Unstaffed Playground: Why It Works for Small Businesses Like Playground42 (and Probably Shouldn't for Big Ones)

Let’s get one thing out of the way: the unstaffed playground model isn’t everyone's cup of tea, and definitely isn't a good fit for every business (or many businesses at all).

If a billion-dollar company were to adopt this model, it wouldn’t be about giving people more freedom or passing on savings to customers. For them, it would be about saving a few extra zeros on payroll, and those savings would go straight to the CEO's already-overflowing pockets.

But for a small, community-rooted business like Playground42 — run by one mom trying to make family life just a little easier — it’s about survival, accessibility, community, and trust.

Being unstaffed lets me keep the doors open longer, charge less, and create a space that feels personal instead of transactional. And here’s what may surprise people most: families don’t take advantage of it — they rise to it.

The Reality of Small Business in 2025

Running a small business in 2025 means walking a constant tightrope between affordability and quality.

Many small business owners I know aren’t swimming in profit — they’re treading water and hoping to stay afloat another month. Staffing costs alone can make or break that balance. Most indoor playgrounds with on-site staff charge $15 or more per visit; I keep ours closer to $10 so more families can afford it. Our party rentals are also priced well below local competitors, because accessibility matters more to me than margins.

And that’s not just about pricing — it’s about people. The same approach is what allows us to help families in our community who are facing financial hardship. With our discount code ITTAKESAVILLAGE, local families can receive 50 percent off any Playground42 service — no questions asked, no proof required. It’s a completely honor-system offer, because I believe no family should have to miss out on play or community just because times are tough.

On top of that, I’m almost always running some kind of seasonal or community coupon so families can save even more. Right now, for example, you can use code TRICKORTREAT to get 10 percent off. Whether it’s a small discount or a big one, every code is meant to make it a little easier for families to come play, connect, and belong.

What Families Get Out of Playground42's Unstaffed Model

Again, the unstaffed model isn’t just about what I can afford — it’s about what you can, too.

Because there’s no payroll to cover, families get lower entry prices, more flexible hours, and a quieter environment that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded. Some families love visiting early in the day or later in the evening when it’s calm — sometimes they even have the whole space to themselves. Many families call or message me specifically asking when they can come in to have the space to themselves - it's highly favored!

It’s a different kind of experience: one that feels more like visiting a friend’s playroom than a commercial business. Parents can focus, kids can explore, and everyone can just be.

Keeping It Safe and Simple

Being unstaffed doesn’t mean being careless. We use secure Brivo entry, require waivers, and safety cameras to protect families, plus a consistent cleaning routine that keeps the space fresh and hygienic every single day even if someone isn't there 24/7.

It’s not a high-tech security operation; it’s just practical, thoughtful systems that let the space run smoothly — even when someone isn't always physically there.

Looking Ahead

I want to be clear — this isn’t necessarily my forever plan. I’d love to have staff one day, especially if our community favors that model over this one. I’d love to hire some local people who can help tidy up between sessions, answer questions, and greet families with a smile. My dream is to hire local parents and let them bring their kids to work, so they can earn an income without sacrificing family time.

But right now, full transparency, I’m bringing in about $700–$800 a month — far, far less than my expenses. For a single-owner small business — especially one that isn’t turning a profit yet — this model is a bridge. It’s a way to make something good and accessible exist at all. It’s how I can offer families flexible, affordable playtime while still being a present mom, entrepreneur, and community member myself.

And while this approach works beautifully for us, I don’t think it’s something that should be adopted widely — especially not by corporations. What makes it work here is the human element: the honesty, trust, and mutual respect between families and our community. If big companies start doing this just to cut payroll, it stops being about people and starts being about profit.

So, I don’t advertise our unstaffed model as some new business trend. It’s just what we had to do — quietly, intentionally — to create a space for the people who need it most.

At Its Core

Playground42 is about building community. It’s about proving that a business can run on respect, care, and shared values.

Maybe that’s what the future of small business looks like: not fewer people, but more humanity. Not less interaction, but more intention.

And maybe — just maybe — the best kind of business model isn’t the one that scales endlessly, but the one that simply works for the people it serves.

Want to see how our unstaffed model works in practice?

Come visit us at Playground42.com — where families come first, and community comes naturally. Located at 3979 Indian Ripple Rd STE CC, Beavercreek, OH 45440