Outdoor Team Building Activities 40 Group Games for Adults

Research by McKinsey suggests that 55% of employee engagement in the workplace is often driven by non-financial recognition such as team lunches and in-house team-building activities. Although the modern work environment has taken on a different form, with some offices working either remotely or on a hybrid model, outdoor team building activities remain a crucial element for any team.

The benefits of team building are near endless, and employers that promote outdoor team-building activities will see increased communication, peer-to-peer engagement, employee motivation, and effective planning among team members.

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Further research by Gallup helps us to understand the importance of team building activities and engagement exercises. The Gallup research shows that high-engaged business units will have a higher percentage of team performance. Additionally, absenteeism will be around 81% lower, while productivity increases by 14% among organizations that have high-engaging team-building activities.

Outdoor Team Building Games for Adults

As we now know, outdoor team building activities among highly-effective and motivated teams can help deepen peer-to-peer relationships and foster new skills among employees.

For companies planning outdoor team-building games for adults, it’s important to consider the level of participation among employees, the size of each team, and the resources required to enhance the experience.

Activities range from minimal planning and requirements to those that will require additional set-up and resources to be completed by team members. Although there will be a winning team, it’s important to promote the benefits of every team building activity or outdoor team building event to employees.

1. Eyeless Drawing

Blindfolded drawing requires individuals to draw an object using verbal queues and instructions. This activity looks at teamwork and verbal communication among each member.

1. Participants are divided into teams of four to six people each.
2. A flipchart, markers, and everyday objects will be required. The best is to print a bunch of pictures of random or non-obvious everyday objects such as a sunglass case, a curtain, or measuring tape.
3. Each team will designate one person to be the “artist” or “drawer.”
4. The artists will be in charge of drawing the object which is being described by the remaining team members.
5. Team members are not allowed to say what the object is, and will need to describe it to the best of their ability.
6. Each team will have between three and five minutes to complete as many objects as possible.
7. The artist is not allowed to see the object they need to draw, and neither are the team members allowed to see what the artist is drawing.
8. Closest drawing to the object wins.

How many can participate: Six – 20 members divided into teams.

Time required to complete activity: 20-40 minutes.

2. Cornhole Tournament

Cornhole is a beloved game that every person knows how to play. As a team-building exercise, cornhole can help employees motivate one another, designate the best possible cornhole player, and work effectively under pressure.

1. Divide members into teams of two.
2. Each player in the team will have one minute to throw as many cornhole bags through the hole.
3. Remaining members will be required to cheer and motivate one another.
4. The team with the most baskets wins.

How many can participate: Six – 20 members divided into teams.

Time required to complete activity: 1-10 minutes.

3. Buckets and Balls

Teams are required to move as many tennis balls from one bucket to another using anything but their hands or arms to pass the bucket between each person. The game will help team members delegate more efficiently, and boost their morale to motivate one another.

1. Divide members into equally sized teams, with one person being the “handler.” These individuals are the only people allowed to touch the tennis balls with their hands.
2. Mark out the field of play, with one side as the designated “Start” and the other “Finish.” Place a full bucket of tennis balls behind the finish line.
3. Members will start at the starting line, with handlers remaining at the start line for the duration of the game. Teams will then be required to move as many tennis balls from the finish line to the starting line without using their hands or arms.
4. All balls will then be placed into the bucket by handlers.
5. Each team will get approximately five minutes to delegate, and work on moving as many tennis balls as possible without using their hands or arms.

How many can participate: Six – 28 members divided into teams.

Time required to complete activity: 25 minutes

4. App-based scavenger hunt

For something that requires less planning, consider organizing an app-based scavenger hunt that helps to improve teams’ problem-solving skills and interaction. This team building event can involve an obstacle course, promote good communication skills, and a lot of physical challenges for teams.

An app-based scavenger hunt will require fewer resources, and planners can decide on the several available apps that are currently available.

Some apps, such as The Go Game will allow planners to completely personalize the experience based on the number of teams, resources, and space.

There is no limit to what the scavenger hunt can look like, and what it may consist of, as each app can provide different puzzles for teams.

How many can participate: Six – 16 members divided into teams.

Time required to complete activity: 25-45 minutes

5. Team photo finish

A game that tests employees’ coordination and communication that requires no equipment or any major preparation.

This game is similar to the traditional “three-legged race.”

