are doing, is build for our future and for our family.”
Lauren Dukes | Owner & Operator - Cool Springs, TN
“Urban Air was the business that we were going to invest in, and the only family entertainment company we wanted to have. [...] At the end of the day, Urban Air was the only place where we wanted to be.”
Ken Merideth and David Goodman | Investors