Remember the last time your team worked together to solve a challenge? That synergy didn’t happen by chance—it was built through connection, trust, and shared experiences. Team building activities are a crucial aspect of any successful team, whether they are working offline or virtually.

Team building activities help strengthen relationships between team members, improve communication and collaboration skills, and boost morale. They also provide an opportunity for employees to step out of their daily routine and get to know each other in a more relaxed and fun setting. 

As teams become more diverse and remote, it’s important to have a variety of team-building activities that cater to different preferences and situations. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 24 team-building activities that can be done both offline and virtually.

Why Team Building Matters

Team building is more than just a fun break from work; it’s an investment in your team’s long-term success. When employees connect through meaningful activities, they build stronger relationships, improve teamwork, and feel more engaged in their roles.

According to Forbes, team building supports collaboration and reduces conflicts, creating a happier and more effective team. These activities not only improve teamwork but also help integrate new team members into the entire team and create a company culture of respect and engagement.

Investing in team-building exercises isn’t just good for morale—it’s essential for developing a connected, high-performing team that works toward shared goals.

Team Building Activities for Offline Teams

Offline team-building activities offer a chance to step away from screens and engage in face-to-face interactions. These activities create an environment where teams can collaborate, solve problems, and bond naturally.

Here are some offline ideas to bring your team closer while breaking away from the work routine:

Fun and Collaborative Team Building Games

These activities will challenge your team’s problem-solving skills and teamwork while adding a sense of fun and excitement.

1. Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are an excellent activity to bring your team together for some collaborative fun.

Each team races to find items or complete tasks, using creativity and communication to cross things off the list.

This activity brings out problem-solving skills and keeps everyone on their toes.

How to Play:

• Pick a location - Choose a spot where the hunt will take place, such as your office, an outdoor park, or a larger area like a downtown neighborhood.

• Plan the list - Create a mix of tasks and items for participants to find or complete, including fun challenges like snapping a selfie at a specific location, solving riddles, or finding something with a specific color or theme.

• Split into teams - Divide everyone into small groups of 3–5 people to ensure equal participation and brainstorming opportunities.

• Lay down the rules - Explain the hunt's boundaries, how points will be awarded, and the time limit for completing tasks.

• Start the race - Distribute the lists and let teams dive into the hunt, working together to complete as many tasks as possible before time runs out.

After the hunt, gather everyone to share their funniest moments or clever solutions from the game. It’s a great way to wrap up the activity and leave everyone smiling.

2. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms turn problem-solving into an exciting adventure.

Team members learn to work together to crack puzzles, uncover clues, and “escape” before the time runs out.

It’s an activity that pushes people to communicate clearly and think fast under pressure.

How to Play

• Pick your adventure - Choose an escape room with a theme your team will enjoy. You can find rooms that focus on mysteries, treasure hunts, or even spooky adventures.

• Form teams - Most escape rooms work best with groups of 4–8 people. If you have a large team, book multiple rooms and add a competitive twist by seeing which group finishes first.

• Set the stage - The escape room host will explain the rules and share the storyline. Make sure everyone listens closely so the team knows where to start.

• Do the challenges - Inside the room, group members will need to search for hidden clues, piece together puzzles, and solve riddles. Everyone should share discoveries and ideas to move forward quickly.

• Beat the clock - Work against the timer to complete the room’s mission and escape. Encourage every team member to jump in with ideas or try solutions.

After the escape, teams often laugh and share stories about their clever (or hilarious) strategies. It’s a perfect way to bond over a shared victory—or a valiant attempt!

3. Team Sports

Team sports are a great way to get everyone moving and working together.

Whether it’s volleyball, kickball, or a relay race, these games create friendly competition and foster teamwork outside the office setting.

How to Play

• Choose a sport - Pick a game that matches your team’s interests and energy levels. Classic options like volleyball or kickball work well, but you can also try casual games like tug-of-war or frisbee.

