Running a kids activity center is hectic. You’re managing classes, staff, and parents while trying to keep enrollments steady. If you think showing up on Google organically is enough, think again. Paid Google Ads let you reach parents actively searching for programs right now, get in front of them at the exact moment they’re looking for activities, and start generating predictable leads.
Even if your competitors aren’t running ads, you can dominate the top of the page, show up before they do, and get inquiries consistently. A small daily budget can deliver measurable results while giving you control over growth.
Step 1: Choose your campaign type and objective
Campaign objective: Leads
- Selecting Leads tells Google your goal is to get parents to take action, like filling out a form, calling, or clicking to your website.
Campaign type: Search
- A Search campaign shows your ads when parents type in specific keywords, like “dance classes near me” or “gymnastics for kids in [City].”
Step 2: Target the right audience
Location targeting
- Focus on a 10–15 mile radius around your center
- Select Presence: People in or regularly in your included locations so your ad reaches families who actually live nearby
Keyword targeting
- Use Google Keyword Planner to find the phrases parents are searching for
- Start with 2–3 priority programs and select 15–20 high-volume, relevant keywords
- Use Phrase Match so your ad shows for searches closely related to your keywords, not random ones
- Include discovery-based, high-intent searches like “indoor activities for kids near me” or “after school activities for kids”
Step 3: Create your ads
Sitelinks and extensions
- Add extra links under your ad to make it bigger, more clickable, and helpful for busy parents
- Examples: Gym location, Call now button, Book a free trial link, direct links to program pages (Preschool, Tumbling, etc.)
Responsive search ads
- Create 2–3 ads per campaign
- Each ad has 15 headlines and 4 descriptions
- Headlines can include:
- Location-Based: Gymnastics in Austin
- Program-Focused: Gymnastics, Tumbling & More
- Age/Level Specific: For Ages 3–12, All Skill Levels Welcome
- Benefit/Offer: Sign Up for a Free Trial Class, Build Confidence & Strength
- Credibility/USP: Serving Austin Since 2005, Trusted by 1,000+ Local Families
- Keyword-Focused: Kids Gymnastics Classes, Gymnastics Near Me
- Descriptions should be short, clear, and benefit-focused:
- Benefits Focused: Your Child Will Build Confidence, Make Friends & Have Fun!
- Programs + CTA: Gymnastics, Tumbling & More For Ages 2+. Sign Up for a Free Trial Class!
- Credibility: Trusted by 1,000+ [City] Families. Experienced, Caring Coaches.
Step 4: Optimize and follow up
- Make sure any hooks or offers in your ads are clearly reflected on your website, with an easy way for parents to sign up. Confusing forms kill conversions.
- Track everything: calls, form fills, and clicks using Google Tag Manager and Google Analytics 4
- If you’re getting clicks but not conversions, audit your website to see where parents are dropping off. If leads fill out forms but don’t convert, look at your sales follow-up process and optimize one step at a time
Bottom line. Google Ads put your gymnastics, dance, or cheer programs in front of local parents actively searching for activities. They deliver predictable leads, measurable results, and control over growth. Stop hoping referrals alone will fill your classes and start getting consistent inquiries.
👉 Book a free strategy call and we’ll help you create a plan to consistently get new families through your doors.