You found our list of the best team building activities in San Jose, California.
Team building activities in San Jose are events that boost team morale and create bonds. Examples include Miniboss arcade games, Colibri Pottery Studio workshops, and Alamitos Vineyards tastings. The purpose of these ideas is to highlight the most fun team building experiences in San Jose.
These activities are similar to corporate offsite events and work party experiences.
This list includes:
- team building events in San Jose
- corporate team building activities in San Jose
- fun group activities in San Jose
- San Jose team building ideas
Here we go!
List of team building activities in San Jose
San Jose has many venues providing team building experiences for groups of all sizes. From relaxing at The Dancing Cat to decorating cookies at Cake Works, here are the best activities to do in the city.
1. Gonzales/Peralta Adobe Fallon House
Exploring these houses is one of the most fun group activities in San Jose. Constructed in 1977, the Adobe was the home of San Jose’s second mayor, José Manuel Gonzales. The Fallon house has a Victorian-style structure and 15 well-furnished rooms.
The historic building’s management offers docent-led tours twice weekly. The two buildings sit inside the San Pedro Square Market. Thus, your group can grab a bite at the market during your visit. You will also find an outdoor seating area at the Peralta Adobe Plaza, where you can grab a drink.
Learn more about the Gonzales/Peralta Adobe Fallon house.
2. San Pedro Social
San Pedro Social has fun attractions your group can explore during your next team outing in the city. The destination features a bowling alley with lanes that fit six players each. You can also host a party with up to six attendees in the karaoke room.
Also, San Pedro Social has billiards, shuffleboard, and free arcade games. This center offers indoor and outdoor seating areas. You can also order detectable food and beverages from the menu to fuel the fun.
Learn more about San Pedro Social.
3. The Dancing Cat
Visiting The Dancing Cat is one of the best San Jose team building ideas. This cat café offers a relaxing atmosphere where your group can hang out and share a drink. You can snack in a lounge area reserved for dining away from the cats. Plus, the kittens on-site are friendly and up for adoption. The café partners with Jose Animal Care Center, where most of their cats come from.
The Dancing Cat is ideal for various functions, from book clubs to team celebrations. Also, the café will gladly provide small treats for your group if you want to feed the kittens.
Learn more about The Dancing Cat.
4. Hydra Yoga Therapy
Hydra Yoga Therapy is a wellness center in San Jose. The yoga studio also provides Thai massage services. This service uses modern and ancient techniques to create a relaxing experience. The center also offers classes on several styles of yoga, from yin to power vinyasa.
Best of all, the center combines massage therapy with yoga to make the session more relaxing. You and your colleagues will also learn to hold poses that allow more energy flow and reduce pain. The classes are ideal for small groups, with the lessons customized to fit your team’s needs.
Learn more about Hydra Yoga Therapy.
5. It’s a Vibe
It’s a Vibe is a paint studio that organizes interactive team building events in San Jose. The family-owned studio hosts public painting sessions with fun themes. These experiences run for around three hours. Your group will enjoy a happy hour before painting. You can also buy food from the studio to enhance your event.
Notably, this studio uses many venues to make the experience more accessible. Thus, pick the event with the most convenient venue for your group.
Learn more about It’s a Vibe.
6. San Jose Municipal Golf Course
Playing a game at the San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a great way to create connections on your team. The golf course features 18 challenging holes and a driving range. If your team has at least 20 members, then you can schedule an on-site tournament. The venue requires at least one month of booking in advance.
In addition, the club offers coaching programs. Golfers can improve their etiquette, golf swing, and club fitting during the courses. After your game, your group can hang out at the on-site bar to enjoy snacks like salads and steak fajitas.
Learn more about San Jose Municipal Golf Course.
7. Dance Boulevard
Dance Boulevard serves the Bay Area with fun social sessions. Depending on your group’s preferences, you can learn different dance styles. For instance, the firm teaches American ballroom and Latin dances. If you are a beginner, then you can drop in for a weekly class featuring a dance lesson and party.
