Team building activities your team will actually enjoy [15+ activity ideas]
What are team building activities?
Team building activities are fun activities you do with your coworkers to build a stronger team. They're like the social events of the work world, but with a purpose: strengthen team bonds.
Team building activities bring people together, help your teammates build relationships, and make work feel less like, well, work. During these activities, you'll get to know your colleagues better and share some fun moments with them in the midst of your strict professional activities.
Whether you're bonding over board games or doing outdoor challenges, team building activities are all about creating a positive vibe and making work more enjoyable.
When to take time out for team building activities?
- A new member joins the team;
- During trainings
- Reorganization of the team (two teams merged for example);
- During an off site seminar;
- Before a meeting (to break the ice);
- After a period of high stress;
- At the start of a new project;
- To celebrate achievements.
Depending on the duration of your team building, don't forget to ask your team about their availability. It may not be ideal to offer team building on the day of the quarter's closing!
5 main reasons why team building activities important
Team building activities offer a wide range of benefits that contribute to the overall success and effectiveness of a team:
Strengthened Bonds
Fun activities strengthen bonds and help you get to know each other and build great relationships. You’ll develop stronger connections and form lasting (work) friendships, which enhances team cohesion and solidarity.
Increased Motivation and Morale
Team building activities boost morale and motivation by providing opportunities for you and your teammates to have fun, relax, and unwind together.
Engaging in enjoyable activities outside of work can help alleviate stress and create a positive work environment where team members feel valued and appreciated.
Improved Communication
Team building activities encourage open communication, but also remote communication for your online teams, and foster better relationships among your team members.
By participating in activities that require collaboration and interaction, you and your colleagues learn to communicate more effectively, share ideas, and resolve conflicts constructively.
Enhanced Collaboration
Team building activities promote teamwork and collaboration by encouraging your team to work together towards a common goal. Team members develop trust, respect, and a sense of camaraderie, which strengthens the team as a whole.
Improved work environment
The sense of camaraderie provided by team building activities creates a supportive and nurturing environment. Individuals feel valued, appreciated, and motivated to contribute their best efforts.
Team building activities also help to break down barriers and promote inclusivity within teams. Regardless of hierarchical or departmental differences, team members come together as equals to collaborate and engage in shared experiences.
[Outside the office] Indoors Team building activities
1. Escape game
What you will need: Book a session at an escape room facility or set up a DIY escape room with puzzles, clues, and a locked room.
How long: Around 1-2 hours
Why is it a great idea? It's not only fun and thrilling but also promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Plus, the adrenaline rush from racing against the clock adds an extra layer of excitement!
Imagine this - you and your team are locked in a themed room, and the only way out is to solve a series of puzzles and challenges within a set time limit.
You'll need to work together, pooling your strengths and brainpower to decipher codes, find hidden clues, and unlock the mysteries of the room.
With every puzzle solved, you'll inch closer to freedom, but the clock is ticking! It's an exhilarating race against time that'll have your team bonding like never before.
2. Cooking class
What you will need: Book a session with a specialized organization. Otherwise you'll need to find a kitchen space, ingredients for the chosen recipes, cooking utensils, and a skilled instructor or chef.
How long: 2-3 hours, allowing time for preparation, cooking, and enjoying the meal together.
Why is it a great idea? Cooking classes combine teamwork, creativity, and delicious food! Cooking together fosters collaboration, communication, and a sense of accomplishment as you work towards a common goal - creating a tasty meal together.
Your team gathers in a cozy kitchen, donning aprons and armed with recipes and fresh ingredients.
Under the guidance of a seasoned chef or cooking instructor, you'll embark on a culinary adventure, chopping, sautéing, and stirring your way to culinary perfection. As you work together to create mouthwatering dishes, you'll bond over shared tasks, exchange cooking tips, and perhaps even discover hidden culinary talents among your teammates.
And the best part? At the end of the class, you'll sit down together to enjoy the fruits of your labor, savoring not just the food but also the memories you've created together.
3. Theater classes
What you will need: A space for rehearsals, a theater instructor or facilitator
How long: Sessions can vary in length, but typically 1-2 hours per session
Why is it a great idea? It's an excellent idea because it encourages teamwork, creativity, and stepping out of comfort zones. Through acting exercises and improvisation, team members learn to communicate effectively, build trust, and embrace vulnerability in a supportive environment.
Step into the spotlight with your team during theater classes.
In a theater class, you'll dive into a world of imagination, creativity, and collaboration.
Through a series of acting exercises, improv games, and scene rehearsals, you'll learn to trust your instincts, listen closely to your fellow actors, and work together to bring stories to life on stage.
4. Blind test
What you will need: A selection of music, movie clips, or other audio recordings, and a way to play them without revealing their identities. Some Youtube videos are very good for this purpose.
How long: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Why is it a great idea? Blind test is a fun and interactive way to test your knowledge, spark friendly competition, and discover shared interests among team members.
As the music plays or the movie clips roll, your team will race against the clock to identify songs, movies, or TV shows without the aid of visual cues.
