38 Best Work Team Outing Ideas & Outdoor Team Building Activities to Create Stronger Bonds in 2025

Team outings are more than just a break from work—they help strengthen bonds, improve collaboration, and boost morale. Whether you're planning a casual day out or looking for work team outing ideas that encourage problem-solving and teamwork, choosing the right activity can make a big difference.

From exciting corporate outdoor team building activities that push limits to fun outdoor team building games that spark creativity, there are plenty of ways to bring your team together. These outings create a relaxed environment where colleagues connect beyond work, leading to stronger relationships and better teamwork.

In this blog, we’ve put together a list of engaging teams outing ideas that go beyond the usual. Whether you prefer adventure, strategy, or pure fun, there’s something here for every team. Get ready to plan an outing that energizes your employees and builds a positive, collaborative work culture!

Creative work team outing ideas for team building

Boost teamwork and morale with exciting company outing ideas. From adventure-filled retreats to relaxed getaways, these work team outing ideas inspire collaboration and strengthen workplace bonds. Explore unique experiences that keep your team motivated and engaged beyond the office.

1. Bowling

Bowling is a classic team outing idea that combines friendly competition, teamwork, and entertainment. It involves rolling a bowling ball down a lane to knock down pins. Bowling alleys provide a lively atmosphere where teams can cheer each other on, engage in friendly rivalries, and celebrate victories together. 

This activity promotes communication, strategy, and coordination as team members collaborate to achieve the highest score. It's a fun and inclusive outing option suitable for all skill levels, making it a popular choice for team building activities.

2. Painting class

A painting class offers a creative and artistic team outing experience. Participants get the opportunity to unleash their creativity and express themselves through painting. Guided by an instructor, team members can learn various painting techniques and create their own masterpieces. 

Painting classes encourage collaboration, communication, and problem-solving as participants share ideas, provide feedback, and support each other's artistic journey. This activity promotes relaxation, self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment as teams bond over their shared love for art.

3. Go kart racing

Go Kart racing is an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping team outing idea that brings out the competitive spirit in participants. Teams can race against each other in go-karts on a specially designed track. 

This activity requires focus, quick reflexes, and teamwork as team members navigate the track, maneuvering through twists and turns. Go Kart racing promotes healthy competition, camaraderie, and strategic thinking as participants aim for the fastest lap times. It's an action-packed outing option that guarantees excitement and a memorable bonding experience.

4. Laser tag

Laser Tag is an interactive and thrilling team outing idea that simulates combat scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. Participants engage in mock battles using laser guns and sensors. The objective is to strategize, communicate, and work together to outmaneuver and "tag" opponents. 

Laser Tag fosters teamwork, communication, and leadership skills as teams collaborate to develop strategies and accomplish mission objectives. It promotes camaraderie, healthy competition, and an adrenaline rush, making it a popular choice for team building activities.

5. Sports tournament

Arrange a friendly sports tournament for your team. Choose a sport that everyone can participate in, such as soccer, basketball, or volleyball. Divide the team into smaller groups or create a round-robin tournament. 

This outing promotes teamwork, healthy competition, and physical activity. It also provides an opportunity for individuals to showcase their skills and build relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

6. The "Suddenly" Story

The "Suddenly" story is a creative team building exercise that encourages collaboration, imagination, and storytelling. In this activity, team members sit in a circle, and one person starts the story with the word "suddenly."

Then, each team member adds a few sentences to continue the story, building upon the ideas of others. The story takes unexpected turns as it progresses, leading to laughter and creative thinking. 

This activity promotes active listening, teamwork, and adaptability as participants need to respond to the story's direction.

It stimulates creativity, encourages a non-judgmental environment, and allows team members to explore their storytelling abilities in a lighthearted and fun way.

7. Scavenger hunt

Plan a scavenger hunt in a local area or even within your office building. Divide the team into smaller groups and provide them with a list of clues or challenges they need to solve to find hidden objects or locations. 

This activity encourages teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking. It also promotes communication and strategizing as team members work together to complete the hunt within a specified time frame. Consider adding fun twists or themes to make it more engaging and memorable.

