2008
10
$350,000
$40,000
$650,000
No
HippoHopp is redefining the family entertainment and indoor playground industry through a sustainable and eco-conscious business model that combines fun, fitness, and environmental responsibility. As a premier indoor play and party center franchise, HippoHopp focuses on creating safe, clean, and imaginative spaces where children can jump, climb, slide, and celebrate—all while parents relax in a thoughtfully designed environment. What sets HippoHopp apart is its deep commitment to sustainability: from non-toxic cleaning products and recycled materials to eco-friendly flooring and energy-efficient operations. This green philosophy resonates strongly with today’s parents who value healthy, eco-conscious spaces for their children.
Positioned in the booming children’s entertainment and family recreation industry, HippoHopp has carved out a niche as one of the only eco-friendly indoor playground franchises in the USA. With rising demand for active play centers that promote movement, creativity, and community engagement, HippoHopp offers an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to build a profitable business that also makes a positive impact on the planet.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a HippoHopp franchise means joining a brand that’s both socially responsible and financially rewarding. The U.S. family entertainment market is projected to surpass $40 billion by the end of the decade, with parents increasingly prioritizing experiential, health-focused, and environmentally sustainable options for their children. HippoHopp fits perfectly into this trend by offering a business model that appeals to eco-conscious families and communities.
The franchise provides a turnkey business system with a proven operational framework, comprehensive support, and scalable revenue streams. With birthday parties, open play sessions, private rentals, café services, and merchandise sales, franchisees benefit from multiple profit centers. Additionally, HippoHopp’s recognizable brand identity, community reputation, and sustainability-driven messaging make it a stand-out investment in a competitive market.
HippoHopp was founded in 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia, by Shannon Wright, a forward-thinking entrepreneur and mother who recognized the need for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable place for kids to play. What began as a local eco-friendly indoor playground quickly grew into a recognizable brand that champions both fun and environmental responsibility.
The brand’s core mission is simple yet powerful — to provide families with an indoor play experience that is healthy for children and kind to the planet. HippoHopp became one of the first indoor playgrounds in the United States to adopt a completely eco-conscious business model, using non-toxic cleaning supplies, sustainable materials, energy-efficient lighting, and low-waste operations. This commitment to sustainability set HippoHopp apart in the competitive children’s entertainment and recreation industry.
By 2012, after seeing strong local success and community support, the brand began exploring franchising opportunities to replicate its eco-play concept in new markets. HippoHopp’s franchise model was carefully designed to maintain its high standards for safety, cleanliness, and sustainability while empowering entrepreneurs to build rewarding businesses that give back to their communities.
As of 2025, HippoHopp has grown to approximately 10 total units across the United States, including both company-owned and franchise locations. The brand’s flagship center in Atlanta, GA, remains a model of excellence and serves as the corporate training hub for new franchisees. Expansion efforts have focused on family-oriented, high-traffic suburban areas in states like Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, with new territories opening in select U.S. cities.
HippoHopp operates within the Children’s Recreation and Family Entertainment Center (FEC) industry, a sector that continues to grow as parents seek safe, active, and screen-free play experiences for their kids. The franchise’s success lies in its ability to combine community engagement, sustainability, and profitability, offering multiple revenue streams from open play sessions, parties, events, memberships, and café sales.
The company remains privately owned, with founder Shannon Wright continuing to guide the brand’s mission and development strategy. With more than a decade of proven success, HippoHopp continues to inspire franchisees who want to invest in a business that delivers both financial returns and meaningful impact — helping families play green and live clean.
HippoHopp offers a comprehensive training and support system that ensures every franchisee can confidently run their business from day one.
Pre-Launch Support:
Franchisees receive guidance on site selection, lease negotiation, architectural design, and build-out, ensuring each location meets brand standards and operational efficiency. The franchisor provides detailed equipment lists, vendor connections, and sustainability sourcing advice to maintain the eco-friendly ethos.
Training Program:
New owners undergo extensive initial training at the corporate headquarters and an existing HippoHopp location. Training covers daily operations, staff management, health and safety protocols, customer service, and marketing strategy. Franchisees also learn about sustainable operations, waste reduction practices, and how to effectively communicate the eco-friendly value proposition to customers.
Marketing & Ongoing Support:
HippoHopp provides strong marketing support, including brand-approved digital assets, local SEO campaigns, social media content, and grand opening promotions. Franchisees benefit from continued operational support, regular business performance reviews, and access to updated training materials. The franchisor also hosts regional and national meetings to help franchisees share best practices and stay ahead of industry trends.
The ideal HippoHopp franchisee is someone passionate about community, sustainability, and children’s well-being. This opportunity is best suited for individuals who enjoy working with families, love engaging in community-oriented activities, and appreciate eco-conscious living.
While previous business or management experience is an asset, it is not a requirement. HippoHopp’s structured training and support make it accessible to both
seasoned entrepreneurs and first-time business owners. The brand particularly appeals to:
Entrepreneurs seeking a values-driven business model.
Parents or family-focused investors looking to create a child-friendly venture.
Investors interested in sustainability and environmental impact.
Owners seeking a semi-absentee or owner-operator model.
Ideal franchisees should have strong leadership skills, customer service orientation, and the financial capacity to invest in a high-quality family entertainment center. Locations thrive in suburban markets, shopping districts, and family-centric communities with steady foot traffic and high population density.
The investment required to open a HippoHopp franchise varies depending on location, size, and local construction costs. Below is an estimated breakdown based on available data and typical market conditions for similar concepts:
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Investment | $350,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Initial Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Build-Out & Equipment Costs | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Marketing & Launch Budget | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 30% annually (varies by market) |
| Estimated Break-Even Time | 18 – 30 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Birthday parties, open play sessions, private events, café sales, merchandise, memberships |
HippoHopp’s strong unit economics and repeat customer base make it an appealing investment with long-term growth potential. With the increasing demand for indoor play centers and community-focused businesses, the franchise offers both financial reward and personal fulfillment.
