A family entertainment center (FEC) is the perfect way to bring communities together, providing a fun and engaging space for families to create lasting memories. From arcade games to private karaoke rooms, these centers offer a wide range of entertainment options that appeal to children, teens, and parents alike.
If you're an entrepreneur or business owner considering investing in a family entertainment center, you might be wondering whether it’s a worthwhile endeavor. In this article, we'll explore frequently asked questions about family entertainment centers, covering profitability, costs, and best practices for success.
What is a Family Entertainment Center?
A family entertainment center (FEC) is a dedicated venue designed to provide amusement for all age groups. These centers are typically indoors and feature a mix of games, attractions, and activities catering to children, teenagers, and adults. Many FECs also include food courts, retail spaces, and event hosting services.
Common attractions found in Family Entertainment Centers
Popular activities and attractions in FECs include:
- Bowling – A timeless favorite for families and groups.
- Darts and Axe Throwing - New augmented reality versions have made these activities more immersive and accessible for children.
- Escape Rooms – Interactive puzzle rooms that challenge players to work together.
- Arcade Games – Classic and modern video games suitable for all ages.
- Mini Golf – Themed courses for a fun, relaxed activity.
- Laser Tag & VR Experiences – High-tech attractions that boost engagement.
- Private Karaoke Rooms – A top entertainment trend, providing a personalized singing experience for families and friends.
Activities should be considered based on set-up costs and requirements against their earning potential, it is also important to keep in mind how scalable and durable each activity is, so you can balance new trendy activities with classic mainstays to keep a mix of new and repeat customers.
Read our guide to choosing in-house entertainment for your hospitality venue here.
What is the difference between family entertainment and competitive socializing?
While family entertainment centers focus on providing amusement for all age groups, competitive socializing caters more to young adults, coworkers, and friend groups. The key difference between family entertainment and competitive socializing lies in their target audience, activities, and overall atmosphere.
Family Entertainment
- Target Audience: Families, including children, teenagers, and parents.
- Activities: Designed to be fun, interactive, and suitable for all ages. Examples include arcade games, bowling, mini-golf, indoor playgrounds, and private karaoke rooms.
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly, safe, and inclusive.
- Purpose: Focuses on shared experiences and bonding time between family members.
- Examples: King Pins Bowling, Trampoline parks, indoor play centers, Dave & Buster’s (family-friendly hours),
Competitive Socializing
- Target Audience: Young adults, professionals, coworker groups, and friend circles.
- Activities: More competition-focused and interactive, including escape rooms, trivia nights, social darts, shuffleboard, competitive karaoke, and high-tech mini-golf.
- Atmosphere: Trendy, lively, often with a bar/lounge setting.
- Purpose: Encourages social interactions through competition rather than just passive entertainment.
- Examples: Boom Battle Bar, Swingers (mini-golf), and Jaguar Bolero.
Key Distinctions
| Feature | Family Entertainment | Competitive Socializing |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Families with kids, teens | Young adults, professionals |
| Activities | Arcade, bowling, mini-golf, soft play | Trivia, darts, escape rooms, karaoke battles |
| Atmosphere | Casual, family-friendly | Trendy, lively, often includes a bar |
| Purpose | Bonding and shared fun | Social competition and group interaction |
Many venues today incorporate both elements to cater to wider demographics. For instance, a family entertainment center may have dedicated "family hours" but offer adult-friendly events in the evenings.
Here you can see how SMASH! balances family entertainment and competitive socialising. Or read the full case study here.
Are Family Entertainment Centers profitable?
Yes, family entertainment centers can be highly profitable once the initial investment is recouped. According to a study by IBISWorld, the indoor entertainment industry in the U.S. generates over $5.8 billion annually; market size is projected to grow over the next five years.. Many FECs generate revenue through:
- Entry Fees & Game Tokens – Customers pay per game or attraction.
- Food & Beverage Sales – Concession stands and themed restaurants boost revenue.
- Private Events & Parties – Hosting birthdays, corporate events, and celebrations.
- Online Booking & Reservations – Activities like private karaoke rooms allow for scheduled bookings, ensuring predictable revenue.
Entertainment spending varies by region, but according to Yahoo Finance, the average American family spends approximately $297 per month on entertainment, totaling about $3,568 per year. In Europe, families spend an average of €100-€150 per month. These figures highlight the demand for fun, engaging activities, making family entertainment centers a lucrative business opportunity.
Invest in a private karaoke room with Singa
Private karaoke rooms are a rising trend in entertainment centers, offering an interactive experience for all age groups. With Singa Box Mode, you can enhance your venue by providing a state-of-the-art karaoke experience, complete with a vast song library and easy-to-use digital features.
- Easy Online Booking – Maximize revenue with seamless scheduling.
- User-Friendly Interface – Guests can search and queue songs effortlessly.
- Diverse Song Selection – Enjoy an extensive catalog of popular hits.
- Flexible Business Model – Suitable for both small and large entertainment venues.
To learn more about integrating Singa Business into your family entertainment center, visit the Singa Blog for insights and success stories.
Opening a family entertainment center is a rewarding business venture that brings joy to communities and generates steady revenue. By incorporating popular attractions, staying updated with industry trends, and leveraging digital solutions like Singa Business, you can create a thriving entertainment venue that keeps families coming back for more.
