KidStrong Franchise: Costs, Fees & Growth Opportunity in 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: KidStrong is a child development franchise that uses science-based programming to help kids build physical strength, confidence, and character.

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

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

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:

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:

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:

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

“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

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.

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.

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.

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