Looking for some awesome Chicago team building activities, but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve researched and vetted tons of fun corporate events, corporate team building activities, company outing ideas, and fun activities for employees to create this current and comprehensive list of the best team building activities in and around Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, and Joliet.
The best part about team building is that you can accomplish a lot while also having tons of fun. As a direct result of team building, not only will you see your team’s communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills improve, but you’ll also see an increase in employee engagement, happiness, and overall job satisfaction.
1. Museum Hack
Museum Hack is famous for reimagining the museum experience for adults. Museum Hack artfully crafts museum tours specifically for team building.
These corporate events are full of:
- 90 minutes with world-class hosts
- sassy behind-the-scenes storytelling
- epic photo challenges
- interactive games to break the ice and get your team LOLing together
All tour content can be customized to match your company’s unique industry, mission, and goals. Think ancient healthcare, tech innovations, or extraordinary levels of service in the Roman Empire. In addition to renegade team building tours, Museum Hack offers scavenger hunts and escape the Museum experiences at Chicago’s best museums.
Learn more about Museum Hack.
2. The Great Guac Off
The Great Guac Off™ is one of the best company team building activities in Chicago and a company event we can’t recommend enough for a fun, relaxed time. Each element of this corporate event is highly focused on creating and improving teamwork, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
The Great Guac Off features:
- 90 minutes with a highly talented team of hosts
- premium guacamole ingredients and chips
- an optional secret ingredient to spice up the guac recipes
- a competitive, high-stakes guacamole-making competition
- lots of mini fun activities for employees like trivia and pun-acado
The Great Guac Off can be hosted anywhere, including the official Chicago Guac Off site or at your office. You can bring as many employees to this team outing as you want since it’s one of the few Chicago team building activities without a max group size.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
3. Gingerbread Games
Gingerbread Games is definitely the most fun you’ve ever had at a company holiday party. Instead of a boring holiday party where everyone comes for the free drinks and only talks to their small circle of work friends, Gingerbread Games is highly engaging, a bit competitive, and lots of fun.
Your team will:
- compete in fun group activities for adults
- enjoy holiday trivia and other small team-focused challenges
- participate in the ultimate Gingerbread house competition
- enjoy a festive event with prizes and bragging rights
Gingerbread Games events can be hosted in your office or at another Chicago location. You can also consider adding snacks, cookies, a professional photographer, and BYOB.
Note: Gingerbread Games only takes reservations for dates through the holiday season, so make sure to book your company holiday party early.
Learn more about Gingerbread Games.
4. Mind Trap Escape Rooms
Teams can explore the thrilling world of Mind Trap Escape Rooms, where adventure and excitement await. The firm offers both VR and traditional escape room experiences. Players will go on immersive journeys into fantastical environments, from space stations to the depths of the ocean. As folks progress, they will solve puzzles, decipher codes, and unlock doors. Whether teams are chasing down a train-hijacking bandit or navigating a space station, each escape room offers a unique challenge.
Beyond virtual reality, Mind Trap also offers axe throwing, making it the perfect venue for friends’ gatherings, birthday celebrations, and corporate team building. With friendly game masters to assist players, the escape room experience is designed for comfort and fun.
Learn more about Mind Trap Escape Rooms.
5. Diversey River Bowl
Diversey River Bowl offers a fantastic bowling experience, providing a range of amenities and services to make visitors’ experiences unforgettable. Visitors can reserve lanes, book private parties, and sign up for leagues.
Teams can enjoy Cosmic Bowl on Fridays and Saturdays, featuring a spectacular light show and a live DJ. When players want a drink, they can check out the bar’s impressive selection of beers and spirits. The venue also offers award-winning food, including delicious pizza.
For those planning special events, Diversey River Bowl offers party packages for both kids and adults, perfect for team bonding or celebrating birthdays. The alley strives to create a fantastic experience for all guests.
Learn more about Diversey River Bowl.
6. Verse Immersive
Verse Immersive provides a unique and engaging experience that goes beyond traditional entertainment. Using advanced holographic technology, teams can explore interactive dreamlike worlds individually or in groups. The experience is a combination of an interactive museum and the futuristic Holodeck from Star Trek.
