1. Strengthens Team Bonds

Employees who feel connected to their colleagues are more engaged and satisfied at work. Outdoor corporate events, including picnics, have been shown to improve employee relations by 85%, compared to indoor gatherings.

At Fun-Plex, team-building comes naturally. Group rides, collaborative water experiences, and a classic picnic environment foster connection and camaraderie in a relaxed, fun setting, all while strengthening bonds that carry back into the workplace.

2. Boosts Recognition and Appreciation

Feeling valued is crucial for engagement. A company picnic sends a clear message: your team matters. Shared experiences like these reinforce a sense of belonging and appreciation, improving overall morale and job satisfaction.

Hosting your annual picnic at a premium venue shows employees that the company invests in meaningful experiences, not just routine perks.

3. Encourages Informal Networking

Different departments don’t always get the chance to connect during the workday. A company picnic creates a relaxed setting where people can meet, talk, and build relationships naturally.

Whether you’re racing a coworker on the go-karts or cheering as your kids meet new friends on the carousel, our park makes it easy to connect and build relationships that carry back to the office.

Make Your Next Company Picnic Unforgettable

A company picnic at Fun-Plex is more than just a day out, it’s a full experience. Teams can enjoy rides together, your group gets a dedicated picnic area to call your own, and families have the option to take advantage of Nebraska’s largest waterpark.

With endless options to add fun, a premier caterer, simple planning, and all-inclusive pricing, hosting a memorable corporate outing has never been easier!

Start with the Date

Choosing a date might seem simple, but it can have a big impact on attendance and overall experience.

Weekends are often the first choice, but they are also the first to book up. If your team has a specific Saturday or Sunday in mind, it is worth reserving early.

Weekdays, on the other hand, can offer a completely different experience. They are typically less crowded, more relaxed, and can double as a meaningful employee perk. If your company has the flexibility, offering a half day or full day off to attend the picnic can go a long way and may even increase participation.

A few additional considerations:

• Early June and late August often offer great weather with slightly lighter crowds

• If your schedule is flexible, ask about discounted dates

At Fun-Plex, once your date is selected, you will receive a confirmation outlining your pavilion, event details, and pricing so you can confidently move forward with planning.

Invitations and RSVPs

Once your date is set, the next step is getting an accurate headcount. This is one of the most important parts of the process and one of the easiest places for things to get off track.

Using a structured RSVP system makes a big difference. Platforms like RSVPify work well, and even something simple like Google Forms can help you stay organized. Events with clear RSVP instructions and follow-up reminders often see significantly higher participation.

It is also important to establish early on that this is a formal, organized event. When communication feels official and well planned, people are more likely to treat it that way. Without that structure, guests may assume they can casually stop by, which can lead to inaccurate counts and added costs for the company.

To keep things clear:

• Define guest allowances up front

• Set RSVP deadlines and expectations

• Ask about dietary restrictions early

• Include clear instructions on how and when wristbands will be distributed

Keeping the event visible is just as important. Sharing invitations, flyers, and reminders internally helps build excitement and improve response rates. At Fun-Plex, we provide templates, logos, and photos in a shareable file so planners have everything they need to easily promote their event.

Food and Customization

Food is one of the most anticipated parts of any company picnic, and at Fun-Plex, we focus on traditional, well-loved options that work for a wide range of groups.

We partner with Abraham Catering, one of the most trusted caterers in Omaha, to provide reliable, crowd-pleasing meals. From hot dogs to broasted chicken and BBQ, along with classic sides like beans and potato salad, these options are familiar, efficient, and easy to serve.

As the planner, you will select the meal for your group, so it helps to choose options that appeal to a broad audience.

As you finalize details:

• Share dietary restrictions in advance so accommodations can be made

• Decide with your team if you want to include extras like desserts, unlimited beverages, or alcohol

• Consider a later lunch or even an early dinner time so guests have time to arrive and settle in without missing the meal

Beyond food, think about how your pavilion space will feel.

Some additions that groups enjoy:

• Face painting or balloon artists

• Dunk tanks for interactive fun

• Yard games to encourage socializing

• A PA system for announcements, awards, or activities

A few thoughtful additions can go a long way in creating a more engaging and memorable experience.

Final Details Made Simple

As your event approaches, keeping things simple and clear will make all the difference.

At Fun-Plex, planners pick up wristbands ahead of time and distribute them to guests before the event. This helps streamline entry and gives you a chance to share important information in advance.

Providing a printed itinerary is one of the most effective ways to do this. People retain more information when it is written and easy to reference, which makes a simple handout incredibly useful.

Be sure to include:

• Event date and time

• Pavilion location

• Meal schedule

• Included activities

It is also important to provide a clear point of contact within your company so guests have an easy way to ask questions during the planning process and on the event day. This helps avoid confusion and keeps communication organized.

For especially large groups, consider assigning department leaders to help communicate details. This can make coordination much easier, as long as all messaging stays consistent across teams.

It is also helpful to have a plan in place for weather or last-minute updates so guests know where to look for information.

Event Day

When the day arrives, everything should feel easy.

Guests enter the park using their wristbands and begin enjoying the experience right away. When it is time to eat, we will make a park wide announcement to gather everyone back at the pavilion.

At Fun-Plex, the goal is to make sure planners are not stuck managing logistics. Setup, service, and cleanup are all handled so you can focus on enjoying the event with your team.

If anything comes up, our team is there to help, whether that means assisting with extra wristbands or helping move items to your pavilion.

Bringing It All Together

A successful company picnic comes down to clear communication, thoughtful planning, and creating an experience people want to be part of.

Start early, stay organized, and focus on what will make the day enjoyable for your group. When the details are handled well, the process becomes much more manageable.

Whether you are hosting a picnic in your back parking lot, a city park, or Nebraska’s Largest Ride and Waterpark, the same principles apply. When everything is communicated clearly and planned with care, the day becomes simple. Show up, spend time with your team, and enjoy what you put together.