Fun Company Picnic Ideas and Games

Planning a company picnic for a medium or large team? A well-organized picnic with creative activities can strengthen bonds between colleagues and provide a fun escape from the office routine. From choosing an exciting theme to setting up engaging games, there are plenty of ways to make your company outing memorable. Below, we’ve gathered some fun company picnic ideas and games – including popular picnic themes and crowd-pleasing games (tug-of-war, carnival booths, etc.) – all of which can be provided as rental options by professional event companies like Perfect Parties USA. Whether your event is in the Northeast or anywhere across the U.S., these ideas will help you plan an unforgettable summer outing.

Choose an Exciting Picnic Theme

One way to elevate your company picnic is by giving it a fun theme. A well-chosen theme can transform an average picnic into an extraordinary experience and get everyone in the spirit. Here are a few exciting company picnic themes to consider:

• Carnival/Circus Theme: Turn your picnic into a lively carnival! Decorate the venue with bright banners and a big top tent vibe. Set up classic midway game booths and carnival snacks (think popcorn and cotton candy). No carnival would be complete without games and performers – you can include ring toss, duck pond, and balloon dart booths and hand out small prizes to winners. This whimsical theme lets everyone feel like a kid again and is perfect for an afternoon of whimsical thrills and friendly competition. 
• Field Day or Company “Olympics”: Embrace a field day theme where employees break into teams and compete in a series of classic picnic games and races. Issue colored team T-shirts and come up with fun team names, then cap off the day with an award ceremony for the winners . This theme turns your picnic into a mini Olympics with activities like relay races, obstacle courses, and team sports. It’s simple, highly effective for team-building, and gets everyone involved. 
• Western Hoedown: Yee-haw! A Wild West theme gives your picnic a rustic, country fair atmosphere. Think hay bales for seating, checkered tablecloths, and BBQ on the menu. For entertainment, a mechanical bull ride can be a show-stopping centerpiece, with colleagues cheering each other on during their wild rides. You can also set up horseshoe toss games, three-legged races, or “pony” races to fit the Western vibe. Encourage everyone to wear cowboy hats and bandanas – this theme brings out the adventurous frontier spirit and plenty of laughs. 
• Tropical Hawaiian Luau: Bring island vibes to your company picnic with a luau theme. Greet everyone with flower leis, play upbeat Hawaiian music, and decorate with tiki torches and palm decor. A limbo contest or hula dance session can get people moving and laughing. Serve tropical treats (like fresh pineapple or shaved ice) to enhance the atmosphere. This relaxing theme encourages employees to unwind together in a mini tropical paradise – “A Hawaiian Luau-themed picnic is an immersive experience that combines fun, food, and festivity to create an unforgettable team-building event,” as one event guide notes. 

Classic Picnic Games & Team Contests

No company picnic is complete without some classic games to spark friendly competition. Many traditional field games are easy to set up and great for team bonding. In fact, Perfect Parties USA even offers a Corporate Picnic Games package where a game facilitator can run all the classics for you. Here are some tried-and-true picnic games and contests to consider:

• Tug-of-War: A timeless favorite that gets everyone involved. Split your group into two teams, grab a sturdy rope, and challenge each other’s strength in a good old-fashioned tug-of-war. It’s simple, exciting, and perfect for team spirit (complete with lots of cheering). Tug-of-war ropes and facilitation can be provided by event rental companies, making it easy to add this showdown to your picnic lineup. 
• Relay Races & Sack Races: Relay-style races always generate laughter and teamwork. You can organize sack races (hopping to the finish line in burlap sacks) or three-legged races (pairs of coworkers tie their legs together and race). These goofy challenges require coordination and cooperation, leading to hilarious moments. A beverage relay is another fun idea: teams might carry cups of water or batons in a race, trying not to spill – a refreshing game for a hot day. Provide simple props like sacks, spoons, or batons, and you have an instant field day competition. 
• Pony Hops Race: For a unique twist, try a Pony Hops race – imagine bouncing to victory on inflatable hobby horses! Pony Hops are large inflatable pony toys that adults can sit on and hop forward. These old-style picnic racing ponies are guaranteed to get a “yeehaw” from the crowd and are great for summer outings and team-building programs. Participants bounce as fast as they can to the finish line, and spectators love the silliness. It’s a fantastic addition to a company picnic that people likely haven’t tried before. 
• Water Games: If your picnic is in the heat of summer, incorporate some water fun. A water balloon toss is a simple game where pairs throw water balloons back and forth, stepping farther apart with each successful catch – inevitably ending in a splash! Or, set up a water relay race where teams carry water in a cup (or sponge) to fill a bucket – the first team to fill theirs wins. These games are low-cost and high-fun, offering a cool cooldown and laughs when balloons inevitably burst. (Tip: Have extra towels or a dry-off area handy.) 
• Horseshoes & Cornhole: For more low-key competition, include some classic lawn games like horseshoes or cornhole. Tossing games are easy for all ages to play and encourage mingling. Horseshoes involve tossing metal horseshoes toward a stake in the ground, testing players’ aim. Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss (often sold as “Baggo” sets), is another picnic staple – players take turns throwing bean bags at a raised board with a hole, scoring points for landing on the board or in the hole. These games can be played one-on-one or in teams and provide a relaxed, social competition throughout the event. 
• Team Sports (Volleyball, etc.): If space allows, set up a casual team sport like volleyball or kickball. A volleyball net in a grassy area lets employees rally together in a fun match. You could also organize a short kickball game or softball game if you have a field – great for large groups. These sports encourage teamwork and get people moving. Perfect Parties USA notes that facilitated picnic programs can include volleyball matches along with other games. Just be sure to provide the necessary equipment (nets, balls, bases) and consider mixing teams from different departments for extra bonding. 

