An indoor playground with bright green net walls, dangling obstacles, and soft blue and orange plastic flooring.

Lease vs Buy: Which Is Best for Indoor Playgrounds?

July 1, 2025

Indoor playgrounds are an exciting investment, whether you’re creating a space that inspires kids to explore or want to enhance your commercial establishment. However, is leasing or buying indoor playgrounds best for your business?

Both options come with distinct benefits and challenges, and the right choice depends on your business’s unique needs. Learn the differences, advantages, and considerations involved to feel better equipped to make the best decision for your indoor playground installation project.

Understanding Leasing

Leasing equipment for indoor playgrounds allows businesses to use the equipment for a specified period without committing to ownership. This option offers numerous advantages that make it ideal for companies seeking greater financial freedom and flexibility.

Often, leasing comes with significantly lower upfront costs, which frees up your budget for other priorities, such as marketing or staffing. This option provides startup businesses with an affordable way to get their playground up and running quickly.

Another appealing aspect of leasing is the flexibility it offers. Leasing is a great way to stay adaptable if you want to upgrade to newer equipment in a few years or make changes as your business grows.

Understanding Buying

Buying your indoor playground equipment is a long-term investment of the highest value. Ownership gives you control over your indoor playground installation, allowing you to fully customize the equipment to suit your space and creative vision.

Buying indoor playgrounds is best to enjoy the benefit of long-term cost savings. While the upfront costs are typically higher, owning the equipment means you won’t have to worry about monthly leasing payments and avoid price increases over time.

Additionally, ownership frees you from any restrictions or limitations a leasing agreement might set. With the equipment being completely yours, you may change the installation as you see fit and maintain it according to your preferences.

Factors To Consider

You’ll want to carefully assess several key factors that impact your decision when deciding between leasing and buying.

Leasing eases the financial burden if your business has limited funds but wants high-quality playground equipment soon. However, buying may make more sense long-term if your finances allow for a larger upfront investment.

Additionally, think about your long-term plans. Purchasing an indoor playground could save you money and add value over time if you plan to use the equipment for many years without major changes. On the other hand, leasing keeps your options open if you anticipate updating the playground or experimenting with different layouts.

Also, consider your capacity for maintenance. Often, leasing agreements include upkeep, which is helpful for businesses without the staff or expertise to handle maintenance on their own. Finally, consider the importance of customization for your playground. Owners can fully tailor their equipment, while leasing may have limitations in this area.

Decide What’s Best for You

The best option between leasing and buying indoor playgrounds will depend on your business’s specific circumstances. Leasing offers newcomers to the indoor playground industry or those with limited budgets and evolving needs a flexible solution. Buying equipment ensures greater control and cost savings for long-term planners, and businesses focused on customization.

Partner with Go Play Systems’ professional team to simplify the process if you’re ready to move forward but still have questions. We’ll help you weigh your options, address your concerns, and guide you on your indoor playground installation. Your playground will bring joy to families for years to come, whether you decide to lease or buy.