You found our list of top team building activities in NYC, New York.
Team building activities in NYC are events that help employees improve their communication and problem-solving abilities while fostering a spirit of collaboration. There are many team building activities in New York City, including bowling, escape rooms, painting lessons, and pizza-making workshops. These activities are excellent for large and small groups looking to have memorable experiences while bonding in The Big Apple. These activities are also known as “team bonding in NYC” and “corporate team building ideas in New York City.”
These activities are examples of team building exercises and are similar to NYC company outing ideas and NYC corporate events. These ideas are ways to improve cooperation in the workplace.
In categories like:
- Top team building experiences
- Outdoor team building events
- Indoor team building activities
- Free team building ideas
- Food team building activities
Let’s get started!
Top team building experiences
Here are the absolute top team building experiences in NYC.
1. The Great Guac Off™️ (Staff Favorite)
The Great Guac Off is one of the most popular team building activities in NYC, and is loved by teams at Amazon, HelloFresh, YouTube and more. The event is 90 minutes of fun icebreakers and mini-games, together with a wildly fun and competitive guacamole making competition.
The Great Guac Off includes everything you need for a successful team building event:
- 90 minutes with a wildly entertaining teambuilding.com host
- co-host(s) to help with clean-up and make sure it all runs smoothly
- a set of mini-games and competitions proven to maximize team engagement
- all the guacamole ingredients and chips for dipping
- fun and memorable group photos
- an entire team to help with planning your perfect event
- 100% happiness guarantee
In short, your team will RAVE about The Great Guac Off.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
2. Museum Hack (Popular)
Museum Hack runs wildly fun and engaging tours of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. An expert guide will lead your team through this incredible institution, sharing the hidden secrets, juicy gossipy and often untold stories of the art and artists. It’s a whole new way to visit the museum and is already loved by teams at Google, Johnson & Johnson, Chipotle, and hundreds of others.
Your Museum Hack experience includes:
- a 90-minute renegade tour led by an extra guide
- stories about the objects and artists
- mini-games and icebreakers to help your team connect
- museum admission ($30/pp value)
- fun group photos
- full support team to plan your experience
- 100% happiness guarantee
Here is what the dragon lady from Game of Thrones had to say about her Museum Hack experience:
Learn more about Museum Hack.
Outdoor team building events
Looking to have fun with your team outdoors? Here is our list of the best outdoor team building activities in NYC.
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- icebreaker games
- bingo cards
- DIY guides
by teams at FedEx, Amazon, Deloitte and 13,730+ others
3. High Line Scavenger Hunt (Outdoors)
The High Line is an incredibly unique attraction in NYC, and holds some of the cities best kept secrets. Your team will race against the clock to find clues and solve puzzles in an unconventional and highly engaging scavenger hunt.
Your hunt includes:
- 90 minutes with a professional teambuilding.com host
- all game materials and instructions
- fun group photos
- and more!
Learn more about the High Line Scavenger Hunt.
4. Walking Tour of Manhattan
This remarkable tour is one of the team building activities for small groups in NYC, NY. You will indulge in the city’s best historical and culinary highlights. NYC is a haven for foodies and history buffs alike, with a rich and varied past. To offer the best possible experience, group sizes are limited to eight people. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers approximately one or two miles. You can also get a private tour for about 40 participants. The tour guides have extensive experience and are well-versed in this historic neighborhood.
Learn more about the Manhattan Walking Tour.
5. Hudson River Recreation
This picturesque kayak trip on the Hudson River suits first-time boaters and seasoned paddlers. Kayaking allows you to take in the stunning views of the New York City cityscape. Coaching is available for participants. The whole journey of the Hudson River takes around an hour and a half. The tour includes single or double kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and guides. The facility also offers outdoor showers, changing rooms, lockers, and restrooms.
Learn more about Hudson River Recreation.
6. Bubble Soccer
You can play a rousing game of bubble soccer to let off some steam and indulge in some friendly competition. While traditional soccer matches are the most prevalent, the bubble equipment may also work for various other team building activities.
Bubble soccer is an excellent choice if you want an activity that can accept last-minute modifications, like the number of participants. You should consider booking this activity after a long workday so the team can wind down and get some exercise.
Learn more about Bubble Soccer Challenge.
7. HeliNY
With HeliNY, you can explore New York City from the sky! You can choose from three NY-based tours to fit your needs.
Here are the tours to check out:
- The New Yorker Tour: This 12- to 15-minute ride showcases 17 major landmarks.
