A company picnic is more than just a day away from the office—it’s a chance to build team morale, strengthen relationships, and reward employees for their hard work. Whether you’re planning a laid-back afternoon with classic BBQ or a full-blown family-style event, pulling off a successful company picnic takes thoughtful planning. As a catering provider with years of experience, Lunch Box Express in Sacramento has seen it all, and we’re here to share our best tips for making your event memorable and stress-free.

1. Start With the Perfect Venue

Choosing the right location sets the tone for your entire company picnic. Think about how many guests you’re expecting, the kind of activities you want to host, and how accessible the venue is for your team. Parks like Discovery Park, William Land Park, and Elk Grove Park in Sacramento offer plenty of green space, shaded areas, and amenities like restrooms and picnic tables – making them ideal choices.

Here are a few venue tips:

• Book early: Popular parks fill up fast in the spring and summer.
• Consider shelter: Shade or covered picnic areas are essential for hot weather or surprise rain showers.
• Accessibility: Ensure the venue has parking, bathrooms, and easy access for guests with mobility concerns.

2. Choose the Right Caterer

Food is the centerpiece of any great company picnic, and choosing a caterer who understands outdoor events is essential. Look for a catering company with experience in serving groups outdoors and one that can adapt to unexpected changes in weather, timing, or guest count.

At Lunch Box Express in Sacramento, we specialize in corporate catering and offer a wide range of menu options that work perfectly for picnics—from traditional BBQ spreads to build-your-own sandwich bars. We recommend selecting catering options that are:

• Easy to serve and eat outdoors: Think BBQ sliders, grilled chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, and fresh fruit.
• Flexible for dietary needs: Offer vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan options to make everyone feel included.
• Packaged conveniently: Boxed meals or buffet-style service can make distribution smooth and fast.

Don’t forget to ask your caterer if they provide extras like utensils, napkins, beverages, or staff support for setup and cleanup.

3. Plan Fun and Inclusive Activities

A successful company picnic offers more than just good food. It creates opportunities for your team to relax, connect, and have fun outside of the workplace. Depending on your team’s interests and your venue, activities can range from competitive games to chill downtime.

Here are some tried-and-true ideas:

• Classic picnic games: Bounce house jousting, mobile climbing walls, and water balloon tosses are fun for all ages.
• Team-building challenges: Relay races, trivia contests, or scavenger hunts promote friendly competition and collaboration.
• Casual fun: Cornhole, frisbee, giant Jenga, or board games work well for low-key entertainment.
• Raffles or giveaways: Everyone loves a chance to win something, especially gift cards or branded gear.

If families are invited, consider adding a bounce house, face painting, or arts and crafts stations to keep the little ones entertained.

4. Keep It Comfortable and Safe

Comfort can make or break your guests’ experience. Provide plenty of shaded seating, hand sanitizer stations, and cold drinks. Hydration is key—especially if you’re serving BBQ or planning physical games in the summer sun.

Other comfort tips:

• Bring extra sunscreen and bug spray.
• Rent or provide personal fans or misting stations for cooling.
• Have a first-aid kit and someone assigned to safety oversight.

5. Communicate Clearly

As with any event, communication is key. Send out invitations early and make sure they include:

• Time and location with a map link
• Parking or transportation details
• What guests should bring (e.g., chairs, sun hats)
• RSVP deadline
• Any special notes about the catering or activities

You can even include a preview of the BBQ menu from Lunch Box Express to build excitement!

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Final Thoughts

When done right, a company picnic can be one of the most enjoyable and appreciated events of the year. With the right venue, reliable catering, delicious BBQ, and a few fun activities, your team will leave feeling valued and refreshed.

At Lunch Box Express in Sacramento, we love helping local companies bring their teams together over great food. If you’re planning a company picnic this season, reach out to us and let’s create something amazing—without the stress.

Ready to start planning? Contact us today to talk about menu options and booking your next unforgettable company picnic.