10 Team Building Activities Your Team Will Actually Love in 2023

Are you looking to increase your team’s morale and productivity in 2023? If traditional team-building activities like uncomfortable icebreakers or basic trust falls just aren't cutting it, then it's time to get creative! 

Here we'll explore 10 innovative team-building activities that won't just boost engagement but are guaranteed to bring the fun back into work days. 

Whether through developing problem-solving skills or simply getting your teammates out of their comfort zone, these experiences will foster collaboration, communication, and leadership development & provide new learning opportunities. So if you're ready for a change of pace in 2023, dive right in!

1. Murder Mystery Party

Put your detective hats on and find the killer — it's time to solve a virtual murder mystery! You and your team will have a blast grilling each other and working together to uncover who the murderer is. Whether it's an intimate group of 6 people or a big gathering of 20+, your team will have plenty of time to interact and figure out whodunit. 

To make things easier, you can enlist a murder mystery representative to guide your party by providing prompts and clues. That way, you don't have to worry about having all the answers and can focus on your investigation. Your team will have to use their best detective skills and outsmart each other in order to find the imposter.

Murder mystery parties are always a fun team-building activity because they give everyone the opportunity to engage, problem-solve, and have a few good laughs. It's an excellent way to inspire your team to be creative and think outside the box.

2. Go-Kart Racing

Relive those carefree days of racing around the neighborhood with team go-kart racing! You and your team will have an amazing time working together and creating great memories, no matter which challenge game you choose.

Team races are not just about competing — they are also about cooperation, building trust, and simply having some fun! It's a great way to break away from the regular work environment and get to know each other on a more personal level. As an added bonus, you can also offer branded prizes such as t-shirts or trophies to commemorate your team's triumphs.

Your outing could also include catering options, so everyone can get energized before the big race. With exciting activities and plenty of delicious food to go around, your team will have an amazing time together.

3. Host an Art Class

Hosting an art class is a great way to get your team's creative juices flowing. Whether it's a paint and sip party or an origami class, these activities will help your team members express themselves in a safe space. 

Through creative expression, your employees will be able to bond with their coworkers outside of the office and develop creative thinking skills that'll translate into their day-to-day work. Art is also a wonderful reminder that we should never let go of our inner child and that it's okay to take risks. 

There are plenty of businesses that offer art classes for groups, and you can often customize the experience to cater to your team's needs. If you're a remote team, you can even do a virtual art class with all the materials mailed directly to your team members! No matter the workforce, hosting an art class will build camaraderie and foster creativity.

4. Plan a Happied Retreat

Want to really make your team-building epic? Book a team retreat! Retreats are not just for the usual networking and team-building exercises. They are a way to get outside of the corporate world, escape from the daily grind, and have some good old-fashioned fun. 

Think spa days, beach trips, cookouts, scavenger hunts — anything that’s sure to leave your team refreshed, connected, and ready to tackle any project that comes their way. You know your group best, so make sure you choose activities that match their personalities, interests, and needs. 

Whether an annual retreat or just a one-off event, taking your team out of the office and into a fun setting can do wonders for morale, collaboration, and productivity. At Happied, we make retreat planning easy — from finding the perfect venue to arranging transportation and organizing group activities, we've got you covered. Talk to a planner today for FREE to get started!

5. Grow a Community Garden

It's not just flowers and veggies that will grow in your team's community garden. You'll grow together as a team too! Working together in a garden setting often brings people closer as they learn more about each other and the environment. It's also a great opportunity for those with more of a green thumb to take a leadership role and help out colleagues new to gardening. 

Your local community garden may offer different types of educational activities, such as cooking classes or educational programming. As you work together in the garden, your team will not only gain skills and knowledge but also build relationships and camaraderie that lead to better communication and understanding in the workplace. 

Not only that, but you'll be actively giving back to the community in a way that will be appreciated by all. From the simplest of tasks, like weeding and planting, to more complex projects, such as building raised beds or trellises, your team can make a difference together.

