It’s crucial for a leader to remember one thing when trying to boost their team:

‍It’s important to work hard, and play hard.

Without fun motivational rewards, how can a team give it their all, 100% of the time?

That’s what we’re getting into today, the best office parties you can organize. These party ideas go hand-in-hand with the summertime like lemonade goes with sugar.

Without any further ado, here’s our blog for you.

What can an office party do for your teams?

Using work parties as a reward for hard work is a tried-and-tested method of motivation. Companies have used them to celebrate achievements and bring staff closer together for centuries. They help everyone relax and build solid team bonds.

From team lunches to corporate events, a light-hearted party atmosphere brings excitement and something new to the workplace (or, out of it!). Putting extra effort into things like catering and decorating for your parties creates a joyous and memorable event for all.

A well-organized office party helps to build a healthy culture and establish traditions in the organization, letting your teams unwind and celebrate in style.

We’ve got a list of killer party ideas for you to try out. We aren’t going overboard with the alcohol-related activities either, all of our activities are aimed at keeping things professional while you help your teams grow and strengthen.

14 Standout summer party ideas

So here are 14 of our best office party ideas suited for making the best memories possible in the summer sun:

1. Weird and wonderful Summer Holidays

There are more wacky and quirky holidays in the summer than you can shake a stick at. You might not be aware of just how many strange holidays there are to celebrate for your teams. Organize a day where your employees can kick back and relax on Hammock Day (July 22nd) or a night of teambuilding on Moon Day (July 20th).

Get everyone together and celebrate a unique day to remember. You’ll be letting your teams express their quirkier side. Plan an event on the theme of the day and make an unforgettable summer party (just try to remember National “I Forgot” Day is on July 2nd!).

2. Classic BBQ "cookout"

We hope you live in a hot place. Throughout the summer season, there’s plenty of opportunity to soak up that sunshine with the classic BBQ cookout. The only thing stopping you is the possibility of a summer shower, so check a forecast closely beforehand.

Try renting a space with a nice garden for the party, and if cooking equipment is available, even better. Bring a pantry box of the best summer foods for the grill. Burgers, bread rolls and marinated kebab sticks go down a treat. Keep the options open and varied for veggie and vegan eaters too, and you’re all set. Everyone’s invited! Just bring some extra sunscreen.

3. Movies under the stars

If the sun is beaming down too strongly throughout the day, wait for a nice cool evening and get a movie night arranged under the stars. This is a great, inexpensive activity that’ll create positive vibes for everyone attending (so you probably shouldn’t choose a horror movie for this one).

Strong and clear projectors work well so you should hire one out, as well as a good screen, so everyone gets a clear view of the night’s film. You could even have a group consensus to choose the movie, you might end up watching something surprising! An evening for your teams to watch a movie (complete with snacks) is a great team-building activity that forges bonds and lets everyone unwind through the magic of Hollywood. 

4. Having a 'Field Day'

Here’s a general activity that you can jam-pack with icebreaker games and exercises, wonderful for forging stronger bonds in large teams. Create a day to celebrate the Great Outdoors for your party, and don’t forget the snacks and party music. 

Add a little bit of competitive spirit into the mix, and you’re ready to rock even more. Water balloon toss, tug-of-war, and even Olympic-themed contests are great field day activities to get the ball rolling. Your teams will be spending time appreciating the day’s natural setting while having a blast competing. If you choose some healthy competitive games, just remember to reward your champions with prizes. Get that motivation boosted!

5. A day at mini-golf

Amplify the spirit of competition with a day dedicated to mini-golf. Mini-golf is a fun, small-scale version of regular golf, with quirky decorations and obstacles scattered across the course. It’s usually played individually, but it’s not hard to set up teams and take one putt each.

Did you know, in the UK they call mini-golf, “CRAZY golf”? We think that’s the right way of thinking about it! There are courses for indoor or outdoor fun, the crazier the obstacles the better! You’ll have your teams rolling around in laughter, but still trying their best to one-up each other and win. Mini-golf provides a great day out in the summertime.

6. Giving back to the community

Why not combine a summer office party with an intrinsically rewarding charity day? You could create games, baking sales, craft projects, anything that raises money, really. Then send the proceeds to your charity of choice for that added feel-good factor.

When it comes to charity, giving is as good as receiving. Giving back to those in need while spending time together as a team fills the atmosphere with an all-round feel-good factor. Getting this done outdoors in the summer sunshine is a beautiful way to spend the day. Get an atmosphere of positivity and fulfillment buzzing for your teams, and they’ll feel on top of the world!