Visitors can enjoy opportunities for interaction and participation in captivating stories. Available rooms include The Unreal Garden, Art of the Future, and Sightcraft. Guests will unlock their hidden potential through cutting-edge science and cognitive techniques. Teams will participate in an exciting focus game that combines spellcasting with social interaction. Verse also offers options for group sales, private bookings, and full buy-outs.
Learn more about Verse Immersive.
7. Penguin Foot Pottery
Founded by Chris and Paige Busse, Penguin Foot Pottery is dedicated to fostering creativity and community growth. The studio’s instructors are passionate about sharing their love for pottery, offering classes, workshops, and even private sessions.
The studio offers various classes and workshops suitable for beginners and advanced artists. Guests will have several tools and equipment at their disposal, including electric kilns and potter’s wheels. The studio uses white stoneware clay fired with various hand-mixed glazes and slips.
Visitors can check out classes and workshops, including wheel, hand building, sculpture classes, and glaze workshops. Penguin Foot even offers private wheel workshops for groups of six to 16 people. To build pottery and team relationships, be sure to stop by!
Learn more about Penguin Foot Pottery.
8. Sugar Grove Family Fun Center
Sugar Grove Family Fun Center offers fantastic activities for the whole team. The center hosts birthday parties and corporate events with packages that include go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boat rides, water wars, and access to party rooms.
You can enjoy thrilling go-kart races on two tracks, including a slick track. The venue has a country club-style miniature golf course, which is a challenging delight with water features and sand traps. If you are looking to practice your golf swing, then Sugar Grove has a well-lit outdoor driving range and PGA-certified instructors for lessons. When the weather heats up, you can cool off with bumper boat rides and water wars. Sugar Grove will entertain all participants!
Learn more about the Sugar Grove Family Fun Center.
9. The American Writers Museum
The American Writers Museum offers a distinct museum experience. The museum’s mission is to celebrate American writers and their role in the nation’s history, culture, and daily life. The space is home to a wide range of American literature spanning five centuries. Visitors will find various writing forms, such as poetry, speeches, and fiction.
Examples of exhibits include A Nation of Writers and the Wintrust Chicago Gallery. Teams can also enjoy a wide variety of events, like The Future of Writing and Get Lit: 80s Night. Whether you are a literary enthusiast or looking for a unique museum experience in Chicago, a visit to this museum is a great stop.
Learn more about The American Writers Museum.
10. Goose Island
Goose Island creates award-winning beers that beer drinkers love. The journey began in 1988 when founder John Hall was inspired by his European beer tour to bring the same quality to the United States. In Chicago, with a growing taste for craft beer and access to fresh water, Goose Island was born.
Visitors can enjoy brews like Beer Hug IPA, 312 Wheat Ale, and Matilda Pale Ale. Visitors to the Fulton Street location can stop by the taproom and then take an in-depth brewery tour. The tour covers the whole brewing process, from the fermentation center to barrel aging. The Clyborn brewhouse also offers indoor and outdoor dining options. For an all-inclusive brewery experience, teams should consider Goose Island!
Learn more about Goose Island.
11. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is home to engaging nature exhibits and programs. From Intro to Macro Photography courses to the Butterfly Haven housing over 1,000 butterflies, there is plenty for every guest to enjoy. Current highlights include an art exhibition by Ezra Tucker, conservation-focused displays, and opportunities to connect with the local environment through programs like birdwatching. With a mission to promote a connection with nature and science, the museum provides an educational and enjoyable experience.
Learn more about The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
12. Klairmont Kollections
Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum is a nonprofit firm with a rich history. Larry Klairmont, a decorated WWII veteran and successful entrepreneur, founded the museum. The space houses an impressive collection of over 300 cars, spanning from the early 1900s to the present. For example, visitors can check out a 1919 Ford TT Fire Engine, a 1931 Ford Model A Roadster, and even the Mystery Machine!
The museum showcases the evolution of automobiles and teaches visitors about their historical significance. With a private event space accommodating groups of 30 to 300, the museum is also an excellent choice for private events. Klairmont Kollections is a center for education, celebrating vehicle history.
Learn more about Klairmont Kollections.