1. Members are divided into equal numbers of teams.
2. Teams are then required to cross a designated finish line at the same time using coordination among one another.
3. Usually, team members will be tied together at their feet with a rope, or will have their shoelaces tied together.
4. To increase the difficulty, team members can be asked to run across the finish line at once.

How many can participate: Six – 16 members divided into teams of three or more.

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Time required to complete activity: 10-15 minutes.

6. Blindfolded Square

A game that will help test teams’ ability to communicate with one another, while also using their instinct to deliver the perfect square while being blindfolded and working together as a team.

1. Members are divided into teams of four and are given a piece of rope tied into a circle.
2. The rope is placed onto the floor, and team members are then blindfolded.
3. Teams will then need to walk away from the circle for a few seconds and will need to find their way back to their circle using verbal queues.
4. Once members have returned to their circles, they will need to make the perfect square while still blindfolded.

How many can participate: Six – 20 members divided into teams of four.

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Time required to complete activity: 10-15 minutes.

7. Lego Sneak Peak

For Lego Sneak Peak, every team will need to create an exact, near-exact replica of a pre-built structure. Members of the team will be allowed to sneak peak at the structure beforehand and will need to delegate to team members what they need to do. This game helps to test communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

1. Members are divided into teams between four and six.
2. The team will be allowed to sneak a peak at a structure made out of Lego or any other type of building block at different intervals.
3. Every minute, one member will be able to look at the structure and delegate to the team what they need to do.
4. This cycle will continue until each member of the team has seen the structure and informed their teammates what to do.
5. Teams that can finish the structure first, or closest to the original win.

How many can participate: Six – 20 divided into equal teams.

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Time required to complete activity: 10-15 minutes.

8. Minefield Crossing

This game will see groups paired up, with one person delegating the other across a minefield while blindfolded. A game that allows testing employees’ communication and delegation skills, coordination, and working under pressure.

1. Place a bunch of random objects, either cones, balls, bottles, or anything similar in an open field or space.
2. Pair members into groups of two each, with one person being blindfolded and the other delegating.
3. The aim is to let the blindfolded member cross the “minefield” without stepping on any of the objects, while the person at the starting line navigates them across.
4. Pairs will have two minutes to complete a full cross.
5. To make it more difficult, request that the blindfolded individuals return to the starting line once they have crossed.

How many can participate: four – 20 divided into equal teams.

Time required to complete activity: 10 minutes.

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9. Self-made glider challenge

A challenge that requires a bit more team effort and ingenuity. For this activity, members will be divided into bigger groups that require them to build gliders or planes. The team whose glider lasts the longest in the air wins or moves up the leaderboard.

1. A designated outdoor area is selected for where gliders will be constructed and flown during the challenge.
2. Members are divided into teams of four and more and are instructed to build a glider/plane from the materials that have been provided to them.
3. Teams will construct their gliders at the same time in a given time frame.
4. Once the time has concluded, gliders will be put to the test to see whether they can fly or not and if they do, for how long.

How many can participate: eighth – 20 divided into equal teams.

Time required to complete activity: one hour – two hours.

10. Bridge building

Another game that requires a lot of effort, patience, and ingenuity. Bridge building allows teams to construct a bridge out of provided materials. This task would see teams collaborate on design and engineering, looking to promote more technical skills within a team.

1. Members are divided into teams of two or more.
2. Materials are provided and teams are required to build a bridge that can withhold a certain amount of weight.
3. Once the time has run out, bridges will be tested for durability and strength.

How many can participate: eighth – 20 divided into equal teams.

Time required to complete activity: one hour – two hours.

Fun Outdoor Group Activities

While team building activities will often require members to engage more technically, looking to promote engagement and communication among each other, some fun outdoor group activities can offer team bonding experiences, while also enjoying each other’s company.

Company Picnic

A company picnic is one of the simplest ways to get teams together, allowing them to bond and engage with one another outside of the office environment. Often smaller to medium-sized companies will host a picnic as a relaxed activity that allows employees more social time with one another.

With a company picnic, it’s possible to incorporate several games such as outdoor chess, cornhole, or even board games. Moreso, it’s possible to include family members and close friends of employees to create a more relaxed and social environment.

Horse riding

For companies that have the financial resources, outdoor horse riding will enable employees to connect not only with one another but with nature and animals at the same time. While horse riding might not be a bucket list item for every person, it’s the perfect activity to have a more intimate team-building exercise.

