Planning a Company Picnic? Here’s What to Know

If you’ve been tasked with planning a company picnic, you might be wondering: where do I even start?

Whether it’s your first time organizing a team gathering or you’re just looking to improve on last year’s version, a well-executed company picnic can do a lot more than fill up a summer afternoon. It’s a chance to boost employee engagement, celebrate your team, and strengthen culture in a relaxed, meaningful way.

At Koko Productions, we’ve helped companies of all sizes plan outdoor events that hit the mark. Here’s what you need to know to plan a successful summer company picnic that your team will actually want to attend.

Start With the Why

Before picking a park or ordering the catering, take a step back and ask: What is the goal of this picnic?

Is it to celebrate a big milestone? Kick off the summer? Reconnect a hybrid team? When your purpose is clear, it’s easier to make decisions that support it, from the tone of the event to the activities you include. Company picnic ideas with an intention behind them tend to feel more thoughtful, more fun, and more appreciated by your team.

Pick the Right Venue (and Book Early)

The best venues for a company picnic are ones that feel easy, inviting, and not too far from where people live or work. Parks are a classic choice, but private outdoor venues like gardens, farms, or rooftops offer more privacy and amenities.

Think about:

• Accessibility and parking

• Shade and seating

• Restrooms

• Permits and alcohol rules

Pro tip: venues with a rain plan (like a covered pavilion) are worth every penny.

Food: Keep It Simple, But Make It Good

Nobody wants to attend a company picnic with soggy sandwiches or mystery salads. You don’t need a formal sit-down meal, but you do need food that’s fresh, varied, and easy to eat outdoors. Some ideas that work well:

• Food trucks with global flavors

• BBQ or picnic-style buffet

• Build-your-own taco, poke, or grain bowls

• Charcuterie and cold drinks under a shaded lounge

Catering is also a great opportunity to reflect your company culture—local, sustainable, health-focused, or just plain fun.

Activities: Make It Fun, Not Forced

When it comes to company picnic activities, think more about creating opportunities to connect than forcing people into team games. Some tried-and-true ideas:

• Lawn games (cornhole, ladder toss, bocce)

• Casual competitions (water balloon toss, trivia, relay races)

• Creative booths (tie-dye, terrarium building, caricature artist)

• Photo station with a branded backdrop

Not everyone needs to participate in everything. The best activities are low-pressure and optional, so people can jump in or hang back as they like.

Don’t Forget the Details

It’s the little things that make a company picnic feel elevated. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Signage: Make it easy for people to find your space, check the schedule, or know where to drop their bag.

• Shade + seating: Especially in the summer, this can make or break the day.

• Music: A shared playlist or live acoustic set sets the tone.

• Swag: Branded fans, sunglasses, or picnic blankets are a hit, especially if they’re useful on the spot.

These touches show your team that the event wasn’t just thrown together.

Timing Is Everything

For a weekday team celebration, aim for a 3–4 hour block in the afternoon, after lunch but before rush hour. For weekend picnics, a Saturday or Sunday midday works well, especially if families are invited.

Start and end on time, and communicate the schedule clearly so your team knows what to expect.

Make It Inclusive

Great company picnic ideas keep everyone in mind. If you’re inviting families, have games and activities for kids. Offer alcohol-free drink options. Make sure your location and activities are accessible to all team members.

Inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do—it makes your event more enjoyable for everyone.

Measure the Impact

You don’t need to run a full post-event survey, but gathering quick feedback helps. What did people love? What would they skip next year? The more you know, the better your next employee engagement event will be.

Photos, quotes, or Slack shoutouts can also help reinforce the impact and extend the good vibes beyond picnic day.

Planning a Company Picnic? We've Got You!

Planning a company picnic doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right mix of planning, purpose, and personality, it can be one of the most fun and rewarding events on your calendar.

And if you don’t have time to manage the logistics? That’s where we come in. At Koko Productions, we specialize in bringing company picnic ideas to life—handling the details so you can focus on connecting with your team.

Let’s make your company picnic one to remember.