Get Your Business Ready For the Summer Season

The summer typically means warm weather and of course children’s summer holidays from school. Obviously when the weather is fine most people want to be out enjoying the good weather, no one more so than the children. This ties in nicely with the six week break that children have from school. If you are a parent you will understand the need to keep the children occupied however finding places to take them can prove to be difficult and costly. Of course there are theme parks, zoos and local attractions etc. but filling out the long six weeks without the kids complaining that they are bored can be quite a tall order. Basically anything or anywhere that keeps the children occupied and happy is a godsend to parents during the summer. A restaurant or bar may not seem like the obvious place to take your children after all how much is there to actually do? Why not lay on some activities within your business to give parents an alternative to expensive destinations. This could include a number of features should you have the outdoor space to do so.

There are a number of activities that you might want to consider each with their own benefits.

Bouncy castle

Consider hiring out a bouncy castle for the duration of the six week holiday period. The size will obviously depend on the space you have available and also the amount of money you are prepared to invest. The beauty of bouncy castles is that the children will happily play for hours even with children who they have never met before. As they work up a thirst and an appetite they will come running to the adults for refuelling. More money is spent at the restaurant or bar to guarantee that the children don’t complain and remain happy to continue to play.

Miniature football pitch

Again this feature will rely on the space that you have available however provides a suitable alternative for those who prefer a friendly kick around rather than bouncing on the bouncy castle. Not only are the small goal posts relatively cheap to purchase but also the children will be made to rely on building a team spirit. The size of the teams is not relevant as even when new additions arrive to play the teams can continue to grow. This feature also ties in nicely with the World Cup season and you never know some adults may also want to join in.

Face painting

Not many activities excite as much as face painting. Although it does not engage the child for a long period of time, the majority love to participate, especially the younger ones. Whether its super heroes, animals or mythical beings, children love to have their face painted so that they can pretend to be their favourite character. Obviously there will need to be a minimal additional charge although as long as the children are happy the parents will be glad to oblige.

Giant outdoor games

Traditional sets usually revolve around chess or draughts however few children learn these games in modern society. If you are looking for a safe bet, Jenga or snakes and ladders can keep children occupied for an age. With giant sized boards, playing pieces and dice children will not only be playing and enjoying themselves but also unwittingly doing exercise.

Ice cream machine

Children love to get creative with their own food so why not set up an ice cream station where the kids can concoct their own ice cream dish to cool themselves down. Utilising a variety of different flavours and introducing a range of toppings will ensure that the children have fun whilst helping themselves. Again, this feature should come at an extra cost and as the children are making their own desserts you must have some way to regulate portion sizes. The best way to do this is with the size of the dishes or containers that you provide. The fee payable should represent the maximum size which could be crammed into the container.

Candy floss maker

Candy floss is another treat which children love to eat and is a relatively low expense to set up. Whether you serve into a bag, a cone or on a stick you can charge a small reasonably priced fee for the portion.

Popcorn machine

Although popcorn is typically a treat for the cinema it can also be a popular choice for children who are on the go. A carton of popcorn provides an easy snack that can be eaten a little at a time unlike ice cream which will obviously melt when left for an extended period. Popcorn is also quite healthy contrary to many people’s beliefs; it is only when butter or toffee is added that the fats begin to build.

If you carry out a little research you can find local businesses that will either hire the equipment you need to you for a determined period or sell you the items. Although the initial set up will involve some financial outlay and the requirement of preparation time the rewards, if carried out thoroughly and correctly could really pay off. You must check with local authorities as to whether there are any permits that you would need to acquire before you continue with your plans and then you can set your plans into action. Ring around and get quotes from equipment suppliers to ensure that you get the best deal and the best value for money and design a layout that allows all the activities to fit comfortably within the outside space that you available. You must allow enough room for people to navigate around the area safely whilst still having ample space for seating. It is always recommended to integrate a place of shade for especially hot days, whether this is natural cover from trees or artificial shade from sun parasols. Advertising and marketing for your activities also needs to be arranged so that the public are aware of the fun features that will be available.

Rather than parents having to decide which expensive destination to take their children to during their break from school, let your restaurant offer a more financially sound alternative. With the correct choice of games and a few fun treats you can offer a place where the adults can relax and enjoy a meal and a drink whilst the children have fun and are occupied. You will usually find that as long as the children are content and happy the parents are more likely to stay at the venue; the longer they stay the more money they are likely to spend. Everyone loves the summer, adults and children alike, so instead of relying on the warm weather to bring the customers to your business, be proactive and give them a reason why they cannot stay away. The simple rule; make the children happy, makes the parents happy and therefore your profit margin also becomes a happier place.