Rollerblading

Another fun, yet adventurous activity for teams is rollerblading. While it does require the company to either rent or hire the necessary equipment, it allows members to assist one another, helping employers facilitate the overall team bonding experience.

Company cookout

Similar to a company picnic, a cookout would see members of the office come together in a social, yet comfortable setting. Having a cookout can be a fun activity if employees are divided into teams and put to the test to see who can make the best burger, or cook the tastiest steak. The company cookout can also include family members, and it’s often a budget-friendly way to have employees socialize with one another outside of the office.

Capture the flag

For the more thrill-seeking employees, capture the flag is a great way to divide employees into teams and see who can commit to specific roles within a larger group. Often with capture the flag, several positions need to be filled, and it will help teams practice better communication and leadership roles.

High ropes

Heights might not be for everyone, but with high ropes, it’s possible to create a more thrill-seeking experience. Not only does it help to get employees out of the office, but it’s also a fun day activity that can be concluded with a picnic or cookout. High ropes is a fun outdoor team building exercise that can be inclusive of everyone.

Outdoor yoga

Physical and mental well-being is an important element of any functioning team. Providing them with an outlet where they can decompress and destress enables team members to relax without having to worry about the office. Moreover, with outdoor yoga, it’s possible to include hybrid workers via remote yoga classes.

Yoga classes are usually an easy and affordable outdoor team building activity that can include all members of the team, and when you hire a professional yoga instructor, it’s for sure that employees will feel a lot more relaxed in the workplace. Nowadays some companies offer yoga classes weekly to help improve employees’ mental well-being and prevent them from feeling burned out.

Paintball

For companies with more active and younger employees, paintball can be another fun outdoor activity that sees teams collaborate and execute a strategy. This activity involves some physical running, and would also need to be conducted in a safe, yet comfortable setting.

Giant Jenga

A different take on the traditional game of Jenga, which sees a tower being constructed out of wood or any other light material. Each team member needs to remove one piece from the tower without letting it topple over. The player that causes the tower to collapse is disqualified from the next round.

Giant Jenga sees the same concept being put to work, this time in a larger format that requires a bit more critical thinking and analysis among teammates.

Office trivia

Trivia games are also a pleasurable way to get to know one another and see employees bond with one another. Having office trivia helps to break the ice among newer employees and allows for both small and big teams. On top of this, it’s possible to include remote workers as well via an online conference call.

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Outdoor Team Building Events

Outdoor team building activities and events combine the excitement of having employees engage in a social aspect, while also including some activities that help to put their skills to the test. Instead of solely looking for ways to improve teams’ communication and engagement efforts, these events create a more comfortable environment where members can socialize, yet work as a collective on a given task or problem.

Hiking excursion

Teams that are located in regions where there are ample hiking and walking trails can take a break from the mundane, and collectively participate in a hiking excursion. The great thing about hiking excursions is that it’s usually quick and requires minimal effort or planning. For an added experience, choose an excursion that has some exciting scenery, or waterfalls.

Adventure outdoor games

Adventure outdoor events can be a fun way to get everyone involved. By putting employees’ skills to the test, companies can organize an entire day of outdoor events, where employees have to compete against one another in teams in challenges such as archery, canoeing, kayaking, and relay.

It will require a bit of planning and resource distribution, but adventure outdoor games can put people’s leadership and management skills to the test.

Kickball tournament

Kickball is a fun and relatively easy activity that can have employees go head-to-head in tournament style. Members are divided into teams, with each then choosing a captain and the different positions for the kickball match. The tournament would enable staff to support and motivate one another and can be incorporated with other activities such as a picnic or cookout.

Volleyball

Another great event that will see multiple employees get involved. Volleyball is a quick, fast-moving game that requires players to work together and communicate effectively. More so, companies can incorporate several sports events into one full day of outdoor fun. It’s best to have activities that would include all employees, and not just the fittest and most athletic.

Organize a company marathon

Although it may require a bit more planning, and coordination across the company and several third parties, a marathon can be another fun event that would see employees collaborate on the planning. Hosting a marathon would give the company exposure, and it’s possible to partner with a charity or nonprofit as a way to get other companies involved as sponsors and members of the community to participate.

Cookout potluck

Companies can invite some of their partners or clients to a cookout potluck, allowing everyone to contribute a signature dish to the cookout. The family-style seating arrangement will also allow for better socializing among employees and clients and allows everyone to get together in a less formal and more social environment.