13. Lookingglass Theatre Company
Lookingglass Theatre Company puts on unique theater performances. Situated in Chicago’s iconic Water Tower Water Works building, Lookingglass Theatre’s main stage can hold up to 240 attendees. The theater has produced plays such as Metamorphoses, The Jungle, and Lookingglass Alice. The performers use physicality, improv, and training in various performing arts.
Lookingglass also offers workshops and training programs for businesses. These programs teach participants about the theater’s innovative techniques. Attendees will learn new ways to work together and communicate. Overall, Lookingglass is a great place to enjoy the magic of theater!
Learn more about the Lookingglass Theatre Company.
14. The Mystery League
The Mystery League hosts destination company team building activities in Chicago. The Mystery League will bring the games to your office or any venue you choose. The Mystery League’s fun activities for employees all require teamwork, communication, and collaboration. You’ll need everyone on your team working closely together to solve difficult puzzles and challenges in a specific amount of time.
Learn more about The Mystery League.
15. Game Night Out
Game Night Out hosts fun activities for employees in Chicago. Game Night Out’s company events include an enthusiastic host who will keep the energy up and facilitate various games throughout the event. All of the team building games are modeled after familiar and classic group party games, with a fun mixture of guessing, logic, skill, strategy, knowledge, and pop culture. Each game will test and improve your team’s communication, teamwork, critical thinking skills, and creativity. The venue has a beverage fridge, bottle opener/corkscrew, complimentary bottled waters, cups, ice, and cocktail napkins for groups that wish to bring drinks and food. Game Night Out’s fun group activities for adults are capped at 24 people.
Learn more about Game Night Out.
16. Chicago Beer Experience
Chicago Beer Experience offers cool company outing ideas in Chicago. Chicago Beer Experience offers three different walking tours to choose from: Bacon & Brews, Sin & Suds, and Pioneers & Pints. Each corporate event has a unique theme. You’ll learn about and taste delicious beer and discover fantastic tales of Chicago beer history. Do you know about the 1855 lager beer riots, the German-fueled beer expansion in the 1800s, Prohibition, the mob, and Capone’s days? You will after this tour! You must have a team of at least six to book a private event. These company tours can accommodate up to 18 people, and if you have a large team, you can still be accommodated on two or more tours.
Learn more about the Chicago Beer Experience.
17. WhirlyBall
WhirlyBall has fun company team building activities in Chicago with all-day and half-day fun company outing ideas; that’s right, this is five to eight hours of food, fun, and team bonding. At WhirlyBall’s venue, you’ll find bumper cars, bowling, and laser tag. With so many fun group activities for adults to choose from, you must have 20 or more on your team to plan a private WhirlyBall corporate event. Depending on which company party package you book, your day will include breakfast, lunch, appetizers, beverages, and more.
Learn more about WhirlyBall.
18. Chicago Detours
Chicago Detours specializes in group experiences that deep dive into Chicago’s architecture, history, and unique culture. This is a great team outing option for those who want to not only bond with their team but also learn more about Chicago’s rich history. Chicago Detours offers private company tours for both small and large corporate groups. The small group tour is for one to eight guests and can be done on foot or by vehicle. If you have nine or more people, you’ll want to check out the large private walking, bus, and boat tours. With over 15 different tour options to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll find the right fight for your next team outing.
Learn more about Chicago Detours.
19. Host a Meetup
Hosting your own meetup is a great way to combine team building and brand outreach. Meetups can be big and flashy or small and simple. All you need is a cool location (think your office, local park, or bar) and a few games to break the ice and encourage authentic connection between guests. We like mini-games like small scavenger hunts, photo challenges, company trivia, and or human bingo. Keep the games and activities on brand and in line with your company values to promote and tell your company’s story. The goal of a meetup is to connect people who wouldn’t normally connect, i.e., customers, vendors and suppliers, friends, family, and members of the local community.
Did you find the right team building activity for your next team outing in Chicago?
With so many amazing Chicago team building activities to choose from, there is no reason you shouldn’t get at least one company team building activity on your calendar ASAP!
Remember, team building improves team communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, as well as increases individual employee engagement, happiness, and overall job satisfaction.
If you have any questions about company team building activities in Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, or other cities in the surrounding area, then don’t hesitate to drop us a line. We’d love to connect about your company values and specific needs in order to find the perfect team building experience for you!