7. Nature excursion

To get team bonds up to the next level, consider organizing an excursion into your nearest nature reserve. Spending time as a team in a natural setting brings tranquility to an often-hectic work routine. Teams have the chance to escape and unwind, even if it’s just for the afternoon.

An excursion does require some fitness, though. Be considerate of your choice of location (hiking Kilimanjaro isn’t a safe choice for a day out!). Be aware of health and safety preparations if you choose a demanding excursion for a team day out and prepare well. When organized properly, an excursion into nature is a wonderful way for your teams to forge new memories.

8. Everybody's going surfin’!

Another great choice for a summer party that also involves a surprising amount of physical strength is surfing. If you’re near a beach, check wave report apps and choose a day with beginner waves. Take your teams out and try something new with a surfing party.

There are also many indoor surfing activities cropping up (actually called Flowboarding) if you’re far away from coastal life. Indoor surfing with a wave machine is an absolute blast, so consider this one for a great summer party. Surf’s up, take to the waves, and enjoy the ride!

9. Life’s a beach

Speaking of the coast, if you’re nearby then plan a summer party that makes the most of a sandy beach. Everyone finds relaxation and excitement when at the beach, and you can add beach-themed decorations to the party to get everyone in the mood.

Make sure you prepare necessities like sunblock and blankets or chairs. The joy of a beach party is that you can make it as fancy as you want. Keep the food on-point and suited to everyone’s needs, get some beach party activities organized, and hey presto, you’ve got the recipe for a fantastic beach party. 

10. Botanical gardens

This one’s a little more specific, but spending time in a botanical garden is great for the mind. Botanical gardens are filled with beautiful flowers that need special care and conditions to grow, so have a search to see if there are any near your workplace.

Hiring one out for a day out will leave a lasting impression on your teams. If done properly, a trip to a botanical garden in the summer forges new bonds in your teams while promoting mental well-being. Nature works wonders for a stressed mind, so organize this unforgettable day out for your teams. We know they’ll thank you for it.

11. Beer garden

Now this one is a completely different kind of garden. If you’re in a place that doesn’t have long hot summers, make the most of the short hot periods and take your teams to a relaxed beer garden. A party here doesn’t necessarily have to involve only alcohol, make sure drinks are tailored to the non-drinkers in your teams, and you can expect a great summer party.

Depending on where you select for your beer garden, select a corporate theme that stands out and make the occasion even more memorable. Design your games and activities to suit the theme, and you’re all set. Parties like this are a great opportunity for icebreakers and help new staff relax.

12. Canoeing/kayaaking 

If you’re ready to get a little more adventurous (and perhaps a little wet) then a day out kayaking or canoeing could be exactly what the doctor ordered. This activity is more of a challenge than a party, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a party at the end of it.

Kayaking is a great way to build bonds and promote physical health in your teams, all while absorbing and appreciating nature. It’s a lot easier and more enjoyable as a summer activity, especially if anyone flips the boat and gets wet! (But don’t worry, lifejackets keep everyone safe). Consider a day of canoeing or kayaking for a great summer party.

13. A day at the races

Get fancy with a day out at the races, raising the luxury levels for all your teams. Not everyone has been to a racetrack before, so this might be a great way to leave a lasting impression on your teams. 

Have a search for horse racing tracks near your workplace. There’s also the option of greyhound racetracks, and they’re always a blast for a party setting. Greyhound racetracks have great catering services and drink options to suit everyone attending. Enjoy it while it’s there!

14. Outdoor group meditation

If you’re more interested in holistic practices for a party theme, consider blending a party with guided meditation sessions for some serenity for your teams. Start bright and early with meditation to put everyone in the right state-of-mind, then start the party toward evening time.

Choose an idyllic location surrounded by silence and nature for a day of group meditation. You’ll benefit from bringing in a professional meditation teacher. It’s a great opportunity to get teams to try something new and refreshing while getting a healthy workplace atmosphere established.

Amplify exciting summer party vibes on a team-building retreat!

If you’re anything like us, you know that nothing brings people together quite like a party.

We recently had the pleasure of organizing an incredible team retreat with the guys at Bryter. 

We sorted them out with a retreat including a legendary boat party where their remote staff met up and partied to celebrate their achievements with some summer vibes. Check out how much they loved it here.

Here at Surf Office, organizing work retreats is what we do best. A twice-annual retreat for your teams provides an unforgettable and productive environment that helps stress melt away like a cube of sugar in a swimming pool.

Here’s what we offer:

• Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
• Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
• Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
• Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
• Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
• Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅

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Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America, and now Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.

Make the most of summer with a team retreat and build team bonds in ways you never thought possible. Leave us to sort out the tricky logistics. Spaces are very limited, so get in touch now!