- The Ultimate Tour: Teams can spend 17 to 20 minutes in the air checking out 23 landmarks.
- The Deluxe Tour: This ultimate tour lasts 25 to 30 minutes and shows off a whopping 25 landmarks.
Teams will get to see sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Little Island. Be sure to check out HeliNY for a new look at this amazing city!
Learn more about HeliNY.
8. Central Park Carriages
Central Park Carriages is a fun and whimsical way to explore this iconic park. Each carriage can carry up to four participants at once. The firm offers rids at varying lengths that go around the perimeter and through the center of the park. You can enjoy this event year-round, although horses cannot work if the temperature is above 89° F or below 19° F. When you book in advance, you can use these carriages as pick-ups for events or customized rides.
Learn more about Central Park Carriages.
9. Brooklyn Crab’s Reed Park
Reed Park is Brooklyn Crab’s beer garden! At this exciting outdoor venue, visitors can enjoy drinks, snacks, and games. Participants can enjoy a private bar with plenty of beer, liquor, and cocktails. You can also enjoy a small selection of Brooklyn Crab’s seafood items. Best of all, you and your team can have friendly mini-golf and cornhole competitions! Further, you can book this space for private parties.
Learn more about Brooklyn Crab’s Reed Park.
10. Union Square Park
Union Square Park is one of the most well-known outdoor spaces in NYC. This nine-acre space is home to markets, restaurants, and events. The Union Square Greenmarket offers fresh fruits, veggies, and artisanal goods at over 140 stalls. The square is also home to plenty of amazing restaurants, including Gupshup, Pokeworks, and Blue Bottle Coffee. You can also attend plenty of regular events at this venue, including concerts and runs. Plus, the park is a great place for a simple picnic with your team!
Learn more about Union Square Park.
Indoor team building activities
Whether it’s rainy season, snowy season or you just want to head inside, here is a list of the best indoor team building activities that NYC has to offer.
11. Drunk Shakespeare
The Drunk Shakespeare Company turns classic theater performances into modern hilarity! Before the performance, one of the actors takes five shots of whiskey. Then, the drunk actor performs a lead role in a Shakespearean play while four sober performers attempt to keep the script on track. The show lasts for 90 minutes. Audience members can drink along with the actors by ordering craft cocktails. Groups may qualify for a discount, and large teams can buy out the show for a private performance. For a fun twist on well-loved plays, check out Drunk Shakespeare!
Learn more about Drunk Shakespeare.
12. The Miniature Art Museum
Mini art became a viral trend online, and The Miniature Art Museum brings these pieces to visitors in real life. The museum showcases tiny artworks from 32 artists around the world. Exhibits feature tiny figurines, little houses, and even mini art pieces! Some pieces are so small that the museum even offers magnifying glasses for guests to look closer.
Despite the adorable stature of the art, it can still represent more serious topics, like politics. For instance, one piece showcases tiny people ripping money in half. However, many displays are cute, like a team of tiny painters decorating a mushroom forest.
After exploring, folks can shop to snag one-of-a-kind mini artworks and DIY kits. When planning your next team bonding ideas in NYC, add this 90-minute adventure to your list!
Learn more about The Miniature Art Museum.
13. Gagopa
Singing your heart out in a karaoke room with your teammates is a great way to create lasting memories and bonds. Whether you are searching for a low-key team building activity or an opportunity to uncover hidden talents, a private karaoke room is a great option.
Gagopa Karaoke offers a capacity for up to 30 individuals in the meeting room. Gagopa Karaoke has a long list of songs available, with a collection of over 20,000 English songs and 10,000 Spanish songs and melodies in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.
Learn more about Gagopa Karaoke.
14. Spyscape
Spyscape offers two unique spy-themed experiences that teams will love! In Spygames, groups of two to five will spend 50 minutes exploring different game zones. Participants will play with lasers, buttons, and climbing holds. Designed by CIA and Special Ops experts, players get to train like spies!
During Spy HQ, teams can break codes, explore secret worlds, and look for liars. This spy museum will show teams their personal spy roles and profiles.
In both experiences, you can book individual tickets or team buyouts. At Spy HQ, you can even do a team building focused event that features actionable insights from CIA and MI6 trainers!
Learn more about Spyscape.
