Unstaffed Indoor Playgrounds: Addressing Common Concerns

The indoor playground industry is always evolving, with one of the more exciting trends being the rise of unstaffed or less staffed indoor playgrounds. Instead of a traditional front desk with full-time staff, these play spaces rely on secure PIN code entry, sent to customers after they complete a booking or purchase. 

At first glance, the idea of removing staff from a child-focused environment may seem like a recipe for disaster! However, many business owners are discovering that with the right tools and safeguards, it can actually be a great fit. This business model appeals especially to new entrepreneurs looking to minimize overhead expenses, extend hours of operation, and secure their facility. But with innovation comes plenty of questions and concerns, especially around safety, accountability, and hygiene.

Whether you're considering opening an unstaffed indoor playground or simply curious about how it works, this FAQ will address the most common questions we hear from prospective owners and concerned parents alike. Let’s dive in.

How do you make sure people don't hold the door for others who may not have paid for entry?

This is one of the most common concerns, and a valid one. With the right software and security in place, like Rhōmb, you can monitor all door entries through video-linked access logs. Every time someone enters your facility using a valid code, a short video clip is captured and stored. And if you put up a sign on your door, noting that a security camera is recording all entries, people tend to be more honest than not.

If you do notice someone holding the door open for others (also known as “tailgating”), you can take action based on your policies.

For example, you can:

• Send a warning via email.

• Charge the member for any unpaid guests.

• Revoke access to your playground altogether.

It’s true that this model requires you to be reactive rather than proactive. But for many playgrounds, an occasional misuse is far less costly than hiring and scheduling full-time front desk staff. Ultimately, it’s a trade-off: a few lost day pass sales vs. the consistent expense of manual staffing.

How do you make sure every child has a signed waiver?

All guests are required to complete a digital waiver during the online booking or membership registration process. This waiver must include the names and birthdates of any minors they are bringing. Access credentials will not be issued until the waiver is fully completed.

As an added layer of protection, customers must also agree to the Terms of Service at checkout. If written correctly, this agreement serves as confirmation that the waiver on file is current and accurately lists all individuals, adults and minors, who will be entering the facility under that booking.

How do you make sure people don't bring more children than what they paid for?

If you use Rhōmb software at your facility, you’ll have access to a real-time activity log that shows each customer’s purchase details, like the number of day passes bought, and a video clip of every door entry. If a customer enters your facility with more children than they purchased passes for, you’ll have both the evidence and tools to take action according to your policies.

How do you make sure members don't give out their PIN to others?

There are a couple of ways to handle this. The most straightforward option is to revoke or suspend a membership if you detect that a PIN code has been shared.

You can also choose to take it a step further by distributing more secure access credentials to members, such as mobile access passes (linked to a specific device) or key fobs. These credential types are compatible with the same readers as PIN codes, making it an easy way to secure your members.

This doesn’t seem hygienic… what about cleaning and health safety?

Health and cleanliness should always be top priorities in environments designed for children. While the term “unstaffed” can sound like no one is ever present, in most cases it really means “less staffed.” Many unstaffed playgrounds still have one or two team members overseeing the facility throughout the day, ready to respond to messes, injuries, or other issues as needed.

To maintain high standards, these spaces implement scheduled daily cleanings. In addition, sanitation stations can be placed throughout the facility, and clear signage to encourage families to wash hands and clean up after themselves.

By reducing the need for full-time front desk staff, owners are often able to reallocate more resources toward cleaning and facility upkeep. In other words, the savings on staffing are reinvested in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for every family who visits.

At the end of the day, running an unstaffed indoor playground isn’t for everyone. But for those who are ready to act on their dream, and either don’t have the capital to hire front desk staff or simply can’t find reliable help, it’s a smart, sustainable business model.