As time passes, employers are catching on to the awesome power of team building activities. They're realizing that these activities don't just bring colleagues closer but can also give their profits a serious boost. Luckily for all you New York City bosses out there, the five boroughs are a treasure trove of thrilling team building opportunities that'll not only foster teamwork but also send morale and productivity soaring.
Whether it's a breathtaking boat tour or some mind-boggling group challenges, the Big Apple has it all. So, get ready to explore this list of the top team building activities in NYC that'll make your team bond, collaborate, and grow like never before.
Culinary-Based Team Building Activities in NYC
Food always seems to bring everyone together, and teams are no exception. Get ready to spice up your team's get-togethers with these mouthwatering culinary-based team building New York City activities.
1. Master the Art of Gourmet Cooking
Get ready to stir up some fun at Sur La Table, your next favorite spot in the Big Apple! This culinary haven is ready to spice up your team building experience. Picture this: Your team, coming together, laughing, and bonding as you all whip up mouth-watering Korean bites or master the art of crafting the perfect scallops with a zesty orange gremolata. It's not just a cooking class; it's an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that's sure to bring your team closer than ever.
2. Sail Away on a Private Boat Tour
Set sail on a delightful nautical adventure with New York Harbor Tours and our Private Corporate Event Cruises! Imagine the breeze in your hair and the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop as your team comes together in a truly unique setting. Grab your favorite snacks, a bottle of fine wine, or some chilled beers, and step aboard for one of the best team building events in NYC. With coolers on hand to keep your drinks brisk and storage for all your favorite foods, it’s the perfect way to mingle, unwind, and forge lasting bonds with your team.
3. Sample the Top Mobile Feasts
Dive into the rich tapestry of NYC's culinary scene with the great and thrilling Food Truck Tour. This movable feast is sure to delight every member of your team. Picture a vibrant afternoon hopping from one food truck to another, savoring an array of delightful bites ranging from gourmet seafood and authentic falafel to hearty burgers. Challenge your team to discover the most outstanding food truck in the vicinity, adding a sprinkle of fun and adventure to the outing. Here's a handy Food Truck Tracker for NYC to kickstart your gastronomic adventure. Ready, set, feast!
4. Create NYC's Most Delicious Pizzas
For over a decade, My Cooking Party has transformed coworkers into vibrant teams, fostering deeper connections and unveiling hidden talents in just a three-hour session. Under expert guidance, your team will not only create mouthwatering pizzas but also forge memorable experiences, blending learning and enjoyment effortlessly. It's not just about enjoying the fruits of their labor but witnessing the blooming camaraderie and newfound appreciation for each other's capabilities.
5. Explore NYC's Vibrant Markets and Celebrations
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with your team at NYC's vibrant food markets and cultural events. Picture your group savoring unique flavors at the bustling Bronx Food Market or enjoying the festivities at the historic Feast of San Gennaro. These outings are not just about tasting diverse cuisines but are opportunities to foster camaraderie and create lasting memories. A stroll through these colorful venues promises an experience rich with flavors, cultures, and the joy of shared adventures.
6. Get Your Drink on with a Brew Tour
Do you and your employees enjoy a nice brew after work? Surprisingly, brewery tours are becoming one of the most popular team building activities in NYC – and the five boroughs have plenty of them! The best one on our radar is NYC Brew Tours. These guys not only focus on the tastes brewing in the city but also the long history of brewing and the burgeoning craft beer culture growing by the day.
Team Building Group Activities in NYC
New York City has an array of group activities to cement your team spirit that we’ll cover here. Whether you're honing your detective skills or unleashing your creative spirit, these thrilling, fun team outings in NYC will bring your team closer than ever.
7. Hone Problem-Solving Skills with a Scavenger Hunt
Nothing helps build those problem-solving skills that are so important to the office like a good old scavenger hunt. This photo scavenger hunt is really special and will take you on a journey through vibrant streets. Gather your team in Madison Square Park for an exhilarating adventure through Midtown Manhattan. Armed with smartphones and guided by expert hosts, you'll tackle challenges, solve trivia, and strengthen team bonds, communication, and unity as you navigate bustling streets, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
8. Unleash Your Creativity at CraftJam
Participating in a CraftJam workshop not only allows your team to explore their artistic side but also offers valuable insights and skills that can be applied in the workplace. The creative problem-solving and teamwork developed during CraftJam can inspire innovative approaches to workplace challenges, improve collaboration, and boost team morale. Additionally, crafting can serve as a stress-relief activity, enhancing overall well-being and equipping team members to handle workplace stress more effectively.
