LAST UPDATED: May 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://franchise.kidstrong.com/ 
1851 GROWTH CLUB WEBSITE: https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/kidstrong-franchise
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 160+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $476,400 - $671,200
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,064,687 (average revenue, top quartile for calendar year 2025)

KidStrong is a science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger and more confident. Built on a science-based curriculum and powered by expert-designed programming, KidStrong delivers weekly 45-minute classes led by highly trained coaches using proprietary equipment and tech-enhanced experiences. With a proven model and passionate franchise owner network, KidStrong is creating a movement to help the next generation unlock their full potential.

1. What Is the Brand Overview for KidStrong?

About the Brand

KidStrong was originally built in 2015 by Megin and Matt Sharp for their daughter, Ella. Looking to make her stronger and more confident, they worked with child development experts to create a unique curriculum. In partnership with Lincoln Brown, the business was scaled into a franchise. The first official location opened in 2018 in Frisco, Texas.

Mission: To build strong, confident, high-character kids through a science-based training program.

Vision: To help as many families as possible by delivering a proven, expert-designed system that empowers kids to succeed emotionally, mentally and physically.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

  • Science-based curriculum blending physical, mental and emotional development
  • Expert-designed programming by professionals in child development and occupational therapy
  • Tech-enabled class experiences for engaging, fun learning
  • Patented, custom-designed equipment
  • Focus on building real-life skills like teamwork, resilience and social communication

2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?

Why Franchise With KidStrong?

  • Proven business model with rapid national growth
  • Comprehensive support from site selection through to grand opening
  • Continuous guidance from dedicated teams during the entire franchise journey
  • Established brand with a positive reputation and strong community impact
  • Medical professionals are recommending KidStrong as an activity to help kids deal with anxieties in life

Available Territories

Territory availability varies. Visit the brand’s website for an interactive map showing current locations and available territories.

Investment Overview

Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a KidStrong franchise ranges from $476,400 to $671,200. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:

Type of Expenditure

Min

Max

Initial Franchise Fee

$45,000

$45,000

Initial Training Fee

$5,000

$5,000

On-Site New Center Opening Support Fee

$2,500

$2,500

On-Site New Center Opening Sales Support Fee

$2,500

$2,500

Startup Marketing Fee

$1,500

$1,500

Pre-Paid Rent And Lease Deposit

$10,000

$20,000

Architect Fees

$15,500

$19,000

Leasehold Improvements

$175,000

$275,000

Fixtures, Furnishings, And Other Fixed Assets

$3,500

$8,000

Equipment Package Fee (Includes Training Floor)

$98,500

$120,000

Equipment Installation Fee

$13,000

$20,500

Electronics

$4,000

$5,000

Office Supplies

$1,000

$2,000

Interior Signage

$7,500

$15,000

Exterior Signage

$10,000

$20,000

Permits, Licenses And Legal/ Professional Services

$5,000

$6,000

Training (Transportation, Lodging, Etc.)

$2,500

$6,500

Retail And Print

$6,000

$9,000

Pre-Opening Marketing Expenditure

$35,000

$45,000

Insurance Deposits

$900

$2,700

Virtual Sales Support Fee

$7,500

$11,000

Additional Funds (3 Months)

$25,000

$30,000

Initial Franchise Fee: Franchise owners must pay KidStrong an initial franchise fee of $45,000 in the form of cashier’s check, wire transfer or other acceptable payment method when signing the Franchise Agreement. This fee is uniform for all franchise owners and is non-refundable.

