With spring and early summer on the horizon, it’s not too early to start looking for a great company picnic venue to spend an afternoon with your work family. However, you can’t just show up at any old park with a sack of peanut butter sandwiches. Any annual company picnic is supposed to show appreciation for employees by having a good time, not to be some afterthought that employees bemoan attending. So where to start? Before selecting a venue willy-nilly, here are a few tips:
Size
Make sure the venue is an appropriate size. You don’t need a football stadium for a company of 50 employees. At the same time, too small of a venue and people don’t have room for outdoor activities.
Food
It is a “picnic,” after all, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat finger sandwiches. Does the venue have catering options? If not, are there restaurant or catering options nearby? Be sure to consider the company culture; if your company has Friday fajitas for lunch, you know that option will please everyone.
Activities
Catering a company picnic is great – people like to eat. However, once everyone is done eating they need something to do. This is a great time to incorporate team-building games that are fun for both your employees and their kids, like tug-o-war or scavenger hunts.
Proximity
Nobody wants to drive all day, go to a company picnic, then drive all the way home. Keep your venue within an about an hour or so of your office. Alternatively, you can book a place with options to stay a night.
Pick a Theme
If you’re worried that despite your best efforts your picnic may still be a drag for your employees to attend, consider a theme. A theme can be anything from cultural (like a Hawaiian shirt Luau or caribbean theme) to a sports theme (like “Ballpark” theme with hot dogs and a softball game). The possibilities are endless!
Mill Creek Ranch Resort in Canton, TX is a great company picnic venue to host your annual affair. In addition to ample space, catering options, and scores of games and activities, we have and on-site activity director to help you plan your engagement. We even have cottages on-site available to rent for participants (or planners) to stay an extra night before or after! For more information on booking a company picnic and for seasonal specials, call us at (877) 927-3439.
