Here at Sharky & George, Corporate Family Days are one of our favourite corporate events to plan.  Family fun days differ from your average corporate fun day, as employees bring their children to run wild and free with the activities, crafts and games on offer. 

These events are an excellent way to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity for families of your employees, showing that family life is valued and supported, whilst also making children think their parents work in a really fun office!

So, let’s dive a bit deeper into the benefits of corporate family days, and our best tips and tricks from our Corporate Events team for planning the perfect day. 

What are the Benefits of Corporate Family Days?

Corporate Family Days are not something the average company would choose to do, they’re an example of how certain businesses will go above and beyond the expectations of employees. 

Aside from everyone having a good time and enjoying themselves, there are some less obvious benefits which you’ll experience as a business when you host these kinds of events:

• Inclusivity in the workplace
• Understanding work life balance 
• Bonding outside of teams - child engages with other kids outside of your team
• Culture and morale for the workforce
• Brand image and employee retention 

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.

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 - Finding the right venue 

The venue you choose significantly influences the atmosphere of the event. If you decide to host it at the office, make sure there's plenty of space for the activities so guests don't feel crowded. 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: 

• Inside and outside space (for weather backup plans)
• Accessibility 
• Baby changing facilities 
• Nearest parking/tube stop 
• Availability for a quiet zone
• Check any venue restrictions or policies that might affect your event 

Good to know: If you’d like S&G to find your perfect venue, we’re happy to help! If so, we charge a 20% management fee on any costs associated with the venue. 

Step 2 - Choosing a theme

A well-chosen theme not only makes planning easier by giving direction to your activities, décor, and entertainment choices but also creates a memorable experience for attendees. Whether it’s a carnival, picnic, or sports day, the theme should resonate with your company culture and appeal to both adults and children. 

Things to consider when choosing a theme: 

• Ensure the theme appeals to both adults and children.
• Consider the ease of planning and availability of themed decorations.
• Make sure the theme is flexible enough to accommodate various activities.

Good to know: At S&G we’ve got a huge range of themes you can choose from, including anything from Summer Soirée, Cowboy Chaos, Festival Fun, Easter Egg-citement Magical Mayhem, Winter Wonderland, and many more!

Step 3 - Book entertainment 

Entertainment is a key element of any corporate family day, as it keeps guests engaged and excited to come back for the next one. At S&G, as a minimum, we send along our incredible party team to play a range of classic games with the children throughout the event. You can also choose to add themed crafts to let the children’s artistic side emerge. Craft examples include sunglasses decorating, bracelet making, bird house making, and t-shirt decorating. The children can take their creations home to remind them of the fun they had at the event. 

However, these events are not just for the kids! We offer a variety of activities for adults, including both traditional and S&G sports day competitions, photo and video challenges, vintage garden games, petting zoo experiences, and (almost literally) anything else under the sun that you’d like us to organise. 

Things to consider: 

• Book entertainment early to avoid availability issues.
• Check their reviews!
• Ensure the entertainment is appropriate for all ages.
• Consider the space and technical requirements for your entertainment.
• Confirm the entertainers' credentials and insurance, if applicable.

Good to know: Entertainment is our speciality at S&G. Our mantra is “Finding the fun in everything”, and we’ll ensure that everyone in attendance has something to enjoy. 

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:

• Décor is completely budget dependent and will be the least important part of the event if you’ve got a tighter budget. 
• Prioritise high-impact areas like entrances and central gathering spots.
• Balance aesthetics with practicality, especially for outdoor settings.
• Know your access times for setup and break down logistics.

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:

• Offer a variety of food options to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
• Ensure there are kid-friendly food and drink options available.
• Plan for sufficient water stations and non-alcoholic beverages, especially for outdoor events.
• Coordinate the timing and flow of food service to avoid long waits or congestion.
• 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:

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

Good to know: As a standard, S&G 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

After all that

In conclusion, corporate family days are more than just a fun day out—they're a strategic investment in your company's culture, employee morale, and brand image. By organising an event that includes not only your employees but also their families, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to work-life balance and inclusivity. These events encourage deeper connections between colleagues, strengthen cross-team relationships, and create an environment where everyone feels valued. 

The benefits extend beyond the day itself, contributing to higher employee satisfaction, loyalty, and retention. By carefully planning every aspect, from choosing the right venue to ensuring health and safety, you can create a memorable event that resonates with your entire workforce and leaves a lasting positive impression. 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.

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