8. Cultural outing

Explore the cultural diversity of your city by organizing a cultural outing. Visit museums, art galleries, historical landmarks, or attend cultural festivals or performances. 

This outing allows your team to learn about different cultures, expand their horizons, and appreciate the diversity within your organization. Encourage team members to share their own cultural backgrounds and experiences, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

9. Outdoor movie night

Set up an outdoor movie night for your team to enjoy a movie under the stars. Find a suitable location such as a park, rooftop, or even your office courtyard. Rent or borrow a projector and a screen, set up comfortable seating with blankets and pillows, and provide snacks and drinks. 

This outdoor outing creates a relaxed and casual atmosphere where team members can unwind, socialize, and enjoy a movie together. You can even have a vote to select the movie, allowing everyone to have a say in the choice.

10. Volunteering activity

Plan a team outing focused on community service and making a difference. Select a local charity or non-profit organization and dedicate a day to volunteering together. Engage in activities that contribute to the community, such as serving meals at a homeless shelter, beautifying a park, or participating in a community project.

11. Adventure challenge

Organize an outdoor adventure challenge that combines physical activities, problem-solving, and teamwork. This could include activities like a ropes course, obstacle course, or a scavenger hunt in a natural setting. 

The challenges should require collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking. This outing not only provides an adrenaline rush but also encourages trust-building, resilience, and creative problem-solving.

12. Food tour

Take your team on a culinary adventure by organizing a food tour in your city or a nearby food district. Explore different restaurants, food markets, or specialty food shops together. 

Along the way, try various cuisines, taste local delicacies, and learn about the cultural significance of the food. This outing not only satisfies taste buds but also encourages team members to bond over shared culinary experiences and discover new flavors together.

13. Creative retreat

Plan a creative retreat where your team can engage in artistic and creative activities. This could involve painting, sculpting, writing, or even improvisational theater workshops. 

Provide a relaxed and inspiring setting where team members can explore their creativity, express themselves, and collaborate on group projects. This outing stimulates innovation, encourages out-of-the-box thinking, and nurtures a team's creativity culture.

14. Trampoline Park

A trampoline park offers a unique and energetic team outing experience. It provides a fun-filled environment where team members can jump, bounce, and perform acrobatic moves on interconnected trampolines. This activity encourages laughter, physical activity, and friendly competition. 

It also boosts team spirit and camaraderie as participants engage in friendly games, such as trampoline dodgeball or basketball. Trampoline parks often have various zones and activities, catering to different interests and fitness levels, making it an enjoyable team outing choice for all.

15. Industry conference or exhibition visit

Take your team to an industry conference or exhibition related to your field. Attend seminars, workshops, and keynote speeches together. 

This outing allows team members to stay updated on the latest industry trends, gain new knowledge, and network with professionals from other organizations. It also provides an opportunity to brainstorm ideas, exchange insights, and foster professional growth and development within the team.

16. Mystery dinner or escape room

Plan a mystery-themed dinner or an escape room challenge for your team. In a mystery dinner, participants work together to solve a fictional crime while enjoying a meal. 

Alternatively, an escape room requires teams to solve puzzles and find clues to "escape" from a locked room within a time limit. Both activities encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking in a fun and immersive setting.

17. Learning and development workshop

Organize a learning and development workshop tailored to your team's specific needs. This could include communication skills training, leadership development, or personal growth sessions. 

Bring in experts or facilitators to conduct interactive workshops that provide valuable insights, tools, and strategies. This outing allows team members to enhance their skills, learn together, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

18. Kayaking or Canoeing

Kayaking or canoeing is a fantastic team outing idea for those seeking an outdoor adventure on the water. It involves navigating through rivers, lakes, or even the ocean using a kayak or canoe. This activity requires teamwork, communication, and coordination as team members paddle together to steer and maneuver the boat. 

It promotes trust, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while enjoying the beauty of nature. Kayaking or canoeing is suitable for all skill levels, making it an inclusive and exhilarating team outing option.

19. Cooking class

A cooking class is an interactive and engaging team outing idea that brings team members together through cooking. Participants learn new culinary skills, work collaboratively to prepare a meal, and bond over a shared dining experience. Cooking classes often involve guided instruction from professional chefs who teach various recipes and techniques. 

