How to Plan a Successful Company Family Day: A Guide by Memorable Parties

A company family day is a fantastic way to boost team morale, strengthen relationships, and create lasting memories for employees and their loved ones. However, organising such an event requires careful planning and attention to detail. Maybe you are the person who has been tasked with pulling this altogether – if so, this blog is for you.

As an experienced and highly rated children’s party business serving London and the surrounding counties, Memorable Parties are experts in creating fun, engaging, and stress-free events for families. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key ingredients of a successful company family day out, a suggested timetable, essential services, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Key Ingredients for a Memorable Company Family Day

A Clear Objective – This all-important question is all too often overlooked. Define what you want to achieve with the event. Is it about team bonding, rewarding employees, or simply providing a fun day for families?

The Perfect Venue – Choose a location that caters to both adults and children, such as a park, adventure centre, or a hired event space suited to family-friendly facilities.

Engaging Entertainment – A mix of activities for different age groups ensures everyone stays entertained. Consider face painting, magicians, inflatable play areas, team games, and live performances and of course that all important ingredient – a great party host.

Delicious Catering – Offer a variety of food and drink options that cater to different dietary requirements. A mix of BBQ, buffet, and fun treats like candy floss and popcorn adds to the excitement.

Safety and Comfort – Arrange for first aid support, shaded seating areas, and accessible facilities to ensure all guests, including those with young children or disabilities, feel comfortable.

Ask the staff – What ideas do they have, what would they like to see included? How many children do they have and what age?

Ask the boss what the budget is. The larger the budget, obviously the more options you have. Will all aspects be paid for by the business or do guests need to pay for some things.

Suggested Timetable for the Perfect Family Day Out

10:00 AM – Guest Arrival & Welcome Refreshments

Registration desk with welcome packs (including maps, schedules, and wristbands)

Light snacks and refreshments

10:30 AM – Icebreaker Activities & Opening Speech

Short welcome speech from a senior manager or executive.

Fun icebreaker activities such as team-building games and scavenger hunts

11:00 AM – Morning Activities Begin

Kids’ entertainment: Clowns, puppet shows, or balloon modelling

Adult-friendly activities: Team-building games, networking areas

Family-friendly fun: Bouncy castles, arts and crafts, face painting

1:00 PM – Lunch Break

Buffet-style lunch or food stalls offering diverse options. There are endless possibilities – don’t forget to ask staff in advance about their and their childrens’ special dietary requirements.

Relaxation zones for families to rest and socialise

2:00 PM – Afternoon Fun & Competitions

Family races (sack race, three-legged race, tug-of-war)

Live entertainment (music bands, circus performers, interactive storytelling)

3:30 PM – Special Highlights & Prizes

Raffle draw, employee recognition awards, and surprise giveaways

4:00 PM – Wind Down & Farewell Speech

Closing remarks from organisers

Small goodie bags for children to take home

Essential Services to Consider

Event Management – Hiring a professional event planner ensures smooth execution and allows employees to fully enjoy the day. They do this kind of event day in day out and can be an invaluable support.

Catering Services – Opt for a mix of food stalls, buffets, and child-friendly snack stations.

Entertainment Providers – Booking a party host, magicians, DJs, or inflatables can enhance the fun factor.

Photography & Videography – Capturing key moments allows families to relive the memories. They can also be useful when promoting future events.

Transport & Parking Arrangements – Ensure easy accessibility for all attendees. Check for any roadworks or engineering works that might affect your guests.

On-Site First Aid & Security – Safety should be a top priority at any gathering.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Poor Planning & Last-Minute Bookings – Start planning early to secure the best venues and entertainment. The later you leave it the less options you will have and time pressures can often lead to poor decision making or budgeting.

Lack of Variety in Activities – Ensure there’s something for all age groups. Also remember that it is okay if people just want to watch and not actually join in.

Ignoring Dietary Restrictions – Provide diverse food options to cater for allergies and dietary needs. Make sure that everything is clearly marked and that there is no cross contamination.

Inadequate Signage & Communication – Make sure guests can easily navigate the event. Where is the entrance, where can I park, where are the toilets?

Weather Risks – Always have a contingency plan, such as indoor backup options or rented marquees.

Do you feel better equipped now?

We hope so. A well-planned company family day out can be a huge success with the right mix of entertainment, food, and activities tailored for all ages. By following these steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for your employees and their families. If you’re looking for expert support in organising your next corporate family event, Memorable Parties is here to help with bespoke planning, engaging entertainment, and seamless execution. We also love hosting these events for you, leaving you free to enjoy the day.

For more information on our party planning and hosting services in London and the surrounding counties, get in touch today!