9. Elevate Movie Night with NYC Rooftop Film Screenings
Transform a regular movie night into an unforgettable experience with a NYC Rooftop Film Night. Just imagine - a cool breeze, twinkling city lights, and a canopy of stars as your team gathers to enjoy a film screening on one of NYC's picturesque rooftops. It's a great opportunity to unwind, chat, and enjoy some popcorn together. To make it even more special, consider theming the night around the film's genre, encouraging team members to dress up or bring along themed snacks. It's more than a movie night; it's a chance to create cherished memories and bond over shared experiences.
10. Rock the Stage with Themed Costume Karaoke Nights
Turn up the volume and let loose with a Themed Costume Karaoke Night for your team. Picture your colleagues taking the stage, adorned in fun costumes, and belting out their favorite tunes. It's a night filled with laughter, music, and perhaps a few surprising vocal talents emerging! A Karaoke night promises not just great entertainment but also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen bonds and create joyous memories as a team.
Fun Outdoor Corporate Events
Want to untangle a human knot at a fun NYC park or play a board game at the hottest café in town? The Big Apple has you covered with various places to host outdoor corporate events in NYC! Discover the perfect blend of work and play with these exhilarating New York team building activities.
11. Untangle a Human Knot at a NYC Park
Gather your team in one of NYC's beautiful parks and challenge them to untangle the Human Knot. In this engaging team building activity, participants form a circle, grasp each other's hands, and work together to unravel without letting go. It's a fun and effective way to enhance communication, problem-solving, and teamwork while enjoying the city's outdoor beauty – a perfect icebreaker or team building exercise for your corporate event. Get ready to twist, turn, and bond!
12. Tour the Skies in a Helicopter
Number 12 on this list is one of the most fun corporate events in NYC. There’s almost nothing more memorable than seeing the Big Apple from thousands of feet in the sky. Taking in the overwhelming sprawl of the city all at once will leave you and your employees with a fresh new perspective of our great city. To tour the skies, we suggest the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight. In just 15 minutes, these guys promise to take your breath away with some of the best views of the city possible.
13. Rooftop Yoga Session
All NYC corporate event ideas don’t have to involve excitement or breaking a sweat. After all, working day in and day out in offices makes you want to stretch and relax, right? So, why not elevate your team building experience with a rooftop yoga session in the heart of NYC? This tranquil escape amidst the bustling city promotes wellness and relaxation, offering a serene space where team members can recharge and rejuvenate together. Under the open sky, with the city's skyline as a backdrop, teams can bond over shared yoga poses, encouraging each other and fostering a sense of unity and calm.
14. Take a Scenic Break at The High Line
Corporate outings in NYC can be a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of office life. To rejuvenate your team, invite them to a refreshing walk at The High Line, a blossoming park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. This not only offers a chance for the team to relax and connect but also presents numerous opportunities for impromptu brainstorming sessions amidst inspiring city views and lush greenery. Along the way, your group can enjoy art installations, food vendors, and the beautiful vistas of the Hudson River and the city skyline, making it a scenic break from the daily office grind.
15. Bond at The Uncommons Board Cafe
Board games are big for team building, so swap the great outdoors for an indoor board game extravaganza at The Uncommons Board Cafe in Manhattan. There, you can engage your team in strategic battles and cooperative challenges, all while enjoying board games, coffee, and light bites. With a delightful selection of games and delicious mozzarepas, this outing fosters teamwork in a cozy and fun setting, making it a memorable corporate event in New York.
16. Hit the Pins at Bowlero Times Square
Get your team rolling for strikes and spares at Bowlero Times Square, a thrilling venue in the heart of NYC. Team building becomes legendary as you bowl, eat, hit the arcade, and capture the fun in selfie mode for one epic celebration. Imagine your team bonding over friendly competition against the backdrop of Times Square's vibrant lights. This casual and entertaining outing is the perfect way for team members to connect in a relaxed setting.
