Here is our list of the best team offsite ideas.
Team offsite ideas are fun workplace activities held outside the office. These fun and interactive exercises allow coworkers to bond in a relaxed setting. Examples include golfing, archery, and kayaking. The purpose of these team offsite ideas is to improve cooperation and morale among coworkers.
Getting your team out of the office is good for business, in part because it boosts employee happiness. To bond outside of work, you can try online offsite ideas, team outing ideas, or team night out ideas.
This list includes:
- company offsite ideas
- corporate offsite ideas
- leadership offsite activities
- sales team offsite ideas
- offsite team day ideas
- team building offsite ideas
Here we go!
List of team offsite ideas
The best offsite team ideas do not have to be the most expensive. Simple activities like those listed below can work wonders in improving team bonding.
1. Hiking
Hiking is a popular leisure activity with millions of enthusiasts around the world. This fun event involves walking through natural environments like forests, mountains, or hills. The outing provides opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Hiking aids physical health and well-being. The activity is a great way to exercise, reduce stress, and boost morale. Besides, hiking enhances problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Hikers must work together to:
- choose a suitable trail
- prepare for the hike
- navigate unfamiliar terrain
These tasks can help team members connect. More so, many other activities involve hiking, like hunting, sightseeing, and wildlife exploration. You can pair coworkers across different teams up for fun activities.
2. Farm-to-Table Experience
A farm-to-table experience allows team members to connect with nature. As a result, coworkers get to learn about sustainable food practices and build stronger relationships.
For a farm-to-table experience, take your staff to a local farm. Your team members will perform hands-on activities like harvesting fruits and vegetables. After the farm tour, team members will enjoy a healthy meal of produce from the farm. For the best bonding effect, let members cook the food as a team.
A farm-to-table experience offers numerous benefits. The activity promotes teamwork and creativity. Team members will be eager to prepare a meal or solve problems together. This event will also help teams appreciate sustainable practices better. Employees can apply this knowledge at work to promote environmentally responsible business practices.
3. Kayaking
Kayaking is a thrilling sport where players paddle a kayak through a watercourse like a river or a lake. Taking your team out for a kayaking session can be a smart decision to improve staff morale.
The sport requires teamwork and coordination to paddle and navigate through the water. Participants must collaborate to steer the kayak, avoid obstacles, and maintain balance. Thus, your team members have some fun while sharpening their team skills.
Employees will appreciate the thrill and memories of the event. Competitive teams like the sales team will also enjoy going head-to-head in races. Otherwise, you can have different teams compete for a prize.
4. Zip Lining
Zip lining is as exciting as it is challenging. This thrilling activity involves sliding down a cable from a height and can be a great team offsite event. Ensure that every participant is wearing a harness. The adrenaline rush of sliding down the cable is refreshing for employees who might not usually spend time together outside the office.
Zip lining requires:
- teamwork and coordination help each other strap on the harness
- coordination to follow safety instructions
- motivating one another to go through with the challenge
Thus, zip lining builds trust, promotes teamwork, and boosts confidence. If you are looking for offsite activities for a daring and fun workplace, then zip lining is worth considering.
5. Archery
In a business setting, archery can symbolize sales teams hitting their targets, making archery one of the top sales team offsite ideas. The idea is to hit the target with a bow and arrow. Archery needs concentration, so your most focused coworkers will excel here.
Additionally, archery can help:
- bring team members together outside their work environment
- foster friendly competition among coworkers
- provide a sense of accomplishment for participants
- build trust among teammates
However, archery takes some training to get started. It will be easier for your trainer to get you from novice to good archer if there are only a few students. Hence, the activity is great for small teams or small businesses.
6. Golfing
Golfing is popular since the game is inclusive, and newbies can pick up a skill or two. In addition, golfing allows team members to spend time together and get to know each other better. The newfound familiarity will strengthen interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Solid relationships foster the sense of camaraderie that will drive your team’s growth. Better workplace relationships also correlate with higher employee retention.
Golfing requires focus, strategy, and creativity, skills that will prove handy in the workplace. The sport also allows team members to relax and have fun together. The result will be a reduction in stress levels and improved team morale.
7. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding includes navigating trails, obstacles, and rugged terrain, making for an adventurous experience.
Horseback riding provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills. Riders take turns leading the group and making decisions. This activity allows team members to practice their leadership abilities in a challenging environment.
This sport also helps team members build self-confidence. Riders learn to overcome their fears and take control of their horse. This confidence can transfer to the workplace, where employees feel more empowered. Horseback riding is ideal for teams looking to bond better and improve their performance.
