Dream Garden Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of playground equipment and toymaker in China, has shared insights into the impact of rising global temperatures on the indoor entertainment industry.
Research has found that the indoor entertainment industry will grow from $39.97 billion in 2025 to $45.61 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1%. Some market reports predict it will surpass $100 billion by 2032.
Dream Garden's founder, Stefan Zhang, says the ongoing shift of outdoor recreational activities to indoor settings highlights the enhanced comfort that indoor entertainment areas provide for fun-seekers.
This trend is driven by the need for environments that are consistent, safe, and controlled, which encourage physical activity, social interaction, and mental engagement, particularly for children.
See also: Beyond Made in China: Dream Garden on trust, warmth and the future of global play
Indoor refuges from extreme heat
With multiple countries issuing extreme heat warnings, indoor entertainment venues are seeing more visitors as people move recreational activities indoors due to the dangers of outdoor heat.
Major cities worldwide are experiencing severe summer heatwaves, pushing temperatures past 40°C in places like Paris, Barcelona, and Budapest, while parts of East Asia and the Korean Peninsula see record-breaking marks near 42.5°C
Indoor recreational activities can be enjoyed year-round and at any time, depending on available facilities and equipment. In contrast, outdoor activities tend to shift to early mornings or late evenings to escape peak temperatures.
A new global study led by scientists from The Nature Conservancy has found that around 35% of the global population now lives in areas where heat severely limits safe activity, even for younger adults during the hottest parts of the year.
Zhang notes that shifting recreational activities indoors has opened new market opportunities for indoor playground makers like Dream Garden.
Dream Garden creates safe spaces away from the daytime heat where families can enjoy play and social interaction
However, it also introduces specific product requirements. Indoor amusement equipment must be scalable and adaptable to different floor plans of various sizes while maintaining comfort and safety.
Although the industry is poised for growth amid rising global temperatures, to truly capitalise on these opportunities, companies need to do more than offer quick entertainment. Zhang adds that operators should focus on creating top-tier, engaging environments where fun-seeking families feel comfortable spending hours.
Earlier this year, Dream Garden completed a 500-square-metre indoor playground in Craigieburn, Australia. It meets rising demand for community family entertainment with soft play structures, interactive areas, and a play café, providing a balanced environment for children and adults.
