Now that most potential park patrons are once again free to leave their homes after the relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations they are once again in search of outdoor-focused entertainment options. Parents, in particular, are highly motivated to find options that will offer the younger members of the family an alternative to immersing themselves in screen-based entertainment. They want to spend some quality time with the members of their family – and that does not include being glued to a tablet, television, or smartphone screen.

Amusement Park and fairground owners are also looking to maximize the profits of their attractions in order to make up for the reduced numbers of patrons that were visiting their venues due to not only the lockdown restrictions but also the restrictions on large public gatherings.

This means that these business owners need to pay special attention to the factors that make a venue attractive to large numbers of patrons. These factors can include the types of rides that are available, the optimization of concessions stands and foot traffic patterns, as well as the reduction of overheads such as staff and maintenance costs.

The first, and possibly the most important decision that any amusement venue operator must make is the types of rides that will be offered to patrons. there are many ‘evergreen’ rides that have been attracting patrons to amusement venues for generations – and they are still doing so today. The proven ability of these rides to increase interest in the venue and its attractions makes them ideal investments. Classic rides such as carousels, bumper cars, swings, and swing-type rides, and for those venues that have the space Ferris Wheels and Tilt-a-Whirls remain extremely popular. Tracked trains are also tremendously popular with young children.

These rides are also available in a number of models and sizes. Many are suitable for the use of both adults and children – and others are aimed squarely at toddlers and younger children. The ability of those rides aimed at children to attract patrons to the park should not be underestimated. One of the main reasons that family units visit parks is that they are in search of entertainment rides that offer quality family time – and an important part of this bonding time is the availability of rides for the younger market. In this day and age of social media rides that provide the opportunity to take postable images should also factor into the decision-making process of park owners and management when it comes to choosing rides.

these classic rides are also known as ‘anchor attractions’. They are at the epicenter of the park’s operations due to their highly visible nature, their nostalgic value, and the fact that they offer a fun experience.

Park management should not ignore the fact that these rides attract significant numbers of patrons – and they can be the perfect attractions for the placement of concession stands – especially given that these rides often see extended lines. And extended lines mean that visitors to the attraction (and their children) will be in need of refreshment during potentially long waiting periods.

Park management should also be focusing on the marketing of the park, as well as selecting these classic rides that typically do not require the specialized maintenance of some of the more hi-tech offerings that globally recognized parks can afford to maintain.

Park owners and managers who do their research and apply their minds to the needs of their target audiences will be far more likely to enjoy a park that is highly competitive. And one where patrons are willing to spend more than the price of admission (for instance at concession stands) and those factors are often the key to profit and success. Click here to see more profitable carousel merry go round.