There are so many elements that go into planning and executing picnics, and our skilled team of event planning professionals is always excited about turning all of our clients’ event goals and dreams—from perfectly crafted picnic menus and artfully designed event layouts to themed or sophisticated décor and fun rental items—into realities.
No summer event is complete without picnic games and activities, so we have compiled this list of our favorite ideas for company picnic games—for kids and adults—that you are going to truly enjoy having at your picnic.
Ideas for Picnic Games
Choosing picnic event games might seem like a daunting task, but it is actually a much simpler process than you might think.
Answer these quick questions to help you select the perfect picnic event games and picnic entertainment ideas for your summer picnic event.
- What type of event are you hosting? Corporate, social, fundraiser, etc.
- What is the intended atmosphere? Casual, families welcome, business-oriented, etc.
- What is the guest list’s age range? If it’s adults-only, that makes a difference!
- When will the event be held? (An evening event in the middle of the week will have different needs than a weekend event held all day long.)
Once you have answered these questions, you will have laid the groundwork toward building exactly what type of entertainment would be the most appropriate—and the most memorable—at your picnic event.
(For more inspiration for event activities and entertainment read this: 5 Steps to a Perfect Picnic.)
Company Picnic Games
Company picnic game ideas can be broken down into two groups—company picnic games that are kid-friendly, and those made just for the kids in attendance. Select your picnic event games based on your guest list.
Company Picnic Games for Adults
Football, softball and volleyball are usually crowd favorites.
A relay, potato sack race, water balloon toss and other partner or team-based games help build employee morale while providing tons of memorable fun.
Trivia, bingo, karaoke and any other game that can be completed in the shade (and possibly with a beverage in hand) provide an escape from the sun.
Magicians, tarot readers, palmists and even henna artists can be a fun escape from corporate life for adults.
Who else loves the idea of soaking their boss or department head?
Company Picnic Games for Kids
Any kind of inflatable bouncy house, race course or other bouncy fun rental will be beyond exciting for the kids on the guest list.
Magicians, face painting, balloon artists and other wandering acts will keep kids fascinated for hours.
Scavenger hunts, track and field-style races, capture the flag and other large-scale, prize-based games will keep kids hungry for more.
Warn the adults in advance (because many will want to bring extra dry clothing), but water balloon fights, squirt gun battles, a Slip ‘n’ Slide and other summer water games are popular with picnic goers.
Balloon darts, ring toss, basketball toss…all of these favorites and more will keep kids occupied and having a blast.
To see how picnic games and more come together to create an unforgettable experience, view these recaps of “Game Day with Scot Forge” event and “The Advocate Sherman Hospital Event”.
Outdoor Picnic Games
If your picnic is not mean to celebrate a great year in business or to increase company morale, that is fine with us. You can still use any of the above listed games, incorporating the ones that fit your group the best. Mix and match from the lists above, pulling items from both the adults-only and kids-friendly lists to make your event one that everyone on the guest list will enjoy. Oh, and don’t forget—some of the adults might want to participate in the picnic games for kids, so make sure you encourage each of them to let out their “inner child.”
Company Picnic Ideas
You have selected your date and time, you know what types of guests you will be receiving, you know the goal of your event, and you have even solidified some ideas for your picnic event games. Here are a few extra company picnic and event planning blog posts to help you in your company picnic planning process.
- Checklist for Planning Your Company Picnic
- 30 of the Best Company Picnic Themes
- Green Picnics, Green Events, Green Parties
- #mykindofpicnic
- Picnic Activities and Themes
For even more event inspiration, view the Tasty Catering blog in its entirety.