This activity promotes communication, creativity, and teamwork as team members collaborate to prepare a delicious meal. It's an excellent opportunity to discover hidden talents, share cultural dishes, and foster a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

20. Camping

Camping is a classic team outing idea that allows teams to connect with nature, disconnect from technology, and create lasting memories. It involves setting up tents, cooking meals outdoors, and engaging in activities like hiking, campfire storytelling, or stargazing. 

Camping promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability as participants work together to overcome challenges and enjoy the great outdoors. It encourages bonding, relaxation, and a break from the usual work routine, fostering a sense of unity and rejuvenation within the team.

21. Innovation or hackathon day

Dedicate a day for innovation and creativity. Set aside the regular work routine and encourage team members to brainstorm and work on innovative ideas or projects. This could be a hackathon, where teams compete to create prototypes or solutions within a specified timeframe. 

This outing stimulates creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while allowing individuals to explore new ideas and think outside the box.

22. Volunteer Vacation

Plan a team outing that combines travel and volunteering. Choose a destination where your team can engage in meaningful volunteer work, such as building houses, teaching English, or supporting local communities. 

This outing allows team members to positively impact while experiencing a different culture and environment. It fosters empathy, teamwork, and a broader perspective on social issues.

23. Wellness Day

Dedicate a day to prioritize the well-being of your team members. Arrange physical and mental wellness activities, such as yoga or meditation sessions, spa treatments, nature walks, or healthy cooking workshops. 

This outing promotes work-life balance, stress reduction, and overall well-being. It also sends a message that you value and care about the health and happiness of your team.

24. Team bonding game day

Organize a day filled with team bonding games and activities. This can include both indoor and outdoor games such as relay races, tug-of-war, trivia competitions, board games, or even a team-based video game tournament. 

The focus should be on fostering friendly competition, teamwork, and communication. This outing allows team members to relax, have fun, and strengthen their relationships in a lighthearted environment.

25. Explore a new place

Plan a team-building retreat where your team can spend a few days away from the office environment. Choose a serene location such as a resort, retreat center, or nature lodge. 

The retreat can include team-building activities, workshops, and relaxation time. This outing allows team members to bond deeper, away from the usual work pressures. It provides an opportunity for open communication, trust-building, and fostering a positive team culture.

26. Comedy club night

Take your team out for a night of laughter and entertainment at a local comedy club. Watching a stand-up comedy show together creates a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Laughter is a great stress reliever and can help strengthen team bonds. 

Consider reserving a private area or seating to ensure your team can sit together and enjoy the show. Afterward, you can discuss your favorite jokes or share funny stories, further enhancing camaraderie.

Popular outdoor team building activities

Here are some popular outdoor activities for team building.

1. Survival challenges

Tasks such as building a shelter, starting a fire, or navigating through the wilderness encourage teamwork and resourcefulness. These challenges often require participants to rely on each other's strengths to succeed.

2. Team-building games

Classic outdoor games like tug-of-war, relay races, or obstacle courses can be adapted to serve as team-building exercises. These activities promote healthy competition and team cooperation.

3. Trust falls

Trust falls are a classic team-building exercise where one person falls backward, relying on their teammates to catch them. This activity builds trust and emphasizes the importance of dependability within the team.

4. Problem-solving initiatives

Set up scenarios that require the team to solve a problem collectively. This could involve completing a complex puzzle, overcoming obstacles, or strategizing to achieve a common goal.

5. Outdoor workshops and retreats

Hosting workshops or retreats outdoors provides team members an opportunity to bond in a relaxed environment. Activities can include team discussions, goal-setting sessions, and skill-building workshops.

Fun team building outdoor activities 

Team building activities are a fantastic way to improve communication, increase cohesion, and enhance productivity within a team. When these activities are taken outdoors, they can also offer a refreshing break from the office environment and a chance to connect with nature. 

Some engaging outdoor team-building activities can help your team bond and have fun.

1. Community service

Participating in a community service project, like a park clean-up or tree planting, can be a rewarding team building activity. It promotes teamwork and allows your team to give back to the community.

