If you are hoping to go on an outing be it for a few hours or for the day, there are lots of options to look at.
It may even be more fun if you have people to enjoy it with.
However, whether you are on your own or with others, it is easy to fall into a rut by doing the same thing every time you go out simply because it doesn’t take much thought.
Finding the best place for an outing whether it is hiking through the hills, a trip to the park, kayaking or a sports event isn’t difficult with a little planning.
How to Plan for a Great Outing
Planning a great outing is not hard but it does need a little forethought regarding the details when it comes to the who, what, where and how.
Whether you are planning to spend some time with friends, family or business colleagues, putting an outing together properly is important so its fun and engaging.
The great thing about being in charge of planning an outing is that you can think outside the box and find something to experience that is off the beaten path.
It great to do something different so you’re not just taking people out to do the same thing they do on a regular basis.
- Choose your Location – Deciding on where you want to go for an outing may be the most problematic depending on the type of group you are planning for.Business outings will take a little more work then an outing with friends, family or partner.However, there are lots of places to visit no matter who you are going with or what your budget is.You can go hiking in some amazing places, take a stroll through a historic site, enjoy time wandering the boutique shops of small towns or work at some fun team building outdoor activities if you are planning for a work event.If you are looking to go to a sporting event or do something with live entertainment, then your location may already be set simply because your event is scheduled to be held somewhere in particular.
- Date – As with location, your outing date may be set as well if you are going to a particular scheduled event but if it isn’t you will have to see what works for the others who are joining you.Often groups of friends have regular times to meet set every year or month, so people know ahead of time the when and where.But other outings maybe a little more haphazard.The easiest way to choose the best place and time for an outing is to make the choice for family and friends on your own.You can either pick a date and let them know when the outing is happening or take a poll to see who is available when.Chances are you will have better luck with a smaller group then trying to juggle multiple schedules.
- Budget – Planning for the best outing means you have to know how much people can afford to spend.If it’s a company outing, then they are most likely paying for it and you will have an assigned budget.If its family or friends, there may be a wide spectrum of cash that people have at their disposal.If the budget is at the lower end of the scale, it is pretty simple to find a cheap place to go that will offer free things to do and are lots of fun.You can enjoy sandy beaches; the natural beauty of wildflowers and forests found on hiking trails or enjoy investigating historic sites just to name a few.
For those with a little more money at their disposal, you may want to investigate water sports, skydiving or horseback riding as outings that are a little more costly.
And don’t forget to include food drink and transportation costs for the outing should you need them.
To keep costs down, you may be able to avoid a per adult price and get a group rate because of larger numbers when taking an outing to things such as museums, art galleries and amusement parks.
Now that you have the basis for planning a great outing, here are some suggestions to help narrow down your options for where to go.
- Outings with small children – The best outings you can plan for little ones include things that keep them engaged and interested.Day trips could include playing on a beach, going to the science center or enjoying a sporting event.
- Outings with Teens – While teens are a little harder to please when it comes to outings, there is lots to enjoy.Some fun things like an outdoor adventure of backpacking, overnight at the campgrounds or whitewater rafting can be great for these young adults.Enjoying the day at an amusement park or water amusement park are also one of the great options you can plan for lots of fun.
- Outings with Seniors – If you going to plan a great outing for older adults, there are lovely things to do that are less strenuous for them.An outing to see gardens, an arboretum, an art museum or have a lovely lunch or dinner out is the best outing for those who may not have the opportunity to enjoy socializing as much as they used to.These events do not have to be highly active but should be more focused on the social aspect.
- Outings with Friends – These outings can be a lot of fun.Visiting wineries, craft breweries, sporting events or maybe planning a weekend getaway full of multiple outings.Rather than simply planning to meet at the same coffee house or bar every week, pick a weekend and go enjoy the great outdoors or some tailgating and a game.
- Outing for Business Colleagues – Planning a great outing for your work is a little trickier simply because you are probably going to be asked to create one that focuses on team building or specific skill development.Depending on the various itineraries your company wants to use, planning the best outing will have to include that as its focal point.Places that use high ropes, zipline, ice breakers and guest speakers all have the potential to make the outing the best.
Final Thoughts
Planning a great outing isn’t difficult, it just takes a little organization and basic information.
Once you know who is going, how much people can spend, have a date that works then you are set to pick your place.
Pulling together all the important factors will let you plan a great outing that all will enjoy.
