At Sharky & George, we absolutely love planning Corporate Family Days! These aren’t your run-of-the-mill corporate events; they’re a chance for employees to bring their kids along for a day filled with wild fun, laughter, and all sorts of exciting activities!Imagine this: kids running around, giggling as they dive into crafts, games, and adventures while parents kick back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

These family days are a brilliant way to show that you value family life and support your employees' personal lives. Plus, it gives kids the chance to see just how fun their parents' workplace can be!

Below you will find some of our top tips and tricks from our Corporate Events to help you plan an unforgettabble family fun day at your office this Christmas. 

What are the Benefits of Corporate Family Days?

Corporate family days are not just another box to tick on the corporate calendar; they’re a chance to create unforgettable memories and truly show how much you value your team and their families.  Here’s why they’re a blast:

• Family Fun for Everyone: Imagine kids running wild while parents relax and catch up. It's a win-win!
• Building Bonds: These events help everyone connect—colleagues, kids, and families get to know eachother and have a fun time at the office.
• Boosting Morale: When employees see their company valuing their family life, it boosts loyalty and happiness. Who doesn’t love a company that cares?

How to Plan a Corporate Family Day

So you now know why you should plan a corporate family day, here are our top tips on actually doing so: 
 

Step 1 - Get the venue space right 

Whether you decide to host the party at your office or in a dedicated event space, the most important thing is have enough space for the activities so guests don't feel croweded. On the other hand, if you prefer an external location, be sure to confirm that it is accessible and aligns with the event's vibe. Popular options for family events include parks, church halls, hotels, and private dining rooms. For any Summer family days, we like to bring along waterbomb catapulting and water pistols, so outdoor venues are ideal. Or if it's a Christmas event your after, you could also consider doing a Private Cinema Screening!

Things to consider when booking your party venue: 

• Indoor/Outdoor Options: Weather can be tricky, so have a backup plan!
• Accessibility: Make sure everyone can get there easily.
• Kid-Friendly Facilities: Think baby-changing stations and safe play areas.

Good to know: If you’d like Sharky & George to help find your perfect venue, we've hosted events in all different kinds of locations all over London and the South West, so we're absolute experts at matching events to the right venues.

Book a 10 minute consultation with our corporate events team here. 

Step 2 - Choosing a theme

A theme can take your event from ordinary to extraordinary! Whether it’s a Nordic Christmas Market, Whoville from the Grinch , or a superhero showdown, make sure the theme appeals to both adults and children. If it fits with your company culture - brilliant, but don't get too bogged down in that, it is a party after all! 

Things to consider when choosing a theme: 

• Flexibility is Key: Your theme should allow for various activities.
• Decor Galore: Choose decorations that bring your theme to life and emerse your guests into the world of the theme!

Good to know: At Sharky & George we’ve got a huge range of themes you can choose from for whatever season your party is in - Christmas, Easter, Halloween or Summer! 

Step 3 - Book entertainment 

If you're inviting your team's families into your office - you want to make sure it's fun, exciting and engaging for everyone, so getting the entertainment just right is key. Activity stations with crafts and mini games tend to be a winner for corporate family events as it means the children can jump in and out whenever they choose.   It's always good to have a big moment bringing everyone together. This could be taking part in big group games, or watching a show.

The type of entertainment that you can do will be guided by the space in your venue - but don't worry if you're lacking in space - you'll be surprised at how a good entertainment company can fit exciting games into weird spaces! E.G. a game of Grandmother's Footsteps along a corridor, a massive snowball fight in the canteen or even a clue based trasure hunt over a few floors. 