• Set up the field - Book a park, gym, or open space where the game will take place. Gather any necessary equipment, such as balls, nets, or cones.

• Divide into teams - Organize balanced groups to guarantee fair play. Adjust team sizes to fit the game—smaller teams for frisbee, larger ones for relay races.

• Explain the rules - Go over the rules, scoring system, and safety guidelines before starting. Encourage fair play and emphasize teamwork over winning.

• Start playing - Let the game begin! Teams will need to communicate, strategize, and support each other to score points and achieve their goals.

When the game is over, the shared laughter, high-fives, and sense of accomplishment are what make the experience memorable.

4. Trivia Nights

Trivia nights are a fun and interactive way to challenge your team’s knowledge while developing teamwork.

Teams compete to answer questions on various topics, from pop culture to history, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

This activity encourages friendly competition, teamwork, and quick thinking.

How to Play

• Pick a theme - Choose trivia topics that suit your team’s interests. Options include general knowledge, company history, movies, or pop culture.

• Prepare questions - Create a list of questions with varying difficulty levels. Include a mix of multiple-choice, true/false, and open-ended questions for variety.

• Divide into teams - Split participants into small groups of 3–5 people to guarantee everyone has a chance to contribute.

• Set the rules - Share how points will be awarded and explain any special rules, like time limits for answering or bonus rounds.

• Play the game - Read questions aloud or display them on a screen. Teams discuss and submit their answers, aiming to earn the most points by the end of the game.

After the game, announce the winners and share funny or surprising answers. Trivia nights are perfect for sparking conversations and keeping the team entertained.

Creative and Skill-Building Activities

These activities focus on nurturing creativity and encouraging your team to collaborate on fun and engaging projects.

5. Cooking Challenges

Cooking challenges bring creativity and teamwork to the table—literally.

Team members work together to create dishes based on a theme or surprise ingredients, which pushes them to communicate, problem-solve, and think outside the box.

How to Play

• Set the stage - Choose a location with access to a kitchen or cooking stations. If a full kitchen isn’t available, simple setups with portable stoves or no-bake recipes work just as well.

• Pick a theme - Decide on a theme for the challenge, such as “breakfast favorites” or “global cuisine.” Alternatively, provide mystery ingredients and let teams build their recipes around them.

• Divide into teams - Split participants into small groups of 3–4 people. Have each team assign roles like chef, sous-chef, and presenter.

• Set a time limit - Give teams a specific amount of time to prepare their dishes, such as 45 minutes to an hour.

• Present the dishes - Once the cooking is done, teams present their creations. Add a fun twist by having a panel of judges or letting the group vote on their favorite dish.

Cooking challenges often end with everyone sharing the meal together, making it both a fun and delicious way to bond.

6. Group Painting Sessions

Painting sessions allow team members to express their creativity while working on individual or collaborative artwork.

This activity is calming, fun, and a great way to bring the team closer.

How to Play

• Gather supplies - Provide canvases, paintbrushes, and a variety of paints. You can also include stencils or inspiration boards to help those less confident in their artistic abilities.

• Choose the setup - Decide whether everyone will create their own painting or work together on a single large canvas. Collaborative murals are a great way to bring ideas together.

• Set a theme or let it flow - Pick a theme, such as “nature scenes” or “teamwork,” or let everyone paint freely. Encourage participants to share their ideas and draw inspiration from each other.

• Give time to create - Allow 1–2 hours for everyone to relax, chat, and enjoy the process. Encourage team members to walk around and admire others’ progress.

At the end of the session, team members can display their art in the office or take it home as a memento of the experience.

7. DIY Workshops

DIY workshops are hands-on and interactive, giving teams the chance to build or craft something meaningful together.

From assembling birdhouses to planting terrariums, these projects encourage teamwork and creativity while delivering a tangible end result.

How to Play

• Pick a project - Choose a DIY project that suits your team’s interests and skill levels. Popular ideas include building birdhouses, creating terrariums, making candles, or designing custom tote bags.