Carnival Games and Booths

Bring the thrill of the carnival to your company picnic with colorful game booths and challenges. A carnival-themed picnic lets everyone feel like a kid again – with a classic circus tent, festive banners, and plenty of midway games, your team can enjoy friendly competition in a playful atmosphere.

One surefire way to inject fun into a company picnic is by setting up carnival-style games. Employees can stroll from game to game, win prizes, and enjoy a nostalgic fairground experience. Many carnival games are available as rentals – complete with authentic booth setups – which is perfect for company events. Here are some popular carnival games and activities you might include:

• Ring Toss: A classic carnival booth game where players try to toss rings onto bottle necks or pegs. It’s deceptively challenging and highly addictive as people try “just one more” throw to win. Ring toss games can be rented with a carnival stand for an authentic look. You can even award small prizes (candy, toys, or company swag) for anyone who lands a ring, to reward their victory. 
• Balloon Darts: Another fair favorite – players throw darts at balloons pinned to a board, aiming to pop one to win. Balloon dart booths bring a burst of excitement (and a pop!) to your picnic. The bright balloons and the thrill of popping them draws a crowd. Rental packages often include a freestanding booth with balloons and darts. For safety, make sure this is supervised, and consider prizes for hitting specific colored balloons. 
• “Test Your Strength” High Striker: The iconic High Striker is the tall strength-testing game where players swing a mallet to ring a bell at the top. This game adds a strong visual centerpiece to your event – it’s hard to resist the urge to try and ring the bell! It fits a carnival or circus theme perfectly and lets your team flex their muscles in a lighthearted contest. High striker rentals are available (typically about 10 feet tall with a bell and sliding marker), and they always draw a crowd of onlookers cheering each other on. 
• Dunk Tank: Few things generate as much laughter as a dunk tank at a company picnic – especially if a good-natured manager or volunteer agrees to get dunked! Participants throw a ball at a target; a solid hit triggers the seat release, “dunking” the person into a tank of water. Dunk tanks are classic for summer events and can be rented and delivered to your venue. It’s an awesome way to cool off and engage the whole team, whether they’re throwing or taking the plunge. (Just ensure the dunkee brings a change of clothes!) 
• Carnival Booth Variety: There are many other carnival games you can consider, often available in booth packages. For example, a bean bag toss into colored cans (sometimes called “Spill the Milk” when knocking down milk bottles), mini basketball shoot-outs, or a duck pond game for a simple luck-based win. You might also rent retro carnival stalls like a Vintage Ring Toss or Roll-a-Ball Horse Racer for that authentic midway feel. The key is variety – set up a mix of skill games and chance games so everyone finds something fun. And don’t forget to have a stock of small prizes (like chocolates, branded items, or stuffed animals) to hand out as “victory tokens” for game winners – it makes the games even more motivating. 

