Corporate events are no longer just about business networking and formal dinners. As companies focus more on employee well-being and work-life balance, events that include families—especially those with young children—have become an essential part of workplace culture. A well-planned family-friendly event isn’t just a perk; it’s a way to boost morale, strengthen team connections, and create lasting memories for employees and their loved ones.
Whether you’re organizing a company picnic, holiday celebration, or an employee appreciation day, creating an engaging experience that keeps kids entertained while allowing parents to relax and enjoy is the key to success. Here’s how to plan a corporate event that caters to all ages while making your company stand out as a truly family-first employer.
Why Family-Friendly Corporate Events Matter
Bringing employees and their families together outside of work fosters a stronger company culture. It shows that the organization values its team beyond their professional roles, recognizing the importance of their home life and personal commitments. Events that include families lead to higher job satisfaction, stronger workplace connections, and an overall more engaged workforce.
But for a family-friendly event to be a success, it needs to be well-organized and engaging for all ages—especially the youngest guests. Without thoughtful planning, parents may spend the entire event chasing after their little ones instead of actually enjoying the celebration.
Choosing the Right Venue for a Corporate Event with Kids
Selecting a kid-friendly venue is the foundation of a great event. When choosing a space, consider:
- Open Layouts:Â Look for venues with plenty of space for kids to run and play while keeping things organized for adults.
- Indoor & Outdoor Flexibility:Â Weather can be unpredictable, so having both indoor and outdoor options ensures a smooth event.
- Safe Play Areas:Â If young children will be attending, having a designated toddler-friendly space is a must.
Popular venue options include:
- Corporate campuses or office courtyards (with play rentals brought in for kids)
- Local parks or outdoor pavilions
- Event centers with private rooms for kid-friendly zones
- Family-friendly attractions like children’s museums or play cafés
- Hotels with event spaces that offer kid-friendly accommodations
Want a stress-free way to plan the perfect birthday? Our Ultimate Kids’ Birthday Party Planning Guide takes the guesswork out of party prep—packed with expert tips, fun themes, and checklists to make your child’s celebration unforgettable!
Engaging Activities That Keep Kids Entertained
The success of a family-friendly corporate event often depends on how well the youngest guests are entertained. Happy kids mean less stress for parents, allowing employees to fully enjoy the event without worrying about keeping their children occupied.
Some great kid-friendly entertainment options include:
- Soft Play Zones: Safe, enclosed play areas with foam mats, tunnels, slides, and ball pits for toddlers.
- Interactive Games: Simple, engaging games like parachute play, giant building blocks, or musical freeze dance.
- Inflatable Attractions: Bounce houses or obstacle courses for high-energy fun.
- Face Painting & Balloon Twisting: Classic, low-cost entertainment that kids love.
- Bubble Stations: A big hit for younger children, with bubble machines creating endless fun.
For companies looking to provide a high-quality experience without the hassle of organizing play areas, Party Baby Seattle offers turnkey soft play rentals, ball pits, and toddler-friendly play zones—ensuring that even the smallest guests have a space designed just for them.
Planning for All Ages: A Balanced Event Experience
While kids need their own entertainment, a great corporate event ensures adults have just as much fun. Here’s how to balance the experience for all ages:
- Relaxation Zones: Set up shaded seating areas, lounge spaces, or picnic tables where employees and their families can enjoy food and conversation.
- Catered or Food Truck Options: Keep it simple with easy-to-eat, family-friendly menu choices that cater to both adults and children.
- Live Music or Performances: Consider local bands, DJs, or even kid-friendly entertainment like magicians or puppet shows.
- Employee Recognition Moments: Take time to highlight team achievements with speeches or an awards presentation.
By creating a well-balanced event, employees won’t feel like they’re simply at a “kids’ party,” but rather a thoughtfully planned company gathering that includes everyone.
What They’re Saying
My company has worked with Party Baby two years in a row now to have a bounce house at our client’s company holiday party! Not only are they extremely professional and organized, they also are always upgrading their packages and providing amazing options. The kids love it, and the attendants are always making sure everyone is safe.
