This section provides Recreation & Leisure Industry links and resources to assist your startup or small business. Additionally, you can also receive free professional business advice and free or low-cost business training from your local Small Business Development Center!
View our related business reports: Sports & Fitness and Travel & Tourism.
Recreation & Leisure Industry Overview
The recreation and leisure industry encompasses a wide range of businesses dedicated to entertainment, relaxation, and personal enrichment. This includes everything from the arts and amusement parks to outdoor recreation, gaming, and countless niche hobbies. Today, the industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by advances in AI, renewed consumer enthusiasm for personal interests, and shifting spending habits. Recent research shows that the average consumer now spends about $174 each month on hobbies and leisure activities. Even amid economic uncertainty, many people view these expenses as worthwhile investments in their quality of life. Although discretionary spending has tightened in some areas, consumer intent to spend on recreation remains stronger than in previous downturns.
Much of this momentum stems from consumers’ growing commitment to health, wellness, and overall well‑being. In particular, consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are prioritizing activities that support both enjoyment and health. As a result, this shift has fueled a surge in outdoor recreation, with hiking, camping, and similar activities gaining more than 2 million new participants nationwide. At the same time, the “experience economy” continues to expand. For example, a recent survey found that Gen Z respondents would reduce dining out at restaurants and food delivery by 51% before cutting back on events or streaming services. Similarly, a McKinsey report revealed that Gen Z and Millennials are the most willing to splurge on entertainment, whether at home or out in the world. Moreover, many of them even plan to increase their spending on at‑home entertainment.
These trends point to a meaningful shift in consumer behavior, with people increasingly prioritizing wellness‑oriented and experience‑driven forms of recreation. As technology continues to evolve and younger generations reshape expectations around leisure, the industry will be influenced not only by where consumers choose to spend their money but also by how they choose to spend their time. Together, these forces signal an industry moving toward deeper engagement, and richer experiences.
Here are some notable recreational & leisure trends and resources that are shaping the industry:
- Arts Attendance – National Endowment for the Arts
- Outdoor Recreation Data – U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Leisure Activities by Age – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Recreation & Leisure Industry Technology
The Recreation and Leisure Industry is steadily embracing new forms of technology to enhance consumer experiences. Businesses within the industry are increasingly using digital tools to strengthen their products and services. Artificial intelligence, for example, has played a major role in shaping the creativity behind modern video games, with a recent survey showing that 87% of developers now rely on AI agents to design and improve their games. The adoption of advanced technology is not limited to gaming. In fact, museums, zoos, and other exhibition-based organizations are recognizing the importance of integrating interactive tools that elevate visitor engagement. These innovations spark curiosity by offering immersive experiences such as virtual reality environments or personalized interactive activities that deepen consumer connection and participation.
Below are resources about highly emerging technology in the industry:
- The Future of AI In Gaming – article on the use of AI in the gaming industry
- AI meets the games Industry – report on how developers are using generative AI
- Technology Trends – Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Recreation & Leisure Industries
The recreation and leisure industry encompasses a wide range of sectors that provide entertainment and serve as the foundation for many consumers’ hobbies. Major segments include amusement parks, media entertainment, sports, arts, and reading. Each of these areas are shaped in distinct ways by consumer behavior, spending patterns, technological advancements, and other industry forces. The resources below highlight trends, news, and key insights across these recreation and leisure categories:
Amusement, Theme Parks & Water Parks
- U.S. theme park spending down – news release on the decline in spending at theme parks
- Technologies Transforming Amusement Parks – new AI tools for streamlining operations
- Parks as a Cornerstone of Sustainability – National Recreation and Park Association
- New Investments in Theme Parks – parks increase spending on new attractions to increase attendance
Media Entertainment
- The Changing TV Watching Mindset – generational preferences towards TV
- Sports Streaming – increase in streaming platforms covering sporting events
- Digital Media Trends – growth of social platforms in the media and entertainment space
- Social Media & News – statistics on news consumption through social media
Games and Esports
- Growth in Gaming Industry – industry outlook and generational participation
- IP-based gameplay – digital media and gaming trends
- U.S. Video Game Industry Facts – statistics on the video gaming industry
- Trends Transforming The Video Game Industry – AI trends in the video game industry
- Video Game Appeal Across Generations – generational interest in gaming
Sports, Fitness & Outdoor Recreation
- New Boat Sales – Natural Marines Manufacturers Association
- Sports Fandom – millennials sports fans spending
- Sailing Trends – discusses factors leading to the decline of sailing in the US
- Fitness and Recreation Trends – trends shaping youth sports participation
- Sports & Fitness as a Hobby – popularity of participating in sports & fitness activities as hobbies
- Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact – Outdoor Recreation Association
- Physical Activity Among Consumers – Sports & Fitness Industry Association
Arts & Live Entertainment
- Trends in Broadway Shows – challenges & trends in broadway shows
- Broadway Trends – facts and statistics on most recent broadway season
- State of Live Music – technology and challenges shaping the industry
- Funflation – attendance in live events amidst rising entertainment costs
Reading
- 2025 Audiobook Consumer Data – Audio Publishers Association Annual Survey
- Reading in the US – participation in reading
- Recreational Reading Decline – popular genres and state of leisure reading
- The State of America’s Libraries – American Library Association
Recreation & Leisure Industry Associations
- International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
- World Karting Association
- Fantasy Sports Trade Association
- Entertainment Software Association
- American Booksellers Association
- IndieBound
- The Broadway League
- Entertainment Services and Technology Association
- US ProMiniGolf Association
- Association of Zoos & Aquariums
- World Water Park Association
- Association of Children’s Museums
- International Adventure & Trampoline Park Association
- United States Motorsport Agency
- Entertainment Software Association
Recreation & Leisure Industry Publications
- Funworld Magazine
- In Park Magazine
- Sports Illustrated
- The eSports Observer
- Billboard
- Rolling Stone
- Entertainment Weekly
- American Theatre
- Attraction Magazine
- Amusement Today
Additional Small Business Resources
Already in business or thinking about starting your own small business? Check out our various small business resources:
- View more industry-specific research here: Market Research Links
- View small business help topics here: Small Business Information Center
- View business reports here: Small Business Snapshots
- View business plans samples here: Sample Business Plans
- View our small business cybersecurity resources here: Cybersecurity
Remember, you can also receive free professional business advice and free or low-cost business training from your local Small Business Development Center!
Photo by Hayden Walker on Unsplash