How to design the perfect indoor arcade?

Introduction

Designing an indoor playground that’s not only fun but also profitable requires more than a few slides and bright colors. In today’s entertainment market, parents and mall operators expect interactive, safe, and smartly designed spaces that keep kids engaged and generate consistent income.

This is where the combination of arcade machines and playground structures becomes powerful. Together, they create an immersive experience for children and families — blending physical play with digital excitement.

At Joyfuncade, we specialize in creating custom indoor playground layouts for shopping malls, arcades, and family entertainment centers (FECs) around the world. This guide walks you through the principles of smart design, equipment selection, and how to integrate arcade games to maximize both fun and profit.

(If you’re still planning your investment, check out How Much Does a Kids Arcade Business Cost to Start and How to Calculate ROI for a Shopping Mall Arcade Business.)

Why Combine Arcade Machines with Indoor Playgrounds?

1. Higher Customer Engagement

Kids love variety — jumping, climbing, sliding, and gaming all in one place.
By combining arcade machines with playground structures, you create a multi-experience zone that appeals to a wider age range.

Parents appreciate it too: younger kids can enjoy soft play areas while older ones play racing or claw machines, allowing the family to stay longer in the same venue.

2. Longer Stay = Higher Profit

Research from Joyfuncade’s global projects shows that venues combining physical and digital attractions see up to 35% longer average visit durations.
More time spent means more plays, higher redemption ticket spending, and greater snack or gift shop sales.

3. Smarter Use of Limited Space

A hybrid design makes your space work harder.
By alternating compact arcade machines with play modules, you can maintain a smooth layout while maximizing foot traffic flow and revenue density.

Step-by-Step Guide to Designing an Indoor Playground with Arcade Machines

Step 1 – Define Your Concept and Target Audience

Start with clarity:

• Are you building a family-friendly shopping mall play zone?

• A kids-only mini arcade?

• Or a full-scale FEC that hosts birthdays and events?

Each concept requires different design priorities.
For example:

• A mall corner should focus on visibility and compact attractions.

• A standalone center can include larger installations like trampolines or obstacle courses.

Joyfuncade’s design team creates 3D models based on your brand and demographic — ensuring the right machine mix and playground structure for your audience.

Step 2 – Space Planning and Layout Design

The key to a successful indoor playground layout is zoning.
Your design should balance safety, accessibility, and excitement.

Recommended Layout Zones:

Tip: Always leave a 1.2–1.5 meter aisle between arcade machines for safe movement and visibility.

(See how arcade zoning affects profit in How to Build a Profitable Kids Arcade Zone in a Shopping Mall.)

Step 3 – Choose the Right Arcade Machines

When integrating arcade machines into playground design, balance visual appeal, age suitability, and footprint efficiency.

Joyfuncade’s Top Arcade Categories for Playgrounds:

1. Prize & Redemption Games – great for repeat plays and ticket collection

2. Racing & Motion Simulators – interactive experiences for older kids

3. Claw Machines – universal appeal and compact design

4. Educational Touch Games – combine fun with learning

5. VR / AR Attractions – high-margin centerpieces

Joyfuncade recommends mixing 10–20% interactive games with classic skill-based machines to maintain balance between excitement and simplicity.

Browse Joyfuncade’s arcade equipment catalog

Step 4 – Design for Safety and Accessibility

Safety isn’t just a regulation — it’s a selling point for parents.

Make sure to include:

• Soft flooring (EVA foam or rubber mats)

• Rounded edges on equipment

• Non-slip surfaces around slides and trampolines

• Clear separation between toddler and arcade areas

• Supervision-friendly sightlines for parents

All Joyfuncade playground modules and arcade cabinets are CE/ISO certified for child safety and public use.

Step 5 – Create a Thematic Experience

A good playground tells a story.
Themes transform spaces from simple play zones into memorable attractions.

Popular Joyfuncade themes include:

• Ocean World – soft blue tones, submarine arcades, marine animals

• Space Adventure – neon lighting, futuristic pods

• Hero City – bright primary colors, role-play corners

• Candy Land – soft pastels, claw machines filled with plush treats

Our design team can customize every detail — from wall graphics to machine decals — creating a cohesive and photogenic environment perfect for social media sharing.

Step 6 – Lighting and Atmosphere

Lighting defines mood and visibility.
Use LED strips and spotlights to highlight arcade zones, while maintaining warm ambient lighting in soft play areas.

Avoid harsh lights near screens; opt for balanced illumination to prevent glare.
Joyfuncade’s lighting design not only improves aesthetics but also guides visitor movement naturally, keeping the space lively yet comfortable.

Step 7 – Optimize for Operations and Maintenance

Efficient design considers how your staff will clean, maintain, and supervise the area.

• Place machines with back access near walls for easy service.

• Keep power outlets organized and safe from public access.

• Allow clear sightlines for attendants to oversee both play and arcade zones.

Joyfuncade’s layouts always integrate maintenance corridors and equipment grouping for easy daily operation.

Example: Joyfuncade Hybrid Playground Project

One of Joyfuncade’s clients in the Middle East recently opened a 300 m² indoor playground inside a shopping mall.

Features included:

• 15 arcade machines (racing, redemption, claw)

• A 60 m² soft play zone with climbing and slides

• A small VR zone and photo booth

• Coffee lounge for parents

Results:

• Increased mall visitor stay time by 38%

• Over 2,000 plays per week

• ROI achieved within 14 months

This success came from smart space zoning and seamless integration of arcade entertainment within the play area — designed entirely by Joyfuncade’s layout team.

Design Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding machines – reduces comfort and safety

2. Ignoring supervision angles – limits staff visibility

3. Mixing age groups without barriers – increases risk

4. Poor lighting balance – creates dull or harsh spots

5. No theme continuity – breaks the immersive feeling

Joyfuncade helps you prevent these issues before installation — ensuring a professional, family-friendly environment.

How Joyfuncade Simplifies Your Playground Design?

With Joyfuncade, you get more than just machines — you get a full creative partnership:

• 3D floor plan design and simulation

• Theme and color consultation

• Equipment sourcing and assembly

• Installation and testing

• Maintenance training and remote support

Whether your venue is 50 m² or 500 m², our team adapts your playground to match your goals, budget, and local audience.

Contact Joyfuncade for a free customized layout proposal.

Conclusion – Where Design Meets Experience

A well-designed indoor playground with arcade machines is more than a play area — it’s a space that tells a story, connects families, and drives revenue.

By combining interactive arcade fun with safe, creative physical play, you can create a destination that stands out in any shopping mall or entertainment complex.

With Joyfuncade’s global expertise in design, manufacturing, and layout optimization, your playground becomes a professional, profitable, and family-loved attraction.

Start planning your indoor playground design today with Joyfuncade.Turn your vision into a space where fun and business grow together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much space do I need for a mixed playground and arcade?
A small setup can start at 50–80 m², while full family centers range from 200–500 m². Joyfuncade designs each layout based on your floor plan and visitor capacity.

Q2: Can Joyfuncade customize the theme and structure?
Yes. We offer fully customizable themes, from colors and graphics to machine wrapping and lighting.

Q3: What kind of arcade machines fit best in a kids playground?
Compact prize, racing, and educational games are most effective. They attract attention without disrupting the soft play area.

Q4: How long does it take to complete the design and installation?
Typically 30–60 days depending on complexity and shipping. Joyfuncade manages every stage from concept to on-site installation.

Q5: Do I need special permits for playgrounds inside malls?
Most malls require CE/ISO certified equipment and layout approval. All Joyfuncade machines and structures meet international safety standards.