Corporate family day event ideas

The following company family outing ideas give you a starting point. Customize the ideas to reflect your company’s values and goals for the occasion.

1. Family workshops

A family workshop day is a way to incorporate learning something new for both employees and their families. Personal development workshops apply to a variety of ages, or you can choose just-for-fun enrichment options, such as gardening, sushi making or yoga.

You can also organize workshops based on your business or industry. For example, if you run a financial service, a financial advisor on your team could host a workshop for the adults on how to teach kids about money. Additionally, the younger family members could learn about basic entrepreneurship through kid-friendly or small businesses.

2. Family volunteer day

Volunteering as a large group can nurture feelings of purpose. Depending on the volunteer opportunity, it can also energize the group.

To make the experience more meaningful, ask for suggestions on where the team wants to volunteer. Once you have several suggestions, ask your team to vote. You can also host recurring volunteer days once a month or quarter. Save the list of suggestions and work through them every time you host an event.

Consider your company’s industry and how your expertise could benefit a local organization. For example, say you own a restaurant. Cooking a meal for a local charity or preparing food at a shelter might align with your company’s values and employees’ strengths.

3. Bring your family to work day

Encourage your team to show off their accomplishments by hosting a bring your family to work day to understand what their loved ones do on a daily basis. Schedule a full or half day and invite families to the office. Some activity ideas include:

• Tours of the facility
• Free lunch in the cafeteria or a catered lunch
• Logo design contest
• Demonstrations of various work activities
• Games
• Product testing with feedback from families
• Assistant for the day
• Social media takeover by older kids or spouses

4. Scavenger hunt

Corporate family day event ideas offer a cost-effective way to get families involved and help them learn about your organization. Organize a scavenger hunt that sends them around the workplace to explore different areas. You can make the scavenger hunt a part of a larger event, such as bring your family to work day, or make it a stand-alone activity.

Choose challenges that familiarize families with the work you do. You can also use it as a way for employees to show off their work and give them credit for what they do. Examples include a photo with:

• The CEO
• The parent’s desk
• The newest employee
• The employee with the longest tenure
• Awards displayed for company successes
• The conference room where employees give winning pitches

5. Field Day

Field day represents a classic family day option that pairs well with a picnic or food trucks. Instead of making the activities highly competitive, focus on family bonding and friendly rivalries between coworkers. Choose activities suitable for a variety of ages and activity levels, considering mobility issues or disabilities that may restrict certain activities.

6. Talent show

Create a supportive environment with a company talent show. Families can perform together or individually to showcase their talents and receive recognition for them.

7. Inflatables

Rent a variety of inflatables, including obstacle courses, bounce houses and slides. While these activities might seem focused on the younger guests, adults may also be willing to join in.

Keep in mind that this option can be restrictive if you have team or family members with physical limitations. Many inflatable options require mobility, so you could unintentionally exclude some guests. Ensure everyone can participate, if they desire, before choosing this option.

8. Food-based events

Food is often a unifying element of family fun days. Host a celebration with multiple local food trucks available to your employees and their families. When choosing food trucks, consider different cultures, particularly those represented within your workforce.

Another option is to host a friendly food competition. Have each family bring a favorite food dish for everyone to sample. Then, participants can vote on their favorite dishes. You can also choose a specific theme, such as appetizers or desserts, or let everyone choose what they bring. This option can encourage appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds when employees bring dishes based on their heritage and family traditions.

FAQs about family fun day

How do you organize a company family fun day?

Start by deciding on your goals for the event, which might include recognizing employees or creating a more inclusive work environment. Choose an appropriate venue based on the activities you plan. For smaller events or activities such as bring your family to work day, your office location offers an affordable option. Larger events might require a separate venue, such as a local park to host a field day and picnic. Schedule the event to avoid major conflicts, such as holidays or local festivals.

How do you increase participation?

Asking for employee volunteers to help plan the event can increase participation. Those involved in the planning are excited to participate, and they’ll naturally talk about the event to their teammates. Promoting the event at team meetings helps generate excitement. You can also create signs, send emails and make announcements leading up to the day to remind your employees about it.

How do you make family work events fun?

Plan activities for all ages so entire families can enjoy the event. Gathering feedback from your employees about the corporate family day event ideas they would enjoy can help you plan accordingly. Focus on interactive options that promote success rather than intense competition to make the day inviting and enjoyable for everyone.