The market for businesses and franchises that cater to children and families is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for services and products that enhance the lives of young people and their families. This conversation will explore why this market segment is flourishing, provide examples of successful franchise brands in this space, and discuss the data supporting this trend.
The Expanding Market for Child- and Family-Focused Services
In recent years, the child- and family-focused market has seen robust expansion. Several factors contribute to this growth, including rising disposable income, greater awareness of the importance of early childhood education and development, and the desire among parents to provide enriching experiences for their children. As parents continue to seek out high-quality products and services for their children, businesses that meet these needs are thriving.
One of the key drivers of this market is the increasing emphasis on early childhood education. Studies have shown that early learning experiences significantly impact a child’s cognitive and social development. As a result, parents are investing more in educational services that promise to give their children a head start. This trend has spurred the growth of franchises that offer educational programs, tutoring, and enrichment activities.
Another factor contributing to the growth of this market is the growing awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles for children. With concerns about childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles on the rise, parents are more motivated than ever to enroll their children in sports programs, fitness classes, and other activities that promote physical health.
Moreover, the demand for convenience and time-saving services is also driving growth in this segment. Busy parents are seeking out businesses that provide reliable, high-quality services that cater to their children’s needs while also fitting into their hectic schedules. This demand has led to the expansion of franchises that offer childcare, after-school programs, and other family-oriented services.
The bottom line is that more and more families are spending more and more money on their kids. Many of these dollars are discretionary, but a large portion of the influx of spending is also required spending, like daycare services. This statistic through the IFA is pretty astounding, “A Harvard Business Review report found that 57 percent of working families in the U.S. spend over $10,000 on daycare annually.” (read more: https://www.franchise.org/franchise-information/franchising-world/industry-spotlight-children-services)
Successful Franchise Brands in the Child- and Family-Focused Market
Several franchise brands have capitalized on the growing demand for child- and family-focused services and have experienced remarkable success. These brands offer a variety of products and services that cater to different aspects of children’s lives, from education and entertainment to health and wellness.
- Lil Athletes
The Lil Athletes franchise is a prime example of a franchise that has found success in the child-focused market by offering a unique program that offers young children the opportunity to experience a variety of sports at a young age. Our classes teach children sports specific skills, fitness concepts, and provide structure in a fun group setting. Young children get to interact with their peers, learning how to follow directions and routines while developing their social and cognitive functions. There are 2 different franchise options with Lil Athletes:
Option #1: Flagship Store + Off-Site Lil Athletes offers weekly single and multi-sport class options at our flagship store in East Northport, NY as well as off-site programs at various schools, libraries, and other recreational facilities. Our hybrid business model allows our program to empower thousands of children in our local market.
Option #2: Mobile Off-Site that gives financial flexibility while growing your company without the monthly storefront lease cost. Franchisees would build off-site awareness by teaching in daycares, libraries, fitness/sports facilities. This option is recommended for future franchisees that want to scale their business on their own time, with a very low upfront start-up cost.
Both options utilize a single and multi-sport model, Lil Athletes gives children the opportunity to experience a variety of sports, including Soccer, Baseball, Lacrosse, Basketball, Football, and Hockey. Teaching robust skills in each sport helps children decide where their personal sports journey will take them. Because young children thrive on repetition and routine, the Lil Athletes program is structured to allow for maximum benefit. Additionally, we offer birthday parties and holiday/summer camps. This provides an opportunity for children of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy exposure to athletic activities, while generating multiple revenue streams.
For more information on the Lil Athletes franchise system, visit the corporate site: https://www.franchiseconduit.com/franchise/lil-athletes/
- Kumon
Kumon is another franchise that has achieved significant success by focusing on education and tutoring services for children. Founded in Japan in 1958, Kumon has expanded to over 50 countries, with thousands of locations worldwide. The franchise offers math and reading programs designed to help children develop strong foundational skills and foster a love for learning.
Kumon’s success is driven by its proven methodology, which emphasizes self-learning and individualized instruction. The franchise’s approach allows children to progress at their own pace, ensuring that they master each concept before moving on to the next. As parents continue to prioritize education and seek out effective tutoring services, Kumon has positioned itself as a leader in the supplemental education market.
The demand for educational services, particularly tutoring, is supported by data. The global private tutoring market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report by Grand View Research. This growth is fueled by increasing competition for academic success and the desire among parents to provide their children with additional educational support.
- Four Seasons Preschool Franchise
Through a laser focus on customer service while streamlining operations, Four Seasons Preschool brings simplicity and value to the early childhood education industry, without compromising quality. The franchise model is opened in smaller, converted homes or commercial buildings making the cost to open one much less than similar franchise systems like Primrose.
Through years of industry experience, the Four Seasons Preschool management team has developed a highly successful operational model. Leveraging that expertise, we provide a platform for profitability and ease of operation via superior training and support.
Four Seasons Preschool is successful because Karen, Tracey and their team have been aggressive and consistent in refining their operational model, striving for industry excellence, and serving their customers with dedication.
The number one quality for a successful Four Seasons Preschool franchisee is commitment to early childhood education, and the ability to recognize and hire staff that exhibit this dedication as well. Aside from previous education, childcare, or administrative experience, our ideal candidate will exhibit the following qualities: empathy, consistency, a love for children, a passion for education.
- Soccer Shots
Soccer Shots is a franchise that has gained traction by offering soccer programs specifically designed for young children. Founded in 1999, Soccer Shots has grown to over 200 franchises across North America. The franchise offers age-appropriate soccer classes that focus on skill development, teamwork, and positive character building for children aged 2 to 8.
