FEC stories

FEC stands for family entertainment centre, a type of visitor attraction that offers an array of entertainment options for families and children. Examples of FECs include soft play centres, playgrounds, climbing walls, family theme parks, and family fun centres. IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, hosts an annual summit for the FEC sector.

Family Entertainment Centres are typically designed to cater to a wide range of ages. They offer a diverse selection of entertainment offerings, as well as food and beverage outlets. Attractions such as adventure play and high ropes offer families the opportunity to bond while participating in active play and bring a host of well-being benefits. They are also popular locations for children’s parties.

FECs have great potential for integration into locations such as shopping malls, where they can quickly become an anchor attraction. Many FECs include branded elements, which appeal to visitors through their inclusion of much-loved characters. Comprehensively themed experiences, such as Chuck E. Cheese FECs, are also popular.

A key trend in the FEC sector is the growing adoption of technologies to improve operational efficiency and enhance the visitor experience. Such innovations include RFID wristbands. These can be used to make contactless payments throughout the site, as well as manage access and session times.

Additionally, media-based technologies are popular features of FECs. These attractions, such as sports simulators and other competitive socialising offers, increase dwell time and repeat visit rates, as well as encourage cross-generational play.

An extensive range of technology suppliers can be found in the Blooloop directory.