Things to consider when booking entertainment: 

• Early booking: Popular entertainers get booked up fast! 
• Check their reviews
• Activities for all ages: Keep in mind the age range that you'll have - a puppet show or soft play area won't entertain 7-10 year olds! Try to aim for entertainment that works for all ages. 
• Be honest about space: Make sure your entertainer is aware about the space and technical resources available to avoid any stress on the day!
• Credentials: Make sure to ask for credentials (like enhanced DBS, safe-guarding policies and insurance) 

Good to know: Entertainment is our speciality at Sharky & George.  Find the fun in everything is at the heart of all of our entertainment, so you can be sure that whatever you choose to do with us - you're guests will love it. For most of our corporate children's events we start with at least 2 or 3 of our team playing active, energetic and engaging games that work for all ages. Then we build from here by adding activity stations with exciting crafty creations, themed photo and video challenges, character led games, zoo experiences, interactive shows, sports competitions - depending on the time of year your party is, we have endless ideas. But our expertises comes in narrowing down exactly what suits you and your party. 

Read more about our corporate children's parties here.

Step 4 - Decorate the space

The best way to bring your chosen theme to life and set the mood for the event is by decorating the space. Whether it’s simple and elegant or colourful and whimsical, the décor should complement the venue and theme while enhancing the overall atmosphere. Use decorations to create focal points, such as entryways, dining areas, or activity zones. Don’t forget the small details, like table settings, signage, and lighting, which can make a big difference in the overall experience.

Things to consider when decorating an event:

• High-Impact Areas: Prioritise high-impact areas like entrances and central gathering spots.
• Give it time: Know your access times for setup and break down logistics and make sure to give yourself enough time to get everything set up. 
• Delete the Decor: Décor is completely budget dependent and will be the least important part of the event if you’ve got a tighter budget. 

Step 5 - Food & Drink

If you really want to impress, ensure to choose a trusted caterer who will provide a delicious food. Even if you’re only planning on having canapes for adults and nibbles for the kids, they need to be tasty otherwise they can totally downgrade the event! If you’re looking for anything from canapes and children’s lunch boxes, to luxury picnics, or full sit down meals, we've got you covered with our tried and tested caterers. 

Things to consider when planning food for a corporate event:

• Variety is Vital: Offer a variety of food options to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
• Child friendly: Ensure there are kid-friendly food and drink options available.
• Keeping hydrated!: Plan for sufficient water stations and non-alcoholic beverages, especially for outdoor events.
• Timings: Think through timings and make sure to coordinate the  flow of food service to avoid long waits or congestion.
• Get credentials: Confirm with vendors or caterers about food safety practices, including handling and storage requirements.

Step 6 - Health & Safety

Health & Safety involves more than just meeting legal requirements; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels secure and comfortable. Conduct a thorough risk assessment of your venue, activities, and entertainment. Make sure there are adequate first aid provisions, clear emergency exits, and safety measures in place for activities.

Things to consider when planning for health and safety at an event:

• First Aid: Ensure first aid kits and trained personnel are readily available.
• Safety First: Confirm that all activities and equipment meet safety standards.
• Exit plan: Plan for crowd control and emergency procedures, including clear exit routes.
• Let them know: Communicate health and safety guidelines to attendees before and during the event.

Good to know: As a standard, Sharky & George have full £10,000,000 Public Liability Insurance, and can provide a full Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Policy for your event. Our team are all DBS checked, and leaders are all First Aid trained, with a focus on paediatric first aid. 

Additional extras for your event

Additional extras we love for both children and adults at corporate fun days include: 

• Face Painters
• Magicians
• Science Workshops
• Balloon Modellers
• Glitter Tattoo Artists
• Nail Artists
• Bubbleologists
• Circus Skills Workshops
• Caricaturists

Let's wrap it up!

Corporate family days are more than just fun—they’re an investment in your company culture! By creating an inclusive environment where families can bond, you show your employees that you truly value their work-life balance.So gather your team, plan with joy, and let the good times roll! If you need help organizing an epic family day, reach out to us at Sharky & George—we’re here to make it unforgettable!

At Sharky & George, we specialise in bringing these events to life with creativity, fun, and a focus on the unique needs of your company and its people.

