Team-building activities don’t have to be cringeworthy—they can actually be fun, engaging, and memorable. Here’s a roundup of some of the best in-person team-building activities guaranteed to get people excited, laughing, and bonding.
1. Holiday-Themed Celebrations
Holiday events are a great way to foster connection, especially when they include fun traditions and festive vibes. Instead of generic parties, get creative with hands-on activities that bring everyone together.Â
Ideas:
- Gingerbread house decorating competitions encourage creativity and friendly rivalry.
- A holiday-themed virtual escape room is fun and challenging.
- A white elephant gift exchange can spark laughter and holiday cheer.
2. Cooking and Baking Challenges
Who can resist good food and a bit of friendly competition? Cooking and baking activities provide a fun way for teams to collaborate and enjoy the delicious fruits of their labor.
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Examples:
- Teams can compete in a pizza-making showdown—best presentation wins!
- A chocolate truffle workshop lets everyone indulge while mastering new skills.
- Host a cocktail mixing class, where participants learn to shake and stir their way to the perfect drink.
3. Escape Rooms: the Ultimate Problem-Solver
Few activities can match the excitement and team spirit of an escape room. Groups must work together, solve puzzles, and race against the clock to escape before time runs out. This is an ideal way to build communication, trust, and collaboration—without it feeling like a chore.
Pro Tip: Look for themed escape rooms that align with your group’s interests, like a haunted house, detective mystery, or pirate adventure.
4. Arts and Crafts Workshops
Tap into creativity with arts and crafts that get people working with their hands. Whether it’s painting, pottery, or creating an ugly Christmas sweater, these activities are fun, relaxing, and a great way for teams to bond over shared creativity.
Ideas:
- Pottery sessions where participants can make their own custom mugs or bowls.
- Candle-making workshops where each person designs a unique scent.
- Seasonal activities like ornament decorating for a holiday-themed event.
5. Trivia Games for Brainy Fun
Nothing brings out friendly competition quite like trivia. Whether it’s pop culture, history, or obscure facts, trivia sessions are a fantastic way to get people talking and collaborating.
Pro Tip: Divide participants into small teams to encourage teamwork. Mix in questions about company history or inside jokes to personalize the game. Throw in some prizes, and you’ve got a winning event!
6. Outdoor Adventures and Games
Get people moving with outdoor activities that combine fun with exercise. This is especially great for shaking off office stress and encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones.
Ideas:
- A scavenger hunt around the city or in a local park is a great way to learn about your city and have fun together.
- Unique art experiences, like fluid art pouring, spin art, and freestyle painting, are immersive sessions that offer something for everyone.
- A sunset sail or city lights cruise while sipping your favorite beverage is a relaxing and magical way to bring your team together.
7. Wellness Activities That Keep It Chill
Not all team-building events have to be high-energy. Wellness-focused activities help participants relax, recharge, and connect in a calm, supportive environment.
Examples:
- Host a yoga session to encourage mindfulness and relaxation.
- Bring in an expert for a guided meditation or sound bath.
- Create a spa-like atmosphere with a DIY aromatherapy workshop, where participants make their own essential oil blends.
8. Board Games and Party Games
For something low-pressure but still engaging, board games and party games are an excellent option. These activities encourage conversation and collaboration in a light-hearted setting.
Ideas:
- Classic games like Bingo or Pictionary are always crowd-pleasers.
- For a modern twist, try a group-based murder mystery game.
- Set up stations with different party games, like charades, card games, or Jenga.
9. Volunteer As a Team
Give back to the community while strengthening bonds by participating in volunteer activities together. Helping others offers a shared sense of purpose and leaves everyone feeling more connected.
Ideas:
- Work together at a local food bank or shelter.
- Participate in a charity run or walk as a group.
- Plan a park cleanup or volunteer for a cause your team is passionate about.
10. Themed Team-Building Events
Adding a theme to your team-building event can boost excitement and engagement. Themes create structure for the day and make activities more memorable.
Ideas:
- Host a 90's themed escape room, with retro snacks and 90's music.
- Plan a pirate party with themed food, drinks, and games.
- Organize a murder mystery dinner, where participants dress up and play characters.
In-person team-building doesn’t have to feel forced or awkward. With the right activities, it’s easy to create an event that’s both fun and meaningful. Whether it’s holiday crafts, escape rooms, trivia games, or cooking competitions, the goal is to bring people together in a way that feels natural, exciting, and genuinely enjoyable.
Most Popular In-Person Team-Building Events
Join us for an authentic Italian experience where you'll immerse yourself in the artistry and techniques of crafting fresh, handmade pasta from scratch. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering various pasta shapes, embark on a culinary journey through Italy's rich traditions while enjoying your favorite beverages.