Unique Company Outings Ideas in NYC
Elevate your group's cohesion and collaboration to new heights with these distinctive company outing ideas in NYC. From thrilling zombie escape rooms to captivating graffiti tours, these experiences are designed to deepen connections and foster effective teamwork.
17. Get Trapped in a Room with a Zombie
"Trapped in a Room with a Zombie" offers an adrenaline-pumping team experience where you and your team – for a total of up to 12 people -- are locked in a room with a chained zombie.. Your mission is to find the hidden key for your escape by collaborating, deciphering clues, and solving riddles scattered throughout the room. The catch is that the zombie's chain extends every five minutes, bringing it closer to reaching you. With just 60 minutes to outsmart the zombie, locate clues, solve puzzles, and unlock the door, this escape room adventure promotes quick thinking, teamwork, and loads of fun, ensuring an unforgettable day for your team.
18. Take a Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour
Dive into the vibrant world of NYC street art with a Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour. Let your team immerse themselves in the rich street culture, witnessing breathtaking murals and artworks adorning the city streets. This tour encourages teams to appreciate the diverse art scene in NYC, offering a colorful and artistic outing that promises to spark creativity and conversation among team members.
19. Enhance Team Communication with Field Day
The ever-popular Field Day offers an action-packed outdoor experience to energize your team and enhance communication. With a skilled facilitator leading a 90-minute session, you'll enjoy a mix of nostalgic outdoor games and exciting new competitions that unleash your inner child. Team photos will capture lasting memories, and the best part is that all game equipment will be brought to your chosen location. Stepping out of the office and into the sunshine creates an ideal environment for relaxation, rejuvenation, and strengthening team bonds.
20. Enjoy a Day at Coney Island
Plan a relaxing day out at Coney Island, a place brimming with attractions for everyone. Your team can enjoy a day of fun-filled activities, from roller coaster rides to beach lounging, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and thrill. A day at Coney Island will foster bonding and create joyful memories that team members will cherish for a long time.
Sports and Game-Playing Team Activities in NYC
Looking for exciting team outings in NYC? The following are a range of thrilling sports and game-playing team activities that will unite your corporate group and ignite a sense of shared purpose.
21. Do Some Team Building at Chelsea Piers
At Chelsea Piers, teams can participate in a range of engaging activities. Programs include rock climbing, bowling, dodgeball, and other strategic games. Specialized coaches guide each session, promising a day filled with fun and learning. It's a prime destination for companies aiming to bolster unity and team spirit.
22. Cheer on the Yankees or Mets on Game Day
For a grand slam team outing in NYC, consider a day at a Yankees or Mets game. Both teams offer a variety of group packages, providing an excellent chance to unwind and bond outside the office. Enjoy specially catered food and drinks, unique seating areas, and the excitement of cheering for your favorite team together.
23. Take the Great Gotham Challenge
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with The Great Gotham Challenge, a one-of-a-kind team-building event in NYC. This immersive experience seamlessly combines mind-bending puzzles, live theater, and the rich history of the city into an interactive race against time. Teams of four collaborate to crack codes and solve riddles while exploring the urban landscape. Customize your experience with extravagant set pieces and unforgettable moments, ensuring an event that truly sets your team apart.
24. Thrill to the Game of 1000 Boxes
When you step onto the set of NYC's premiere live game show, the Game of 1000 Boxes, teamwork and communication comes to the fore. In this groundbreaking, immersive experience, participants are challenged to use their wits and knowledge to secure victory. Teams, comprising up to 32 players, vie for the ultimate prize, a mystery box filled with exciting rewards. This exhilarating event encourages team members to step out of their comfort zones and collaboratively strive towards a common goal: Emerging as champions.
25. Go on an Urban Adventure Quest
Transform the vibrant streets of NYC into your very own playground with an Urban Adventure Quest. Teams embark on a scavenger hunt that combines the fun of the Amazing Race with a three-hour sightseeing tour. Engaging challenges at well-known landmarks helps foster camaraderie and working together to meet common goals. It's an extraordinary way for teams to bond while exploring the hidden gems of the city together.
26. Get Your Quarters and Conquer!
One thing your team will never expect is an employer-sponsored trip to the arcade. Whether your group is gamers or not, no one can resist the urge to pummel their opponents on classic arcade cabinets. The best-known arcade center is Next Level in Brooklyn. Known as the best fighting game arcade in the country, you can revel in your employees beating the dickens out of each other digitally, all while enjoying the fruits of healthy competition.
