‘So, let’s start with an icebreaker’. The dreaded opening gambit of the chief commissioner of the organised fun committee at the start of the much maligned team building day out. Though we might be reluctant to participate, we know deep down that such a day can actually be a prudent investment for any company. When pitched right it can unite your staff, give them a common goal, provide some watercooler banter until the next one and, whisper it, actually be rather enjoyable. So, whether you’re looking for a party venue in Leeds, an outdoor space in London or dancefloor in Liverpool, here are our 7 IDEAL activities for corporate events and team building.
Nostalgic Board Games
If that all sounds a bit too hectic, consider introducing a bit of childhood nostalgia in a different way, by having a theme centred on board games such as Monopoly, Risk, Scrabble or even chess. The level of physical exertion is low, yet mental concentration required high, meaning it’s a fairly easy one to organise, as it also doesn’t require a lot of space, hosting or financial outlay. Gentle and slow paced, we know, but for a more thoughtful and introverted team, actually a lot of fun.
Inflatable Rides & Obstacle Courses
For those who are active and agile, and who don’t mind throwing on some shorts and getting a bit hyper (Doris in accounts, we’re looking at you), the introduction of a few blowup rides or bouncy castles can really inject some energy into an event. Obstacle courses and inflatable slides tend to bring out the inner child in even the sternest team member, rendering the first half of the term ‘organised fun’ obsolete.
As the team at Fun Times Bouncy Castles tell us in refreshingly breezy fashion, there’s not a great deal of strategy or critical thinking involved, but sometimes the best corporate events and teambuilding jaunts are those purely designed for letting your hair down and relieving some stress.
Karaoke
Some love to sing in public. Others find it about the most excruciating proposition imaginable. A word of warning, then, with this one; don’t make it compulsory or you’ll have some serious dissenting voices on your hands. In the right hands though, karaoke can be a superbly involved, fun filled way prevent colleagues or staff from losing steam through a long corporate event. And those who’d rather not show off their pipes? Well, they could represent a panel of judges offering feedback and scores. Another caution…as the boss you’ll have to sing; start practising now!
5-A-Side Football
There’s nothing more effective in illuminating to staff the value of teamwork than introducing a little competitive edge. Team sports, such as five-a-side footy, offer a great opportunity to bond, keep fit and form friendly rivalries which have a long-lasting impact on office harmony. Corporate events which culminate in such a square up offer a useful incentive for people to remain until the end. If made a regular thing (a weekly teambuilding exercise perhaps?) a deep-rooted loyalty within your staff can be developed. After all, who’s going to want to walk out on their job when the big clash with the H.R department is going down next week?
Volunteering
Rather than forcing people to reluctantly engage in organised fun, why not arrange something that will make a positive difference to society instead. After all, work and being the member of a team isn’t all about making money for both yourself and the company, it’s also about giving back. From building community gardens, protecting wildlife, helping out at a farm, renovating community spaces, and revitalising parks and rundown housing estates, there are plenty of outdoor volunteering activities that are ideal for a memorable and rewarding team building trip.
Escape Rooms
Nothing says teamwork quite like being locked in a room together with only your collective wits to secure your freedom. Escape rooms have exploded in popularity precisely because they force groups to communicate effectively, delegate tasks based on individual strengths, and work under pressure towards a common goal. The best part? The artificial urgency and shared challenge tend to break down hierarchical barriers naturally, with the quiet intern potentially becoming the hero who spots the crucial clue. Most cities now boast multiple escape room venues with varying themes and difficulty levels, making it easy to find something that suits your team’s comfort zone.
Cooking Classes
Few things bring people together quite like preparing and sharing a meal. Corporate cooking classes offer the perfect blend of creativity, collaboration, and immediate gratification. Teams must coordinate timing, share resources, and support each other’s efforts – all while learning new skills they can actually use at home. Whether it’s pasta making, sushi rolling, or cake decorating, the relaxed atmosphere of a cooking class encourages natural conversation and bonding. Plus, unlike most team building activities, this one ends with everyone sitting down together to enjoy the literal fruits of their labour.
The Bottom Line
While the phrase ‘team building’ might still make some employees inwardly groan, the right activity can genuinely strengthen workplace relationships and improve collaboration. The key is knowing your team well enough to choose something that feels authentic rather than forced. Whether you opt for high-energy competition, creative collaboration, or meaningful community service, the most successful corporate events are those that allow people to see different sides of their colleagues while having a genuinely good time. After all, teams that play together really do tend to work better together.