NYC: Chocolate Truffles (BYOB)
Indulge your sweet tooth in our Chocolate Truffles class, where you'll dive into the world of chocolate couverture and master the art of tempering. Discover the secrets behind the three tempering methods and learn to identify untempered chocolate like a pro. Get hands-on experience with the seeding method, ensuring your chocolates have that perfect snap. You'll even get to craft a chocolate container using a balloon as a mold! With expert guidance, you'll create two delectable types of chocolate treats and delve into the rich flavors of ganache. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or just looking for a fun culinary adventure, this class is sure to satisfy your cravings for these chocolatey delights!
Virtual White Elephant Team Gift Experience
Get in the holiday spirit with a classic white elephant gift exchange! Unwrap gifts virtually, participate in a holiday trivia contest, and steal gifts from your teammates in a festive event led by our high-energy and engaging hosts. You'll build camaraderie and bond with your group, then leave with a virtual gift that will be mailed to you afterward.
Dive into the world of cake decorating with our beginner-friendly private workshop. Perfect for those with a passion for baking and a desire to learn the art of cake decoration, or just looking for something fun to do together in a creative environment. During this two-hour session, our experienced instructor will lead you through the fundamental techniques of cake decorating. From crumb coating to creating smooth buttercream finishes, you'll gain hands-on experience and confidence in working with cakes.
Immerse yourself in the art of crafting Italian Macarons at our private workshop, where you'll learn the intricate techniques behind these decadent and gluten-free delicacies. Join us for a team building experience that will hone your macaron-making prowess and indulge in the irresistible flavors of these exquisite treats.
Unleash your creativity and bond with your team while learning pottery hand-building techniques in a fun and interactive workshop. Get hands-on with air-dry clay, receive a clay kit shipped to each participant, and enjoy a social and creative experience led by a professional artist and instructor.
Step into one of our many virtual escape rooms and work together with your team to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and race against the clock. With plenty of themes to choose from, It’s an immersive, interactive experience that challenges your problem-solving skills while fostering teamwork and fun—all from the comfort of your own home!
Virtual Escape Room: Escape from the '90s
Immerse yourself in the '90s nostalgia as you and your mini-team work together to escape the room in this ultimate throwback escape game. Solve riddles, crack codes, and uncover clues from a pre-Google era while bonding with your teammates and reliving the good old Nickelodeon days.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and join us for an interactive class where you'll learn the art and science of crafting perfect pizzas from scratch. From mastering the dough to selecting fresh toppings, this hands-on experience will equip you with the skills to create mouthwatering homemade pizzas tailored to your tastes. Whether you crave classic Margheritas or gourmet creations, this class guarantees to elevate your pizza-making game and satisfy your culinary cravings.
NYC: Brick Building Team Challenge
Build unique structures with Legos® to complete a series of both team and individual challenges. May the best build win! Get ready to click those bricks together and make a series of Lego® masterpieces in our wildly popular brick-building challenge! We'll send participants their own Lego® kits so that everyone is on even footing for a series of challenges that put your architectural skills and creativity to the test. Each round will feature prompts that require teams to collaborate and tell a story with their creations, and the winning builds will be chosen by popular vote. There's no better activity to remind your team that everyone is capable of a completely different style of greatness, even when using identical materials! Embrace diversity of thought and outside-the-box thinking with this event that challenges everyone to be their most creative selves.
NYC Pottery Wheel Throwing (Hell's Kitchen)
Learn how to throw clay on the potter's wheel in this NYC workshop.
In this pottery class, you will be shown the basics via a short demonstration of how to make a cup or bowl shape on the pottery wheel. Then, you'll be guided along as you try it yourself. You'll be able to try and try again until you get a piece that you love. Class time includes clean-up. This class includes one fired piece per person to be picked up in one week.
Join us for a captivating wine and cheese-tasting experience to elevate your team's knowledge and conversation skills. With expert guidance, explore two wines and two cheeses while learning about their unique creation methods and impressing your friends with new vocabulary and pairing ideas.
NYC: Bake Your Own French Croissant
The Croissant is a beloved classic and French favorite. Warm out of the oven, this pastry is best when flaky on the outside and soft and buttery on the inside, as it seems to melt in your mouth. During this 3-hour session, your group will learn how to prepare traditional Croissants, Pains au Chocolat (croissant with chocolate inside!) and savory ham & cheese croissants.
Huddle together with a team and complete creative challenges with props provided by CourseHorse! This event is a series of team-based, fun, hands-on, and generally silly competitions that will get your group laughing as they compete for gold.
NYC: Chopped! Competition: Risotto (BYOB)
Get ready for a culinary showdown in NYC's Chopped! Competition: Risotto. Meet at Mulberry Market, form teams, and race against time with mystery ingredients to create a gourmet masterpiece. With hors d'oeuvres and side dishes to round off the meal, it's a delicious challenge you won't want to miss!