Ongoing Fees: According to the 2026 FDD, KidStrong franchise owners are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:

Type of FeeAmount
Royalty Fee7% of gross sales during the first 18 months after pre-sales begin; 8.5% of gross sales thereafter, paid twice monthly
Brand Fund ContributionUp to 1.65% of Gross Sales for the prior month, paid monthly
Ongoing Marketing Services FeeCurrently $825/month
Digital Advertising Spend (Post Opening)Average of 5% of gross sales for the prior month with a minimum of $2,500 per month, paid monthly
Virtual Sales Support Fee (Post Opening)$750 per week and $25 per membership sold, paid monthly
Direct Software FeeCurrently $562/month without Career Plug or $600/month with Career Plug, paid monthly
Technology FeeCurrently 1% of gross sales, paid monthly

ROI Potential: According to the 2026 FDD, the 109 standard franchised KidStrong Centers open for the entirety of 2025 reported the following gross annual sales:

Quartile

Average

Median

High

Low

Top 1/4 (27)

$1,064,687

$1,059,038

$1,407,485

$880,888

2nd 1/4 (27)

$829,198

$828,098

$880,046

$768,221

3rd 1/4 (27)

$692,900

$701,605

$768,159

$590,157

Bottom 1/4 (28)

$510,254

$515,687

$587,808

$363,081

3. What Franchise Owner Support Does KidStrong Provide?

Training Programs

Franchise owners receive training at KidStrong headquarters in Frisco, Texas, including an in-depth overview of operations, coaching methodology and customer engagement.

Operational Support

KidStrong provides comprehensive support across site selection, lease negotiation, center build-out, marketing and presale activities to ensure successful center launches.

Technology and Tools

Franchise owners benefit from proprietary, tech-enabled learning platforms that enhance the class experience, as well as access to patented equipment and weekly programming updates from HQ.

4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for KidStrong?

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1 Location: $200,000 liquid capital, $500,000 net worth
  • 3 Locations: $600,000 liquid capital, $1,000,000 net worth

Operational Commitments

Franchise owners are expected to be hands-on owner/operators who are performance-driven, low-ego and relationship-focused. They must be committed to fostering a strong team and delivering consistent member results.

5. Are There Franchise Owner Success Stories?

“There is nothing like this business out there — KidStrong is the very best at what we do. When I was going through the discovery process, I knew right away that there was nothing like this in our area. That means the pitch you have to give parents is a lot easier. You don’t have to convince people that they need a product you are selling that everybody else is also selling. There is no competition, and even if somebody tries to do the same thing as us, they aren’t going to be able to do it as well. That is really what sold me on the KidStrong franchise.”

Parker Feldmann, Franchisee — Reno, Nevada

6. What Is the Market Potential for Childhood Development?

The global kids fitness market is poised for significant growth, starting at approximately $5.77 billion in 2026 and projected to reach $9.3 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. This steady growth highlights a rising demand for structured, development-focused programs like KidStrong that blend physical, mental and emotional skill-building.

Competitor Analysis

KidStrong differentiates itself through its science-based curriculum, expert-developed programs and patented equipment. Primary competitors may include other child-focused fitness and development franchises, though none appear to integrate tech, curriculum and physical development to the same degree.

7. What Is the Application Process for KidStrong Franchise Owners?

  1. Initial Inquiry: Start by submitting a request for more information. A member of the Franchise Development team will reach out to you to begin the conversation.
  2. Meet the Team: Connect with the Franchise Development team via phone or Zoom to learn about the KidStrong concept, available territories, investment details and the brand’s real estate strategy. You'll also speak with the Director of Franchise Development, AJ Schuler, to discuss your goals and plans.
  3. Discovery Day: Visit KidStrong headquarters in Frisco, Texas for an immersive Discovery Day experience. You’ll meet the leadership team, dive deeper into operations and get a firsthand look at what it takes to run a successful KidStrong center.
  4. Franchise Agreement: If it’s a mutual fit, you’ll move forward by finalizing the franchise agreement, paying the franchise fee and officially joining the KidStrong movement.
  5. From Vision to Reality: Work with the Center Readiness Team on site selection, lease signing and construction. With dedicated support across real estate, construction and training, you’ll be set up for a strong launch.

Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves. 

Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchise owners find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.

Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. 

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

franchise opportunity information

KidStrong Experts Investment Range
$476,400 to $671,200

about kidstrong

No. of Units Currently Open
150+
No. of Units Expected to Open this Year
45
Royalty(%)
7%
Franchise Fee
$45,000

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Morgan Wood

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Morgan Wood

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