An outdoor corporate event can bring more benefits than many a meeting in a conference room. A change of scenery, greater freedom and a less formal atmosphere help the team open up and connect naturally. This format works both for celebrating successes and building relationships in new structures or projects. First, however, it is worth sitting down with a sheet of paper (or our guide) to think through the plan. We will show you where to start, which activities to consider and how to make participants remember their outdoor team event for a long time.
The idea comes first – where to start planning an outdoor team event?
Before searching for a venue and creating a schedule, answer a few questions: why are you organising the event, who will attend and how long should it last? Planning a one-day picnic for 20 people is different from planning a weekend mountain trip with an extensive programme.
Start with the corporate event’s purpose. Do you want to reward the team for a job well done or strengthen relationships between employees from different departments? A clear goal helps you choose activities, duration and budget. Estimate participants and decide whether it will be local or a company trip. This affects the venue, attractions and logistics.
The earlier you start planning your outdoor team event, the more likely you are to book a date at a venue that meets all your expectations. If you are just getting started and looking for general tips on planning a corporate event, see our other guide: How to organise a team-building event?
Where to organise an outdoor team event?
For an outdoor team event, the location is about more than the views. It is primarily about comfort, access to facilities and flexibility in planning the programme – from daytime activities to evening entertainment. When choosing a venue for a team trip or outdoor corporate event, consider the following:
- surroundings – nature creates an ideal setting, but it is even better if there are trails, clearings, terraces or other spaces for activities;
- technical facilities – are tents, sound systems, lighting and seating available;
- shelter – especially important when the weather is uncertain;
- on-site accommodation – if you are planning a longer trip, employees should not have to disperse across the region;
- access and parking – especially if you are not arranging group transport.
A fantastic example of a venue combining event facilities with a mountain setting is Hotel Belmonte in Krynica-Zdrój, where you can organise an unforgettable team-building event in the mountains. This five-star property offers space for events with views of the Sądecki Beskid Mountains, with full organisational support and attractions for teams. It has conference and workshop rooms (in case of rain), as well as options for planning outdoor activities surrounded by forest, mountains and breathtaking nature.
Outdoor team event ideas: proven attractions and team-building activities
When organising a company trip or outdoor team event, you have far more options than just a barbecue and music from a speaker. Looking for ideas for outdoor attractions for your employees? The outdoors offers huge scope – from physical activities to creative workshops and wow-factor entertainment. A good programme ensures the event does not become a random collection of activities, but a cohesive outdoor adventure that truly engages participants. And if you choose a venue with a ready-made corporate offer, you gain comfort and time.
Outdoor activities – movement, competition and fun
During the day, choose attractions that bring the team together through shared action, a little competition and relaxed fun. Depending on the employees’ profile, the event’s purpose and preferred entertainment, you can opt for sport, adventure, creative workshops or light recreational activities. What exactly can you plan outdoors?
- An outdoor adventure game in the mountains – a great way to engage all employees. At Belmonte, you can organise one in the natural landscape of the Sądecki Beskid Mountains, with tasks requiring teamwork and ingenuity. A perfect opportunity for team building!
- A city game – an idea for those who want an outdoor team event but cannot take a company trip. You can choose a classic game or an outdoor escape room, which also requires cooperation and, when teams are split into smaller groups, can add a touch of competition.
- Team games – tug-of-war, relays, obstacle courses or building structures from available materials encourage healthy competition and teach cooperation. They work for every group, from creative departments to sales teams.
- Survival workshops – learning to light a fire, build a shelter or navigate the terrain is ideal for teams who enjoy challenges and unusual experiences. An added benefit? Team building takes place in a completely new context, far removed from everyday professional roles.
- An e-bike tour – riding electric bikes together lets participants catch their breath and enjoy the views.
- Nordic walking with an instructor – an option for those who prefer a gentler pace and time to talk. It is perfect for combining movement with relaxation.
- Yoga on a terrace or in a clearing – a great idea for the morning after an evening event or a peaceful start to the day.
- Outdoor culinary or creative workshops – cooking together, preparing local specialities or creating, for example, a miniature forest in a jar offers time to cooperate without pressure.
These activities allow employees to get to know one another anew, without professional roles, hierarchy or deadlines. They should match the group’s abilities and preferences. At Belmonte, you can count on support in choosing a programme – for both more active teams and those who prefer a gentler pace.
Ideas for an evening team event and building relationships
An outdoor team event does not have to end at sunset. On the contrary, evening usually creates space for relaxed conversations, spontaneous dancing and celebrating together without a script. Some activities can move indoors (especially in colder seasons) while retaining an informal outdoor feel. So what can you plan for the evening?
- An atmospheric bonfire – mountain views, live music, nature and the timeless tradition of roasting sausages (and more!). Ideal after a day full of experiences.
- A barbecue with regional flavours – Belmonte can organise an outdoor dinner with local products and high-quality catering.
- Wine, beer or signature cocktail tasting – a chance to discover something new and relax.
- A bartending or culinary show – visual, engaging entertainment.
- A photo booth or selfie zone – for those who want a fun memento of the corporate event.
- Live music, a DJ or silent disco – depending on the group’s preferences. With suitable sound equipment, you can create a dance space even outdoors.
It is also useful to have indoor spaces for entertainment – a great addition to the evening programme if the weather surprises you. Thanks to its wide range of corporate attractions at Belmonte, you can create a programme that naturally moves from daytime activities to evening relaxation, without chaos and with professional support.
Outdoor team event logistics – what to consider?
Even the best-planned team event will fail in its purpose if the organisation lets you down. For outdoor events, think about logistics well in advance, so you can focus on the atmosphere rather than putting out fires. What needs to be arranged?
- A bad-weather contingency plan – even in midsummer, you need a Plan B. A covered gazebo, event tent or simply access to indoor space can save the event if it rains.
- Participant transport – especially if you are organising a trip outside the city. You can arrange group transport or provide detailed directions, including parking options.
- Food and drinks – outdoor catering has its own requirements. Make sure the menu suits the conditions and that service runs smoothly. A good venue will take care of both.
- Toilets, technical facilities and lighting – they may sound unglamorous, but these elements greatly affect participants’ comfort.
- On-site coordination – it is worth having a person or team overseeing the schedule and resolving any potential issues.
Outdoor team trips – make time to breathe!
A carefully planned outdoor team event should engage participants without exhausting them. Make sure the programme includes moments to rest, especially if daytime attractions were intensive. This balance helps participants enjoy themselves more and engage more willingly in subsequent activities.
Everyone should find something: some may dance by the bonfire; others prefer quiet conversation away from the music. Consider a relaxation zone with loungers or hammocks, free time between activities, informal conversation space or less demanding entertainment, such as an evening quiz, tasting or relaxing with nature views.
At Belmonte, you can plan a team event without turning it into one big rush. After an active day, participants can use the SPA & wellness area with a pool, jacuzzi and sauna complex – perfect for unwinding and relaxed conversation. If you are planning a winter event, the nearby ski slope is an additional attraction – ideal for recuperating after a conference in the mountains or for a less formal start to a team weekend.
An outdoor team event is more than a popular way to spend time with your team. When well planned, with a tailored programme, comfortable facilities and thoughtful logistics, it becomes genuine support for relationships and communication within the company. If you balance activity with rest, create a relaxed atmosphere and allow space for natural conversations, participants will return with renewed energy – and want to do it again.