Gymboree Play & Music franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Gymboree Play & Music franchise fee is $45,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $135,000 to $389,100, with about $40,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Gymboree Play & Music FDD.
What are the Gymboree Play & Music franchise fees and investment?
The Gymboree Play & Music franchise requires a franchise fee of $45,000 and a total initial investment of $135,000 to $389,100. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $45,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $135,000 to $389,100 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $40,000 |
| US locations | 40 |
| Industry | Education & Children (Sports & Recreation) |
| Headquarters | San Mateo, California |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Franchising since | 1995 |
How does the Gymboree Play & Music investment compare with other education & children franchises?
Gymboree Play & Music's minimum investment of $135,000 is above the median minimum investment of $118,363 across the 231 education & children franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 106 of the other 230 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $45,000 compares with an industry median of $42,500.
By minimum investment, Gymboree Play & Music belongs with franchises from $100,000 to $250,000.
What should you verify in the Gymboree Play & Music FDD?
Verify six parts of the Gymboree Play & Music Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Gymboree Play & Music discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Gymboree Play & Music?
These education & children franchises have the closest minimum investment to Gymboree Play & Music:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| MindChamps | $100,000 | $135,350 to $281,200 |
| Children's Art Classes | $59,950 | $134,268 to $264,110 |
| Mad Science | $49,000 | $132,331 to $191,959 |
| Master Mind Tutorials Centre | $40,000 to $200,000 | $139,300 to $422,500 |
| Seashore Academy | $11,995 | $129,550 to $524,200 |
See every brand in education & children franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Gymboree Play & Music franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Gymboree Play & Music franchise ranges from $135,000 to $389,100, including a franchise fee of $45,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Gymboree Play & Music franchise?
Gymboree Play & Music lists a minimum of about $40,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Gymboree Play & Music locations are there?
Gymboree Play & Music reported 40 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Gymboree Play & Music been franchising?
Gymboree Play & Music started offering franchises in 1995 after the company was founded in 1994.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Gymboree Play & Music and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Gymboree Play & Music. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.