6. Private Improve Party

You don't have to be a comedy genius to attend improv workshops for business! Improvolution offers a fun and interactive approach to developing communication and collaboration skills. Through a series of interactive games, you and your team will learn how to think on your feet, express yourself with confidence, listen without an agenda, and work together.

Although ideal for more outgoing teams, trained professionals will guide you through the process in a relaxed setting so that everyone feels comfortable participating. They can also customize the program to fit the personality of your group. 

For some liquid courage, you can even arrange for custom cocktail kits or drop-off catering to get the party started! With some branded props and a little bit of creativity, your team will come away with a newfound appreciation for improvisation and develop skills that will take your business to the next level.

7. Picnic in the Park

Nothing brings people closer together like a shared meal under a canopy of trees! Hosting a corporate picnic in the park is a great way to enjoy some fresh air, mingle with teammates, and of course, indulge in delicious food. 

Planning for a picnic can be easy. Just book your space ahead of time if necessary (many parks offer online booking, or you can call directly to reserve), bring the basics like plates, utensils, and napkins, and create a sign-up sheet for your team to bring a delicious dish of their choice. Or, support your local small business and order takeout from a nearby restaurant. 

To make the picnic extra special, why not add a theme? Ask everyone to dress up in their favorite decade or have everyone bring dishes that are inspired by their cultural background. Picnics are a great opportunity to sprinkle in some inclusivity and learn something new about one another.

8. Ghost Tour

If your team loves a good spook, a city ghost tour makes for a fun and memorable team-bonding experience. Your group will be taken on a private journey through the city’s winding streets, guided by an expert who is knowledgeable about its history, culture, and (of course) hauntings!

Along the way, you’ll hear stories of famous residents who have decided to stick around for a few hundred years. How about an old pirate who haunts the pier? Or a lady in white who glides through the cobblestone streets of the old town? With plenty of chills and thrills, your team is sure to be entertained.

A ghost tour is a great way to encourage communication, helping teams explore, discover, and connect in a fun and casual environment. Who knows? Maybe it’ll even spark a few creative ideas among your team members. Either way, it'll be an experience to remember… if you dare!

9. Virtual Escape Room

Goat yoga classes are the perfect way to relax and destress. With a yoga instructor guiding you through the poses, this unique experience can provide a way for you and your employees to bond and nurture the mind and body.

During the class, the goats will roam around and even hop on your team members as they do the sequences! It's a simple and adorable way to bring joy and laughter to your team. After class, feel free to relax and enjoy some cuddle time with the goats! 

Goat yoga classes are a great way to escape the office and put any worries aside. The activity can help your team build stronger relationships in a fun and lighthearted way while also bringing physical relaxation and mental clarity — something we all need to stay productive and focused.

10. High Ropes Course

A high ropes course will take you and your team on a thrilling adventure through the great outdoors! Best for active teams, this activity will show employees the importance of encouraging one another and working together to overcome obstacles. Not only will you get a great workout, but you'll also learn the value of trust and collaboration.

Getting out of the office and reconnecting with nature is scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve well-being. Plus, it's a great way to bond with your team and build relationships in a fun, challenging environment! You'll never forget the memories you make in an adventure course or ropes course.

After the ropes course, why not reward your team with a post-event happy hour or on-site treats? You can curate an intimate gathering to celebrate your successes and reflect on what you've achieved. By taking in new scenery and embarking on this unique adventure together, your team will be able to build trust, bolster relationships, relieve stress, and have some serious fun!

Here’s to a Happied & EVENT-ful 2023!

So there you have it, friends! 10 sure-fire team-building activities that will spice up any work event in 2023. There are a ton of great team-building activities and events out there — it just takes some intention and creativity to find the right one for your company. 

If you want to make sure your event is meaningful, engaging, and fun for everyone involved, we recommend working with a professional planner. Happied has a team of experts who can take care of all the details for you, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself.

So what are you waiting for? Reach out today and let us help you plan the perfect team-building event!