With each correct answer, you'll earn points, bragging rights, and perhaps even a few dance moves! Blind Test is guaranteed to get your team laughing, bonding, and drawing on their pop culture.
[Outside the office] Outdoors team building activities
5. Hiking
What you will need: Suitable hiking trails, appropriate footwear and clothing, water, snacks, a great itinerary and motivation.
How long: The duration can vary depending on the chosen trail and fitness levels of participants, typically ranging from 1-4 hours.
Why is it a great idea? Hiking promotes teamwork, physical activity, and appreciation for nature. Plus, it's inclusive, accommodating even those who don't typically enjoy sports activities.
Lace up your hiking boots and pack your backpacks: you’re off to an adventure through scenic trails and lush landscapes. As you trek through forests, climb hills, and navigate winding paths, you'll support and encourage each other, sharing stories and laughter along the way.
With every step, you'll strengthen bonds, conquer challenges, and create lasting memories amidst nature's beauty. Hiking also welcomes even those who aren't fond of traditional sports activities, making it a perfect choice for teams of all interests and abilities.
6. Sports day
What you will need: Sports equipment and facilities for various activities (e.g., soccer balls, relay race props, etc.), and perhaps some prizes for winners.
How long: A half-day or full-day event, depending on the number of activities and the pace of the day.
Why is it a great idea? A sports day with your colleagues promotes healthy competition, and physical fitness. It offers a break from routine work tasks and allows sporty team members to bond while engaging in friendly rivalry and active play.
Get ready to unleash your competitive spirit and cheer on your teammates in an action-packed sports day. From relay races to tug-of-war showdowns, you'll compete in a series of fun and exhilarating challenges that put your teamwork and athleticism to the test.
Whether you're dribbling a soccer ball down the field, passing the baton in a relay, or racing to the finish line, sports day is all about camaraderie, sportsmanship, and celebrating the joy of movement together as a team.
Keep in mind, this activity is best suited for teams with a sporty inclination and may not appeal to everyone.
7. City scavenger hunt
What you will need: Clues, maps, smartphones or cameras for documenting discoveries, and perhaps some small prizes or treats for finding the treasure.
How long: Typically 2-3 hours, depending on the number of clues and the size of the city.
Why is it a great idea? A treasure hunt encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and exploration in a dynamic urban environment. It also offers a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems and landmarks within the city.
Be ready to discover your city in a way you never did before with an epic treasure hunt with your team!
Armed with a set of cryptic clues and a keen sense of curiosity, you'll journey through bustling streets, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant districts, solving puzzles and unraveling mysteries along the way.
From deciphering hidden messages to uncovering hidden treasures, every clue brings you one step closer to victory. You'll bond with your teammates, share laughs, and create unforgettable memories while exploring the rich tapestry of culture and history that the city has to offer.
[At the office] Icebreaker team building activities
Start your next meeting with a short ice breaker to foster a positive tone and encourage participation and engagement among your teammates.
8. Two Truths and a Lie
What you will need: Nothing.
How long: 10-15 minutes, depending on the number of participants.
Why is it a great idea? It's super simple, interactive, and encourages team members to share personal anecdotes and learn interesting facts about each other.
You’ll break the ice with a classic team building activity at the office: game of Two Truths and a Lie! Each team member takes turns sharing three statements about themselves - two truths and one lie. The rest of the team listens carefully and tries to guess which statement is the lie. As team members take turns sharing their truths and lies, laughter ensues, and bonds are formed as everyone learns more about each other in a fun and lighthearted way.
The "Two Truths and a Lie" activity is also well-suited for online environments. In virtual settings, asynchronous communication platforms like Claap offer you an ideal space for hosting this activity.
Your team members can pre-record their video, and take advantage of asynchronous video communication so everyone can view the videos whenever they like.
9. Show and Tell
What you will need: Participants bring an item from home that has personal significance or tells a story.
How long: 20-30 minutes, depending on the number of participants.
Why is it a great idea? It's a great icebreaker because it encourages self-expression, storytelling, and bonding over shared experiences and interests.
With the “Show and Tell” activity, you’ll share and connect with your team. Each participant brings an item from home that holds personal significance or tells a story. It could be a cherished keepsake, a meaningful photo, or an object that represents a hobby or passion.
As each team member takes turns presenting their item to the group, they share the story behind it, sparking conversation, laughter, and perhaps even a few surprises.
Show and Tell is a wonderful opportunity for team members to express themselves, learn about each other's lives, and build connections based on shared interests and experiences.
10. Lost on the Desert Island
What you will need: Nothing but imagination and creativity.
How long: 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants.
Why is it a great idea? It's a creative and thought-provoking icebreaker that encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration in a fun and imaginative way.
Imagine that your team has been stranded on a desert island with limited resources and must work together to survive. Each participant takes turns sharing one item they would bring with them to the island and explaining why it's essential for their survival.
From practical tools to sentimental treasures, every choice sparks discussion and debate as team members weigh the pros and cons of each item.
