Chicago’s Top 10 Team Building Activities
When it comes to building a strong team in the workplace or any organization, there are many different strategies that can be used. One effective approach is to plan team building activities that promote teamwork and encourage collaboration. Being based in Chicago we may be slightly biased, however there are plenty of fun and engaging activities that can help bring your team together. Here are ten of the best team building activities to do in Chicago:
Escape Rooms: Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years as a team building activity. Participants are locked in a themed room and must solve puzzles and find clues in order to escape. Chicago has several escape rooms to choose from, including Escape Artistry and Fox in a Box. There are also great ones in the nearby suburbs including Lock Chicago in Evanston and Escape Factor in Forest Park.
Scavenger Hunts: A scavenger hunt is a great way to explore the city while promoting teamwork. You can create your own scavenger hunt or use a company like Roamli to organize it for you. Scavenger hunts can be tailored to fit your team's interests and can be a fun way to get to know each other better.
The best part about our scavenger hunts at Roamli is that you can have multiple teams competing/participating in cities across the globe. Imagine having your NYC office starting an event at the same time as your Chicago or Austin office. Certain apps will contain live leaderboards to track points and progress throughout a game, allowing coordinators to award prizes or other fun incentives to players!
Cooking Classes: Taking a cooking class together can be a fun and interactive way to bond as a team. We’re not great chefs ourselves but Chicago has several cooking schools, such as The Chopping Block and The Wooden Spoon, that offer group classes. In addition to learning new cooking skills, participants can also enjoy a delicious meal together at the end of the class maybe mixed in with some wine or other team-building beverages!
Improv Classes: Improv classes are a fun way to build communication skills and encourage creativity. Second City is one of the most well-known improv theaters in Chicago and offers classes for teams. Participants learn how to think on their feet, work together to create scenes, and develop their public speaking skills. There are also other theaters in the city that host similar classes so you just need to find the best one suited for your group.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering as a team can be a rewarding way to give back to the community while also building team morale. Chicago Cares is an organization that can help you find volunteer opportunities that fit your team's interests. Whether it's working at a food bank or helping with a community clean-up, volunteering together can be a great way to build a sense of purpose and camaraderie.
Paint and Sip: Painting classes with wine or cocktails are a fun and creative way to relax and get to know each other better. Pinot's Palette and Bottle and Bottega are two popular options in Chicago. Participants can enjoy a drink while learning to paint, and can take their artwork home as a memento of the experience.
Sports Activities or Games: Participating in a team sport such as beach volleyball or kickball can promote teamwork and encourage healthy competition. Companies like Players Sports Group offer organized leagues for corporate teams. Playing a sport together can help build trust and communication skills while also promoting physical fitness.
Team Building Games: There are many games designed specifically for team building, such as Code Breakers and The Great Egg Drop Challenge. Team Building Kits offers a variety of games that can be customized to your team's needs. Games can be a fun and interactive way to build teamwork skills, and can be tailored to fit your team's specific goals and challenges.
Amazing Race: Similar to a scavenger hunt, an Amazing Race-style competition can be a fun way to explore the city while promoting teamwork. At Roamli we offer a customizable Amazing Race experience in Chicago where participants work together to solve clues and complete challenges while racing against the clock. This is a great way to discover different neighborhoods outside of your office and engage with different businesses in the local community.
Outdoor Adventure: Chicago has many outdoor activities that can be great for team building, such as kayaking on the Chicago River or biking on the Lakefront Trail. Companies like Kayak Chicago and Bobby's Bike Hike offer guided tours and rentals. Spending time in nature can be a great way to relieve stress and build relationships, while also promoting physical activity. Weather permitted of course - so make sure you plan something during the warmer months!
In conclusion, there are many team building activities in Chicago to choose from, depending on your team's interests and goals. By taking the different benefits into consideration some of our favorite are Scavenger Hunts, Escape Rooms, and Outdoor Adventures. It’s important to allow players to get outside of their comfort zone while not pressuring them into anything they wouldn’t do normally. Any activity that allows people to explore and discover a new city/neighborhood while having fun with their team is a win/win in our book. Happy Roaming!