8. Mountain Adventures
Being in the mountains is an adventurous bonding activity that may involve climbing mountains or hills.
Mountain adventures present opportunities to partake in several activities together. You can ask each team member to send their favorite songs and curate a playlist for the event. The activities would include camping, geocaching, and hiking the mountains.
Other mountaineering activities include:
- rappelling down cliffs
- snacking and feasting
- nature photography
- stargazing and astronomy lessons
This adventure does not have to be daunting so as not to discourage employees. For a start, take your employees to a low mountain or hill where the team can socialize, relax in the atmosphere, and enjoy the natural air. Remember to record videos and take pictures of yourselves and the environment as you perform these activities.
9. Beach Volleyball
One way to improve team bonding is taking team members to a sand beach pitch where the team can play volleyball. Volleyball is inclusive, and all your team members can take part. Teams will play against each other for the most points. To shake this activity up, you could even play with employees from other companies or beachgoers. Be sure to include periodic breaks for players to rest and rehydrate. Volleyball promotes team spirit and cooperation and allows employees to savor the waves and breeze from the sea.
10. Ice Skating
Ice skating is a fantastic choice for an offsite team event. For one, this sport is a great way to get the staff out of the office and into a fun and active setting. Skating also encourages teamwork and communication among coworkers.
The sport is pretty straightforward but can be daunting for first timers. Practiced skaters can help the team’s rookies get a grip on skating. Hence, this activity also allows experienced participants to help others improve.
As teams start to get the hang of skating, they will loosen up and have fun. Gliding across the ice can bring out the inner child in skaters, relaxing the mind and body.
11. Paintball
Paintball is an exciting team building activity that has gained popularity over the years. This game builds teamwork and communication skills while having fun. Paintball gets the heart pumping and adrenaline flowing. This excitement can break down barriers and bring coworkers closer.
In paintball, you must work as a team to meet your goals. Teamwork requires communicating, strategizing, and coordinating. The game also builds trust, as you must trust your team members to have your back in a high-pressure situation. Thus, paintball builds team spirit, confidence, and reliance on each other.
For a successful paintballing session, do the following:
- Ensure every participant is comfortable playing.
- Choose a safe and reputable paintball facility.
- Ensure all participants have necessary safety gear like masks and protective clothing.
- Set clear safety rules and guidelines for the game.
- Mix up the teams to encourage coworkers to work with different team members.
Paintball suits all players, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability. Your team will enjoy this opportunity to blow off steam and ease tension.
12. Go-Kart Racing
Spending an afternoon racing against each other on a go-kart track is a great way to build relationships. Team members showcase their leadership skills in a fast-paced, fun environment. This game can also improve communication and collaboration skills.
To host this activity, find a go-kart facility near you, and book a time to go. Then, have the team meet at the location. Your team can decide to race either as individuals or as groups. If attendees want to work in groups, then consider having them create team names for extra fun. Finally, get in the cars, and head off to the races!
Go-kart racing can also be a great equalizer among team members. Mental skills like strategy, decision-making, and communication take precedence. As a result, team members will value each other’s contributions during the races. For this reason, the activity can build a more inclusive team culture.
13. Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is an extreme sport that entails jumping off a high platform, like a bridge or tower, with a harness attached to a bungee cord.
When jumping, the jumper experiences a moment of free fall before the elastic cord kicks in. After the drop, the bungee cord bounces the jumper back into the air. The experience can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Participants must face their fears and push themselves out of their comfort zone.
This activity requires participants to:
- weigh risks and benefits
- make split-second decisions
- trust equipment and safety procedures
These requirements build confidence and resilience. The activity will also develop risk-taking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Hence, bungee jumping is perfect for company offsite ideas.
14. Skydiving
Skydiving might be expensive, but the thrill is worth every penny. In this adventure sport, participants jump from an airplane and free fall before opening a parachute. Skydiving builds risk-taking and decision-making skills. The activity also fosters confidence and resilience.
Skydiving creates a sense of accomplishment in participants. Hence, the sport is an exciting experience that can leave a lasting impression on employees. The gesture shows that employers value the input of their staff at work.
Besides, this event allows coworkers to build relationships and create lasting memories. Team members connect in a fun setting outside of work. The adventure fosters trust and cooperation while enhancing individual skills.
15. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving involves exploring the underwater world with scuba gear. Team members have to work together in an unfamiliar environment. The coworkers need to rely on each other to ensure the whole group’s safety, which can create a sense of teamwork.
