Considering a children's franchise?
If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business while making a difference in children’s lives, you’re in the right place.
The world of children’s franchise opportunities has exploded in recent years. Whether you’re a parent looking for more flexibility, a teacher exploring a new path, or a dance lover wanting to share your passion, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s out there.
But with so many options- from messy play and baby yoga, to kids’ coding and performing arts, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide to the best children’s franchise opportunities in the UK.
We’ll walk you through:
- The size and growth of the kids’ activity sector
- Why dance franchises continue to outperform other niches
- Real-life earnings
- Success stories from franchisees
- The FAQs most people never ask (but should!)
Whether you’re just getting curious or already eyeing a franchise brochure, this guide will give you the clarity you need to make the right move.
How Big Is the Children’s Activity Market in the UK?
Despite economic uncertainty, one thing has remained consistent: parents are still investing in their children’s development. And the UK’s kids’ activity sector continues to grow.
Estimated size of the UK children’s activity market:
According to the Children’s Activities Association and Statista, UK parents spend over £3.9 billion each year on children's extracurricular activities, with dance, music, and sport making up the bulk of that spend.
That’s a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter a stable, recession-resistant market- particularly in early years (0–6), where options are more limited and demand is rising fast.
Key market trends:
- Early-years development is a top priority. Parents are seeking classes that support physical, emotional, and social development- not just entertainment.
- Post-Covid bounce: Parents are more aware than ever of the importance of movement, interaction and real-world experiences for their children’s wellbeing.
- Flexible working fuels demand: As more parents work part-time or freelance, they want regular weekday classes for little ones that get them active and socialising.
And it’s not just parents looking. Nurseries, schools, and holiday parks are also booking high-quality children’s activities, creating even more business opportunities for franchise owners.
Why Dance Franchises Are Outperforming Other Niches
While the children’s activity market is packed with options, from coding clubs to science labs and toddler football, one category continues to pirouette ahead of the pack: dance.
Why? Because dance offers a unique blend of physical development, emotional expression, and joyful movement — all wrapped up in something children actually want to do.
Let’s break down why dance franchises are a great option:
1. Dance classes tap into emotions
Unlike more academic activities, dance connects emotionally. Parents aren’t just booking a class, they’re watching their toddler beam with confidence, or their shy child finally come out of their shell.
It’s more than exercise. It’s a moment and that keeps them coming back.
“Every week, my daughter came out of class more confident. It was like watching her personality bloom.” Tappy Toes parent, Hertfordshire
2. Rebooking rates are high
Once a child starts dancing, it becomes part of their routine, often for years. That means dance franchises enjoy fantastic retention rates compared to one-off sessions like messy play or holiday clubs.
Parents love the consistency. Children love the familiarity. And franchisees love the regular income.
3. It’s low-overhead and highly scalable
Most dance franchises (like Tappy Toes) can be run:
- In hired venues (no need for expensive studios)
- With minimal equipment (a speaker, a bag of props, a smile- no need for a van and hours of set up time!)
- With flexible hours (perfect for parents)
This makes it incredibly easy to scale without huge costs. You’re not buying stock, paying rent, or investing in bulky equipment.
4. It’s inclusive, creative and adaptable
Tappy Toes classes are:
- Gender-neutral
- SEND-friendly
- Designed for ages 6 months to 6 years
- Aligned with EYFS and school-readiness goals
Whether it's a baby bouncing on a lap, or a confident 5-year-old striking a pose, every child can access movement at their own level. That adaptability makes dance a brilliant fit for schools, nurseries, care homes, cruise ships and even holiday parks.
5. Word-of-mouth spreads quickly
Dance classes are inherently visible. Parents take photos, share reels, recommend to their NCT group or WhatsApp mums’ chats. It creates the kind of organic buzz that no Facebook ad can match.
And when you’re part of a recognised brand like Tappy Toes, that visibility becomes trust. Trust becomes bookings. Bookings become a waitlist.
