As the school season rolls around, Family Entertainment Centers find themselves navigating a change in traffic flow, with weekdays seeing fewer families and weekends taking the spotlight for activities.
But hey, the school year also opens up new ways to connect with your community and draw in guests in exciting ways. By adjusting your FEC to fit the school season, you can keep the flow of foot traffic steady and boost profits all year round.
Adapting Your FEC to the School Season: 10 Tips and Strategies
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 tips and strategies that will guide you through this transition, keeping your FEC lively and appealing to families, students, and schools.
1. Offer After-School Programs and Discounts
One of the most effective ways to keep your FEC busy during the school season is by offering after-school programs and discounts. Many parents are on the lookout for safe and engaging activities for their children once the school day ends.
- After-School Programs: Create fun and engaging programs tailored for kids seeking a place to relax after school. These activities may feature homework assistance, group activities, and creative workshops. Establishing a consistent schedule will help build a dedicated community of families who trust your FEC for after-school support.
- Discounted Admissions: Encourage weekday visits by offering discounted admission rates during after-school hours. This not only helps fill your venue during slower times but also makes your FEC a more affordable option for families.
2. Host Educational Field Trips
The school season is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your FEC as a go-to spot for educational field trips. By aligning your activities with school curriculums, you can draw in school groups and offer students a fun and educational experience.
- Curriculum-Based Activities: Collaborate with local schools to design field trips that complement classroom learning. For example, if your FEC has a science-themed attraction, you can create a program that ties into the school’s science curriculum. Hands-on activities and interactive exhibits can make learning enjoyable while reinforcing what students are studying in school.
- Group Discounts: Offer special rates for school groups visiting during weekdays. Consider bundling admission with lunch or snacks to create an all-inclusive package that simplifies planning for teachers.
- Educational Workshops: Host workshops on various topics, such as art, science, or history, where students can engage in hands-on activities. These workshops can be customized for various age groups and educational levels, showcasing your FEC as a flexible choice for schools.
3. Create Themed Weekends and Special Events
While weekdays may see a drop in foot traffic, weekends can become prime time for themed events that draw in families and create a buzz around your FEC.
- Themed Weekends: Plan a series of themed weekends throughout the school year. Themes could range from seasonal events like “Fall Festival” or “Winter Wonderland” to pop culture-inspired themes like “Superhero Saturday” or “Princess Party.” These events can include special decorations, themed games, and costume contests, making them highly appealing to families looking for weekend activities.
- Back-to-School Bash: Kick off the school season with a “Back-to-School Party,” offering special promotions, live entertainment, and giveaways. This event can serve as both a celebration of the new school year and a way to remind families of the fun your FEC offers.
- Holiday Celebrations: Capitalize on holidays throughout the school year, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, by hosting special events. These can include trick-or-treat trails, holiday-themed crafts, and meet-and-greets with costumed characters.
4. Promote Birthday Party Packages
Birthday celebrations are a key source of revenue for FECs, and the school season offers numerous chances to promote your party packages to parents.
- School-Year Birthday Packages: Offer exclusive birthday party packages designed specifically for the school year. These could include after-school time slots, discounts for weekday parties, or themed party options that align with school subjects or popular trends.
- Classroom Promotions: Work with local schools to distribute promotional materials about your birthday party offerings. Consider providing teachers with flyers or digital brochures that can be sent home with students.
- Referral Programs: Encourage families who have already hosted a birthday party at your FEC to refer other parents. Offer incentives like discounts on future bookings or complimentary party add-ons to those who bring in new customers.
5. Launch a Membership and Loyalty Program
Keeping your guests coming back for more during the school season is as easy as pie with a membership program that showers them with perks and exclusive goodies.
- Membership Tiers: Create a tiered membership program that caters to various levels of engagement. For instance, provide a basic membership with access to after-school programs and discounts on entry fees, while premium members can indulge in extra perks like complimentary birthday party packages, priority event bookings, and exclusive member-only activities.
- Loyalty Rewards: Spruce up your membership program by adding a fun point-based loyalty system! Members can earn points for every visit or purchase, which they can then redeem for discounts, free attractions, or exclusive merchandise. This not only keeps them coming back for more but also adds an extra dash of excitement for families who love visiting your FEC.
