10 Top Tips to get Parents Booking your Children’s Activity

Running children’s clubs and classes is the fun part. But filling those spaces? That can feel tricky – especially when parents are juggling busy schedules and you’re trying to make your classes the obvious choice.

The good news is that, with a few smart tweaks, you can make it much easier for parents to say “yes” to booking your activity. Here are 10 tried-and-tested tips to help get more families through your door.

1. Be easy to find

If parents don’t know about you, they can’t book! So make sure your activities are visible – on your website, social media, and online local listings, as well as offline channels like flyers, community noticeboards, schools, and nurseries. The more places parents see you, the more likely you are to pop into their minds when they’re looking for something new for their child.

2. Sell the experience, not just the class

Parents don’t just want “football training” or “art lessons.” They want confidence boosts, new friendships, and happy, tired kids at the end of the day. Talk about the benefits, not just the class times.

3. Let other parents do the talking

Using testimonials, reviews, or even quick quotes from happy families builds instant trust. Nothing is more persuasive than another parent saying: “This class was brilliant for my child!”

4. Keep booking super simple

Parents are busy, and if they have to hunt around your website or fill out endless forms to sign up, chances are they’ll give up halfway. So make your booking process quick, easy, and mobile-friendly. (That’s where tools like ThinkSmart Software can really help – streamlined booking in just a few clicks!)

5. Be flexible with payments

Not every parent wants – or is able – to pay in one go, so offering instalments or recurring payments helps families commit without stress. Bonus: software can automate this, making it easier for customers to pay, and quicker for you to manage – no more chasing unpaid invoices!

6. Stay in touch (without spamming)

Clear, timely communication often makes the difference between “I’ll do it later” and “Booked!”, so send a friendly email or text when spaces are filling up or new classes are opening.

7. Encourage early booking

Parents are more likely to secure a spot if they know it’s best to book ahead. Gentle reminders like “Bookings are now open for next term” or “Secure your place early to avoid missing out” can give families the nudge they need to act now, rather than putting it off.

8. Offer a trial run

Signing up to an activity without trying it first can feel like a big step. A trial class takes the pressure off – and once families see how much their child is enjoying it, they’re far more likely to sign up long-term.

9. Shout about your credentials

Parents need to feel their kids are safe, so make sure your qualifications, safeguarding checks, and first-aid training are visible. It reassures parents they’re making the right choice.

10. Get your admin running smoothly

Behind-the-scenes organisation really matters. Quick confirmations, clear invoices, and smooth registers make you look professional and trustworthy. And when parents trust you, they book again and again. (The good news? ThinkSmart Software takes care of all this – and more – so you can focus on the fun stuff.)

Final word

At the end of the day, parents want two things: to know their child is safe and happy, and for booking to be easy and stress-free. Make the experience clear, simple, and welcoming, and you’ll soon see those spaces start to fill up. Little touches – like smooth communication, clear information, and a friendly booking process – really can make all the difference, helping families feel confident and excited to join your classes.

Founded in 2007, ThinkSmart Software is a class booking, management and admin system that’s been designed to fit the specific needs of children’s activity providers. Today, we work with over 3,000 clients around the globe across a wide range of class-based businesses, saving them over 40 hours a week.

For more information, or to book an online demonstration, email us at [email protected]