• Gather materials - Provide all the necessary tools and materials, like wood, plants, paint, or glue. Pre-prepared kits for each participant make setup easier.

• Explain the process - Start the workshop with a quick demonstration or tutorial so everyone understands the steps involved.

• Collaborate and build - Encourage participants to help one another and share resources as they work. This promotes teamwork and creates opportunities for casual conversations.

Once the projects are complete, team members can take their creations home or display them in the workplace as a reminder of the shared experience.

Outdoor Team Building Activities

Sometimes, the best way to bring your team together is through activities that promote relaxation and well-being.

8. Outdoor Yoga

Yoga in the fresh air is a fantastic way to help your team relax, improve focus, and find a peaceful moment together.

This activity combines physical movement with mindfulness, making it ideal for reducing stress and encouraging balance.

How to Organize:

• Pick a location - Choose a serene outdoor spot like a park, garden, or beach where participants can spread out comfortably.

• Hire a guide - Bring in a yoga instructor to lead the session and tailor the exercises to suit various fitness levels.

• Provide mats - Encourage participants to bring their own yoga mats or supply them if needed.

• Set the tone - Create a calm environment with optional relaxing music or nature sounds.

Outdoor yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level, and leaves the team feeling refreshed and energized.

9. Nature Walks or Hikes

A group walk or hike is a simple yet effective way to enjoy fresh air, take in scenic views, and strengthen bonds through casual conversations.

How to Organize:

• Choose a route - Pick a nearby trail, nature reserve, or park with a level of difficulty that suits your group.

• Plan the walk - Outline the route and share the duration and distance with participants in advance.

• Encourage interaction - Pair up team members to chat along the way, rotating partners occasionally to help everyone connect.

• Add a fun element - Include small activities like identifying local flora or a photo contest to make the walk more engaging.

Nature walks or hikes provide a relaxed setting where team members can connect outside of the usual work environment.

10. Picnics with Games

Picnics combined with lighthearted games are a fun and easy way to bring your team together in an outdoor setting.

This activity encourages teamwork, laughter, and casual bonding over shared meals and enjoyable activities.

How to Organize:

• Pick a spot - Select a spacious park or open area with plenty of shade where your team can comfortably gather.

• Plan the menu - Provide a variety of picnic foods like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks. Consider dietary restrictions to guarantee everyone has something to enjoy.

• Set up games - Organize simple team games like frisbee, tug-of-war, sack races, or bean bag toss. These games are easy to play and require minimal setup.

• Create a schedule - Balance time between eating, relaxing, and playing games. Allow flexibility so everyone can enjoy their favorite parts of the picnic.

• Encourage participation - Divide participants into teams for the games or let individuals join activities they find most appealing.

Picnics with games are a perfect mix of relaxation and fun and a great opportunity for your team to bond in a casual and enjoyable atmosphere.

Fast-Paced Action Games

These activities are perfect for teams looking for excitement and energy while promoting teamwork and strategy.

11. Laser Tag or Paintball

Get ready for action-packed fun! Laser tag and paintball are thrilling team games that require strategy, communication, and quick thinking.

These games are perfect for energizing your team and building trust through shared experiences.

How to Play:

• Choose a venue - Pick a laser tag arena or outdoor paintball field that suits your team size.

• Form teams - Divide participants into balanced teams for a fair and exciting game.

• Gear up - Equip players with vests, laser guns, or paintball markers and safety gear.

• Set objectives - Play capture-the-flag, elimination, or other fun game modes.

• Start the game - Let teams strategize and work together to outplay their opponents while staying active and engaged.

Celebrate your team’s efforts by recognizing standout moments, like the best strategist or most enthusiastic player. A post-game meal or snacks are great for continuing the fun and bonding.

12. Obstacle Courses

Obstacle courses are a fantastic way to challenge your team physically and mentally.

Teams explore through a series of tasks that require collaboration, problem-solving, and determination to complete.