The success of Soccer Shots is driven by its focus on providing a fun, engaging, and non-competitive environment for young children to learn soccer. The franchise’s emphasis on character development and physical activity resonates with parents who want their children to develop both athletic skills and positive values. As interest in youth sports continues to grow, Soccer Shots has positioned itself as a leader in the market for children’s sports programs.
The growth of youth sports is supported by data from the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, which reports that participation in organized sports among children aged 6 to 12 has increased in recent years. This trend reflects the growing demand for youth sports programs that prioritize skill development, teamwork, and character building.
- Christmas House / Halloween House
Christmas House and Halloween House are everything kids love about the holidays wrapped into a great, fun and incredible experience. All of your favorite Christmas sights, sounds, and smells come to life in Christmas House/Halloween House! Almost a dozen unique experiences including the first ever Snow Room, the North Pole Movie Theater, the Indoor Light Show, and many more. Locations are in high traffic mall locations with low rent and operated in the right markets. The business model creates an Unforgettable Experience with an indoor, one of a kind, fully immersive Christmas experience. A wondrous 45+ minute walk-through of all things Christmas and Halloween!
Christmas House Franchising, Inc. has created two unique, immersive walk-through experiences for all ages that harness the power of these profitable industries in the U.S. — Christmas and Halloween. The business model first launched in 2020, with Halloween House soon to follow the next year. Due to overwhelming demand and success, we expanded to 12 fully indoor attractions covering three states in 2022. By 2023, we beat out more than 3,000 companies to make the top 60 in Pepperdine’s Most Fundable Companies competition.
The Christmas House/Halloween House founding team, which includes Michael Dessart who hails from decades of experience with HBO, has worked our magic to create some serious fun within a lucrative business model! It’s easy to see why our 3 unique concepts make sense for ownership:
Strong Profit-Driven Markets: Did you know that Christmas spending reached upwards of $7 trillion dollars in 2022? Halloween spending topped over $12 billion in 2023, while general entertainment-related spending has reached $681.19 billion globally.
There’s Nothing Like It: Our concepts are simply one-of-a-kind. We reach a massive audience of all ages and give families an experience not found anywhere else! Unlike our competitors, our visitors return again and again thanks to the value we offer. Our model has been proven to work in all population sizes.
Standout Profit Margins: Low upfront costs, seasonal demand, high volume, and quick ROI make for a fantastic investment! Once your location is set up, you can begin earning revenue fast. As an added profit driver, we offer our locations for private events and ample sponsorship opportunities!
Seasonal Flexibility: Experience the work-life balance you have always dreamed of. Christmas House and Halloween House are seasonal pop-up events, so you have the rest of the year for everything else.
For more information on the brand, visit the franchise site (Christmas House): https://www.franchiseconduit.com/franchise/christmas-house/
Read more on both brands: https://www.strategicfranchisebrokers.com/christmas-house-halloween-house-and-movie-house-franchise-system/
Data Supporting the Growth of Child- and Family-Focused Franchises
The success of franchise brands like The Little Gym, Kumon, Primrose Schools, Soccer Shots, and Code Ninjas is supported by broader market trends and data that indicate growing demand for child- and family-focused services.
Increasing Parental Spending
One of the key factors driving the growth of this market is the increasing amount of money that parents are willing to spend on their children’s education, activities, and overall well-being. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 in the United States is approximately $233,610. This figure includes expenses for housing, food, education, and extracurricular activities, highlighting the significant financial commitment that parents make to their children’s development.
Growing Focus on Education and Development
Education and development are top priorities for many parents, which has led to increased spending on educational services and enrichment programs. A report by Technavio predicts that the global education market will grow by $3.08 trillion from 2020 to 2024, driven by factors such as the rising demand for early childhood education, the increasing adoption of e-learning, and the growing popularity of STEM education.
Read more on the growing market for children’s services and products: https://franchisingmagazineusa.com/expert_advice/unlocking-the-world-of-childrens-products-and-services-franchises-a-path-to-entrepreneurial-success-through-franchising/
Demand for Convenience and Quality
Busy parents are seeking out convenient and high-quality services that cater to their children’s needs. Franchises that offer reliable and well-regarded services, such as childcare, tutoring, and extracurricular activities, are well-positioned to capture this demand. According to a report by IBISWorld, the child care industry in the United States is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 3.9% from 2021 to 2026, driven by rising employment rates among parents and increased spending on childcare services.
The Future of Child- and Family-Focused Franchises
The market for businesses and franchises that cater to children and families is poised for continued growth, driven by increasing parental spending, a growing focus on education and development, and the demand for convenient and high-quality services. Franchise brands that have successfully tapped into this market, such as The Little Gym, Kumon, Primrose Schools, Soccer Shots, and Code Ninjas, offer compelling examples of how businesses can thrive by meeting the needs of children and their families.
As this market continues to expand, new opportunities will arise for entrepreneurs and franchisees who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Whether through education, physical activity, or technology, child- and family-focused franchises have the potential to play a significant role in shaping the future of the next generation.
For more information on how to franchise your children’s business, contact Chris Conner with Franchise Marketing Systems: Chris.Conner@FMSFranchise.com or visit the FMS Franchise Site: www.FMSFranchise.com
Chris Conner has worked in the franchise development industry for almost 20 years and helped over 600 brands franchise their brand and develop franchise distribution channels. He founded Franchise Marketing Systems in 2009, which now includes a team of 27 franchise consultants based in and Canada and supports brands around the world to grow and scale through franchise expansion.
For more information on how to find a children’s Franchise, visit Franchise Conduit: www.FranchiseConduit.com