– Hannah
Why Investing in Family-Friendly Corporate Events Pays Off
Companies that invest in family-friendly corporate events aren’t just creating a fun experience—they’re strengthening employee satisfaction, loyalty, and workplace culture. Employees who feel valued beyond their day-to-day work are more engaged and more likely to stay with an organization long-term.
By hosting events that welcome employees’ families, companies send a clear message: We value you not just as an employee, but as a person.
Make Your Next Corporate Event Unforgettable
If you’re planning a corporate event and want to create a truly inclusive, engaging experience for employees and their families, the key is thoughtful planning, interactive entertainment, and a space where kids can have just as much fun as the adults.
We specialize in corporate-friendly soft play rentals, ball pits, and toddler play zones—helping companies create unforgettable events that employees love. Whether it’s a company picnic, holiday celebration, or employee appreciation day, bringing in safe, engaging entertainment for young children ensures a stress-free, memorable experience for everyone.
Want to make your next family-friendly corporate event truly stand out? Contact Party Baby Seattle to customize a play experience that will keep your youngest guests entertained—so your employees can fully enjoy the celebration.
Happy Planning!
FAQ
What are some fun ways to entertain kids at a corporate event?
Great kid-friendly entertainment options include soft play zones, bounce houses, face painting, bubble houses, interactive games, and activity tables—all popular choices at Seattle-area corporate events.
How do you make a corporate event family-friendly?
Designating kid zones, hiring experienced children’s entertainment, and offering age-appropriate snacks or activities helps create a more inclusive, family-friendly experience for employees and guests.
Are bounce houses appropriate for corporate events?
Yes, bounce houses are a great fit for corporate picnics, open houses, and company family days. Just make sure the bounce house is age-appropriate for the children attending. Companies like Party Baby offer a range of bounce house sizes and styles to suit toddlers, older kids, and mixed-age groups—making it easy to match the right setup to your event.
Bounce houses designed for younger children are typically smaller and take up less space, which means you can even rent multiple units for different age groups if space allows. For older kids or high-energy setups, consider something more adventurous like our Cloud 9 Adventure Course—a fast-paced inflatable experience that keeps bigger kids entertained and active.
What age range is soft play best for?
Soft play rentals are ideal for toddlers and children under 5. They offer a safe, enclosed space for active play at both indoor and outdoor corporate events.
Can we rent kid-friendly entertainment for indoor corporate events in Seattle?
Absolutely. Many options like soft play areas, ball pits, and activity stations are perfect for indoor use and can be set up in lobbies, office spaces, or event venues around Seattle.
Can we rent kid-friendly entertainment for indoor corporate events in Seattle?
Absolutely. Many options like soft play areas, ball pits, and activity stations are perfect for indoor use and can be set up in lobbies, office spaces, or event venues around Seattle.
How do you keep kids of different ages entertained at a corporate event?
The best approach is to offer a mix of entertainment options tailored to different age groups. For example, soft play zones are ideal for toddlers, while bounce houses, games, and activity tables keep older kids engaged. Choose multiple products or stations to create an inclusive experience for everyone.
How do you make a corporate event feel memorable and Instagram-worthy?
Creating an aesthetically pleasing event space is key. Use well-designed setups, cohesive themes, and fun entertainment that photographs beautifully. Before hiring any vendor, check their Instagram or past event photos to see how visually strong their work is—this ensures the event is something employees are proud to post and share.
How much does it cost to rent kids’ entertainment for a corporate event in Seattle?
Pricing typically starts around $500 for small events, depending on the type of entertainment, event length, and number of children. Larger events often require more elaborate setups, multiple packages, and staffing requirements, which we can scale to meet your needs and budget.
What should I look for when hiring kids’ entertainment for a company event?
Look for vendors with experience in corporate event setups, who understand how to entertain kids while working within a professional environment. Bonus points for companies that offer flexible packages, have strong client reviews, and can share photos or videos from past corporate events.
What are the non-negotiables any kids’ entertainment vendor should have?
At a minimum, a vendor should be licensed, insured, and able to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Safety should be a top priority, especially for events with children. Clear communication and transparent setup and teardown procedures are also essential.