This article provides a comprehensive overview of the revenue generated by hosting birthday parties at an arcade. Whether you’re considering starting your own arcade business or already operating one, this guide breaks down the key factors that contribute to birthday party income, including party packages, upsell opportunities, and seasonal trends.
Our arcade game room business plan will help you build a profitable project
When operating an arcade, hosting birthday parties is a major revenue stream. On average, most arcades host 8 to 15 birthday parties per month, with around 10 parties being the norm. The revenue from these parties can vary based on factors like the size of the party, pricing, and add-ons.
1. How many birthday parties are hosted at the arcade per month on average?
Most arcades host between 8 and 15 birthday parties per month, with the average number being about 10. This number can fluctuate depending on the size of the arcade, its location, and its popularity with families.
2. What is the average number of children per birthday party?
The average number of children per birthday party typically ranges from 15 to 16. However, parties with 10 to 20 children are common, as they align with package deals offered by many arcades.
3. What is the average price charged per child or per party package?
Arcade party packages usually cost between $200 and $400 for a set number of children (typically 10-11). Additional children typically incur an extra fee ranging from $20 to $35 per child. For basic packages, the price per child can range from $19.99 to $38.99, depending on what’s included in the package.
4. What different birthday party packages are offered and how do their prices compare?
Arcades typically offer a range of packages, which differ in terms of inclusions such as food, arcade credits, and party amenities. Here's a breakdown of some common packages:
| Package Name | Base Price (min. kids) | Price per Extra Child | Includes (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dave & Buster's Basic | $19.99/person (min 10) | $19.99+ | Shared table, game card, basic food |
| Dave & Buster's Deluxe | $34.99/person | $34.99+ | Private room, upgraded food, more games |
| Chuck E. Cheese Value | $99.99 (6 kids) | $15–$25 | Pizza, drinks, set game credits |
| Mid-market Large Package | $349.99 (11 kids) | $30.99 | Reserved space, game card, food & beverage, extras |
5. What percentage of birthday parties include food and beverage sales, and what is the average spend per party on these extras?
Food and beverage sales are included in 75% to 90% of birthday parties at arcades. The average spending on these extras, such as pizza, fries, chicken bites, and fountain drinks, ranges from $50 to $150 per party.
6. What is the typical revenue generated from arcade tokens or card recharges during a birthday party?
Arcades typically include prepaid arcade cards worth $10 to $30 per child in their birthday party packages. However, additional token or card recharges add another $25 to $100 in revenue per party, as children often want to continue playing after their credits run out.
7. What are the upsell opportunities such as party add-ons, decorations, or private room rentals, and how much revenue do they usually add?
There are several upsell opportunities at arcades, such as themed decorations, party favors, extended playtime, and private room rentals. These add-ons can generate an extra $50 to $200 in revenue per party, depending on the package and the add-ons chosen by the party host.
8. What is the average total revenue generated per birthday party when combining package fees, food, games, and extras?
The average total revenue per birthday party, including the base package, food, arcade games, and upsells, ranges from $350 to $650. For higher-end packages, revenue can exceed $1,000 per party.
9. What is the gross profit margin on birthday parties after accounting for staffing, supplies, and overhead?
The gross profit margin on arcade birthday parties typically ranges from 50% to 70%. This high margin is due to the relatively low cost of arcade games, especially when combined with the fixed staffing costs shared across multiple parties.
10. What is the seasonal variation in birthday party bookings and revenue throughout the year?
Arcade birthday party bookings tend to peak in late spring, early summer, and during the winter holiday season. During the off-peak months, bookings drop by 20% to 30%, reflecting the typical seasonal fluctuation in demand for family entertainment venues.
11. What proportion of overall arcade revenue comes specifically from birthday parties?
Birthday parties contribute around 25% to 40% of an arcade’s overall revenue. This proportion can vary depending on the location, popularity, and number of other revenue streams an arcade offers.
12. What is the year-over-year trend in birthday party revenue for the arcade?
Since the pandemic, arcade birthday party revenues have been experiencing a 5% to 10% growth year-over-year. Enhanced packages and add-ons have helped boost spending per party, contributing to the overall revenue increase.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Read more articles
- Arcade Game Room Complete Guide
- How Much Does It Cost to Build an Arcade?
- Revenue Per Day in an Arcade Game Room
- Arcade Game Room Space Requirements
- Tool to Calculate Arcade Game Room Revenue
- Arcade Game Room Cost Recovery
- Arcade Revenue Per Machine
- Arcade Game Room Profit Margin
- Arcade Pricing Strategy
- Arcade Industry Market Size
- Is an Arcade Business Worth It?