The studio also offers morning and afternoon group drop-in lessons. Notably, the Salsa Rueda class is a great option for team building outings. During this experience, your group will dance in pairs and exchange partners. Dance Boulevard hosts classes a few times daily for different skill levels.
Learn more about Dance Boulevard.
8. Lake Cunningham Park
Lake Cunningham Park is perfect for outdoor team building activities in San Jose. The destination features reservable and first-come-first-serve picnic areas. The Cypress Pavilion site is ideal for groups planning to fish or ride boats during their visit. Plus, this area can accommodate up to 400 guests and has over 80 picnic tables. Other features include a playground, air jumpers, shaded areas, and a volleyball facility.
The Alder Leaf South picnic area has tree shade and is close to a parking lot, horse pits, and a volleyball court. Additionally, the destination features a skate park your group can tour. You can also race together on-site using bicycles or scooters. The park has up to seven riding zones to cater to all skill levels.
Learn more about Lake Cunningham Park.
9. Glow Candle Lounge
Glow Candle Lounge helps you express your creativity through candle making. The art studio will provide the supplies needed to customize your candle. To get started, your group members must select a mold available in various shapes. You can also choose from over 60 fragrance options, including amber and eucalyptus.
The studio will help you create your pillar candles. You get to choose from several colorful images to imprint on your candle. Your studio pass covers most of the needed supplies. However, you have to buy the candles separately. To make the experience unique, you can split your group into pairs and have them swap candles as gifts. Plus, the lounge has a gift-wrapping station on-site.
Learn more about Glow Candle Lounge.
10. Colibri Pottery Studio
Colibri Pottery Studio workshops are among the most fun group activities in San Jose. Depending on your preference, the experience can be a one-time session or run for weeks. The classes are also available in Spanish. For a shorter session, opt for the two-hour beginner pottery wheel throwing class. This instructor-led workshop focuses on the art’s basics, including wedging.
Colibri Pottery Studio also offers hand building and ceramic painting classes. If you have six or more guests, then you can book a three-hour corporate event package. This package includes a pottery painting session and one hour in a conference room. In addition, the studio offers a combination event package. Groups with over 22 members can enjoy hand building and wheel throwing with this experience.
Learn more about Colibri Pottery Studio Workshops.
11. Wood Thumb
Wood Thumb leads interactive workshops for groups in the Bay Area. You will build items like cutting boards, magnetic bottle openers, or triangle shelves. If you have a small team, then you can attend a public session, usually lasting two to seven hours. The studio can also organize a team event for groups that want an exclusive experience.
You can take part in this event regardless of your skill level. You and your colleagues can take your projects home as keepsakes. Also, your reservation fee covers instruction and the needed equipment. Your group will also have access to dining space during your visit.
Learn more about Wood Thumb Workshops.
12. Alamitos Vineyards
Alamitos Vineyards provides unique tasting experiences. This venue is ideal for corporate team building activities in San Jose. Guests enjoy views of Almaden Reservoir from the outdoor seating area. The tasting usually takes place outdoors, except when there is inclement weather. In the latter case, make a prior reservation for your group since the indoor tasting room is small.
Alamitos Vineyards offers handcrafted wines made in small batches. A tasting reservation lasts for around one hour. The experience includes a four-wine flight featuring white and red varieties. You can contact the vineyard directly to make accommodations for larger groups.
Learn more about Alamitos Vineyards Tastings.
13. School of Visual Philosophy
The School of Visual Philosophy offers interactive classes on various subjects. For example, teams can learn welding, painting, or drawing. You can check the calendar to choose an event that matches your group’s interest. For instance, Intro to Welding is a three-hour class focusing on the basics of working with metal.
The studio also offers introductory classes in blacksmithing, often running for six hours. During the course, an expert will show the steps for hammering and maximizing strikes. Attendees will get to create their own pieces during the experience. In addition, the studio can customize your team building event to your group’s needs.
Learn more about the School of Visual Philosophy art classes.
