top of page
Search

What Gen Z and Gen Alpha visitors expect and how your attraction can deliver



Why the next generation expects more from your attraction


Fun doesn’t look the same as it did a decade ago. For today’s youngest visitors, Gen Z (born ~1997–2012) and Gen Alpha (born ~2013 onwards), expectations around entertainment, technology and emotional connection are fundamentally different.

They’re digital natives with a co-creator mindset. They expect interactive, personalised, and meaningful experiences that go beyond the traditional idea of “a day out”. And if it’s not Instagrammable or immersive? They’ll move on fast.


In this blog, we explore key behavioral differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, what today’s young audiences value most in experiences, and practical design ideas to make your attraction more future-ready.


Two generations, two digital mindsets


Gen Z grew up with smartphones and social sharing. They’re used to documenting experiences, curating their identity online, and navigating a world where digital blends seamlessly with the real.


Gen Alpha goes even further. They’ve only ever known a world with iPads, voice assistants, and instant feedback loops. They expect touchscreen interfaces, on-demand customisation, and the ability to shape their own journey.


If your experience hasn’t evolved beyond photo props and passive exhibits, it risks feeling outdated. These younger audiences are looking for something they can interact with, shape, and share.



What “fun” means for Gen Z and Gen Alpha


Gamified experiences get attention


Gen Z and Gen Alpha both respond instinctively to anything that feels like a game. They’re used to earning points, unlocking achievements and working through challenges, whether on screens or in real life. Bring that same logic into your experience, and you’ll instantly make it more engaging.


Top tip: Add light-touch competition through digital scavenger hunts, stamp card rewards, or AR-triggered trail elements.


They want to help shape the experience, not just take it in.


Gen Z is drawn to experiences they can film and share. Gen Alpha expects to shape what happens as it unfolds. Neither group is content just watching, they want to get involved. The most memorable moments are the ones they helped create. Even small touches that give them a say or a choice can turn a simple day out into something they’ll remember


Top tip: Include interactive elements like photo walls, build-your-own snack stations, or “choose your path” activities. Let them influence the outcome, not just watch from the sidelines.


Emotional safety and values matter


For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, “fun” isn’t just about excitement, it’s also about feeling safe, included, and seen. These generations are growing up with a stronger awareness of mental health, diversity, and social impact. If your attraction reflects those values, they’ll notice and so will their parents.


Top tip: Offer quiet zones, sensory-friendly days, and spaces that highlight community stories or sustainable initiatives in meaningful ways.


Shareability shapes decisions


For Gen Z in particular, fun isn’t just experienced, it’s shared. If an experience doesn’t lend itself to short-form video or striking visuals, it may be overlooked.


Top tip: Design with “micro-moments” in mind, surprising visuals, satisfying interactions, or hidden gems that make guests pull out their phone.



Real-world examples: How to adapt for young visitors


Whether you're running a farm park, seasonal event, or heritage site, small shifts can go a long way:

  • Agritourism: Go beyond pumpkins and photo ops. Introduce choose-your-own-adventure trails, corn cannons, or AR-enhanced storylines across your site.

  • Entertainment venues: Add digital layers to bowling or mini golf, think app-based challenges, unlockable themes, or user-controlled lighting.

  • Light trails or seasonal experiences: Let Gen Alpha design their own lantern or badge, then use tech to “light up” their creation in the park.


What this means for your attraction


Today’s families are choosing experiences based not only on what’s fun for the kids, but also on how well the experience fits with their values, tech-savviness, and social habits.


That means:

  • Passive, one-size-fits-all experiences are losing traction.

  • Visitor expectations are being shaped by gaming, social platforms, and personalisation.

  • Designing for interaction and discovery isn’t just nice, it’s necessary.


To future-proof your attraction, design for discovery, not just delivery. That’s how you stay relevant, shareable, and worth revisiting.


Ready to reimagine your experience?


At Audience Media Group, we work with farms, attractions and entertainment venues to help you design experiences that connect with today’s younger audiences, and tomorrow’s.


Contact us to build a visitor journey that’s as future-ready as it is fun.






 
 
 
bottom of page