What Permits Are Needed for an Indoor Playground?

Opening an Indoor Playground? Don’t Overlook These Essential Licenses

With the rise of the family entertainment economy, indoor playgrounds are a popular investment. However, getting your licenses in order is the first and 

most critical step. Many investors have lost hundreds of thousands on renovations simply because they didn't understand the permit requirements.

As an experienced manufacturer of amusement equipment, Liben Group has helped clients worldwide. Below is a clear guide to the five core licenses you’ll need.

1.Business License

-Issued by: Local business registration authority

-Key Point: Your registered business scope should clearly include activities such as children’s play services, indoor playground operations, or amusement entertainment.

2.Fire Safety Permit

- Issued by: Fire Rescue Department / Housing Construction Department

- Two scenarios:

    - Area > 500㎡: Requires a full fire safety design review and inspection.

    - Area ≤ 500㎡: Only requires a fire safety record-filing for acceptance.

3.Entertainment Operation Permit (Case-by-Case)

- Issued by: County-level Culture & Tourism Department

- When is it needed?

    - Yes: If you have arcade games (e.g., dance machines, racers, claw machines).

    - Usually not: For pure soft play (slides, climbing, sand pits). But always check with your local authorities.

4.Health Permit

- Issued by: Local Health Commission

- Requirements:

    - Air quality test report (for formaldehyde, bacteria count, etc.)

    - Health certificates for all staff members

    - Sanitation management plan (disinfection, ventilation, waste)

    - List of on-site disinfection equipment

5.Special Equipment Use Registration

- Issued by: City-level Market Supervision (Quality Supervision) Department

- When is it needed? (This is critical)

    - Criteria: Any device with an operating height ≥ 2 meters AND operating speed ≥ 2 meters/second.

    - Examples: Pirate ships, flying chairs, roller coasters, carousels.

Two Critical Suggestions for Investors

Suggestion 1: Investigate First, Sign Leases Later – Don't Waste Your Renovation Budget

The right process:

First: Gather details on your potential venue (address, floor plan, area).

Second: Visit your local Culture & Tourism Bureau and Fire Rescue Department.

Third: Confirm compliance (distance from schools, fire safety, restricted locations).

Fourth: Sign your lease and start renovation.

Suggestion 2: Choose a Reliable Equipment Manufacturer – Safety is Non-Negotiable

As a manufacturer, we at Liben Group are honest: not all equipment is created equal. Safety certifications are a hard requirement.

When choosing a supplier, verify these certifications. All our export equipment meets CE, TUV, ASTM, and ISO standards.

Liben Group’s Certification System:

EN 1176 Series (TÜV certified): Covers our entire product line (slides, swings, climbers, spinners).

ASTM F1487: Meets the latest US standard for public playground equipment.

Special Equipment Manufacturing License:

    - Class A: For large rides (Ferris wheels, roller coasters).

    - Class B: For smaller rides (merry-go-rounds, bumper cars).

ISO 9001: Full quality control from design to after-sales.

Our Commitment to You

Liben Group does more than sell equipment, we help you avoid investment pitfalls.

1.Pre-investment Advice: We help analyze your site to avoid school proximity or fire code issues.

2.Certification Support: We provide complete certification documents (CE, ASTM, TUV, manufacturing license).

3.Installation Guidance: Our professional team ensures safe, compliant on-site installation.

4.Inspection Assistance: We help you pass special equipment and fire safety inspections.

5.Training Services: We offer operator training, maintenance guidance, and emergency drill instruction.

6.Ongoing Support: We provide lifetime technical support, spare parts, and maintenance reminders.

Opening an indoor playground can be a highly profitable business—but only if you start with the right foundation. Understanding and securing the proper permits will save you time, money, and unnecessary risks.

If you're planning a new indoor playground or trampoline park, feel free to contact us for professional guidance.