Indoor play equipment for kids project in Japan

Introduction

Indoor playgrounds are no longer limited to standalone centers—they’re becoming anchors for businesses that want to attract families. In Japan, one shopping mall recently partnered with us to bring more life to an underused corner of their building. By adding colorful, activity-based play features, the mall created a new reason for parents and children to visit and stay longer.

Customer Background & Source

The client was the operations manager of a mid-sized shopping mall in Nagoya. Despite steady foot traffic for shops and restaurants, one wing of the building had been struggling for years with high vacancy rates. The manager realized that converting part of the space into a children’s play zone could turn it into a magnet for families, who would then also shop and dine within the mall.

He first learned about our company through a Google search while researching “indoor playground suppliers.” After reviewing several options, he reached out because he wanted a partner who could design equipment that was both safe and visually attractive. His aim was twofold: bring more families to the mall and give parents a reason to extend their visits.

Design & Customization

After assessing the available space, we created a layout with four complementary play elements that would appeal to different age groups:

Rotating Coconut Tree – This interactive piece encourages children to hold onto padded coconuts as they gently spin around the pole. It was chosen because it creates movement-based fun without requiring a lot of space, making it perfect for mall play zones.

Interactive Ball Throwing Machine – To add a game-like challenge, we installed a machine where kids can throw soft balls at moving targets. This became an instant favorite for older children and helped keep them engaged while parents browsed nearby shops.

Ocean Ball Pool – Positioned at the center of the play zone, the ball pool acted as both a visual centerpiece and a safe area for toddlers. The bright colors and soft paddings gave it an inviting, cheerful look that drew families in from across the atrium.

Round Tunnel Obstacle – To bring an element of adventure, we added a circular crawl-through tunnel with built-in obstacles. Kids loved climbing through the rings and testing their agility, while parents appreciated that the structure promoted active play in a safe way.

Each piece was customized to fit the mall’s modern aesthetic, with colors selected to match existing interior décor. The combination of active, skill-based, and imaginative play ensured that the playground would appeal to a wide range of children.

Installation & Delivery

All equipment was shipped in phases and installed over a short two-week period to minimize disruption. Work was scheduled during late evenings after the mall closed, ensuring no impact on shoppers or tenants. Our team also adjusted the final layout on-site to make sure emergency exits and customer walkways remained unobstructed.

Customer Feedback & Results

The results were visible almost immediately. Within the first two months of operation, overall weekend family visits to the mall increased by 32%. Parents began to share photos of the playground on social media, especially of the rotating coconut tree, which quickly became a recognizable feature.

The mall manager noted:

“We noticed families are staying an extra hour on average. Parents often grab coffee while kids play, and several tenants have already reported higher sales.”

Membership for the mall’s loyalty program also grew by 18%, as families signed up to access exclusive play zone discounts and birthday booking options.

Conclusion

This project shows how indoor play equipment for kids can do more than entertain—it can help underutilized commercial spaces thrive again. By combining fun, safety, and smart design, the Nagoya shopping mall succeeded in creating a destination that families want to return to.

If you’re exploring how to add value to your space with indoor playgrounds, our team can help design and deliver equipment tailored to your goals.