Ping-pong tournament

Instead of having a fun and easy-going afternoon of ping-pong at the office, why not turn it into a real-life tournament with employees competing against one another in teams? This will put employees’ focus and coordination to the test, as also their sportsmanship. It’s an affordable, and easy event that can be finished off with drinks or a few snacks.

Charity fundraiser

A charity fundraiser will see employees get more involved with their community, and also improve their team working skills as they plan and develop projects that will help raise money for nonprofits and charities. Instead of having the whole office work on one project, or selecting one charity, divide employees into two or three teams. This will not only see more people benefiting from the charity event but also incorporate different organizations as well.

Cook-off

See how well employees work under pressure, by putting them to the test in the kitchen. It’s possible to rent an industrial-sized kitchen that comes equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment to host a cook-off event. What’s better is that this event allows the company to invite friends and family members to watch and even participate in the taste test.

Go-Karts

For action-driven teams that are looking for an exciting event that doesn’t require too much planning or resources, go-karting is a fun idea that would leave employees competing for first place. Finish off the day with drinks and snacks, or organize a dinner at the go-kart center.

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Team Building Activities for Small Groups

Team building is crucial for teams of all sizes, and for smaller companies, with fewer employees, there are some fun things they can do to get their employees more involved and engaged.

Mini Golf

Mini golf can give employees a chance to socialize more freely with one another outside the office, and it can be turned into a little tournament to see who can get the best score. Mini golf is also an affordable, easy, and quick activity that can be done on any given day and requires minimal planning.

Bowling

For small groups, bowling is another easy option that would see employees socialize outside the office, but also put their competitive streak to the test. This activity requires minimal planning and can have as few as three people participating at once. End of the day with drinks and snacks at the bowling arena.

Group beach picnic

Don’t have just an ordinary beach day, organize a beach picnic, with food, drinks, and some beach games. The beach is the perfect place for employees to relax and unwind, but also participate in different games that will put their communication and teamwork skills to the test. Check out whether there are local companies that can organize and arrange a beach picnic. This is an affordable and simple activity that requires minimal resources and finances.

Archery

For teams that want to improve their focus and coordination, archery is another activity that requires minimal planning and can mostly be led by an expert at the local archery range. After a few hours of shooting arrows, and learning some new skills, finish off the day with drinks and light snacks.

Cooking classes

Take the team out to improve their cooking skills and learn how to work under pressure. Cooking classes are not that expensive and are usually during the evening. This would be a great year-end event for small teams.

Indoor Team Building Activities

For companies that want to enjoy team-building exercises without having to leave the office, or due to bad weather conditions, there are several practical indoor team-building activities to choose from.

Office trivia

Office trivia is not just a great ice-breaker for new employees who have recently joined the team, but it’s also a way for everyone on the team to get to know their colleagues better. Office trivia requires minimal planning and resources and can be partnered with other exercises as it’s not time-consuming.

Chest of dreams

Another interesting activity that sees team members sharing their dreams and hopes for themselves. In this activity, employees are not only able to share their aspirations in a safe and secure environment, but it can also be a great conversation starter among team members who share similar interests. This activity requires a bit of problem-solving skills and can help boost team morale.

Peer-to-peer grading

This is a great team-building exercise for small to medium-sized teams and can work for remote working teams too. The objective is for employees to self-reflect on their skills and development within the company, and allow their peers to evaluate their abilities. This exercise encourages everyone to get to know their peers better and makes a point of it to improve self-evaluation.

Winner and Loser

An activity perfect for smaller groups, Winner and Loser aims for employees to share any negative experiences they have endured throughout their life or career. Employees are paired with a partner and share a negative experience. Their partner will then start to discuss all the positive aspects of the experience and how they can improve or focus on the silver lining.

Tactile surviving

Office members are divided into equal teams and given a specific scenario and a random object. Teams are then required to explain the function of the object based on the scenario. For example, it could be something like, “Saving the world from a massive asteroid, using only a car battery and some duct tape” could see teams coming up with different applications. This helps to promote team engagement, presentation, and creativity.

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FAQs

Final Thoughts

Team building benefits not only the employees but the company as well as it helps to promote team communication and engagement and motivates employees to interact with their peers more frequently. Companies of all sizes should have at least several team-building exercises throughout the year to keep employees engaged and help boost their soft skills that will later replicate themselves in their work.

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Categories: Outdoor