Why Play Areas Are Essential for Shopping Centres, Pubs and Event Venues
- Absolute Play
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Creating Destinations, Not Just Venues
Across the UK, retail spaces, pubs, restaurants and event venues are all under pressure to do more than offer products or services — they need to create experiences. Families are a huge part of that market. A safe, well-designed play area not only attracts parents but also encourages them to stay longer, spend more and return again.
That’s why more commercial operators are investing in playground equipment for shopping centres, pubs and leisure venues — turning functional spaces into family-friendly destinations.
The Business Case for Play Areas
Increased Dwell Time = Higher Spend
For shopping centres and retail parks, play areas give parents a reason to linger while children are entertained. Research shows that customers who stay longer typically spend more in shops and restaurants.
Repeat Visits and Loyalty
For pubs and restaurants, a family-friendly playground can be the deciding factor when parents choose where to eat. Event venues benefit too — families are more likely to return to spaces where children were engaged and happy.
Competitive Advantage
With online shopping and home delivery competing for consumer attention, physical destinations must differentiate themselves. Play areas provide an edge, signalling to families that they are welcome and valued.
Positive Reviews and Reputation
A safe, engaging play area often appears in online reviews — “great for kids” is a phrase that boosts visibility and reputation on Google, TripAdvisor and social media.
Play Areas for Different Venues
Shopping Centres and Retail Parks
Compact timber playgrounds or indoor play zones keep families on site. Themed equipment can tie in with branding, while durable surfacing ensures safety in busy, high-footfall environments.
Pubs and Restaurants
Play equipment in beer gardens and outdoor dining areas allows parents to relax and stay longer. Swings, slides and small climbing frames are popular choices that deliver fast return on investment.
Event Venues and Visitor Destinations
Whether it’s a festival ground, arena, farm shop or tourist attraction, playgrounds add value by providing a safe, central hub for families. They extend visit times and make venues more accessible to a wider audience.
What Makes a Successful Commercial Play Area?
For leisure operators, design priorities are slightly different from councils or schools. Commercial playgrounds must be:
Durable — able to withstand heavy daily use.
Compact or Modular — fitting neatly into available space.
Attractive — complementing the branding and design of the venue.
Inclusive — offering options for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Safe and Compliant — meeting BS EN 1176 and EN 1177 standards.
Absolute Play specialises in wooden playground equipment, which blends naturally into outdoor venues like pubs and shopping centres, while remaining tough enough for long-term commercial use.
Return on Investment
Play areas don’t just create happy families — they drive measurable business outcomes:
Shopping centres: Longer visits = increased sales per trip.
Pubs/restaurants: Parents order more food and drink when children are occupied.
Event venues: Higher ticket satisfaction and positive reviews boost repeat bookings.
Many operators report that the cost of installation is repaid quickly through higher revenue and stronger reputation.
Funding and Support
While commercial venues usually fund playgrounds directly, there are options to reduce costs:
Partnership funding with local councils or developers.
Sponsorship opportunities — businesses can sponsor equipment panels, adding to CSR value.
Charitable grants — in some cases, venues working with community groups may access small-scale grants.
Absolute Play advises on possible funding opportunities and provides the documentation needed to support applications.
Why Work with Absolute Play?
Experience delivering playgrounds for retail, hospitality and leisure venues.
Specialists in timber equipment that balances aesthetics and durability.
Full end-to-end service: consultation, design, installation and aftercare.
Safety guaranteed — all projects comply with UK playground standards.
Ongoing inspection and maintenance services available.
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