Lost on the Desert Island is a fun and engaging icebreaker that encourages creativity, teamwork, and imagination while fostering camaraderie among team members.
[At the office] Problem-solving team building activities
11. Marshmallow challenge
What you will need: Marshmallows, spaghetti sticks, tape, and a measuring tool (ruler or measuring tape).
How long: 20-30 minutes for planning and building.
Why is it a great idea? It encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in a fun and competitive setting. Plus, who doesn't love building with marshmallows?
You’ll put your engineering skills to the test (no problem if you don't have an engineering background) with the Marshmallow Challenge.
Armed with marshmallows, spaghetti sticks, and tape, your team will have 18 minutes to construct the tallest freestanding structure possible.
Sounds simple, right? Not so fast! As you quickly discover, balancing marshmallows and spaghetti sticks to create a stable tower requires careful planning, communication, and collaboration.
With each failed attempt, you'll learn from your mistakes, adapt your strategy, and work together to overcome obstacles.
12. Puzzles
What you will need: A variety of puzzles such as jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, or logic puzzles.
How long: Depends on the complexity of the puzzles and the number of participants, typically 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Why is it a great idea? Puzzles are great for critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration in a fun and engaging way.
Exercise your brainpower and unleash your inner sleuths with a selection of mind-bending puzzles.
From jigsaw puzzles to logic games, your team will work together to piece together clues, solve riddles, and unlock hidden mysteries. With each puzzle solved, you'll sharpen your critical thinking skills, strengthen your teamwork, and celebrate small victories together.
Whether you're unraveling cryptic codes or piecing together intricate patterns, puzzle time is the perfect opportunity to bond with your team, flex your mental muscles, and have a blast.
13. Strategy board games (Catan, Risk, Ticket to Ride…)
Let’s take the example of Catan
What you will need: Catan board game.
How long: Typically 1-2 hours per game.
Why is it a great idea? Catan encourages strategic thinking, negotiation, and resource management.
Catan is a popular strategy board game where players compete to build settlements, cities, and roads on the fictional island of Catan.
Through strategic placement of settlements and resource management, players aim to accumulate victory points to win the game.
The game fosters teamwork as players negotiate trades, form alliances, and strategize together to expand their territories and thwart their opponents' plans. It provides a dynamic and engaging team-building experience that challenges players to think critically, communicate effectively, and work together to achieve their goals.
[Online] - Team building activities that can be carried out online
14. Quiz session
What you will need: Quiz questions covering a variety of topics, pen and paper for each participant or a digital device for answering.
How long: 1-2 hours.
Why is it a great idea? It encourages teamwork, friendly competition, and learning in a fun and interactive way.
Put your knowledge to the test with an exciting quiz session that's sure to challenge and entertain!
From trivia questions to brain teasers, your team will compete in a series of rounds covering a wide range of topics. You’ll answer questions from pop culture to history to science and beyond (even your corporate culture can be covered!).
With each question answered, you'll earn points and perhaps discover hidden talents among your group.
Whether you're flexing your mental muscles, debating the correct answer, or cheering each other on, quiz time is the perfect opportunity to bond with your team, showcase your smarts, and have a blast!
15. Play short online games (virtual pictionary)
What you will need: Access to the internet and to the Skribbl.io website.
How long: 30 minutes per game.
Why is it a great idea? Skribble promotes creativity in a fun and interactive way. Virtual Pictionary encourages participants to think quickly and express ideas visually.
Virtual Pictionary, played through the online platform Skribbl.io, is a dynamic and engaging team building activity that combines drawing skills with quick thinking.
Participants gather virtually and join a private room on the Skribbl.io website, where they take turns drawing and guessing words or phrases within a limited time frame.
Each round, the participants must guess the word based on the drawing before time runs out.
16. Five clicks away (with Wikipedia)
What you will need: Access to the internet and to a web browser.
How long: 20-30 minutes.
Why is it a great idea? It's a short and fun activity, compatible with remote teams.
Five Clicks Away is a thrilling online team building activity that challenges participants to navigate the vast expanse of Wikipedia in pursuit of a specific target page.
The facilitator selects a starting page and a target page on Wikipedia. Then, team members must navigate from the starting page to the target page using only the hyperlinks provided on each Wikipedia page they visit.
Five Clicks Away is a captivating and educational team building experience that fosters critical thinking and curiosity while tapping into the wealth of information available on Wikipedia.
Foster a collaborative work environment with Claap
Claap is an all-in-one video platform that will definitely improve collaboration and effective communication in your work environment.
Claap helps you optimize remote team communication and bring your teams together, despite distance, different time zones or language barriers.
To help you overcome these obstacles and promote collaboration, Claap offers:
- Meeting recordings with audio and video transcriptions;
- AI-generated notes, transcripts and summaries according to a desired template. 99 languages available;
- All-in-one video platform to store your sales videos and collaborate with your teams (thanks to comments, threads, annotations…);
- Screen and webcam recording.
Embrace the virtual environment and leverage Claap.io to unite your team towards your shared objectives.
Don't hesitate to try Claap with our 14-day free trial (no credit card required).