Besides team building, scuba diving can positively impact members’ mental health and well-being. This activity encourages individuals to leave their comfort zones and overcome their fears. Additionally, scuba diving promotes relaxation.
Relaxing during a scuba dive can:
- reduce stress levels
- improve mental clarity and focus
- boost employees’ self-confidence and self-esteem
- increase workplace productivity
Besides these benefits, scuba diving can provide a memorable experience that team members will cherish for years.
16. Fishing Trip
A fishing trip is one of the most popular corporate offsite ideas. Fishing allows team members to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily work routines and connect with nature. You can take the team on a boat or to a nearby water body where each member can catch fish. Participants will try to catch fish using bait and lures.
You can split the team into groups and determine the following:
- what group catches the biggest fish
- what group catches the most fish
Members will deliberate on strategies as each group tries to outshine the other. This deliberation can bring out coworkers’ cooperative spirit. As the team spends time together on the water, members can share stories and interests. These experiences can help team members find common ground and connect more deeply. Additionally, these conversations can help team members build stronger relationships.
Fishing also requires the following:
- patience
- concentration and attention to detail
- adapting to changing conditions
- adjusting to different fishing methods
All these skills are essential for teamwork. Besides, the natural environment can reduce stress. Your team members will return to work refreshed and rejuvenated.
17. Camping and Survival Skills Training
Camping and survival skills training is an outdoor team building activity. Team members spend time in the wilderness and learn survival skills.
During the activity, team members will learn how to make a fire, build a shelter, and find food and water sources. Coworkers must also rely on each other to complete tasks and overcome obstacles. This cooperation can improve overall team spirit.
The training can identify leaders when each team member displays their skills. Additionally, workers will become more adaptable and resilient. These skills will come in handy in the workplace when unexpected challenges arise. Hence, camping and survival skills training is an excellent idea for leadership offsite activities.
18. Brewery or Wine-Tasting Tour
A brewery or wine-tasting tour is a fun activity that coworkers can do together to learn about their favorite drinks. During the tour, the team visits a brewery or vineyard where all members learn about beer or wine production. Participants can also taste different drinks and try food that pairs well.
Going on a wine-tasting tour can help coworkers know each other better. Also, colleagues must work together to navigate the tour and decide which drinks to try. These joint decisions can help with team building.
Doing something fun outside of work can make employees feel good. The event can be a fun and memorable experience to boost morale or motivate staff. Relaxation can also make workers feel more positive about their job. Ensure that the team drinks responsibly!
19. White Water Rafting
White water rafting is an activity where a group goes on a rafting adventure on a river. On a rafting trip, the team can navigate through fast-moving water, steep drops, and rapids.
The activity starts with a safety briefing and training on using the equipment. Then, the group gets on the raft and heads down the river with a guide who steers the raft and gives instructions.
White water rafting offers many benefits for team building. Rafting in a natural environment reduces stress as the activity promotes a sense of adventure and excitement. In addition, the river adventure creates a shared experience for the team to reference later.
20. Adventure Ropes Course
An adventure ropes course tests colleagues’ balance and teamwork, making this a great team building experience.
This activity involves completing a course made up of different obstacles, including:
- rope bridges
- zip lines
- balancing beams
Participants must wear safety equipment, as the course is high off the ground. The activity starts with a safety briefing and training on using the equipment. A guide is usually on hand to support and encourage the participants. Coworkers will then work together to navigate through the obstacles.
Completing the course can promote a sense of achievement, boosting morale. Moreover, the adventure ropes course is a memorable experience that your team will surely like to repeat.
21. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Participants of this interactive game must find and collect items based on clues provided by a facilitator. To play this game, split employees into teams, and give them a list of items to find or tasks to complete within a timeframe.
Teammates must work together to guess clues, find items, and complete tasks. The winner is the team that finds or completes the most items or tasks within the timeframe.
This activity is customizable to fit the needs of your various teams. For example, you can tailor the items or tasks to specific industries or company goals. You can also design indoor scavenger hunts to accommodate team members with disabilities. Hence, the game is perfect for organizations seeking inclusive offsite team day ideas.
Conclusion
Planning an offsite team event is a great way to build friendships and improve team dynamics. With many options available, deciding on a suitable activity can be challenging. However, you can take a vote on employee preferences to discover what participants will enjoy. You can make the most of your outdoor activities by encouraging your employees to record videos and take photographs. Staff can reference these media in the future. Besides, you can use the pictures for marketing and public relations purposes.
Next up, check out these articles on team building cruise ideas, things to do with colleagues after work, and ways to recharge your teams.
