Make the Most of Summer Vacation at your FEC

Summer is finally here! Parents are looking for engaging and enjoyable activities to keep their teens entertained and active with schools out and the temperatures rising. This is where Family Entertainment Centers come in to save the day. We’re here to help you set up the best action plan using VR that keeps families coming back for more fun.

Engaging Teens and Relieving Parents through VR

Summer break often leaves teens with plenty of free time, leading parents to seek out activities that keep their children engaged and off the couch without having to keep an eye on them all day. VR is an excellent win-win solution that appeals to both parents and teens. Here’s why:

• Active Engagement: Unlike traditional video games, the right kind of VR requires physical movement. Players must stand, move around, and interact with the virtual environment, providing a more active experience while staying out of the blistering heat.
• Exciting Variety: VR offers a variety of games and experiences, from adventure quests and sports simulations to educational challenges. vrCAVE, for example, has 8 games, each with a cool new environment and story to make sure that teens remain interested and entertained all summer long. Plus, we have a new one on the way! 
• Social Interaction: You may wonder if VR has a good ROI on square footage, but many VR games (like vrCAVE’s!) are designed for multiplayer interactions, encouraging teens to play with friends and family, and fostering social engagement. This can be a great bonding experience between parents and their children, giving them something to look forward to on their next visit.

Promoting VR as a dynamic and fun way to stay active can attract both parents looking for wholesome activities for their teens and teens eager for exciting new experiences.

Offer Beat-the-Heat Promotions

One of the best ways to draw families into your FEC during the hot summer months is by offering invigorating  “beat-the-heat” specials and discounts. Consider introducing limited-time discounts on VR or package deals that combine VR games with other attractions in your center. For example:

• Summer Saver Pass: Offer a discounted rate for specific games or a specific number of sessions, encouraging families to return multiple times throughout the summer.
• Happy Hour VR: Designate specific hours during the day when VR experiences are offered at a reduced price, or combined with another offer.
• Family Fun Pack: Create a summer package for the whole family that includes VR games, arcade tokens, and refreshments at a special rate.
• Stamp Card: Give out stamp cards to new customers promising a free or discounted game if they get through all the games or challenges on the card first.

Promotions like these attract budget-conscious families while encouraging repeat visits as they try to maximize the benefits of the offer. To effectively promote VR during the summer months, focus on the unique selling points that resonate with both parents and their kids. Here are some strategies:

• Highlight the Active Nature: Emphasize how VR games require physical movement, making them a healthier alternative to traditional video games.
• Showcase the Variety: Promote the diverse range of VR games available at your FEC. Talk about them in your social media posts, and blog articles that detail different game genres and experiences. Remember to mention the limited-time offers we mentioned before!
• Feature Family-Friendly Content: Highlight games that are suitable for all ages, encouraging parents to participate alongside their children, but don’t forget about the more thrilling experiences that would attract older teens. It’s all about finding the right balance in each advertisement.
• Use Testimonials: Share testimonials from other parents and teens who have enjoyed the VR experiences at your center. Positive reviews can be a powerful motivator for new customers.

Mastery Incentives for the Pros

To encourage repeat visits and sustained interest, consider introducing mastery incentives. These rewards can motivate teens and families to explore all the VR games your center offers. Here are a few ideas:

• Exclusive Unlocks: Create a system where players unlock an exclusive VR game only after they have played all other available games. This incentivizes them to try everything by adding an element of achievement and progression.
• Reward Programs: Implement a rewards program where players earn points for each VR session they complete. Accumulated points can be redeemed for discounts, free sessions, or other perks.
• Competitions and Leaderboards: Organize VR competitions with leaderboards, offering prizes for top performers. This can spur friendly competition and encourage repeat visits as players strive to improve their scores.

Summer is a prime time for Family Entertainment Centers to thrive, especially with the integration of VR attractions. By offering beat-the-heat specials and discounts, you can draw in families looking for cool and engaging activities.

Take advantage of VR as a fun and active option that helps engage teens and provides parents with a solution to summer boredom. If you have a spare room, we’ll help you get launched in a week with 8 games so you’re ready to go as soon as school’s out!