2025’s Indoor Playground Trends You Need to Know

Although January is coming to an end, it's not too late to make some predictions for the indoor playground industry in 2025. With indoor playground content creators gaining massive followings on TikTok and new play spaces opening up all across the country, there’s no doubt that the coming year will bring with it some fresh ideas to elevate the playtime experience for kids and families alike.

In this blog, I’ll explore five fun indoor playground trends I predict will gain momentum in 2025. Whether you’re opening a new space or redesigning your existing facility, these insights will give you some ideas on how to create an unforgettable play experience for your visitors and make your business thrive. Let’s dive in!

1. Co-Working Areas

One trend I love is the addition of co-working areas within indoor playgrounds. By designating a modern space with reliable Wi-Fi, access to outlets, comfortable seating, and maybe even a coffee vending machine, indoor playgrounds can offer parents as much benefit as they provide to children. The ideal co-working area would include a soundproof wall between the playground and the workspace, along with surveillance footage overhead, allowing parents to keep an eye on their kids as they play. With this setup, parents can settle in for a morning or afternoon, co-work alongside fellow caregivers, and enjoy a productive outing, while kids expend their energy and stay longer at the playground. It’s a win-win!

2. Unstaffed / Hybrid Indoor Playgrounds

Another trend that I expect to take off this year is the shift toward unstaffed or hybrid indoor playgrounds. By utilizing access control software solutions, such as Rhōmb software, you can eliminate your front desk operations and fully operate your indoor playground with less or no staff. Not only does this save on overhead, but it also allows playground goers to enjoy your facility for extended hours and on holidays. With staffless software solutions, your customers become fully self-sufficient. Upon purchasing a day pass or membership online, they can access the playground through a locked entrance using a unique PIN code provided via email. By eliminating the need for a front desk while maintaining a secure, locked facility, playgrounds can increase profits while enhancing the customer experience. Yet again, another win-win.

3. Themed Playgrounds

Incorporating a theme into your indoor playground can set you apart from the competition while creating a fun and memorable experience. Whether it’s a jungle, outer space, medieval times, underwater adventure, or even a completely unique concept, themed environments immerse kids in imaginative play and keep them coming back for more. A well-executed theme also simplifies your marketing efforts, making it easier to connect with your audience. With endless possibilities, themed playgrounds are sure to grow in popularity in the year ahead.

4. Astro-Turf

Kids love letting their imaginations run wild on a field of astro-turf, making it a popular trend for indoor playgrounds. Turf fields are versatile and can be used for activities ranging from football to capture the flag, creating a lively play environment for kids of all ages. Additionally, if the turf isn’t in use by playground visitors, it can be rented out to local teams for practices or games, providing an extra revenue stream during your slower season.

5. Kids Cities

Tiny towns and kid-sized cities continue to be a hit. Children love exploring little shops, visiting construction sites, cooking in a kitchen, or taking their pets to the groomers. Adding roads, stoplights, and scooters enhances the experience, giving kids the full "city life" adventure. These imaginative spaces inspire creative play and allow children to fully immerse themselves in fun, real-world scenarios. This trend is both engaging and a recipe for success in indoor playgrounds.