Giant Inflatables and Unique Attractions

For an extra “wow” factor at your company picnic, consider adding some giant inflatable games or other unique attractions. These interactive rentals can entertain large groups and make your event feel like a mini amusement park. Perfect Parties USA and similar providers have an extensive inventory of over 300 attractions for rent, so you can find something to fit any space or theme. Here are a few big-impact games and attractions to think about:

• Giant Lawn Games: Oversized versions of popular games are always a hit and perfect for outdoor picnics. Imagine a Giant Jenga tower where each block is a foot long, or a human-size Connect Four grid. You could also set up Giant Checkers or Chess on the lawn, or even a huge Twister mat for a funny group contortion challenge. These games are easy to play and great as icebreakers. In fact, there are inflatable arenas that bundle multiple giant games together – for example, Perfect Parties USA’s Lawn Games Arena lets you choose four jumbo games (like Giant Pong, Giant Jenga, Giant Checkers, Inflatable Twister, etc.) all in one colorful setup perfectpartiesusa.com. Having a designated giant games zone invites guests to casually compete and mingle throughout the picnic. 
• Inflatable Obstacle Courses: If you want to get people moving, an inflatable obstacle course is an exciting addition. These are large blow-up courses with tunnels, climbing walls, and slides that teams or individuals can race through. They tap into everyone’s inner child and add a bit of athletic challenge. You can rent obstacle courses in various sizes and difficulty levels – some are even two-lane for competitive races. Employees will have a blast racing their coworkers and bouncing through the course. Just be sure you have enough space and check that the rental includes setup and supervision for safety. It’s an unforgettable attraction that draws a crowd of participants and spectators alike. 
• Interactive Sports Inflatables: Besides obstacle courses, there are many sports-themed inflatables that fit well at company picnics. For example, an inflatable axe throwing station lets people try their hand at axe throwing with velcro or foam axes – safely and with no real blades. There are also inflatable batting cages for batting practice, portable golf driving ranges, or basketball shoot-out inflatables. These games allow folks to show off skills (or lack thereof!) in a fun, no-pressure environment. They work as both participant activities and casual entertainment for others to watch. 
• Mechanical Bull: As mentioned in the Western theme, a mechanical bull is a thrilling ride that can become the talk of the picnic. But you don’t need a full cowboy theme to rent one – a mechanical bull fits any summer party where people are ready for laughs and challenges. Riders take turns trying to stay on the bucking, spinning mechanical bull as long as possible, while a operator controls the speed and difficulty. It offers “thrills (and perhaps some spills) as colleagues cheer each other on”. A soft inflatable landing area keeps it safe. Mechanical bulls are popular rentals for corporate events and they come with an attendant to run the ride. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser and creates memorable photo ops of your brave (or not-so-brave) coworkers giving it a go! 
• Other Big Attractions: Depending on your budget and venue, you could also consider rock climbing wall rentals, bungee trampolines, or even a small mobile zip line for an adventurous twist. Some companies (like Perfect Parties USA) can provide mobile rock climbing walls or euro-bungee setups that allow multiple people to jump on harnessed trampolines. These high-energy attractions are excellent for large picnics because they can entertain a constant line of participants and onlookers. They transform your picnic into a carnival-like event. Just ensure you have the necessary permits or space for these larger installations if needed. With one or two major attractions on site, your company picnic will feel like a special summer fair just for your team. 

Bringing the Fun to Life

With the right mix of themes, games, and activities, your company picnic will be an event employees talk about for months. The key is to offer something for everyone – from competitive team contests to lighthearted carnival fun. Keep in mind a few practical tips as you plan: make sure you have enough space and power for any inflatables or equipment, schedule the games so that people have time to both participate and relax, and consider the ages and interests of your attendees (if families are invited, include kid-friendly options like a bounce house or face painter in addition to the main games).

Most importantly, don’t hesitate to get help from professional event rental services. A company like Perfect Parties USA can supply all the games and attractions mentioned above – and even staff to run them – so you can focus on enjoying the day. They have over 300 attractions in stock and ready to rent nationwide, including tons of carnival games, inflatables, and picnic activities perfect for corporate outings. If you’re planning a summer company picnic in the Northeast, partnering with a full-service entertainment provider means you can easily bring in everything from tug-of-war ropes and sack race bags to deluxe carnival booths and giant inflatables. With expert vendors handling delivery, setup, and takedown, your only job will be to join the fun with your team!

By incorporating some of these fun picnic ideas and games, you’ll create an upbeat atmosphere of camaraderie and play. Employees will get to bond outside of work, new connections will form between departments, and everyone will appreciate the break from routine. Whether they’re chowing down on barbecue at a Wild West hoedown, cheering on coworkers in a relay race, or lining up to dunk their manager in the tank, your colleagues are sure to have a blast. With good food, great company, and games galore, your company picnic can be the highlight of the summer. So go ahead – plan those tug-of-war matches, set up those carnival booths, and let the festivities begin! Your team will thank you for a fantastic day of fun and memories that last long after the picnic blankets are packed up.