15. StageCoach Improv
Improv is one of the top team building activities for adults in NYC to get your team members reeling in laughter. Improv abilities are invaluable when it comes to the dynamics of teamwork in the workplace. This event from StageCoach Improv may help your group achieve new levels of attention, proactive listening, and trust. A good dose of laughter and a unique activity can help lift the spirits of employees who are feeling down. Improv team building, storytelling, applied improv, and sketch comedy are all hallmarks of StageCoach Improv’s corporate improv training.
Learn more about StageCoach Improv.
16. Kick Axe Throwing
If you are planning a company retreat, a great way to foster camaraderie is an exciting axe throwing activity at Kick Axe Throwing. When you arrive at the facility, trained specialists will take you and your team through all of the safety procedures in place and show different throwing tactics that will help you maximize your experience. Then, you can compete individually or organize an internal tournament across departments to determine who has the finest throwing talents.
You will find a bar area next to your axe-throwing station, where team members may relax while others compete. When you finish, do not forget to take a group shot.
Learn more about Kick Axe Throwing.
17. Paint Nite
You can have a good time at a Paint Nite even if you are not a professional artist. Every employee who attends this event will go home with a gorgeously painted canvas. Also, you may sip on a beverage of your choice while an expert shows you how to paint with acrylics. The cost of the event includes the use of canvases, brushes, and paints.
Find out about Paint Nite.
18. Gotham Archery
When it comes to team building activities, archery is a fun and challenging way to get your teammates working together. The facility offers individual lanes, allowing teams to work together without having to take turns at the activity. If you have never tried archery, then you will likely begin by taking a safety course and learning some fundamental techniques.
For added fun, you can set targets and keep track of how many points each member of your team or department earns. Archery is a terrific choice for groups on a limited budget since the fees are usually pretty inexpensive, and you can generally hire lanes by the hour.
Learn more about Gotham Archery.
19. Unarthodox
At Unarthodox, participants will receive an introduction to fundamental clay handling techniques before trying to sculpt blindfolded. The instructors will guide you and your team through an immersive sculpting experience using only your sense of touch and memory. The use of music and aromatherapy further enhances the sense of total immersion.
Even if your team has no previous experience with sculpting, the desire to express will is enough. The hosts will also tailor the experience to fit your team’s needs.
Learn more about Unarthodox.
20. The Rage Cage NYC
The Rage Cage offers your team a chance to release tension by destroying everyday items. The rage cage is a great way to enjoy a pleasant evening of supervised destruction. Participants may keep their stuff in lockers after signing the waiver. Before unleashing mayhem, put on the offered protective gear and make your selection of weapons. You can also jam to your favorite songs on the provided speakers and phone mounts.
Learn more about The Rage Cage NYC.
21. Area 53
Area 53 is one of the top team building venues in the area. This location features an adventure park, laser tag, and paintball, and bowling. At the adventure park, folks can enjoy activities like ropes courses, rock climbing, and zip lines. Teams can go head-to-head in the 20,000-square-foot paintball arena. Folks can choose between traditional or gunless laser tag experiences. Bowling bookings cover up to six players for a 50-minute session. The site even has special events, such as karaoke nights and live DJs. Whether you want to host adults-only or family-friendly events, Area 53 is a great stop!
Learn more about Area 53.
Free team building ideas
Here are some free team building ideas you can enjoy in New York City.
22. Queens County Farm Museum
Established in 1697, The Queens County Farm Museum is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York. This free museum is home to several programs. Groups of up to 20 can register for self-guided tours to explore the livestock, gardens, and historic sites. Visitors can enjoy rotating public education programs, such as insider tours and animal raising. While visiting, teams can also pick up seasonal produce, eggs, and local honey. Groups can even buy treats to feed the goats!
Learn more about the Queens County Farm Museum.
23. Socrates Sculpture Park
The Socrates Sculpture Park brings free art to NYC visitors and residents. Artists use unique materials and techniques to create amazing structures. Examples of previous exhibits include fellowship winners and collective drawings. The mission of this waterfront park is to showcase local artists and create a home for public art. Socrates also offers plenty of free events, such as yoga and markets.
Learn more about Socrates Sculpture Park.
24. Central Park Concerts
Attending a free concert is a great way to spend time with your team! Central Park is home to several free concert series. For instance, Good Morning America has a summer concert series and has previously featured artists like Jung Kook of BTS and Tim McGraw. The SummerStage performances offer several free shows as well, with former shows like Sammy Rae & The Friends. Other free performances include the New York Philharmonic, The Met Opera Summer Recital Series, and Great Jazz on the Great Hill. For a musical summer season, be sure to check out these shows!