Team Building Activities at NYC Museums and Zoos
This last section gets into an unconventional yet highly effective approach to team building in New York City. Through a series of engaging activities, you'll participate in interactive workshops and guided tours that connect your team with nature, animals, and art. The outcome? Fostering collaboration and enriching your city experience.
27. Visit the Bronx Zoo
Join the Bronx Zoo Wildlife Conservation for a team-building experience among the wonders of the animal kingdom. Your team can participate in exciting workshops and interactive activities, promoting teamwork and cooperation. Learn about animal conservation efforts and experience the wild like never before. It's a perfect blend of fun, education, and team spirit.
28. Uncover NYC's Top Museums
NYC's renowned museums are a hotspot for team outings, courtesy of Museum Hack, a venue that turns group outings into engaging and insightful experiences. Join guided tours curated by art aficionados, dive into rich narratives surrounding artworks, and participate in art-focused team-building exercises and interactive icebreaker games that strengthen team bonds. These tours aim to transform colleagues into cohesive teams, fostering communication, leadership, and camaraderie. Choose from renowned institutions such as The Met and The American Museum of Natural History, among others.
29. Dine with Penguins at the Central Park Zoo
Gather your team for an exciting outing to the Central Park Zoo, where the city and wildlife merge for a unique team building adventure. Explore the zoo as a group, bonding over your favorite animals, or challenge your team with fun scavenger hunts and trivia games amidst the captivating zoo environment. And for an extraordinary experience that truly sets the Central Park Zoo apart, dine with the penguins. Watch as gentoos, chinstraps, and king penguins emerge from their dens or surface from the deep to enjoy their meal. They are as famished as us when the dinner bell rings!
30. Take in a Show at the Aquatheatre
At the New York Aquarium's Aquatheater, you can witness California sea lions in action and learn about their role in conservation efforts across NYC's WCS parks. The sea lions have a strong bond with their trainers, otherwise, the show wouldn’t really work. Sounds like the last project you were on, maybe? So, join your team to enjoy the sea lion spectacle, meet intriguing ocean residents, and leave with stronger connections and a deeper appreciation for each other and aquatic wonders.
We hope you enjoyed our round-up of team outing ideas in NYC. Whether you choose to explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, engage in thrilling activities, or connect with nature, these experiences are sure to strengthen your team's bonds. Get out there and make the most of your team-building journey in the Big Apple!
FAQS
What activities can we do for team building? There are numerous activities available for team building, depending on your team's preferences and goals. Some popular options include outdoor adventures like scavenger hunts or field days, problem-solving challenges such as escape rooms, creative activities like art workshops or cooking classes, and even relaxation-focused experiences like yoga sessions. The key is to choose activities that promote communication, collaboration, and camaraderie among team members.
What are the 4 main types of team building activities? The four main types of team building activities are:
Problem-Solving Activities: These involve challenges or puzzles that require the team to work together to find solutions. Examples include escape rooms and brainstorming sessions.
Communication Activities: These activities focus on improving communication skills within the team, such as trust falls or blindfolded obstacle courses.
Outdoor Adventure Activities: Activities like ropes courses, field days, or hiking are designed to encourage teamwork and problem-solving in an outdoor setting.
Creative Activities: These activities promote creativity and collaboration, such as art projects, cooking classes, or team building games.
What is a team building activity for 2 hours? A team building activity lasting for two hours can include various options depending on your goals and location. Some examples include mini escape room challenges, short outdoor games like tug-of-war or relay races, quick problem-solving activities, or even a focused team discussion or brainstorming session. It's important to choose an activity that aligns with your objectives and the time available.
What are the five things for team building? Effective team building often involves five key elements:
Clear Goals: Define the purpose and objectives of the team building activity to ensure everyone understands what they are working toward.
Communication: Encourage open and honest communication among team members to build trust and rapport.
Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of working together and leveraging each team member's strengths.
Problem Solving: Include activities that require participants to solve challenges or puzzles, promoting critical thinking and creativity.
Reflection: After the activity, provide time for team members to reflect on what they've learned and how they can apply those lessons to their work environment.