How to Organize:

1. Pick a location - Choose a venue with pre-built obstacle courses or create your own using ropes, cones, and other equipment.

2. Set up challenges - Include tasks like crawling under nets, climbing walls, and balancing on beams to test agility and teamwork.

3. Form teams - Split the group into teams and encourage them to strategize on how to complete the course efficiently.

4. Provide instructions - Explain each obstacle and safety guidelines before starting.

5. Time the race - Teams compete to finish the course in the shortest time while cheering each other on.

After completing the course, gather the group to share their experiences and highlight moments of exceptional teamwork. Consider giving small prizes for the fastest team or the best problem-solvers.

13. Bowling Competitions

Bowling is a classic team activity that combines friendly competition and relaxed socializing.

It’s ideal for teams of all sizes and skill levels.

How to Organize:

• Book a bowling alley - Reserve lanes based on your team size. Most bowling alleys can accommodate large groups.

• Divide into teams - Split players into groups of 4–6 for manageable and fun rounds.

• Set a scoring system - Use the bowling alley’s automated scoring system or introduce fun twists like themed challenges for added excitement.

• Cheer each other on - Encourage teams to celebrate strikes, spares, and even gutter balls for a lighthearted atmosphere.

• Crown the winners - Crown the Winners: Recognize high scorers or create unique awards for the most improved players or funniest moments.

End the activity by celebrating the winning team with trophies, medals, or just a big round of applause. Don’t forget to share the funniest or most memorable moments from the lanes.

Relaxing and Social Activities

These activities help teams unwind, connect, and have fun in a laid-back, stress-free setting.

14. Karaoke Nights

Karaoke nights are a fun and lively way to bring your team together.

Singing along to favorite songs—whether on or off-key—creates laughter, breaks the ice, and helps everyone loosen up.

How to Play:

• Choose a venue - Host the karaoke session at a local venue, a private room, or even in the office with a karaoke machine or app.

• Set up the playlist - Create a playlist with a mix of popular hits and fun classics to get everyone singing.

• Encourage participation - Start with enthusiastic volunteers to set the tone and inspire others to join.

• Add a twist - Include duet rounds, team sing-offs, or themed performances for extra fun.

• Cheer each other on - Clap and cheer for everyone, regardless of their singing ability, to keep the energy high.

End the night with a group singalong or recognize standout performers with lighthearted awards like "Most Energetic Singer" or "Best Air Guitarist."

15. Movie Nights

Movie nights are a simple, laid-back way to unwind and bond as a team.

Watching a great film together creates shared experiences and sparks conversations.

How to Play:

• Pick a movie - Choose a film that suits your team’s interests. Go for lighthearted comedies, inspirational stories, or crowd-pleasing blockbusters.

• Set the scene - Arrange a cozy space with comfortable seating, dim lighting, and a large screen or projector.

• Provide snacks - Stock up on popcorn, candy, and drinks to recreate the cinema experience.

• Encourage interaction - Start the event with a short discussion about favorite movies or have a trivia quiz related to the film.

• Post-movie chat - After the movie, gather for a casual conversation about favorite scenes, characters, or takeaways.

Share a group photo from the event or create a fun list of the team’s favorite movies to continue the connection beyond the night.

Team Building Activities for Virtual Teams

If your team works remotely or in a hybrid setup, virtual team-building activities are a must-have for strengthening connection, collaboration, and creativity. They bridge the gap between physical distances, helping teammates bond and communicate no matter where they are.

Let’s explore some fun and effective virtual team-building options to keep your team motivated and connected.

Fun and Engaging Slack-Based Games

Braid makes corporate team-building activities easy and enjoyable by offering a variety of interactive games directly on Slack.

These games inspire creativity, promote collaboration, and add friendly competition to your virtual workspace. Whether your team needs a quick icebreaker or an engaging challenge, Braid makes connecting effortless and fun—all within Slack.