Make 3 different drinks while learning about the fundamental elements that make cocktails great! You'll first learn a bit of mixology history, bar tools (and substitutions), and key skills. Then you'll move on to how to master three craft cocktails. Mocktail recipes are also available.
Build a beautiful terrarium with your group and learn about feng shui! The terrarium can be displayed on a shelf or table, or even made into a creative hanging display.
Our Virtual Terrarium Workshop is a fun and peaceful way for your team to connect and add some greenery to their spaces. We'll supply everything each team member needs to create a peaceful glass-encased terrarium that can be easily displayed by hanging or placing it on a shelf, table, or near their workspace!
Paint & Sip Party in NYC (Various Locations)
Unwind with friends at our BYOB Paint & Sip event, where creativity meets fun! Guided by a talented instructor, you’ll paint your own masterpiece while enjoying your favorite beverages in a relaxed, social setting. Perfect for private groups, this event provides all the materials you need and is hosted at various NYC locations, including Midtown, Chelsea, Harlem, and Williamsburg, or at your office. Whether it’s a team-building activity or a casual gathering, it’s a night of art, laughter, and lasting memories!
NYC: Craft Cocktail Making Class at a Speakeasy
Cocktails are not only delicious but there is an art to drink-making, and now you can learn how to make craft cocktails from an expert bartender in a chic speakeasy in NYC! If you're looking for ways to destress and unwind after a long week, cocktail making will allow you to be creative, interact with good company, and melt away your worries with a boozy beverage. Instead of grabbing drinks with friends for birthday party ideas or after-work drinks with coworkers, try this cocktail-making class. Whether you're hoping to refine your bartending skills or you're looking for fun things to do in NYC, this cocktail-making class is the perfect hands-on activity where you can learn a new skill in an easy-going and immersive environment.
Paint & Sip Party in NYC (Various Locations)
Unwind with friends at our BYOB Paint & Sip event, where creativity meets fun! Guided by a talented instructor, you’ll paint your own masterpiece while enjoying your favorite beverages in a relaxed, social setting. Perfect for private groups, this event provides all the materials you need and is hosted at various NYC locations, including Midtown, Chelsea, Harlem, and Williamsburg, or at your office. Whether it’s a team-building activity or a casual gathering, it’s a night of art, laughter, and lasting memories!
Get ready for NYC: Game Show Bingo, where classic bingo gets a wild multimedia makeover! Compete in a fast-paced, pop culture-packed game filled with video clips, riddles, and fun challenges. With no numbers to call, you’ll need your sharpest wits to fill in your card and shout BINGO!
Get ready for a showdown of quick thinking and on-the-spot creativity that will have your teams laughing, guessing, and strategizing their way to victory. In NYC: Feud Frenzy, multiple teams face off in a series of fast-paced rounds, each centered around survey-style questions. Just like in the original game, participants aim to guess the top answers to these thought-provoking questions, earning points for their team with each correct response. The catch? The clock is ticking, adding an extra layer of excitement and urgency to the game.
Introducing the Mini Game Showdown – a whirlwind of fast-paced, high-stakes challenges designed to bring out the best in teams! This dynamic event offers a selection of exhilarating rounds that promise an hour of non-stop action, laughter, and friendly competition. Each Mini Game Showdown has four action packed rounds drawing from a variety of game types, trivia, speed type racing, Feud Frenzy, and escape room puzzles. Our expert hosts will keep your team engaged and having a blast as they lead you through each round.
Participate in an exciting game of trivia. Topics include music, movies, history, ice cream flavors, pop culture, sports, global cuisine, dog breeds, and many other surprises. Through four varying rounds of play, participants will laugh and compete fiercely with other teams in a format that emulates the bar trivia events we've all come to know and love. In our Private Trivia, we'll divide your group into teams and confront them with a mixed bag of seasonal trivia that requires the breadth of knowledge only a team could summon. Our trivia style changes every round, so your team will need their ears, their eyes, and maybe even their dancing shoes to make it through. Get ready to flex those fun facts and face off in a friendly competition that will engage the most trivial corners of your colleagues' minds!
Experience the excitement of a digital twist on the classic game show that will have your team strategizing their way to victory! Engage in fast-paced rounds, compete against other teams, and enjoy a fun and unique experience that will enhance team building and creativity.
Engage in a whirlwind of challenges that will bring out the best in your group. Join us for an hour of non-stop action with trivia, escape rooms, and more. Experience the ultimate team building event that will leave your team energized and ready to conquer any challenge!
LA: Scratch Made Pasta with Carbonara
Master the art of making classic carbonara sauce from scratch! With guidance from our expert instructor, you'll learn the traditional technique of flattening the dough to make the perfect noodles.
Unleash your team's creativity and culinary skills with a hands-on sushi-making class led by a professional chef. Perfect for team building or a unique group activity!