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To help attractions encourage visitors to return, we have compiled 10 pop-up experience ideas for visitor attractions to implement this year. These ideas provide unique experiences that won’t cost as much as a permanent development, but will still drive footfall, revenue and provide additional Covid-secure areas around the attraction.
#1 – Alfresco dining experience
We’ve all adapted to the idea of eating and drinking outdoors, and with the steady rise in popularity of street food markets before the pandemic hit, creating an alfresco dining experience can solve multiple challenges. Greater ventilation and social distancing can be maintained, all under the guise of a unique outdoor experience. This is a dining experience we created in 2020 called Derby Market Place. This pop-up experience was situated in Derby city centre, where shoppers could enjoy food from their favourite local restaurants and eateries, while situated in an upbeat, nature-filled environment.
#2 – Light displays
Outdoor Christmas light events were a huge hit in 2020, as attractions were able to facilitate visitors in a secure environment. While demand to visit your attraction will be high, facilitating everyone in a reduced capacity scenario will be a challenge. Night time events such as light displays can be a way to maximise on the demand and create a new revenue stream. We have previously worked on a festive light display with National Trust, using 3D projection. The sell-out experience at Belton House also included musical performances and festive F&B.
#3 – Story-based trail
Imagine walking through the best queue line experience ever! This idea involves an indoor or outdoor space large enough to take guests on a linear journey, as they follow an immersive story line. Props, audio, interactive games and even actors/actresses can provide a dramatic themed experience that can still maintain social distancing. We worked on an immersive queue line experience at Ireland’s top theme park, Tayto Park. We turned their Viking-inspired log flume queue line into a series of challenges, interactive games and photo opportunities to add fun and intrigue.
#4 – Interactive games
Under utilised space in your attractions now has value, as the need to keep guests distanced remains a challenge. These spaces are perfect for implementing interactive games to keep kids and adults entertained in another part of the attraction. Interactive games don’t always need to use the latest technology, however. We were delighted to work with Merlin Entertainments and 19 of their LEGOLAND Discovery Centres worldwide, when we made creative tables for guests to make LEGO® models and vehicles capable of completing challenges.
#5 – Maker Sessions
One of the most popular trends of 2020 was arts and crafts. Drawing, painting, moulding and making were a huge part of passing time – which have now become hobbies. Providing guests with a chance to make something relevant at your attraction, is a great way to capitalise on the trend, diversify revenue stream and maintain social distancing with spaced out maker tables. This was an idea capitalised on by our client Twycross Zoo, as they hosted Reindeer food sessions as part of their Christmas event which we helped create concept visuals for.
#6 – VIP Experiences
VIP experiences combine the benefits of greater revenue for attractions with a unique, private family experience that guarantees adherence to social restrictions. Private tours of unseen museum archives, getting up close and personal with zoo animals, or even hire of an entire cinema screen(!) – are examples of these.
#7 – Host an exhibition
How about hosting a pop-up exhibition from a museum or art gallery? Working together to curate an experience that is relevant to your attraction, can provide much needed support for fellow attraction owners, as well as adding a new experience for your guests to enjoy.
#8 – IP pop-up experience
Striking a partnership with an IP allowing them to have an activation in your attraction, is another opportunity available. IP owners continually look towards the leisure industry as a way to grow their portfolio and a pop-up offers them the opportunity to test their IPs in a new industry. You will be able to capitalise on their presence to drive ticket sales too.
#9 – Explorer trails
Attractions with outdoor spaces have probably used trails in the past to entertain children and provide tidbits of education. But, they still can be a valuable part of your attraction to accentuate the wildlife, buildings or behind-the-scenes areas at your disposal. What could be done to make explorer trails even more intriguing? A mystery trail where guests find clues, is just one example of bringing a new story into your experience.
#10 – Meet & Greet
Always popular with children is meeting their favourite characters at an attraction. Christmas experiences using Santa Claus has proved that these can still work, while maintaining social restrictions. Creating a more immersive environment, regardless of the distancing regulations, can still help to create a magical moment.
More pop-up ideas
The Katapult team are brimming full of more ideas to help your attraction generate footfall, revenue and guest satisfaction while maintaining social distancing requirements. To find out more pop-up experience ideas suitable for your attraction, get in touch with us today.
