New York City has long been a destination for businesses both local and national to host their summer company outings and retreats. The City That Never Sleeps has everything from stellar luxury venues to beautiful beaches and mountains within a quick drive or train ride – offering a venue for whatever type of corporate event you are planning, from whole company to team retreats.

Before you dive into planning your company outing or retreat in New York this summer, check out our guide for everything you need to know to make it a success!

Benefits of Hosting a Company Summer Event:

• Team Building: Shared activities help foster stronger relationships and break down silos between departments. But remember – team building doesn’t necessarily mean required or organized activities, so think about your goals and needs for mandates as you plan.
• Employee Retention: Meaningful, well-executed events make employees feel valued, improving engagement and loyalty. Allowing employees to bring family members or friends can reinforce these benefits even more.
• Company Culture: Reinforces your brand and values in a social, memorable way. Especially important for companies with hybrid or significant remote workforces.
• Networking: Gives employees across departments and locations the chance to connect. Even better, inviting clients or potential customers can allow for relationship building outside of a formal sales process.
• Recognition: Use the event as a moment to celebrate milestones or shout out top performers. With an environment of celebration, there’s no better time to add shout outs and recognition.

Common “Fails” to Avoid for Summer Event Planning in New York:

• Waiting too long to book: Summer venues fill up quickly in New York, and especially potential retreat locations where you’ll compete with summer vacationers.
• Not accounting for weather: Always have an indoor backup or shade/rain plan, but even better – make sure things like umbrellas, sunscreen, comfortable seating, water, and more are available. Summers in New York are hot!
• Failing to consider accessibility: Ensure transportation and accommodations work for everyone. Especially for locations outside of the city, providing buses, Metra passes, Uber rides, etc. can help boost attendance.
• Overplanning: Leave room for downtime; not every moment needs to be scheduled. Since corporate outings often involve fun, scheduling every moment can become self-defeating!
• Missing dietary needs: Offer diverse menu options or dietary accommodations in advance. Also, consider choosing catering or food options that aren’t a norm at the office already!

Top 5 Tips to Maximize Summer Event Attendance

1. Early and Clear Communication: Announce the event well in advance with all necessary details. Be clear about the ability to bring family or friends, travel logistics, agenda or scheduled activities, and send confirmations and reminders as needed.
   
   
2. Engaging Invitations: Use creative and personalized invites to generate interest. This is a great time to go beyond an Outlook or Google calendar invite and add a little excitement to the event with a custom invite.
   
   
3. Incentivize Participation: Offer perks like raffles, giveaways, or recognition to encourage attendance. Make sure to highlight the venue itself – if you choose the right one, venues can be incentive enough.
   
   
4. Flexible Scheduling: Choose dates and times that accommodate the majority of your team. One pro tip? Propose multiple dates or times to find the right date for the majority of potential attendees.
   
   
5. Solicit Feedback: Involve employees in the planning process to ensure the event meets their interests. Ask for preferences on potential venues, activities, and times/dates to design a summer event that makes the majority of your company or team happy.
   
   

Top New York Summer Corporate Event Venues for 2025

For Large/Full Company Outings

1. The Glasshouse

A modern venue on the Hudson River with skyline views and flexible layouts.

Best for: Elegant all-hands meetings, brand launches, or VIP galas.

2. Pier 17 at the Seaport

Rooftop space with concert-level production, stage, and waterfront views.

Best for: Outdoor celebrations with music, food trucks, and custom programming.

3. Industry City – Brooklyn

Creative industrial campus with massive open-air courtyards and branded spaces.

Best for: Culture-first companies looking for a flexible outdoor vibe.

4. Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)

All-access ride passes, group catering, and private pavilions.

Best for: All-company outings and family-friendly corporate events.

For Smaller Companies or Team Outings

5. Central Park – Group Permits & Picnics

Choose the Great Lawn or Sheep Meadow and bring in picnic setups or caterers.

Best for: Classic NYC experiences that are budget-friendly and scenic.

6. City Winery – Pier 57

Harborfront wine bar with private event rooms, live music, and customizable menus.

Best for: Small teams, happy hours, or client mixers.

7. SPIN New York 23

Table tennis, cocktails, and high-energy social competition.

Best for: High-energy departmental or startup outings.

8. Roosevelt Island & Four Freedoms Park

Scenic picnic site with a unique arrival (tram or ferry!) and skyline views.

Best for: Offbeat, affordable outings with Instagram-worthy backdrops.

9. Chelsea Market + High Line Event Spaces

Walk the High Line, then book private rooftop or patio space in Chelsea.

Best for: Architecture fans, foodies, or hybrid work team meetups.

10. Bronx Zoo – Corporate Group Events

Private safari experiences, catering, and zoo access included.

Best for: Creative teams or family-inclusive events.

For Company Retreats

Hudson Valley (Beacon, Rhinebeck, Tarrytown): Nature-forward boutique inns and team-building venues.

The Hamptons (Montauk, Sag Harbor): Seaside retreats with upscale lodging and team wellness offerings.

Catskills (Hunter, Phoenicia): Off-the-grid cabins, camp-style retreats, and creative workshops.