Ideas to Plan The Best Company Picnic for Team Building & Fun
Scott Kalapos on Jun 7, 2024
Company picnics are not just about food and games; they are a time for your team members to pause from work and let their true personalities and interests show. As a casual social outing, business owners can use company picnics to boost team spirit, foster relationships, cultivate a positive corporate culture, and create lasting memories. They’re also a welcomed break from the usual work routine, where employees can unwind and have fun.
What are company picnics? Company picnics are organized outings where employees gather to socialize and play games. In addition to typical BBQ games, you can incorporate team-building exercises and themed activities to promote camaraderie and improve company culture.
When should I plan my company picnic? Corporate picnics can be held any time the weather is nice, or you can align it with International Picnic Day on June 18th!
Company picnics provide an excellent opportunity for employees to network in a casual setting and are a way for employers to show their team how much they’re appreciated. According to a 2023 study (opens in a new window), “Team building events, such as picnics and golf outings, have been organized to help reduce burnout and foster connections”
Top 15 Fun Company Picnic Ideas
Holding an annual company picnic is a great way to celebrate your employees and strengthen your relationships, but you want to be sure that everyone has a good time. You can keep your corporate events exciting year after year by switching up your company picnic activities, theme, and food.
Make this company picnic better than the last with our entertaining company picnic ideas.
1. Scavenger Hunt
Organize a scavenger hunt with clues and prizes to promote teamwork and problem-solving. Your employees will have to work together to find hidden items or solve puzzles. It’s a great icebreaker that can help new employees feel included and help make new friendships among all team members. If you are able, make the scavenger hunt go along with your company picnic theme or the products and services your company offers.
2. Water Balloon Toss
A water balloon toss is a refreshing and entertaining game, perfect for hot summer days. Employees pair up and toss water balloons back and forth, stepping further apart with each successful catch. This activity not only cools everyone down but also adds an element of friendly competition to the picnic.
3. Company Swag for Employees
Providing company swag like sunglasses, hats, and water bottles can add a special touch to the picnic. T-shirts are great to hand out if you’re doing a water balloon toss, or other games that might warrant a change of clothes afterward. Branded company swag also promotes company loyalty and spreads brand awareness to other attendees and people in the vicinity. Swag bags can be handed out at the beginning of the event with useful items like sunscreen and reusable cutlery, setting a positive tone for the day.
4. Karaoke
When company picnic games are over, set up a karaoke station for employees to belt out their favorite songs and enjoy some lighthearted fun. This activity allows employees to let loose and express themselves, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere. You might be surprised by your office’s talent and discover the next star!
5. Team Building Relay Races
Incorporate various team-building activities into a relay race to promote collaboration and communication. Set up different stations with challenges like trust falls, problem-solving puzzles, and physical tasks like a three-legged race. Relay and burlap sack races are excellent ways to get everyone moving and working together towards a common goal.
6. Photo Booth
Create a themed photo booth with props to make silly memories of the day. This interactive setup allows team members to shake off the nerves when hiding behind fake mustaches, inflatable guitars, and hats, and they get keepsakes from the event. It’s also a great way to promote your company’s brand with custom backdrops and props.
Pro Tip: Use your tradeshow displays as a photobooth background!
7. Choosing Your Picnic Food
There are so many options when it comes to choosing the food and refreshments at your event. What food is good for a company picnic? You can keep it traditional with a delicious spread of BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie options, and summer picnic staples like watermelon and potato salad, or cater the party from local businesses to establish relationships within the community. Good food is a central part of any successful picnic, and a variety of options ensures there’s something for everyone.
To make your event stand out from the next company picnic consider hiring food trucks to surround your picnic area. Choosing a variety of cuisines will give options for everyone.
8. Recreational Sports
Set up volleyball nets or bring out a bat and a 16-inch softball to get a friendly game or two started. Team sports like volleyball, softball, and soccer let staff show off their skills in a friendly competition. You can also hold an “office Olympics” and have employees sign up for different games to win medals and prizes.
