When was the last time your team was truly unplugged — no laptops, no deadlines, just laughter, conversation, and connection?
A corporate family day isn’t just a break from the usual work routine. It’s a celebration of your team and their families, your company culture, and the support system that helps your people thrive every day.
However, while the atmosphere may be informal, planning a great family day requires careful consideration. From entertainment to logistics, inclusivity to safety, there’s a lot to juggle. And if you want smiles rather than stress, you’ll need a clear, well-thought-out approach.
This guide is your ultimate checklist to help ensure your corporate family day is a success — whether you organize it internally or hire professionals.
What is a Corporate Family Day?
A corporate family day is an event organized by a company, designed for employees and their families to spend a day enjoying fun, food, and recreation together. Unlike formal corporate events or team-building sessions, family days are relaxed and inclusive, offering something for everyone — from toddlers to grandparents.
These events are part celebration, part community builder, and more companies are investing in them as part of their HR strategy. Organizations that invest in employee experiences outside of work see improved engagement and a stronger internal culture.
They’re also an opportunity to reinforce company values. For example, if your business prides itself on being innovative, creative, or family-oriented, a well-designed day can bring those values to life in a tangible way — through décor, music, and sunshine (weather permitting).
Start with a Clear Purpose
Before diving into logistics, step back to define the “why” behind your corporate family day. Is the goal to thank employees by including their loved ones in a day of fun? To strengthen loyalty and engagement by showing your company values work-life balance? Or perhaps to create a sense of community that extends beyond the office walls?
A corporate family day isn’t just about fun — it’s an opportunity to celebrate your company culture in a way that’s meaningful to employees and their families. A clear purpose will help shape the tone of the event, activities, and even the venue choice, ensuring it feels authentic and aligned with your company values.
Choose a Venue That Works for Everyone
The venue is the foundation of your event. It must be accessible, safe, and flexible enough to accommodate your plans and audience.
Key considerations:
- Is it family-friendly, with diaper-changing facilities and quiet zones?
- Is it accessible for guests with limited mobility?
- Can it accommodate both indoor and outdoor elements?
- Are there contingency plans if the weather turns bad?
Don’t underestimate logistics. Are there enough parking spaces? Are restrooms sufficient for the guest count? Will catering vendors have access to electricity? These practical considerations can make or break your guests’ experience. Make sure you check every box on your planning list.
Outdoor Event Space for a Corporate Family Day
Choosing a Theme (If Helpful)
A well-executed theme adds cohesion and creativity to the experience, influencing everything from décor and entertainment to food and signage. The magic lies in finding the right balance — impressive but not overwhelming, imaginative yet accessible to guests of all ages.
An event planning company like Agency SNOB can transform your corporate family day with a theme and rich props. We know how to create environments that feel authentic and engaging while offering just the right escape from reality. We help companies bring bold ideas to life with style and substance.
A great theme not only looks good — it creates a shared atmosphere that sparks conversation, encourages playfulness, and gives attendees something truly memorable to take away.
Provide Catering for a Wide Range of Tastes and Diets
Food is one of the things guests are most likely to remember — yet it’s surprisingly easy to get wrong. Variety is key to leaving a lasting positive impression. A well-rounded catering offering should include options for different dietary needs — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-friendly, and more — while remaining fun and kid-friendly.
Logistics matter too: placing catering stations throughout the venue helps prevent lines and congestion, and clear signage ensures everyone knows what’s available and the ingredients used.
Today, food is as much about experience as nutrition. Interactive options like DIY food bars, build-your-own smoothies, or themed food trucks add an extra layer of engagement that can make mealtime feel like an event itself — sparking conversation and contributing to the overall atmosphere of the day.
Plan Activities for All Ages
This is where the real fun begins — but it’s also where many events fall short. The best corporate family days meet the needs of everyone present. A balanced mix of activities could include:
- Under 5 years: Soft play areas, sand pits, puppet shows, and sensory tents.
- Primary school: Face painting, treasure hunts, inflatables, and craft zones.
- Teenagers: Sports tournaments, gaming stations, and VR experiences.
- Adults: Live music, wellness tents, food and drink zones, and relaxation areas.
You can also include team-building or shared activities that connect generations. Think family quizzes, obstacle courses, or parent-child races. These are not only inclusive but encourage bonding and shared laughter.
Book Entertainment Early
Entertainment isn’t just an add-on — it’s the heart of a great corporate family day. From scheduled performances like live bands or dance troupes to acts like magicians and caricature artists, the right combination keeps energy high and guests engaged throughout the day.
Finding high-quality performers — especially during peak summer months — can be time-consuming and competitive. This is where partnering with an event planning company makes a real difference.
Experienced agencies like Agency SNOB have established relationships with a wide network of trusted performers and vendors, giving you access to everything from local celebrities to run your raffle, to professional storytellers, circus acts, and more.
Prioritize Safety and Accessibility
Fun is important, but so is making everyone feel safe and supported. With the responsibility of caring for employees and their families, safety and accessibility are top priorities.
Ensure you don’t overlook:
- On-site first aid coverage.
- Lost child procedures and signage.
- Risk assessments for inflatables or water activities.
- Open access routes for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or strollers.
- Quiet areas for guests needing a break from sensory stimulation.
Inclusivity also means considering neurodiverse guests. Providing ear protection, visual schedules, or a sensory tent can significantly enhance accessibility. To reduce stress on the day, prepare participants in advance with a simple form — for example, a questionnaire — asking if there’s anything to consider so that your event is inclusive, accessible, and safe.
Promote the Day
Everything is ready. You’ve planned an amazing day — now make sure people know about it. A short internal campaign can build anticipation and encourage strong attendance.
Start by sending emails in advance with the date, followed by regular updates about key performers or special activities to generate excitement. Use a clear RSVP system to track numbers and consider posters or digital signage around the workplace as visual reminders. Involving leadership also makes a difference — a personal message or call from a senior leader adds weight and helps the event feel like a valued part of company culture, especially for new or remote employees.
Capture the Moment
A good photographer or videographer ensures your event lives on after the final tug-of-war. This content is great for:
- Internal newsletters
- Social media posts
- Employer brand content
- Next year’s invitation
Inform guests that photos and videos will be taken and allow them to opt-out if needed. You can also create a “guest gallery” where participants can upload and share their own photos.
Be Environmentally Conscious
A big event doesn’t have to mean a big environmental impact. More companies are integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations — including events — and corporate family days are no exception.
Small decisions can have a significant effect: partnering with local suppliers to reduce transport emissions, minimizing single-use plastics, offering digital tickets and maps to reduce printing, and providing water refill stations instead of bottled drinks. Consider composting food and packaging waste or choosing caterers with eco-certifications. These steps help the planet and show your team and their families that your organization lives these values, even during a single-day outing.
Final Thoughts: Shared Joy, Lasting Impact
A corporate family day is much more than an afternoon of inflatables and ice cream. At its best, it’s a meaningful gesture — bringing colleagues and their families together, strengthening connections between departments, and giving everyone a shared sense of pride in the company they’re part of.
Of course, there’s a lot to coordinate behind the scenes. Logistics, vendors, safety plans, weather contingencies — this can quickly become a full-time job, before you even consider the schedule of entertainment or dietary requirements.
But don’t worry. Partnering with someone like Agency SNOB really makes a difference. When you work with us, you don’t just get event organizers — you get creative problem solvers, logistics experts, and a partner who cares about how the day feels, not just how it runs.
We handle everything from venue selection to theme design, catering, and entertainment, creating seamless, inclusive experiences. Our goal is to make the planning process as enjoyable as the day itself — so you can focus on your team, not your to-do list.