- Family Packages: Design family membership packages that offer group discounts and bundled services. These can include options like unlimited visits during after-school hours, discounted food and beverage deals, and access to special member-only events. By providing value and convenience, your membership program can become an essential part of a family's routine during the school year.
- Seasonal Offers: Introduce seasonal offers and bonuses for members, such as double points during the school season or special discounts on themed weekends. This creates an incentive for families to visit more often and take full advantage of their membership benefits.
6. Partner with Local Schools and Organizations
Establishing connections with local schools and organizations can be a great way to ensure a consistent flow of visitors during the school season.
- School Partnerships: Establish partnerships with local schools to offer exclusive deals to students and teachers. For example, create a “Student of the Month” program where the selected student receives free admission or a special prize. You could also sponsor school events, such as sports games or fundraisers, to increase your visibility in the community.
- Non-Profit Collaborations: Collaborate with non-profit organizations that focus on education, youth development, or community engagement. Offer your FEC as a venue for their events or fundraisers in exchange for promotional exposure and community goodwill.
- Teacher Appreciation Events: Host special events or offer discounts for teachers throughout the school year. A “Teacher Appreciation Night” with complimentary admission or food discounts can be a great way to show your support for educators while attracting more visitors.
7. Expand Your Food and Beverage Offerings
During the school season, families often seek out convenient dining options while enjoying their time at your FEC. By expanding your food and beverage offerings, you can elevate the overall experience and boost your revenue.
- Healthy Options: As families become more health-conscious, consider adding healthy food options to your menu. Offer fresh salads, fruit cups, and whole-grain snacks alongside your traditional offerings. This can appeal to parents looking for nutritious choices for their kids.
- Meal Deals: Introduce meal deals that cater to families, such as combo meals or family platters. Offering discounts on food and beverages during after-school hours or themed events can also drive sales.
- Themed Menus: Create themed menus that align with your special events or school partnerships. For example, offer a “Back-to-School” menu with items named after school subjects or activities, adding a fun twist to the dining experience.
8. Leverage Social Media and Digital Marketing
Maintaining a strong online presence is crucial during the school season, as many parents and students turn to social media and the internet for information about local activities.
- Digital Advertising: Run targeted ads on social media platforms, focusing on parents and families in your area. Promote your after-school programs, themed events, and special offers through visually appealing ads that highlight the benefits of visiting your FEC.
- Social Media Contests: Engage your audience by hosting social media contests related to the school season. For example, ask followers to share their favorite back-to-school memories or photos from their visits to your FEC for a chance to win free passes or merchandise.
- Email Marketing: Keep your customers informed about upcoming events, promotions, and new offerings through regular email newsletters. Include exclusive discounts or early access to event registrations as incentives for subscribers.
9. Enhance Safety Measures
During the school season, it's crucial to focus on safety measures and provide parents with reassurance that your FEC is a secure space for their children.
- Updated Safety Protocols: Review and update your safety protocols to ensure they align with current guidelines and best practices. This includes regular sanitization of equipment, enforcing social distancing measures if needed, and ensuring all staff are trained in first aid and emergency procedures.
- Safety Signage: Place clear and visible signage throughout your FEC that reminds visitors of safety rules and guidelines. Include reminders for handwashing, proper use of equipment, and other important safety information.
- Parent Communication: Proactively communicate with parents about the safety measures you’ve implemented. Use your website, social media, and in-person signage to highlight your commitment to providing a safe environment for all visitors.
10. Analyze Competitor Strategies
Integrating technology into your FEC can elevate the guest experience, streamline operations, and simplify the management of the school season's specific obstacles.
- Online Booking Systems: Implement an online booking system for after-school programs, birthday parties, and special events. This allows parents to easily reserve spots and plan their visits, reducing wait times and improving the overall experience.
- Interactive Displays: Install interactive displays throughout your FEC that provide information about attractions, safety guidelines, and upcoming events. These displays can engage visitors and enhance their experience while keeping them informed.
Conclusion
Adapting your Family Entertainment Center to the school season can be an exciting opportunity. By incorporating these tips and strategies, you can cultivate a warm and inviting atmosphere that consistently draws in families, students, and schools year-round.
With after-school programs, exciting themed events, and strong partnerships with local schools, your FEC is set to thrive during the school season, offering valuable experiences for the community. Keep your venue lively, interactive, and profitable by seizing the opportunities that the school year presents, ensuring that your FEC remains the ultimate destination for fun and entertainment.