Summer Outing Ideas Your Team Will Love

29 June 2025

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Looking for summer outing ideas your team will love? At UP Events, we know that a memorable corporate outing is more than just a day out — it’s a strategic investment in collaboration, innovation, and workplace happiness. Drawing on the latest trends, expert insights, and our 15+ years of experience, we’ve curated actionable ideas and best practices to help you plan an unforgettable summer event in the Netherlands.

Why Summer Outings Matter for Teams

Recent studies show that companies investing in regular, customized team-building activities see a 28% increase in employee satisfaction and a 15% boost in project collaboration efficiency. According to Gallup’s 2025 State of the Global Workplace report, strong team connections and engaged managers lead to significant improvements in morale, productivity, and retention. In today’s hybrid work environment, purposeful outings are more important than ever for building genuine connections and fostering a sense of belonging.

Trending Summer Outing Ideas for 2025

1. Outdoor City Games & Scavenger Hunts

Exploring Dutch cities through interactive games is a favorite among teams of all sizes. Our Outdoor City Games combine adventure, teamwork, and friendly competition, all while discovering hidden gems in Amsterdam or Weesp. These activities are not only fun but also encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving.

Why teams love it:

  • Engages everyone, regardless of fitness level
  • Fosters teamwork in a relaxed, playful setting
  • Perfect for both small and large groups

Learn more about city games and team-building benefits

2. VR Team Challenges & Escape Rooms

Virtual reality is transforming traditional team-building. Our VR Team Challenge and VR Escape Rooms offer immersive experiences that bridge the gap between in-person and remote teams. These tech-enabled activities are especially effective for hybrid teams, providing a unique, interactive way to collaborate across distances.

Why teams love it:

  • Inclusive for remote and on-site staff
  • Boosts engagement and cross-functional collaboration
  • Memorable, cutting-edge fun

Discover how VR is changing team-building

3. Expedition Robinson Team Challenge

Inspired by survival shows, our Expedition Robinson Team Challenge is a perennial favorite. Teams compete in outdoor challenges that test their communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. This activity is consistently popular for its blend of adventure, competition, and collaboration.

Why teams love it:

  • Encourages strategic thinking and teamwork
  • Builds resilience and adaptability
  • Suitable for medium to large groups

Read about the impact of experiential learning

4. Cocktail Workshops & BBQ Parties

Sometimes, the best way to connect is over great food and drinks. Our cocktail workshops and BBQ parties with live entertainment create a relaxed, social atmosphere where colleagues can unwind and bond. These experiences are trending for their hands-on, interactive approach and are perfect for celebrating milestones or simply enjoying summer together.

Why teams love it:

  • Fun, informal, and interactive
  • Ideal for small to medium-sized teams
  • Customizable menus and entertainment

Explore the benefits of social team-building

5. Nature-Based Retreats & Eco-Friendly Activities

Sustainability is at the heart of many modern organizations. Our nature-based retreats — like forest hikes, beach clean-ups, or eco-friendly workshops — align with corporate social responsibility goals while promoting wellness and relaxation. These outings are growing in popularity as companies seek meaningful, environmentally conscious experiences.

Why teams love it:

  • Supports sustainability and wellness
  • Provides a refreshing break from the office
  • Great for eco-conscious teams

Best Practices for Planning Summer Outings

Set Purposeful Objectives

Choose activities that align with your company’s values and address real workplace challenges. Whether you want to boost creativity, improve communication, or simply celebrate success, setting clear goals ensures your outing delivers lasting value.

Embrace Hybrid and Tech-Enabled Experiences

With remote and hybrid work here to stay, blending in-person and virtual elements ensures everyone can participate. Our VR and hybrid games are designed to engage all team members, no matter where they are.

Customize for Maximum Engagement

Every team is unique. We offer fully tailored experiences, from activity selection to catering and entertainment, ensuring your event resonates with your group’s interests and goals.

Prioritize Sustainability

Opt for eco-friendly venues and activities to support your organization’s social responsibility initiatives. Our nature-based retreats and sustainable event options make it easy to go green.

Rely on Professional Facilitation

Our experienced event planners handle every detail — from logistics to facilitation — so you can focus on enjoying the day and building connections.

Real Success Stories

  • VR Escape Rooms: Companies using our VR experiences report measurable upticks in engagement and cross-functional collaboration, especially in hybrid teams.
  • Expedition Robinson Challenge: Teams consistently highlight improved problem-solving and communication after participating in these outdoor challenges.
  • Small Group Activities: Organizations that host regular, customized outings see higher employee satisfaction and better project outcomes.

Government Guidelines and Event Safety

While Dutch regulations for corporate events evolve, it’s essential to comply with local safety, health, and environmental standards. For outdoor and public space events, permits may be required — our team ensures all guidelines are met for a seamless, worry-free experience. Sustainability and inclusivity are increasingly emphasized in both government and corporate policies, and we’re committed to upholding these values in every event.

Why Choose UP Events?

With over 15 years of experience and a 4.8 Google review score from more than 2,600 customers, we’re proud to be a leading event organizer in Amsterdam. Our large-scale capacity (up to 5,000 participants), complete event packages, and focus on experience, perception, and connection set us apart. We handle everything in-house — from activities and catering to decorations and entertainment — so you get a seamless, memorable event every time.

Ready to plan your next summer outing? Contact us for a personalized quote or consultation.

FAQ: Summer Outing Ideas Your Team Will Love

What are the most popular summer outing ideas for corporate teams in the Netherlands? Outdoor city games, VR team challenges, Expedition Robinson, cocktail workshops, BBQ parties, and nature-based retreats are among the top choices for 2025.

How do team-building outings benefit my organization? They boost employee satisfaction, improve collaboration, foster creativity, and help retain talent by building stronger workplace connections.

Can you accommodate hybrid or remote teams? Absolutely! Our VR and hybrid experiences are designed to include both in-person and remote participants, ensuring everyone feels engaged.

Are your events customizable? Yes, all our events can be fully tailored to your team’s size, preferences, and objectives — including activities, catering, and entertainment.

What about safety and regulations? We ensure all events comply with local health, safety, and environmental regulations. For outdoor events, we handle all necessary permits and logistics.

How do I book a summer outing with UP Events? Simply visit our website or contact us directly for a personalized quote and consultation.

For more inspiration and expert advice on planning unforgettable team outings, check out these resources:

Discover more about our full-service event solutions at UP Events. Let’s create a summer outing your team will love!