A scene from a large family festival in daylight, set in a green space

Family Day as an HR Tool

A family day is too often seen as a “nice little bonus”: a casual day for the kids, with a bouncy castle and a hot dog. And if all goes well, happy photos are posted on the intranet.

A well-organized family day is much more than that. It’s the moment when employees bring their home lives to work. They show their work lives to the people waiting for them at home.

Partners and children now understand what keeps an employee so busy. They see the office, the coworkers, and the atmosphere. They hear why someone goes to work every day with such enthusiasm. Or, if it was a difficult period, they gain a new perspective.

A family day can help mend relationships. And it can be a time to celebrate. In either case, it’s an opportunity that comes along only a few times a year—and one that most organizations fail to take advantage of.

Three target groups, one program

That’s the biggest challenge of the family day: you’re organizing an event for three very different groups at the same time—employees, partners, and children. Each group wants something different.

Employees want to connect with their colleagues and work in a relaxed atmosphere where they can feel a sense of pride. Partners want to know where their significant other is every day, and feel welcome when they do. Children want to move around and play, but not sit still for too long.

The good news is: these goals don’t have to conflict. With the right program structure, you can give each audience what it needs without ruining the experience for the others.

The key is having parallel program tracks. While the children are engaged in activities, adults can socialize. During shared program moments (lunch, closing ceremony, a performance), all three groups come together.

Location: spacious, green, and child-friendly

A family day calls for a different venue than a staff party. You need space. Lots of space. Kids run around. They need to be able to run.

Parks, estates, recreational areas, and outdoor venues are ideal. They offer space for activities and quiet spots. A tent in case it rains. A lawn for the kids. A seating area for those who want to chat.

When choosing a location, consider the following: accessibility by car (families will be driving), parking, restrooms (preferably with facilities for small children), and shade or covered areas in case it gets hot or rainy.

Program: From the opening to the closing

A successful family day has a clear structure. The reception from 10:00 to 11:00 is informal. Guests arrive and are greeted with a welcome drink, and the children’s activities start right away. No speeches upon arrival—let people settle in.

From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., there will be parallel activities. Children can participate in sports activities, do crafts, or jump around, while adults take a guided tour or network informally. The group lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. is the highlight of the day: everyone together, in a relaxed atmosphere, outdoors if possible.

The afternoon program, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, consists of family games played in mixed teams, followed by a closing ceremony featuring a short performance or surprise. The day concludes between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM with a thank-you speech by the director (lasting no more than three minutes), a goody bag for the children, and a photo opportunity.

Budget and planning: How much does it cost to organize a family day?

A family day, open house, or supplier day costs approximately €200 to €300+ per person (excluding VAT) for 250 to 500 guests. For 500 to 1,000 guests, expect to pay approximately €175 to €275+ per person. For 1,000 to 2,000 guests, the cost is approximately €150 to €250+ per person. For more than 2,000 guests, the cost is approximately €100 to €150+ per person. All amounts are exclusive of VAT and include the venue, catering, entertainment, and production.

A family day or open house is aimed at a broad audience, including children and partners. The price per person is lower than for an evening party because the program and the level of catering are different.

Why outsource the family day?

Organizing a family day yourself is tempting. Planning an event for three different groups at once is a skill in itself. This raises practical questions: when do you introduce the children’s activities, and how do you keep the adults engaged at the same time?

There’s also the coordination paradox: the HR manager who organizes the event can’t be fully present on the day itself. You’re both the organizer and a guest, and those two roles clash.

At Live Impact, we organize family days using proven program formats. A production team manages everything on the day of the event, so you (and your colleagues) can sit back and enjoy yourselves.

Here's how to plan a family day that really touches people's hearts

One day. Three target audiences. And if you do it right: an unforgettable moment for everyone who was there.

We'll help you make that day happen. From the initial concept to the final gift bag.

Call us at 085 401 40 14 or email us at hello@live-impact.nl.

Seriously Fun.

Also read

• Event Marketing: Why a Live Event Makes Your Message Land More Effectively

• Kick-off program: how to create a day that leaves a lasting impression

• Team-building activities: 20 ideas that really work

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Live Impact provide a realistic budget for a family day?

Yes. For every family day, we create a budget that lays everything out clearly: no vague line items, no hidden margins. You can see exactly where your money is going and how increases or decreases will affect the budget. We’re an agency that develops and executes concepts, so budgeting and production come from a single source.

Want to learn more? Read the full article or contact us directly.

What are the hidden costs of a family day out?

Don’t forget about insurance, permits, security, restrooms, first aid, cleaning, and setup and takedown. On paper, these might seem tedious, but on the day of the event, they’re indispensable. Factor these costs into your budget upfront, or you’ll be in for a nasty surprise halfway through the planning process. Live Impact manages the entire budget, including all additional costs. That way, you know the total cost in advance, and there are no unexpected expenses.

Want to know more about the full budget? Read the full article.

How can you keep a family day affordable without it feeling cheap?

Focus on one standout highlight instead of ten mediocre acts. Opt for all-you-can-eat and drink instead of tokens. Make the entrance grand. Choices like these save money without feeling like you’re cutting corners. People sense generosity in the details, not in extra-expensive acts.

Want more smart choices? Read the full article.

How much does a family day cost per person?

A family day, open house, or wellness event costs approximately €200 to €300+ per person (excluding VAT) for 250 to 500 guests. For 500 to 1,000 guests, expect to pay approximately €175 to €275+ per person. For 1,000 to 2,000 guests, the cost is approximately €150 to €250+ per person. For more than 2,000 guests, the cost is approximately €100 to €150+ per person. All amounts are exclusive of VAT and include the venue, catering, entertainment, and production.

Can Live Impact handle the planning and execution of a family day?

Yes. We are an agency that develops and executes concepts. We create the story, choose the location, and select the acts from our database. We set up the venue and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the event. This ensures that the concept remains intact until the very last inflatable is taken down.