Strong relationships help the workplace thrive. If your employees would benefit from having some fun outside the office, consider some of the best team building events in Chicago. You’ll find the perfect activity to make everyone laugh and develop skills that contribute to your company.
1. Mission Possible Scavenger Hunts — Feet First Eventertainment
Feet First Eventertainment can provide some of the best team-building events for corporate teams. The team-building company travels to client locations to arrange events that go deeper than typical workplace discussions. Your team can have fun with the Mission Possible scavenger hunts as they develop problem-solving skills together. The interactive clues ensure that everyone bonds during an engaging scavenger hunt.
Key Features:
- Feet First Events representatives plan experiences tailored to your team’s goals, such as a Puzzlemania event where everyone solves puzzles with challenging clues that further develop communication and team trust.
- Indoor and outdoor events are possible for groups ranging from four to 1,000 attendees.
- The company has created over 10,000 events since 1988, so the creative team can handle imaginative event goals.
2. Bowling — Lucky Strike
Your staff may enjoy bowling at Lucky Strike. The bowling alley is open until the early morning hours, so your fun doesn’t have to stop even if your team often ends the workday late. Select one of the 18 bowling lanes for a public gathering or reserve private lanes to keep your team in a more conversation-friendly environment. The easy online reservation system and free Wi-Fi make Lucky Strike an excellent place for any special event.
Key Features:
- Lucky Strike is in downtown Chicago, so it may be within walking distance of your business.
- The bowling alley also has a billiards room, arcade and darts for people who don’t prefer bowling.
- Seasonal discounts are available to make team building activities possible for smaller businesses.
3. Golfing Simulator — Aster Hall
Golfing is an excellent sport for taking your time and catching up with co-workers. If you want your team to bond on the green, take them to Aster Hall. The virtual golf simulator facilitates an immersive experience within a private area. Your team can order a full meal, sip on cocktails and lounge while chatting about any icebreakers you bring to your event.
Key Features:
- Parties can book corporate events with 72 hours’ notice, so you can book a quick turnaround event anytime.
- No one has to worry about street parking because Aster Hall has a parking garage attached to the building.
- The golf simulator comes with right and left-handed clubs for no additional cost, but people can also bring their own clubs if they prefer.
4. Axe Throwing — Axeplosion
Axeplosion has become one of the best places to throw axes in Chicago. Corporate teams can book an event that facilitates fun conversations and builds trust. When you arrive, an Axeplosion representative will walk you through safety training and help everyone practice their throws. Sign up for laid-back games or competitive tournaments, depending on which kind of event fits your team best.
Key Features:
- Private events can last until midnight, so teams that work late hours can still participate.
- Your axe-throwing adventure can include six to 25 people.
- Dedicated coaches remain with all guests throughout their event to ensure that everyone follows recommended safety strategies.
5. Food Tours — Sidewalk Food Tours
Great food is the foundation of a team-building activity. Sidewalk Food Tours connects people with delicious eats throughout the week. Your team can stroll through the Wicker Park and River North neighborhoods to dine at some of the best restaurants. Sample doughnuts, pizza, tapas and any other cuisine on the schedule. Ask about the company’s customizable tours as well. The company can plan stops around your employees’ food preferences or allergies.
Key Features:
- Sidewalk Food Tours guides explain the history of each visited food scene, helping people form roots with the downtown area.
- Snacking on delicious recipes and walking during a beautiful day can turn co-workers into best friends.
- In-house planners will work with you to design a tour unique to your team or event theme.
6. Ping Pong — AceBounce
Ping pong is a low-risk activity that’s excellent at bringing people together. If you want to become known as a team-building company, take everyone to AceBounce. The business is the best place for ping pong in Chicago because it’s a large venue with numerous tables and event spaces. Your staff members can catch up in the banquet hall or do icebreaker exercises in the private bar area. The possibilities change depending on your guest size, so contact a representative to plan the perfect ping pong night with your team.
Key Features:
- AceBounce has an extensive menu with elevated bar food and mocktails.
- AV technology comes with your event space, so you can incorporate sound systems and presentations into your team building activity.
- You can request a Games Host or an improv comedian to keep the atmosphere light while everyone mingles.
7. Painting — Shot of Art
Invite your team members to Shot of Art for painting activities they’ve likely never experienced. The company provides bodysuits to protect everyone from getting messy while they have fun. Your employees can use BB guns to shoot paint-filled balloons or splatter paint across an entire room with various tools. They can even freestyle under a black light. Everyone may relax around each other in the workplace if they have a silly painting night at Shot of Art.
Key Features:
- Canvas painting and splatter parties are both possible with Shot of Art.
- Painting activities have a minimum of five to six people, depending on your selection.
- Event attendees pay per person rather than by supplies, which can save money for larger groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about team building events in Chicago.
What are the best team building activities?
The best team building activities are any events that encourage people to do something they can’t do at work. Getting messy with paint or trying new foods together can help break down walls that prevent people from feeling comfortable around each other.
What are the five Ps of team building?
The five Ps of team building are purpose, people, place, process and product. Use this framework to define your event and decide what you want from it.
What is the purpose of team builder activities?
The purpose of team builder activities is to help everyone feel like they’re on equal ground. New environments and challenging activities help people bond because they lack workplace hierarchy or tension.
Bring Your Employees Together
Once you know about the best team building events in Chicago, you can easily plan a fun time for your staff. Whether they need to learn how to communicate, forge new friendships or relax after a stressful quarter, Chicago has many activities they’ll enjoy.