How Funrise Indoor Playground Stands Out with Smart Play Management Technology: A Semnox Case Study
Table of Contents
Client
Located in Cedar Hills, Utah, Funrise Indoor Playground was created to provide a dedicated indoor play destination designed specifically for younger children and their families.
Unlike many indoor attractions, Funrise was built around imaginative play, exploration, and interactive experiences that encourage creativity and family engagement. The venue features themed play environments, party spaces, and a fantasy-inspired atmosphere that helps transport children into a world of adventure from the moment they walk through the door.
For founder and CEO Garrett Samuelson, creating a memorable guest experience required combining immersive attractions with technology that could support safety, convenience, and operational efficiency.
Challenge
When planning Funrise Indoor Playground, Samuelson saw a gap in the market.
Most indoor play experiences available to families involved trampoline parks and larger attractions where younger children often felt secondary to older guests.
“Most of our experience in indoor playgrounds with younger kids has always been taking them to trampoline parks, places where the younger kids didn’t feel so welcome because the older kids obviously kind of ruled those areas,” said Samuelson.
The goal was to create a destination designed specifically for younger children while offering families something different from traditional indoor entertainment venues.
At the same time, Funrise needed a solution capable of managing guest admissions, timed play sessions, access control, and safety without creating operational bottlenecks during busy periods.
The team wanted technology that would not only streamline operations but also become part of the guest experience itself.
Solution
Funrise selected the Parafait Kids Playground Solution from Semnox Solutions, implementing a combination of Radian RFID wristbands, access control gates, guest registration tablets, and automated time-management tools designed specifically for indoor playground environments.
For Samuelson, the decision centered on creating a unique experience that guests would remember long after their visit.
“We wanted something that was different,” he said. “Everywhere else they wanted to offer something that was already out there.”
“Semnox offered hardware that allowed our patrons, our clientele, our customers to feel, ‘Wow, this is different. This is new. This is leaving an impression that I’m definitely going to remember for a long time.'”
The technology became an extension of the overall guest experience, helping Funrise stand apart in a competitive market while simultaneously simplifying operations behind the scenes.
Creating a More Memorable Guest Experience
At Funrise, technology is not hidden behind the scenes. It is part of the experience itself.
Guests receive Radian wristbands during check-in, creating a unique and interactive experience from the moment they enter the facility. The wristbands support admissions and time management while reinforcing the venue’s modern, family-focused atmosphere.
“When we introduce them to the wristband, it just takes that to the next level,” Samuelson said.
The wearable technology helps guests enjoy their visit without constantly monitoring the clock and adds an element of innovation that helps Funrise differentiate itself from competing attractions.
Improving Safety Through Access Control
Guest safety was another important priority for the Funrise team.
To support this goal, the venue implemented access control gates integrated with the Parafait platform. The system helps ensure only authorized guests enter the playground while providing staff with greater visibility into activity throughout the facility.
“The gate system has been very helpful in the fact that it gets people in. It gets people in that have paid, which is very, very crucial,” Samuelson said.
The technology also allows staff to quickly identify and address potential issues before they become larger concerns.
“We can stop things that are happening that shouldn’t be happening right away rather than finding it out later on.”
For younger guests, the access control system provides an additional layer of protection.
“It allows kids, especially the younger ones, to be safely on that side of the gate rather than here in the lobby or especially out in the street.”
The reliability of the system has even become a source of humor among employees.
“I was joking with my manager the other day saying who would get employee of the month. It’s probably our gate.”
Streamlining Guest Check-In and Admissions
Efficient guest onboarding is critical for any indoor playground.
Funrise uses self-service registration tablets that allow guests to quickly register, select admission options, and complete the check-in process before entering the play area.
“The tablet system has been very, very nice. No complaints whatsoever,” Samuelson said.
Guests can easily indicate the number of children in their group, identify themselves as new or returning customers, and complete registration with minimal staff assistance.
“That part is very streamlined and helps us with the bottlenecking at the front.”
By reducing congestion during the admission process, Funrise is able to create a smoother first impression while freeing staff to focus on guest service.
Outcome
Since implementing the Parafait Kids Playground Solution, Funrise has successfully combined immersive play experiences with modern technology to create a destination that stands out in Utah’s competitive family entertainment market.
The implementation has helped the venue:
- Streamline guest registration and admissions
- Reduce front-desk bottlenecks
- Improve access control and guest accountability
- Enhance child safety through controlled entry points
- Simplify timed play management
- Create a more memorable guest experience
- Differentiate the venue from competitors
Most importantly, the technology has become part of the Funrise brand experience itself.
“It’s that one special element that allows us to just look so much better than our competition,” Samuelson said.
“We have to stand out above the rest. Semnox allows us and gives us the tools to do that.”
Lessons for Indoor Playground Operators
How Do RFID Wristbands Improve the Indoor Playground Experience?
RFID wristbands help operators automate admissions, manage timed play sessions, improve guest flow, and create a more seamless experience for families. They also reduce the need for staff intervention while giving guests a convenient way to access attractions and services.
How Can Indoor Playgrounds Improve Child Safety?
Access control gates, parent-child verification processes, and RFID-based admissions systems help operators maintain better control over who enters designated play areas. These systems provide additional peace of mind for parents while helping staff monitor activity throughout the facility.
How Do Self-Service Check-In Systems Reduce Wait Times?
Self-service registration tablets allow guests to complete admissions more quickly while reducing front-desk congestion. This creates a smoother guest experience and allows staff to focus on customer service rather than administrative tasks.
What Should Operators Look for in Indoor Playground Management Software?
Operators should look for a platform that goes beyond basic admissions and point-of-sale functionality. The right indoor playground management software should support guest registration, access control, timed play management, reporting, safety initiatives, and future business growth while helping create a better overall guest experience.