2. Tug of war

This traditional game is fun and a great way to build team spirit. It requires teamwork, strategy, and physical strength, making it a comprehensive team building activity.

3. Outdoor adventure course

Adventure courses often include a variety of physical challenges, such as rope climbing, zip-lining, and obstacle courses. These activities require trust, cooperation, and communication, making them excellent for team building.

4. Beach volleyball

If you’re near a beach, a game of beach volleyball can be a great way to foster team spirit. It’s a fun, active game that requires coordination and teamwork.

5. Nature walks or hiking

A group hike or nature walk can be a peaceful team building activity. It allows team members to chat and bond in a relaxed, natural setting.

6. Raft building

In this activity, teams build a raft using provided materials and then race against other teams. This activity encourages creative problem-solving, collaboration, and trust.

7. Outdoor cooking competition

An outdoor cooking competition can be a fun and delicious team building activity. Teams can make a meal using only certain ingredients, and a judge or voting system can be used to determine the winner.

Best companies who have planned a successful outdoor team building activity

Here are examples of some of the best companies that have planned successful outdoor team building activities. 

1. Microsoft - food donation 

The End-Hunger Games was an ideal team-building exercise for the group at Microsoft.

Employees were divided into small teams and participated in group activities like relay races and target practice. The aim was to accumulate points represented by non-perishable food items. Following the challenges, the teams used these food items to construct the most remarkable structure in a final, cooperative competition.

Upon the conclusion of the activity, all the collected food items were generously donated to a nearby food bank.

2. Accenture - charity team building activity 

Accenture’s enthusiasm for team building activities, such as the Charity Bike Buildathon, is not surprising.

Over the past few years, the company has participated in five distinct charity-based team building events. These activities involved assembling bicycles and generously donating them to underprivileged children.

3. PlentyOfFish - the amazing chase

As the teams at PlentyOfFish engaged in a series of challenges, each group had the opportunity to unleash their creativity and have some fun. With a custom-designed Amazing Chase course, the team had the chance to step out of the office and explore Whistler Village together. 

This event provided a platform for employees to collaborate with colleagues they usually don’t interact with, fostering relationships outside the professional environment.

4. Satellite healthcare - military support mission 

The Military Support Mission, a competitive yet cooperative activity, played a significant role in Satellite Healthcare's full-day outdoor team-building event at the Toll House Hotel in Santa Cruz. 

In groups of five, participants assembled personalized care packages for overseas troops, complete with handwritten cards and letters. They were allowed to showcase their care packages to the rest of the group and share their personal experiences. 

Satellite employees witnessed the impact of their charitable efforts firsthand – the South Bay Blue Star Mothers, a military support group located in Silicon Valley, was present on-site to accept the packages. 

The chance to actively contribute to military support struck a chord with all participants, making the event unforgettable. 

Strengthen team bonds beyond outings with Empuls

Planning work team outing ideas and corporate outdoor team building activities is a great way to bring employees together but maintaining that connection beyond a single event is key to long-term engagement. This is where Empuls steps in.

Empuls helps companies foster a culture of collaboration and recognition through its social intranet software and company culture platform. With seamless communication, appreciation tools, and employee engagement features, it ensures team bonding extends beyond outings.

• Encourage collaboration: Keep conversations flowing with a central space for sharing ideas, updates, and achievements.
• Recognize contributions: Make employees feel valued with peer-to-peer appreciation and rewards.
• Sustain engagement: Use interactive features like surveys and gamification to maintain motivation after team outings.

Pairing outdoor team building games with an ongoing engagement strategy like Empuls ensures stronger workplace relationships, making every outing more meaningful. 

Boost collaboration and engagement with Empuls' social intranet and company culture platform. Start building stronger teams today! 

Conclusion

These company outing ideas offer diverse options to strengthen your team's bond and create unforgettable experiences. From thrilling outdoor adventures to engaging workshops, each idea presents an opportunity for teamwork, personal growth, and fun outside the office.

So, don't hesitate to try out these innovative team outing ideas and witness their positive impact on your team dynamics. Let the spirit of adventure guide your next team outing and watch as your squad flourishes with newfound camaraderie and motivation.

Here's to many successful team outings filled with excitement, laughter, and shared memories!