In short…
Dance franchises:
- Engage children emotionally
- Retain customers longer
- Cost less to run
- Are widely shareable
- Fit beautifully into nurseries, schools and communities
So while others zigzag into coding or crafts, dance keeps winning hearts and revenue.
Real Franchisees, Real Results
Franchisee Spotlight: From 4am Starts to Full-Time Freedom
One of the best ways to understand the potential of a Tappy Toes franchise is to look at the people living it. Meet Charlotte, our Chelmsford franchisee, whose journey is equal parts inspiring and impressive.
When Charlotte joined Tappy Toes, she was a single parent working a job that started at 4am — juggling motherhood, exhaustion, and the dream of creating something of her own. In her first six months, she ran her Tappy Toes business alongside that job, gradually building her classes and reputation while barely pausing for breath.
Fast forward to today, and the transformation is incredible.
Charlotte is now heading into her fourth year as a franchisee, and has more than DOUBLED her turnover every year so far. She is currently turning over £60K+ and we expect that to continue to rise. That growth has enabled her to give up her early morning job entirely and support herself and her daughter with a business she’s passionate about.
So what does her business look like today?
- Approx. 20 classes per week across Chelmsford and surrounding areas
- A team of 5 trained teachers delivering high-energy, joyful sessions
- 3 nursery and school contracts that provide reliable weekday income
- 5 local care home bookings, bringing intergenerational joy through dance
- A thriving reputation built on consistency, creativity, and word of mouth
- Time to take her daughter to and from school every single day!
And she’s not alone. The average turnover across Tappy Toes franchisees is currently around £30,000, with several in the £40k–£50k range and climbing. Many franchisees run their businesses around family life. Some, like Charlotte, are now scaling with teams, multiple venues and long-term contracts.
A quick note on earnings
We can’t promise or guarantee specific income — every franchise journey is unique and depends on your commitment, territory, and how you run your business. But Charlotte’s story shows what’s possible when passion meets the right support system.
Her journey is a real example of how a Tappy Toes franchise can evolve from a side hustle into a full-time career — and a life-changing one at that.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a Tappy Toes franchise cost?
The initial franchise fee is £7,995 + VAT. This includes full training, your starter kit, access to our unique syllabus, use of our brand, and ongoing support. There are also monthly royalty fees (10% +VAT) based on your turnover.
2. How much can I earn as a Tappy Toes franchisee?
Earnings vary depending on how many classes you run, your territory size, and your marketing activity. Average turnover is around £30,000, with several franchisees exceeding £50k+ annually. One of our fastest-growing franchisees is on track to hit £90k this year. (Please note: earnings are not guaranteed and depend on your individual effort.)
3. Do I need to be a qualified dance teacher?
No, but some dance experience is a huge bonus! We provide full training and lesson plans, so you don’t need formal dance qualifications. Many of our franchisees come from teaching or childcare backgrounds. A love of working with children is more important than technical training. For our older dance classes or our ballet syllabus, you would be required to hire a free lance dance teacher to teach those specific classes if you are not a trained dancer.
4. Can I run this franchise part-time?
Tappy Toes is not a part time business opportunity, however it can be run around your other family commitments. You would be expected to put in the hours to build and grow your business, but what time you work those hours is up to you. It can completely fit around school runs, assemblies, school plays and so on. As long as you are on track with the growth of you business we really don't mind when you work!
5. What age groups do Tappy Toes classes cover?
Our classes cater to children aged 6 months to 6 years, with tailored content for each stage of development. We also offer movement sessions for care homes, creating intergenerational opportunities through dance, schools and nurseries.
6. What kind of support will I get?
We’re with you every step of the way. You’ll get:
- Initial in-person training
- Business & marketing support
- Branded resources and props
- A supportive franchisee network
- Monthly Zoom sessions and ongoing mentoring
7. How do I know if my area is available?
Just get in touch with us! We have exclusive territories available across the UK and internationally. We’ll check availability, walk you through the process, and help you decide if it’s a good fit.
