Executive Summary
This business plan outlines the opportunity to create a "Floor is Lava" entertainment experience inspired by Netflix’s hit show. The concept starts small, leveraging at-home setups for families and friends, and scales into a dedicated retail or commercial space offering unique, safe, and fun activities for families. The business capitalizes on parents’ constant search for affordable and creative activities for their children.
Projected Revenue: Start with a home-based model earning $1,000/month; scale to $150,000 annually with a commercial space in Year 2.
Market Opportunity
Industry Insights
- Family Entertainment: A $25 billion industry in the U.S., growing at 5% annually.
- Netflix Data: The Floor is Lava garnered 37 million views in its first week, demonstrating a proven audience and demand.
- Target Demographic: Families with kids aged 4–12, birthday parties, homeschool groups, and parents seeking unique activities.
Competitive Landscape
- Minimal direct competition as the concept is unique.
- Indirect competitors: Trampoline parks, bounce house rentals, and arcades.
Startup Costs
Expense |
Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
At-Home Setup (Mats, Props) |
$500 |
Marketing Materials |
$200 |
Liability Insurance |
$1,000/year |
Website & Social Media Ads |
$300 |
Initial Commercial Rent (Optional, Year 2) |
$2,000/month |
Total Initial Cost: $2,000 (home-based model)
Revenue Model
Pricing
- At-Home Admission: $10–$15 per child/session.
- Private Events (Birthday Parties): $250–$500/event.
- Commercial Pricing: $15 per child/hour; party packages start at $300.
Revenue Projections
- Home-Based Model:
- 10 kids/session, 2 sessions/week = $1,200/month.
- Monthly private event = $500.
- Year 1 Revenue: ~$17,000.
- Commercial Model (Year 2):
- Daily capacity of 50 kids = $22,500/month.
- Private events = $5,000/month.
- Year 2 Revenue: ~$150,000/year.
Marketing Strategy
1. Social Media
- Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook.
- Content Plan: Post videos of kids playing "Floor is Lava" challenges, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes setups.
- Hashtags: #FloorIsLavaFun, #FamilyActivities, #CreativePlay.
- Ad Budget: Start with $10/day targeting local parents.
2. Partnerships
- Collaborate with local schools, daycare centers, and homeschool groups for special discounts and events.
- Reach out to family-friendly bloggers or influencers for reviews and promotions.
3. Cold Email Outreach
- Use tools like Gummy Search to find local parenting groups.
- Template:
Subject: A Unique Family Experience Right in [City Name]!
Body: Hi [Name],
We’re excited to introduce [Your Business Name], a one-of-a-kind "Floor is Lava" experience designed for kids and families! Perfect for parties, playdates, and more. Let us know if you’d like to collaborate or try it out for free!
4. Local Promotions
- Place flyers in local libraries, coffee shops, and schools.
- Offer free first sessions to generate word-of-mouth buzz.
Operational Plan
At-Home Model
- Setup: Create obstacle courses with foam mats, balance beams, and props.
- Capacity: Host up to 10 kids per session in your backyard or living room.
- Liability Waivers: Require all participants to sign waivers.
Commercial Model
- Space: Rent a 1,500 sq. ft. commercial space with padded flooring.
- Activities: Include add-ons like bounce houses, climbing walls, and mini-trampolines.
- Staffing: Hire 1–2 part-time employees to assist with larger events.
Scraping Guide
Tools
- Outscraper: Locate local schools, family-friendly businesses, and parenting groups.
- Gummy Search: Scrape Reddit and Facebook for parenting forums.
- Google Maps: Identify nearby communities with young families.
Process
- Search Keywords:
- “Family activities in [City].”
- “Best kids’ birthday venues near me.”
- Lead Generation: Build a spreadsheet of potential customers and local partners.
- Email Outreach: Use cold email templates to pitch birthday parties or exclusive family events.
Financial Projections
Metric |
Year 1 (At-Home) |
Year 2 (Commercial) |
|---|---|---|
Total Revenue |
$17,000 |
$150,000 |
Operating Costs |
$2,000 |
$45,000 |
Net Profit |
$15,000 |
$105,000 |
Conclusion
The "Floor is Lava" business is a creative, high-margin opportunity with minimal startup costs. Starting at home allows for proof of concept with low risk, while scaling to a commercial space can unlock substantial income. With clever marketing, partnerships, and exceptional customer experiences, this concept has the potential to dominate the family entertainment niche.