Get Started with Braid in Two Easy Steps

Ready to bring your team together with exciting Slack games? Follow these steps to get started:

1. Add Braid to Slack - Visit Braid’s website and click “Add to Slack.”

2. Grant Access - Allow Braid to integrate with your Slack workspace, and you’re all set to play!

Now, you can explore a variety of games, all designed to boost teamwork and creativity. Let’s explore the Braid game options!

16. Wordsmith 📝

Players Needed: Minimum of 2; best with 4+ players.
Duration: 10–15 minutes per round.

Wordsmith is a fun and interactive vocabulary game that tests your team's creativity and collaboration. The challenge? Use seven random letters to create as many words as possible before time runs out.

Longer words earn higher points, and using all seven letters grants a satisfying bonus. With teamwork and quick thinking, Wordsmith turns friendly competition into an engaging experience.

How to Play

• Create as many words as you can - Your team’s goal is to form words using the given letters.

• Check your DM - Each team will receive the same set of seven letters in their private message.

• Work quickly - Teams have a minute to brainstorm and submit as many valid words as possible.

• Score high to win - The team with the most points at the end of the round takes the win!

Quick Setup

• Choose a game - Pick Wordsmith from the Slack games list.

• Select a channel - Decide which Slack channel will host the game.

• Customize settings - Adjust the number of teams and the time limit.

• Start playing - Let the word-building fun begin!

Pro Tips for Winning Wordsmith

• Share ideas and list words as fast as possible.

• Maximize points by prioritizing longer words.

• Find ways to use every letter and earn bonus points.

• Add common endings like -ing, -ed, or -est to boost your score.

• Assign roles to team members; one focuses on base words, while another adds prefixes or suffixes.

17. Typing Test⌨️

Players Needed: Minimum of 1; suitable for any team size.
Duration: 5–10 minutes per round.

Think you've got the fastest fingers on your team? The Typing Test lets you compete against colleagues in a thrilling race to type a given text as quickly and accurately as possible.

With scores based on speed, accuracy, and completion rate, this game is perfect for energizing your team while keeping things lighthearted.

How to Play:

• Type the text - Race to type the provided text as quickly and accurately as you can.

• Score points - Your performance is measured by words per minute, accuracy, and completion rate.

• Win the game - The highest-scoring player earns the top spot!

Quick Setup:

• Choose a game - Select Typing Test from the list of available games on your Slack channel.

• Pick a channel - Decide which Slack channel will host the game.

• Start the race - Let the typing competition begin!

Pro Tips:

• Pay attention to the text to avoid mistakes.

• Balance speed and accuracy to maximize your score.

• Fix errors quickly without losing momentum.

• Improve your speed and precision with regular games.

18. Picture Puzzle🧩

Players Needed: Minimum of 2.
Duration: 10–15 minutes per round.

Challenge your team’s visual and problem-solving skills with Picture Puzzle! In this engaging game, players are presented with an image and a category hint and tasked to guess the word or phrase it represents.

It’s engaging, interactive, and ideal for promoting creative thinking and teamwork. Whether it’s solving a riddle or discovering a hidden clue, every guess brings the team closer to victory.

How to Play:

• Guess the words - Use the image and category hint to figure out the correct word or phrase.

• Fewest guesses win - The player who solves the puzzle with the fewest attempts takes the crown!

Quick Setup:

• Choose a game - Select Picture Puzzle from the Slack game options.

• Pick a channel - Decide which Slack channel will host the puzzle.

• Start guessing - Let the puzzle-solving fun begin!

Pro Tip for Winning Picture Puzzle

• Let the hint guide your guesses.

• Pay attention to small details for valuable clues.

• Consider different interpretations of the image.

• Share ideas and brainstorm in the Slack thread.

• Describe the image to your teammates; this can trigger new ideas.

19. Word Link🔗

Players Needed: Minimum of 2; works well with 3–10 players.
Duration: 10–15 minutes per round.

