Relying solely on ticket sales to sustain a leisure business is risky — especially in an increasingly competitive and seasonally driven market. Whether you operate a trampoline park, mini-golf centre, escape room, soft play venue, or adventure park, it’s vital to find new, sustainable ways to grow your revenue beyond admissions alone.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical, profitable strategies to diversify your income, increase average customer spend, and create a more resilient business model for the long term.
🏆 Why Diversification Matters for Leisure Businesses
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Protects against seasonality: Create income even during quieter months.
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Increases per-visit spend: Maximise the value of every guest.
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Boosts customer loyalty: Offering more options keeps guests engaged longer.
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Strengthens brand identity: Expanding into merchandise or events embeds your venue deeper into guests’ lifestyles.
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Reduces risk: Multiple revenue streams make your business more resilient to economic shifts or changing trends.
💡 Revenue Diversification Ideas for Leisure Venues
Here are proven ways to generate extra income — some quick wins, others longer-term investments:
Merchandise Sales 🛍️
Selling branded merchandise is an excellent way to increase per-guest spend and build brand loyalty.
Ideas include:
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Branded water bottles, hoodies, t-shirts, hats
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Special limited-edition designs (e.g., seasonal merchandise)
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Activity-specific gear (e.g., gloves for climbing walls, non-slip socks for trampoline parks)
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Themed merchandise tied to events or experiences
📦 Pro tip: Display merchandise near your reception desk or exit point, and offer bundle deals (e.g., “Get a free slushy with a hoodie!”).
Memberships and Loyalty Passes 🆓
Encouraging repeat visits ensures steadier cash flow.
Options include:
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Annual or monthly memberships with unlimited or discounted visits
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Loyalty cards (e.g., “Visit 5 times, get the 6th free”)
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Family passes or multi-visit ticket bundles
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VIP Club perks: early event access, discounts on food/merchandise, exclusive member-only events
Memberships create upfront revenue and boost retention by making your venue the go-to option for outings.
Food and Beverage Upsells 🍔🥤
Never underestimate the power of a snack bar or small café — especially for family audiences.
Options to explore:
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Offer pre-bookable food packages (e.g., “Add pizza & drinks to your booking for £5 per person!”)
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Install vending machines for grab-and-go drinks or snacks
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Themed drinks or limited-time menu items to tie into seasons or events
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Alcohol licences where appropriate (e.g., competitive socialising venues)
Higher-margin food and drink sales can significantly lift overall profitability.
Birthday Parties and Private Events 🎈🎉
Structured group events are revenue goldmines if marketed properly.
Ideas include:
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Kids’ birthday party packages (with room hire, food, party host, and souvenirs)
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Teen or adult party packages with gaming or competitive social activities
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Private hire packages for schools, scout groups, corporate team-building
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Seasonal private events: Christmas parties, Halloween lock-ins, New Year celebrations
💬 Top Tip: Bundle services to maximise upsells (e.g., include food, extra activities, goody bags).
Gift Vouchers and E-Gift Cards 🎁
Gift cards are a low-effort, high-margin revenue stream, particularly around Christmas, birthdays, and Father’s/Mother’s Day.
Promote them through:
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Your website
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Social media campaigns
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In-venue signage and checkout reminders
Offer incentives like “Buy a £50 gift voucher, get £5 free” during peak seasons.
Workshops, Camps, and Classes 🏕️
During off-peak weekdays or school holidays, offer:
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Kids’ holiday camps (sports, arts, adventure days)
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Themed workshops (e.g., karting skills, climbing basics, VR gaming tutorials)
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After-school clubs or weekend coaching sessions
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Corporate wellness workshops (team-building with a twist)
These activities monetise quieter periods and position your venue as an educational as well as recreational destination.
Sponsorship and Corporate Partnerships 🤝
Leverage your customer base to attract local business sponsors.
Ideas:
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Sponsored areas of your venue (e.g., “Climbing Wall Sponsored by Local Bank”)
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Sponsored events
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Cross-promotional partnerships (e.g., ticket discounts for local gym members)
Corporate partnerships provide extra income and marketing amplification at minimal cost to you.
📈 How to Successfully Diversify Your Revenue
Start Small
Don’t overwhelm your operations by launching everything at once. Test one or two ideas, measure success, then expand.
Stay Aligned with Your Brand
Every new offering should feel natural and connected to your core experience. Random add-ons risk confusing or alienating your audience.
Use Upselling Techniques
Train your staff to confidently promote merchandise, memberships, and upgrades at key touchpoints.
Example: “Would you like to add our Unlimited Play Membership for just £10 today?”
Market Across All Channels
Promote new offerings through:
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Email newsletters
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Website updates
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Social media posts and reels
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Booking confirmation add-ons
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In-venue digital screens
Make sure every customer knows what’s available.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Future-Proof Your Leisure Business
Ticket sales will always be your bread and butter — but they shouldn’t be your only revenue stream.
By diversifying your income, you not only maximise every customer interaction, but you also build a stronger, more sustainable business that can weather seasonal fluctuations and changing market trends.
At LeisureBoost, we help leisure venues across the UK design smarter revenue strategies — from upsells and memberships to sponsorships and loyalty schemes.
Want to unlock new income opportunities for your venue? Let’s build a plan together.