If you have any questions or are looking to organise any corporate events, feel free to get in touch today and our corporate team will take care of the entire process for you. Or book a call with us and let's get planning your next epic party. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of a corporate family day?

A corporate family day is a fun-filled event where companies invite employees to bring their whole families—kids included—to join in on exciting activities, games, and entertainment. Unlike the usual office gatherings that are all about work, this event is all about including everyone in the family, creating a festive vibe, and celebrating work-life balance with a splash of togetherness.

What is the purpose of a family day?

The purpose of a family day is to strengthen the bond between work and personal life by acknowledging and valuing the role of employees' families in their overall well-being. A company is sending a clear message by organising a family day, telling their employees that they want to give them an opportunity to enjoy their day with their children. 

What happens at a Corporate Family Day?

At a Corporate Family Day, employees and their families come together for a day packed with fun. Picture a vibrant scene with games and activities for everyone—from kids’ crafts and face painting to sports day competitions. It’s a perfect opportunity for parents to mingle with colleagues and for kids to make new friends.

How to plan a fun day event?

To plan a fun day event, you need to:

• Find the right venue 
• Choose a fun and inclusive theme
• Book high quality entertainment
• Decorate the space
• Plan food and drink 
• Consider health and safety

What are the other benefits of hosting a family friendly company party?

1. Inclusivity in the workplace

When you think of corporate benefits and employee engagement in the workplace, the usual go to is likely to incude alcoholic drinks, maybe some nibbles or food, and most likely a late finish. Even if it’s just a team trip to the pub, naturally, these are the easiest things to organise, and can be done with a split second decision. 

However, these classic corporate benefits will mainly appeal to the younger crowd in the office and those who don’t have to consider their family at home. If the event is likely to end up with the parent intoxicated or home late, they might choose to avoid it altogether. 

2. Understanding work life balance 

Hosting a corporate family day demonstrates that you value and support work-life balance by acknowledging the importance of employees' family lives outside the office. 

It shows that you recognise their dedication at work and shows that you want to create opportunities for them to enjoy meaningful time with their families while strengthening the bond between personal and professional life. 

By providing an inclusive event that involves their loved ones, you foster a culture of respect and appreciation, signalling that you care about their well-being, happiness, and the harmony between their work responsibilities and personal commitments.

Instead, a corporate family day can incorporate all generations of employees, and their children. Organising this kind of event shows your employees that you care, and understand that not everyone has the capacity to enjoy free events in the evening. 

3. Team and cross-team bonding

Corporate family days are a fantastic opportunity for employees to connect with each other. From our experience, not many of the children will know each other (if at all!) so this is also a brilliant way for children to make friends too. 

At a Sharky & George-organised family day, we’ll take the children off your hands and get them playing some epic party games, giving parents a chance to catch up or meet their partners collegues - usually with a glass of prosecco or bottle of beer in hand.  

Cross-team interaction fosters a sense of unity and belonging throughout the company, enhancing overall teamwork and creating a more cohesive and supportive workplace culture.

4. Culture and Morale for the workplace

All of the above reasons prove that your organisation values its people as more than just workers. These events help emphasise a company’s commitment to its employees’ wellbeing and lives beyond just their job role.

This sense of being valued and supported leads to increased job satisfaction, loyalty, and morale, as employees feel more connected to the organisation and motivated to contribute to its success.

5. Brand image and employee retention 

Corporate family days improve employee retention by portraying the company as a supportive and employee-centric organisation. We've already mentioned it but these events really do show your company’s commitment to fostering a healthy work-life balance.

A company that invests in its employees' well-being and creates opportunities for personal connection is seen as a desirable place to work. This strengthens the brand’s reputation as an employer, helps attract top talent and gives current employees a sense of pride to be associated with the company. 

All of these positive experiences shared contribute to stronger employee loyalty and a reduction in turnover rates as your team feel more engaged, valued, and connected to the company’s mission and culture.