Word Link is a fast-paced word chain game where each player takes turns adding a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word.

It’s simple yet challenging, as every word earns points, but invalid or misspelled entries lose you the chance to score.

This game is perfect for testing your vocabulary while keeping the team actively engaged.

How to Play:

• Start the chain - Enter a word that begins with the last letter of the previous word. For example: BananA ➡️ AnT ➡️ TaX ➡️ XylophonE ➡️ ElephanT

• Score points - Earn 1 point for every letter in your word.

• Avoid penalties - Misspelled words or those that don’t start with the correct letter get no points.

• Take turns - Build the chain until everyone has had 5 turns.

• Win the game - The player with the highest score is crowned the winner!

Quick Setup:

• Choose a game - Select Word Link on your Slack app.

• Pick a channel - Decide where the game will take place in Slack.

• Set number of turns - Define the number of turns each player will have.

• Start the game - Let the word chain begin!

Pro Tip for Winning Word Link:

• Plan potential words based on tricky endings like "z" or "x."

• Maximize points with longer words to maintain the lead.

• Keep track of the chain to avoid breaking the link.

• Learn less common words to surprise your teammates.

• Adding endings like "ing" or "est" can boost your score.

20. This or That🔀

Players Needed: Minimum of 2.
Duration: 5–10 minutes per session.

This or That is a fun and casual icebreaker game where participants pick between two options, like “dogs or cats?” or “lights on or lights off?”

It’s perfect for sparking quick conversations, encouraging laughter, and breaking the ice during team meetings.

With endless questions to explore, every session is guaranteed to bring lively discussions and reveal new things about your teammates.

How to Play:

• Make your choices - Choose between 5 fun and impossible decisions like "Burgers or Pizza?" or "Coffee or Tea?"

• See the results - Once everyone has made their selections, check the results to see how your preferences stack up amongst your teammates.

Quick Setup:

• Choose a game - Select "This or That" from the menu.

• Pick a channel - Decide which Slack channel will host the game.

• Play the game - Start the session and let the debates begin!

Pro Tip:

• Guess the most popular choice before revealing results for an extra layer of fun.

• Avoid divisive or overly serious topics to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.

• Ask participants to share reasons behind their choices to deepen connections.

• Use unexpected or humorous options to keep the game fresh and entertaining.

Interactive Activities for Virtual Bonding

These activities are perfect for sparking conversations, encouraging creativity, and building connections among team members.

21. Virtual Coffee Chats

Virtual coffee chats are casual one-on-one video calls that help team members connect on a personal level.

These informal chats build relationships and create a sense of community in remote teams.

How to Play:

• Schedule pairings - Randomly pair team members using a scheduling tool.

• Keep it short - Limit each session to 10–15 minutes to keep it light and easy.

• Break the ice - Use conversation starters like, “What’s your go-to weekend activity?” or “What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?”

Share memorable moments or fun takeaways during a team meeting to highlight the connections made.

22. Collaborative Storytelling

Collaborative storytelling lets team members build a creative story together, one sentence at a time.

It’s perfect for sparking imagination and laughter.

How to Play:

• Start with a prompt - Begin with something simple, like, “One day, a mysterious package arrived at the office…”

• Take turns - Each participant adds one sentence to build the story.

• Wrap it up - Conclude the story after a set number of sentences or when it naturally ends.

Share the completed story with the team in a Slack thread or during a meeting for laughs and inspiration.

23. Online Trivia

Online trivia brings out the competitive side of your team while encouraging collaboration.

It’s fun, quick, and great for virtual team bonding.

How to Play:

• Pick a platform - Use a trivia app or a video conferencing tool to host the game.

• Choose categories - Include topics like pop culture, general knowledge, or team-specific trivia.

• Play and score - Teams answer questions, earn points, and compete for the highest score.

Announce the winners, share funny answers, and encourage a rematch to keep the fun going.

24. Team Playlist Creation

Creating a shared playlist allows your team to bond over music.

