• 2.jpg
  • 5.jpg
  • 7.jpg
  • 8.jpg
  • 6.jpg
  • 3.jpg
  • 1.jpg
  • 4.jpg
◆ News · Adventure Business

Building an Integrated Family Entertainment Centre

According to Outdoor & Leisure business analysts, operators of traditional outdoor parks are feeling the pressure. Visitors and investors alike are demanding innovative solutions for commercial outdoor venues, seeking the next generation of activities and exciting team-building programs bundled into one cohesive destination.

TL;DR Summary

Key Takeaways

  • Market Shift: Traditional outdoor parks must evolve into Family Entertainment Centres (FECs) offering comprehensive, all-inclusive packages.
  • Strategic Partnership: IOAC partnered with Skywalker to expand their portfolio with high ropes, team building, and glamping to meet modern customer demands.
  • Digital Integration: Interactive climbing solutions are essential to engage younger, digitally-native generations in physical outdoor play.
  • Flexible Design: Shared course layouts increase the number of games available, turning the premises into one continuous, immersive playground.
Strategic Shift

The Rise of Family Entertainment Centres (FECs)

International Outdoor Adventure Centre entrance and facilities

The International Outdoor Adventure Centre site layout.

In Leisure & Recreation industry circles, the trend of bundling different activity types into one all-inclusive outdoor recreation package has a name: Family Entertainment Centres (FECs). The International Outdoor Adventure Centre (IOAC) identified this shift and teamed up with Skywalker Adventure Builders to rethink their offering.

"We've had a close look at what has been available on the market, and we weren't impressed, particularly since many traditionally-operated outdoor centres lack integrated offerings," explains Adrian Tennant, owner and operator of IOAC.

To respond, IOAC expanded its portfolio to include camping, glamping experiences, an International Scout and Guide camping ground, an innovative ropes course, and various team-building activities—creating a complete package for a memorable family day out.

Digital Meets Outdoor

Active Game Fun For All Age Groups

In the age of digital entertainment, engaging younger generations in physical outdoor play requires a new approach. Skywalker developed interactive solutions that combine fun games with physical activity, without overemphasizing the exertion.

"Interactive fun is what kids are used to today," explains Ewout van Voorst, Managing Director of Skywalker. "Technology and gaming are an integral part of our business model. Integrating both aspects into our design concepts is a no-brainer. IOAC is now one of the first interactive climbing parks, showing kids that adventure doesn't necessarily require a screen."

"The Skywalker concept of sharing course layouts between different types of activities has increased the number of games we are able to offer to visitors significantly."

Interactive Climbing Layouts

By utilising less formalised designs, visitors can tackle activities spontaneously. Instead of a linear climbing path, the entire park operates as one large, multi-challenge playground suitable for individuals and teams alike.

Project Partners

About the Collaboration

International Outdoor Adventure Centre

Managed by Adrian and Carmel Tennant, who share over 60 years of outdoor pursuits experience, IOAC is a family-run company offering bespoke multi-activity holidays. Featuring a unique camping and glamping experience alongside adrenaline-focused ropes courses, it serves day visitors, families, and dedicated Scout & Guide groups in Wexford, Ireland.

Skywalker Adventure Builders

Skywalker develops up-market concepts for Family Entertainment Centres (FECs) and outdoor activity sites. As a leading European manufacturer of ECO forest high-wire parks, climbing towers, and adventurous leisure facilities, Skywalker combines innovative design with ERCA-certified training to ensure safe, profitable operations with a fast ROI.

✓ EN 15567 Compliant ✓ ERCA Certified Training ✓ Fixed-Price Construction

Ready to start your project?

Our consultancy team will assess your site, define an integrated FEC concept, and produce a fixed-price proposal — with the feasibility fee credited back to construction.

Related reading

Explore the adventure business

Turnkey planning Build Your Park

The full Skywalker process: from fixed-price feasibility study through design, engineering and opening day.

Service Consultancy — Feasibility & Concept

What a Skywalker feasibility study covers — and how the fee credits back into construction cost.

Service Design & Architecture

How Skywalker translates a site concept into engineered construction drawings and permit-ready specifications.

Service Concepting & Theming

Turning a site brief and investor vision into a coherent, themed guest experience with commercial logic.

Service HRM & Operations Planning

Staffing structures, hiring frameworks and operating model design for adventure parks at scale.

Product AirCruizer Cable Bicycle

An aerial cable bicycle that adds a low-intensity, family-accessible revenue stream to any adventure destination.

Product Net Adventure

Multi-level suspended net structures — high dwell time, low staffing cost, strong ROI for family parks.

Product Ultimate Adventure Tower

A vertical multi-discipline anchor attraction that drives park-wide footfall and upsell across adjacent attractions.

Service Zipline Design & Engineering

Engineered zipline specifications — why site-specific design protects your permit, insurance and long-term operating margin.

Products overview All Products — Attraction Range

Browse the full Skywalker product range to plan your park's attraction mix and revenue model.