Trampoline parks have emerged as the fastest-growing entertainment retail category in America, according to a new JLL report released Tuesday at the ICSC conference in Las Vegas. More than 350 trampoline parks and kid zones are currently planned across the country, signaling robust investor appetite for this leisure segment.

The real estate implications matter for shopping center owners and developers. Trampoline parks pull foot traffic from competing entertainment venues like bowling alleys and arcade centers. They occupy 5,000 to 15,000 square feet of space, typically requiring single-story, high-ceiling facilities. Landlords benefit from long-term leases with operators who invest heavily in equipment and infrastructure.

For retailers sharing centers with these venues, the presence of trampoline parks drives incremental traffic. Parents accompanying children spend time at nearby food courts and shops. Anchor positioning becomes more competitive, as property managers prioritize entertainment density.

Developers weighing where to place these facilities should target suburban markets with household incomes exceeding $75,000 and populations under age 18 exceeding 25 percent. Urban centers also work, though real estate costs compress operator margins.

For landlords negotiating new leases, expect operators to demand triple-net structures with base rents ranging from $15 to $25 per square foot annually, depending on location. Competition from digital entertainment and home gaming systems pushes operators toward experiential features like ninja warrior courses and arcade integration to justify pricing.

The sector's growth reflects consumer shift toward experience-based spending over goods. Post-pandemic, families allocate discretionary income toward activities rather than products. Operators have capitalized by bundling birthday parties, corporate events, and summer camps with facility access.

JLL's report signals institutional capital flowing into this space. Private equity firms and REIT operators now view trampoline parks as viable entertainment anchors alongside