It’s a creative and interactive way to connect while discovering new tunes.

How to Play:

• Pick a theme - Choose a playlist idea, like “Monday Motivation” or “Team Favorites.”

• Share the playlist - Use Spotify or another platform where team members can add their songs.

• Listen together - Play the playlist during virtual meetings or team hangouts. Send the playlist link to the entire group as a memento and a way to keep the music alive in future sessions.

How to Choose the Right Team-Building Activities

Selecting the right funny team-building activities ensures that everyone feels engaged, included, and motivated. Consider the following:

Know Your Team’s Personality

Selecting the right team-building activities is essential to keeping everyone engaged, included, and motivated. To make the best choice, start by understanding your team’s personality.

High-energy teams thrive on fast-paced challenges like scavenger hunts, trivia games, or Typing Tests, which allow them to channel their energy into productive collaboration.

For creative thinkers, activities like group painting, collaborative storytelling, or Wordsmith are ideal for showcasing imagination while working together.

Introverted or quieter teams benefit from low-pressure options like This or That or virtual coffee chats, which help build trust and comfort.

Meanwhile, logical problem-solvers enjoy challenges like escape rooms, Picture Puzzles, or strategy-based games that test their skills.

Consider Team Size and Dynamics

The size and composition of your team play a big role in determining which activities will be most effective.

Small teams work well with activities like escape rooms, cooking challenges, or Wordsmith, which promote closer collaboration and ensure everyone feels involved.

For larger teams, inclusive options like team sports, trivia games, or This or That keep everyone engaged without being overwhelming.

Hybrid teams can benefit from a mix of offline and online activities—such as outdoor yoga for local team members combined with virtual games like Braid’s Typing Test to connect remote participants.

Align Activities with Goals

If your aim is to boost communication, activities like trivia games, Wordsmith, or coffee chats encourage open dialogue and teamwork.

For promoting creativity, opt for imaginative projects like painting sessions, collaborative storytelling, or Word Link.

If stress reduction is the goal, wellness-focused activities like meditation, nature walks, or online yoga classes are great choices for helping teams recharge.

Plan Around Practical Factors

Time constraints matter, so quick sessions can include games like This or That or short meditation exercises, while longer events could feature escape rooms or outdoor sports.

Budget is another key consideration; cost-effective options like Braid’s Slack games or DIY workshops can be just as impactful as pricier alternatives.

Ensure the resources you have, such as virtual platforms for remote teams or accessible outdoor spaces for in-person groups, align with the chosen activity.

Common Team-Building Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Team-building activities can be powerful tools for promoting cooperation and engagement. However, they are not without challenges. These hurdles often differ based on whether the activities are offline or virtual. 

Below, we outline the most common challenges and practical solutions to address them effectively.

Offline Team-Building Challenges

Reluctance to Participate

Not everyone may feel comfortable jumping into team-building activities, especially if they are introverted or unsure about the purpose of the event.

To overcome this, start with low-pressure icebreakers that don’t force anyone to step too far out of their comfort zone. For instance, begin with trivia or creative brainstorming tasks before progressing to more interactive activities. 

Clear communication about the purpose of the session—building connection rather than competition—can help ease resistance.

Scheduling Conflicts

Coordinating an offline event for a diverse team can be tricky, as work commitments, personal obligations, and differing preferences can make finding the perfect time a challenge.

Plan well in advance and send out scheduling polls to find a time that works for the majority. If possible, host multiple sessions to allow more flexibility for those with conflicting schedules. 

Incorporating team-building into regular work hours, like a Friday afternoon, can also secure better attendance.

Budget Constraints

Some team-building activities, such as escape rooms or off-site retreats, can be costly, making it difficult for organizations with limited budgets to participate.

Look for budget-friendly alternatives that still encourage collaboration and fun. Activities like office-based scavenger hunts, nature walks, or DIY workshops can be effective without breaking the bank. 

Consider using public spaces or in-office resources to keep costs low while maintaining engagement.

