There’s nothing quite like spending time away from the office to revive a flagging workplace. Outdoor activities for corporate events not only give everyone a chance to enjoy some lovely sunshine — they can also improve morale, supercharge collaboration, and boost team bonding. What’s more, there’s something outside to suit most tastes and capabilities, so once you’ve seen what’s possible, you can start preparing in earnest for all that fun, frivolity, and fresh air.
Our versatile selection of outdoor events ideas can be tailored to most needs and budgets. Ready to find out more? Let’s explore our favourite ideas for anyone planning an outdoor event.
16 Outdoor Activities for Corporate Events
Offering a variety of seasonal activities that enhance both team bonding and wellbeing, outdoor corporate events can be enjoyed year-round. From autumn retreats and winter wonderlands to spring wellness days and summer beach parties, there are numerous exciting ways to engage employees. These events, including outdoor sports, team-building challenges, and foodie-focusses activities, promise to foster camaraderie while creating memorable experiences.
Here are our 16 favourite outdoor events ideas:
Seasonal Activities
When you’re organising an outdoor event, it can be tempting to wait until summer to take advantage of the nicer weather. However, the sights and sounds of nature are likely to make a positive difference to our mental and physical wellbeing at any time of year, not just when the temperature is at its peak.
Super seasonal pursuits include:
- Autumnal Retreat: Some companies look for a reset before the busy festive period gets into full-swing. Away days and retreats can combine team-building, problem-solving, relaxation, and business strategy discussions — all in a cosy and informal setting.
- Winter Wonderland: Get everyone wrapped up and treat them to activities including ice skating, snowman-building contests, hot food trucks, and tasty seasonal drinks.
- Spring Wellness Day: Ready to tap into the season of renewal and rejuvenation? Combine mindful activities like yoga, flower arranging, and outdoor painting workshops to revitalise your team.
- Summer Beach Parties: What could be more summery than a trip to the beach with friends? Make the most of the weather by organising a company celebration, complete with beach games, water sports, team awards, and music.
Outdoor Sports and Fitness Activities
Sport is great for getting away from the confines of the office, blowing off steam, and forging stronger connections between teams. Although the more physical outdoor activities for corporate events might not be for everyone, you can still be a crowd-pleaser if you provide plenty of seating for would-be-spectators to enjoy the show. You can also consider adding additional forms of entertainment for people to enjoy.
Thinking about planning an outdoor event with a sporty theme? Look no further:
- Sports Tournaments: Create a fun and competitive atmosphere with football, cricket, or volleyball tournaments. These are great for large teams, and can be supplemented by an award ceremony, music, and food trucks.
- Yoga or Tai Chi Sessions: For a more relaxing and restorative pastime, arrange group yoga or tai chi in a scenic outdoor location. This is ideal for promoting mindfulness and reducing stress.
- Fun Runs: Plan a corporate-themed fun run with customised medals and T-shirts for entrants. You could even make it a charitable affair to raise funds for a good cause while promoting fitness.
Team-Building Opportunities
Have you sensed a lull in the office mood lately? Perhaps you’ve noticed that individuals are so invested in their own work that they don’t mix with each other so much? The solution could be outdoor team-building challenges — which are fantastic for enhancing communication, problem-solving skills, and camaraderie.
These activities are designed to bring people together in a way that’s both entertaining and rewarding:
- Obstacle Courses: Whether it’s a pre-set course at a local venue or a custom-designed series of challenges, obstacle courses encourage teams to work together to navigate physical and mental challenges.
- Scavenger Hunts: Themed scavenger hunts can be arranged in almost any space, including parks, forests, and even major towns and cities. Teams will need to solve riddles and complete tasks while racing against the clock — and each other — for prizes.
- Outdoor Escape Rooms: Take the concept of escape rooms to the next level with an outdoor version, using puzzles, maps, and hidden clues in the great outdoors. These activities can work wonders for collaboration and the setting also adds an adventurous twist.
Fun for Foodies
Few things bring people together like fine food and excellent entertainment. These universal treats can be used as the centerpiece of a range of lively outdoor activities for corporate events. Suggestions include cookery challenges and al fresco nibbles to accompany a group movie night.
- Outdoor Cooking Competitions: Think about setting up barbecue stations, pizza ovens, and more, as your teams go head-to-head for culinary bragging rights.
- Picnic and Pop: Host a relaxed picnic-style event with gourmet food trucks and live music for a chilled vibe.
- Movie Night: Transform an outdoor venue into an open-air cinema with comfy seating, themed snacks, and cinematic designs for a memorable evening beneath the stars.
Festivals and Outdoor Games
Fancy organising an outdoor event that is sure to get people moving? For anyone working with a bigger budget, carnivals and festivals are excellent options for more ambitious gatherings. Naturally, it’s much easier to create a vibrant party atmosphere in the sunshine, so these won’t work quite as well during colder months.
- Mini-Festivals: Set up booths with good grub, fun games, and a packed schedule of live entertainment. You could even include interactive elements such as VR demonstrations and photo booths for that all-important X-Factor.
- Carnival Games: Incorporate popular classics like ring toss, hook-a-duck, and mini-golf to kickstart lighthearted competition among attendees.
Giant Outdoor Games: Think oversized versions of Jenga, chess, or Connect Four, all of which add a fun and upbeat element to the rest of the event.
Organising an Outdoor Event? Let’s Connect!
Outdoor activities can be a breath of fresh air for a business. From seasonal retreats and sports tournaments to team-building challenges and foodie delights, there’s an outdoor experience to suit every need and budget. With so many creative options to choose from, the great outdoors becomes the perfect backdrop to balance productivity with good, old-fashioned fun.
At ConnectIn Events, we specialise in planning outdoor events that are tailored to your goals and preferences. Whether you want to motivate your team, celebrate a major milestone, or simply enjoy a day of camaraderie, we’ll handle every detail to bring your vision to life. Ready to plan the ultimate outdoor event?
Contact us today. Let’s create something amazing together!
