Make the off-peak season an opportunity for your outdoor park

In winter, outdoor leisure parks experience a natural drop in attendance due to cold, bad weather and a lack of activities adapted to the season .
But instead of suffering this slow period, why not use it as a lever for growth? Now is the perfect time to undertake strategic renovations and prepare your park to shine during the next peak season!

source: https://exploraparc.com/storage/2022/04/Photo-Accro.png

Why January is the perfect time to give your outdoor park a facelift:

• You can carry out work without disrupting the visitor experience: With few people on site, work areas can be easily isolated, without impacting the flow of regular visitors.
• Construction and maintenance companies are often more available during this period. Which means shorter completion times more competitive prices.
• Sufficient preparation time: The renovations carried out in January allow us to be ready before the start of the high season, with modernized and functional infrastructure as soon as the first spring visitors arrive.
• Less pressure: With a less busy schedule, your team can work calmly and plan quality improvements, without the pressure of daily operations.
• Anticipated marketing strategy: By launching work in January, you have time to communicate to reveal your new products and attract the attention of visitors before the high season.

Which renovations should you prioritize to maximize your turnover?

Investing in renovations only makes sense if they improve the customer experience and increase your revenue. Here are the essential projects to consider:

1. Infrastructure modernization

• Upgrade to safety standards: Check your attractions, safety nets, electrical systems and fire-fighting devices.
• Maintenance of exterior structures: Repair walls, stairs and roofs damaged by bad weather.
• Accessibility: Facilitate access for people with reduced mobility to attract a wider audience. An inclusive park is an attractive park.

2. Aesthetic refresh

The appearance of your park directly influences visitor perception:

• Repaint the facades and decor to revive the atmosphere and give a facelift to your installations.
• Create green spaces for a more pleasant and relaxing environment.
• Repair or replace aging signage to make travel easier and a smoother experience.

3. Meeting and relaxation areas

Creating comfort spaces can transform a visit into a convivial moment:

• Indoors, clear a space for a cozy meeting point where your visitors can relax and chat.
• Outdoors, add shade and rest areas for the comfort of families.
• Create modern picnic areas to extend visit time and encourage on-site dining.
• Provide lockers so that visitors are not crowded.

4. Digitalization and innovation

Investing in technology can improve both the visitor experience and your operational performance. Here are some ideas for modernizing your leisure park:

• Online ticketing systems: Make entry management easier and reduce queues by implementing an online ticketing system. This also allows you to track your statistics in real time and maximize your anticipated sales through promotional offers.
• Digital information screens: Install interactive screens at strategic points to display live information about wait times, upcoming events and promotional offers. These screens can also be used to broadcast fun content.
• Free WiFi and charging stations: These two very simple tips can significantly increase your customers' visit time.

source: https://www.visiterlyon.com/var/site/storage/images/8/3/7/2/172738-3-eng-GB/a1ab0692ee33-city-aventure-sainte-foy_enfant.jpg

2025 trends

Investing in trendy concepts allows you to attract new audiences and remain competitive. Here are some ideas to incorporate into your renovation:

– Multi-activity spaces:

Visitors are looking for diverse experiences brought together in one place. Combine sports activities, interactive games, dining space and relaxation areas to create a complete experience .
These facilities extend the visit duration and increase ancillary expenses (catering, shops, events).

– “Instagrammable” areas:

Visitors love to share their experiences on social networks, especially Instagram and Tiktok ! Investing in aesthetic sets guarantees natural and free promotion.
For example, immersive universes where visitors can stage, light and artistic installations or areas decorated according to seasons or special events like Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day…

– Eco responsibility:

Visitors are increasingly aware of environmentally friendly practices. Integrating green infrastructure and sustainable initiatives can not only strengthen your brand image, but also reduce your operational costs in the long term! Here are some avenues to explore:

• Eco-designed installations: Use sustainable materials for your new constructions, such as certified wood, recycled concrete or reusable modular structures.
• Recycling areas rather than traditional bins: A must-have that is easy and quick to set up.
• Renewable energy: Opt for clean energy sources, such as solar panels to power your attractions or rainwater harvesting systems for watering green spaces.

Why endure the slow season when you can make it a real lever for development?
Take advantage of January to renovate, innovate and anticipate the high season. Even a small improvement can transform your park into a must-see destination and boost your revenue from the first days of the season.

And above all ... talk to it! Use your website, social networks and newsletter to announce your new features and show everything your park has to offer.

Visual credits: Explora Parc / City Adventure - Lyon Sainte Foy