9. Themed Games and Activities
Align games and activities with the picnic’s theme, such as western-themed ring toss or luau hula dancing. Themed activities can make the event more cohesive and engaging. Some of our favorite themed games
10. Ordering Company Logo Awards and Prizes
Order custom logo awards and prizes to recognize achievements and participation during the picnic. This can include awards for winning games, team-building activities, or even fun categories like best dressed. Recognizing employees’ efforts and achievements makes your staff feel appreciated and gives attendees a prize to play for during the company games.
11. Cornhole
Cornhole is a staple at outdoor gatherings from picnics to tailgating. You can order a couple of sets of branded bag toss game kits or DIY a kit yourself. All you need are some bean bags and two boards with holes.
12. Children’s Activities
Remember that employees will likely bring their families to the event. Be sure to have company picnic ideas ready for the kids in attendance. Face painting, a bounce house, and pinatas are engaging activities for younger kids. You can also order promotional stuffed animals and light-up drinkware to give them all a fun memento of the day.
13. Tug-of-War
Tug-of-war is a classic game idea and promotes physical activity. Divide employees into teams and have them compete to pull the opposing team across a designated line. It’s a simple yet exhilarating activity that can build team spirit and spark some laughs.
14. Obstacle Course
Set up an obstacle course to challenge employees physically and mentally. Include various stations like crawling under nets, balancing on beams, and navigating through tires. Be sure the obstacles are challenging but safe.
15. Raffle and Gift Cards
Organize a raffle with prizes like gift cards and premium branded corporate gifts to add excitement and reward participation. Raffles can be a fun way to engage employees and give out incentives for attending and participating in picnic activities. Be sure to check out our upscale gifting options like top-brand golf balls, Bose speakers, wireless earbuds, and portable grills.
Tips For Planning Your Corporate Picnic
Planning a company picnic involves selecting a suitable venue, organizing food, and choosing activities. How do you plan a corporate picnic? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize a successful event:
- Set a Date and Budget: Choose a date that works for most employees and set a realistic budget for the event. International Picnic Day is on June 18th each year and is the perfect time for a summer picnic.
- Select a Venue: Pick a location with enough space, seating, and shade, such as a park, beach, or forest preserve.
- Choose a Company Picnic Theme: Themes like a tropical luau, casino, 1920s, or western can add excitement and structure to the event.
- Plan the Menu: Offer a variety of food options that cater to specific dietary needs and restrictions. Hire local caterers or food trucks for a hands-off approach.
- Organize Activities: Include a mix of fun and team-building activities like scavenger hunts, water balloon tosses, tug-of-war, and sack races. Remember to have fun activities for all ages for employees bringing their families.
- Arrange Entertainment: Hire a DJ or create your playlist, set up a karaoke station, or organize a trivia contest to keep the atmosphere lively and engaged.
- Prepare for Comfort: Ensure there are enough amenities like restrooms, first aid stations, and shaded areas. Consider stadium blanket giveaways or custom logo beach towels for picnic goers.
- Send Invitations: Notify employees well in advance, detailing the date, location, theme, and activities planned.
- Set Up on the Day: Arrive early to set up decorations, games, food stations, and any other necessary equipment.
- Enjoy and Socialize: During the event, encourage participation, interact with employees, and ensure everyone is having a good time.
Make Your Company Picnic An Unforgettable Experience
Company picnics build team spirit and employee relationships while creating lasting memories. They offer a break from the usual work routine and provide a relaxed and enjoyable day off. Thoughtful planning and activities make your company picnic fun for everyone.
Encourage your employees to participate and enjoy the day with promotional awards and company swag. Get premium prizes raffle off and make the day more special.
From games to giveaways, custom promotional products are picnic perks to gear up for a good time.
Sources
- Speicher, L. L., & Francis, D. (2023). Improving employee experience: reducing burnout, decreasing turnover and building well-being. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 21(1), 11-14.
