Why Mall Play Areas Are Essential
Mall play areas are more than just spaces for kids to burn off energy—they are an essential part of creating a family-friendly shopping experience.
For parents, these areas provide a welcome respite, offering children a safe place to play while they browse.
For malls, the benefits are clear: increased foot traffic, extended shopping times, and a reputation as a go-to destination for families. If you’re a mall owner or manager looking to create a unique experience for your visitors, a custom-designed play area could be your next big investment.
The Key Elements of a Successful Mall Play Area
Creating a standout mall play area requires attention to detail, innovation, and a focus on safety. Here are the key elements:
1. Safety Comes First
Safety is the top priority for any indoor playground. A well-designed play area should include:
✔️ Non-toxic, child-safe materials
✔️ Soft, cushioned flooring to minimize injuries from falls
✔️ Rounded edges and secure installations to prevent accidents
✔️ Compliance with local safety standards and regular inspections
2. Interactive and Themed Designs
Children are naturally drawn to immersive, imaginative environments. A well-thought-out play area theme enhances their experience and keeps them engaged.
Popular designs include:
Jungle adventures with trees, vines, and animal sculptures
Underwater worlds featuring coral reefs, fish, and submarines
Outer space exploration with rockets, planets, and aliens
By incorporating slides, tunnels, climbing walls, and sensory activities, malls can encourage physical activity and imaginative play, making visits more enjoyable for families.
3. Durability & Easy Maintenance
With high foot traffic, mall play areas must be built to last. Using durable, easy-to-clean materials ensures your investment remains in great condition for years.
Key considerations:
🔹 High-quality coatings and finishes to prevent wear and tear
🔹 Antimicrobial surfaces for cleanliness and hygiene
🔹 Modular designs for easy updates and repairs
How Themed Play Areas Benefit Malls & Families
For Kids
✔️ Encourages creativity and imaginative play
✔️ Helps develop social skills through interaction with other children
✔️ Provides a healthy, active way to burn off energy
For Parents
✔️ Stress-free shopping while kids are entertained
✔️ A family-friendly atmosphere makes malls more attractive destinations
✔️ Increased brand loyalty—families are more likely to return to malls with well-designed play areas
For Malls & Retailers
✔️ Increased foot traffic and longer visits
✔️ Higher sales as parents shop while kids play
✔️ Enhances the mall’s reputation as a community hub
Design and Build Process: From Concept to Completion
Designing and building a mall play area involves a seamless process from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Concept Development
We start with a deep dive into your vision, goals, and space requirements. Our team creates detailed sketches and 3D models to bring your ideas to life. Popular themes include:
Jungle adventures with trees, vines, and animal sculptures.
Underwater worlds featuring coral reefs, fish, and submarines.
Outer space with rockets, planets, and alien landscapes.
2. Fabrication
Once the concept is finalized, our expert team uses high-quality materials to build your play area. Every detail, from sculptures to interactive elements, is crafted with precision.
3. Installation & Finishing Touches
Our professional installation team ensures that every structure is:
✔️ Securely anchored and compliant with safety regulations
✔️ Visually stunning to attract families and visitors
✔️ Ready for use, with a final inspection before opening
Case Studies: Examples of Mall Play Areas That Work
Our past projects speak for themselves. Here are a few highlights:
Roar Play Park based on the Calgary Zoo
Located in a bustling shopping center, this zoo-themed indoor play area brings wildlife adventures to life.
✔️ Giant animal sculptures including giraffes, penguins, and zebras that are great for photo ops
✔️ Different buildings found in the
✔️ Interactive educational features that teach kids about different habitats and animal facts
✔️ A vibrant "I Spy" mural showcasing creatures from the Calgary Zoo
“Our goal was to create a space that merges fun and learning, allowing kids to experience the magic of the zoo inside the mall.”
Farmyard Rodeo at Bower Place:
A farm-themed play area that captivates young visitors with:
✔️ A barn-inspired play structure with engaging activity panels
✔️ A friendly cow mascot—perfect for photo ops!
✔️ A hot air balloon sculpture featuring adorable farm animals
By tailoring designs to fit each mall’s unique identity and audience, we create play areas that delight kids and drive business growth.
By tailoring designs to each mall’s unique needs, we’ve created spaces that captivate children and drive business growth.
Get more play area inspiration.
FAQs About Designing Mall Play Areas
How long does it take to design and build a play area?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the design, but most projects take 3-6 months from concept to completion.
What are the costs involved?
Costs vary based on size, theme, and materials, but we offer customized solutions to fit a range of budgets.
How do you ensure safety compliance?
All materials and installations meet or exceed local safety standards. Our team conducts thorough inspections to guarantee a secure environment.
Let’s Build Your Dream Play Area
Ready to create a magical play area for your mall? Our team specializes in designing and building custom spaces that captivate kids and families while driving business growth.
Contact us today to bring your vision to life!