Company Picnics and Outings Redefined

A Memorable Movie Experience. For many, dinner and a movie is a Friday or Saturday night ritual. So why not incorporate everyone's favorite activity into your next company outing? Companies such as Twilight Features in South Florida can provide and set up a blow up big screen, some three-stories high, in your local park or on the beach to show the latest hit movies--including family-friendly releases. This is a great way to keep the children, and even adults, suitably entertained throughout the afternoon and evening as being outside, and even under the stars, adds a unique element to your movie-going experience. Paired with popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, hamburgers, and a selection of candy choices, your event is sure to be a hit with attendees of all ages.Escape to Nature. The Orange Springs Retreat in Central Florida is on the edge of Ocala National Park. Just one and half hours from Orlando and Tampa, the retreat has a multitude of activities and facilities that will delight both children and adults. There are paddleboats and canoes for use on the on-site, spring-fed lake, as well as a sandy beach for those who want to grab some sun. In addition, four tennis courts, a ropes course, an aqua range golf course, and outdoor pavilions are all on the property. And there's no need to worry if it rains, as there are multiple indoor facilities available, including arts and crafts rooms, an indoor basketball court, theaters, and a fully equipped gym. The retreat center is available for weekend or weeklong rentals and can accommodate as many as 200 guests with lodging. Additionally, meals planned by a licensed nutritionist are prepared daily for guests and can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Family-Friendly Function. Home to the college's sailing club and water sports programs, Broward Community College's Tigertail Lake Center in Dania Beach offers a variety of outdoor activities for your group to enjoy. If fun on the water is what you're after, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing lessons are available for all ages. If you're looking for some competition, sailing races can be set up as well. For those wanting to stay on dry land, the facility boasts an adventure ropes course suited to all ages and skill levels; an effective teambuilding activity, groups can foster their communication, leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making skills-all while having fun. Trained staffers oversee all activities to ensure participants' safety. Children as young as 10 are permitted to participate in all water activities with parent supervision, so encourage your clients to bring the kids to the picnic. Additionally, the property also has two meeting rooms accommodating 15 and 60 people each, as well as covered pavilions. Overnight sailing, surfing, and snorkeling trips are also offered. www.broward.edu)

Follow the Leader. The Team and Leadership Center at Adventures Unlimited in Milton is a mecca for teambuilding activities and recreational retreats. Groups can choose from both high and low ropes courses-depending on whether you like flying through the air or prefer to have your feet on the ground-map and compass challenges, scavenger hunts around the property, canoeing, tubing, kayaking, and more. The facility offers both single- and multiple-day events and retreat packages, and will even bring the activities to you upon request. On-site lodging has plenty of options for the entire family, including single and group cabins, camping options, and rental of the School House Inn. (www.adventuresunlimited.com)