Group Dynamics Issues

Differences in personalities, communication styles, or existing team tensions can make collaboration during offline activities challenging.

Address this by creating diverse but balanced groups, ensuring no one feels isolated or overshadowed. Start with cooperative activities that require mutual support, such as collaborative art projects or team sports. 

A skilled facilitator can help manage group dynamics, encourage inclusivity, and mediate conflicts if they arise.

Virtual Team-Building Challenges

Engagement Fatigue

After a long day of virtual meetings, many employees may feel too drained to engage fully in virtual team-building sessions.

Combat fatigue by keeping activities short, fun, and interactive. Opt for quick games or challenges that can be completed in Slack, such as Wordsmith. 

Mixing casual, conversational activities with high-energy games keeps variety and keeps the team motivated.

Technical Issues

Internet connectivity problems or unfamiliar tools can disrupt the flow of virtual activities, leading to frustration.

Minimize disruptions by testing tools and platforms before the session begins. Provide a quick tutorial or guide for unfamiliar software. If technical issues arise, have backup options ready, such as asynchronous activities like storytelling threads or a shared team playlist.

Time Zone Differences

For teams spread across multiple locations, scheduling real-time virtual sessions can be challenging, as some team members may need to join at inconvenient hours.

To address this, try asynchronous activities like photo challenges or collaborative story threads, which allow participation without strict timing. If live sessions are necessary, rotate time slots for fairness, and secure key sessions are recorded for those unable to join.

Lack of Personal Connection

Without face-to-face interaction, building authentic relationships online can feel impersonal and difficult.

Facilitate deeper connections through small-group activities, such as breakout room discussions or virtual coffee chats. Interactive games, like Word Link or Picture Puzzle in Slack, can also encourage conversations and shared experiences, bridging the gap.

Repetitive Formats

Repeating the same type of virtual activity can lead to boredom and reduced engagement over time.

Introduce variety by exploring new platforms and tools or switching formats frequently. For example, alternate between games, wellness activities like virtual yoga, and themed discussions. 

Seek team feedback regularly to understand what they enjoy most and adapt accordingly.

Bring Your Team Closer with Braid

Team building is more than just an activity—it’s the foundation of a strong, connected team. Whether you’re working together to crack escape room puzzles, paint a masterpiece, or enjoy a quick Slack game, these shared experiences create trust, improve communication, and strengthen team bonds.

With Braid, virtual team building becomes effortless and fun. Designed to fit seamlessly into Slack, Braid offers engaging games that bring your team together, no matter where they’re located. 

From boosting morale to strengthening connections, these activities help transform your team into a more cohesive and motivated group.

Why wait to create a more connected and motivated team? Schedule a demo with Braid today and see how simple it is to integrate fun, meaningful activities into your workflow.

FAQs About Team Building Activities

What are the fun activities for team building?

Fun team-building activities include scavenger hunts, trivia games, escape rooms, and cooking challenges. For remote teams, virtual options like Slack-based games (e.g., Wordsmith or Typing Test with Braid) or interactive online trivia games are excellent for boosting morale and engagement.

What is a 5-minute team energizer?

A 5-minute team energizer is a quick activity designed to re-energize and refocus your team. This could be a lighthearted game like This or That, where participants choose between two options, or Two Truths and a Lie, where teammates guess which statement is false. For a virtual twist, you can use Slack-based games like Typing Test from Braid to add a fun and competitive element.

What are the 4 main types of team-building activities?

The 4 main types of team-building events are:

1. Communication activities - Focused on improving team interaction (e.g., trivia games, collaborative storytelling).

2. Problem-solving activities - Designed to develop strategic thinking and teamwork (e.g., escape rooms, scavenger hunts).

3. Creativity activities - Encourage innovation and imagination (e.g., painting sessions, Wordsmith).

4. Wellness activities - Promote relaxation and mental well-being (e.g., yoga, mindfulness exercises).