14. La Forêt
A fine dining experience at La Forêt is among the best team building events in San Jose. The restaurant serves outstanding French cuisine in an elegant setting. Also, various event spaces are available for small and large corporate functions. You can seat your group at the outdoor patio featuring a creek and a countryside setting.
If you are planning a small gathering with ten guests or less, then you can reserve the Bordeaux Room. The Forest Room is great for larger parties and has an occupancy capacity of up to 50 guests. The restaurant can also set up a private bar for cocktail parties on request.
Learn more about La Forêt.
15. Miniboss
Miniboss is a bar ideal for casual hangouts with your coworkers. The location offers new and nostalgic arcade games. Examples include Ms. Pacman, Ninja Turtles, and The Simpsons. Also, over ten pinball machines are available to entertain visitors.
The bar has a cool interior decorated with artwork from San Jose’s local artists. The best part is your team can take a group photo using these artworks as a backdrop. Miniboss serves craft beers and delicious cocktails. The menu also features delectable meals with different dietary options.
Learn more about Miniboss.
16. Sharks Ice
Skating at Sharks Ice is among the most exciting team building activities in San Jose. The center can host a special event for corporate groups. Party packages include a meeting space that can fit about 500 individuals. You can also enjoy food and beverage catering tailored to your needs.
During your party, your guests can participate in broomball, skating, and curling. Also, Sharks Ice offers skate lessons led by qualified instructors. The skating center provides rental equipment. Further, groups of up to ten guests enjoy discounts for a public skate session. If you have over 20 members, then contact the facility to accommodate your group.
Learn more about Sharks Ice.
17. Cultivate Kitchen
Cultivate Kitchen serves San Jose and nearby areas with unique culinary experiences. The cooking school leads private sessions featuring three or four courses. Add-on options are also available, such as wine pairing, charcuterie platters, and appetizers.
The kitchen can also help your group host an escape-style game. This activity’s goal is to figure out a code that unlocks a box of ingredients needed for the cooking lesson. Your group will compete in teams to solve challenges and find clues leading to the code. Cultivate also hosts mobile happy hours where guests make cocktails and charcuterie boards. The event lasts one hour and is ideal for at least ten guests.
Learn more about Cultivate Kitchen.
18. 10th Street Distillery
Hosting your next gathering at this distillery is among the best San Jose team building ideas. The company sells high-quality whiskeys and has a tasting room for up to 70 guests. Your group can book a whiskey-tasting flight running for about 20 minutes. You and your colleagues will taste up to six craft whiskeys by the glass.
You can also book a 45-minute behind-the-scenes tour to elevate your experience. In addition, the distillery can set up a mixology class for up to 20 attendees. During this 60-minute session, your group will learn how to make two delicious drinks. Also, the distillery can customize the classes, tours, and tastings to fit your needs.
Learn more about the 10th Street Distillery.
19. Santa Teresa County Park
Active teams will love exploring the outdoors at the Santa Teresa County Park. Located ten miles from downtown San Jose, this park spans an impressive 1,673 acres. Your team can enjoy several activities, including golfing, barbecuing, archery, and hiking.
The Santa Teresa Golf Club has an 18-hole course, restaurant, and pro shop. Picnic areas can accommodate over 100 guests for picnics and barbecues. When the archery range is not hosting a tournament, it is open to the public. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can enjoy 17 miles of unpaved trails. No matter how your team recreates, they will find a great activity at this venue.
Learn more about the Santa Teresa County Park.
Final Thoughts
San Jose has plenty of opportunities for corporate groups to share memorable moments. If your teammates are creative, then you can learn about wood carving, welding, or painting. You will also find several places with fun backdrops to improve your group photos. Before choosing a venue, be sure to check if the venue can accommodate your group size. Also, if you are planning a cooking class or team dinner, then confirm if the host can work with your dietary needs. With any budget, you can enjoy the most amazing team building experiences in San Jose.
Next, check out our guide for boosting your team’s happiness. You can also check these team night out ideas and fun meeting activities.