Learn more about Central Park Concerts.
25. Downtown Boathouse
Downtown Boathouse brings the fun of kayaking to as many visitors as possible. This venue has the world’s largest free kayaking program. Teams can rent free sit-on-top kayaks to enjoy at select Hudson River locations. Participants must know how to swim and wear the provided life vests. Kayaking sessions last for 20 minutes, and teams can enjoy this experience all summer long!
Learn more about Downtown Boathouse.
26. Conservatory Garden
The Conservatory Garden is a special spot in Central Park, perfect for spending time in nature with teams. Opened in 1937, the garden features six acres of beautiful landscape with plants arranged in English, French, and Italian styles. Guests can enjoy beautiful trees like magnolia, lilac, and crabapple. This space is the only formal garden within Central Park. Folks can enter through the Vanderbilt Gate, which used to be the entrance to the Vanderbilt mansion. Open daily, Conservatory Garden is a tranquil spot in the busy city.
Learn more about Conservatory Garden.
27. Portside at Brookfield Place
Portside Lounge is a waterfront location that features happy hour drinks, tasty snacks, and fun events.
Here are a few examples of previous events:
- Morning Drift: A peaceful morning featuring free notebooks and coffee, perfect for calligraphy, journaling, or sketching
- Beach Read Book Club: A rotating selection of free books with new releases and hot sellers
- Sips Ahoy: A tasting session featuring beer, wine, or sparkling drinks, plus food pairing options
Portside is one of the top places to hang out during the NYC summer!
Learn more about Portside at Brookfield Place.
28. Free Museum Days
New York City is full of incredible museums, and several are free year-round or offer free days. Some options are also pay what you wish. Amazing free or pay-what-you-wish venues include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Queens Botanical Garden, and American Folk Art Museum. Monthly options include the Bronx Museum and Neue Gallerie. Finally, several venues offer weekly free days, such as the Museum of Chinese in America and the New York Historical Society. Plus, some non-museum options made this list, like the Bronx Zoo! For a fun and educational outing, be sure to check out these venues.
Learn more about Free Museum Days.
Food team building activities
For a team with foodies, check out these food-based team building activities.
29. My Cooking Party
A group cooking class is a terrific way to socialize, gain new skills, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner with a small or large group. Making a meal with My Cooking Party is a ton of fun, even if you are a total newbie. The cooking class will allow you to enjoy a drink during sessions, which enhances the social aspect of the experience.
Classes typically last three hours and include time for the chefs to demonstrate their skills and for you to eat your excellent meal. Each group member can cook a dish independently or have everyone pitch in and help prepare the dinner as a group.
Learn more about My Cooking Party.
30. Great Jones Distilling Company
Great Jones is the first whiskey distillery in New York City since Prohibition! The distillery proudly uses NYC-sourced ingredients. Great Jones produces four whiskeys, which are Empire Rye, Four Grain, Straight Bourbon, and Peated Scotch Cask Bourbon. If folks are interested in a tasting, then they can choose between the three- and four-spirit tasting options.
Teams can stop by for a delicious cocktail and then order a meal from the restaurant. Dishes are high quality and local, featuring plates like local burrata and Faroe Island salmon. Colleagues looking for a distillery experience can check out one of the many events from Great Jones. For instance, folks can tour the distillery, learn to make cocktails, or do a tasting and snacking experience.
Learn more about the Great Jones Distilling Company.
31. Meow Parlour
Meow Parlour is NYC’s first cat café, and it is a great spot for a team building outing. Folks can stop by to spend time with the cats, and they can adopt as well! Since 2014, Meow Parlor has helped over 2,000 cats find homes. Donations all go toward helping care for the animals.
Teams that want to stop by should head to the website to make a reservation. At Meow Parlour, colleagues can get a sweet treat and drink before spending time with the cats. Reservations are for 50-minute time slots. Larger teams with more than five members should ask about private bookings.
Learn more about Meow Parlour.
32. Abigail’s Kitchen
Abigail’s Kitchen offers incredible cooking classes.
You can choose from several courses, including:
- Knife Skills: Tips and tricks on how to slice like a pro
- Homemade Pasta: Several shapes of egg pasta with delicious seasonal sauces
- Sushi Basics: Rolling and forming delicious sushi dishes featuring vegetables, tuna, and salmon
- ¡Tacos Y Tequila!: Lessons on homemade tortillas, guacamole, and taco fillings
No matter which dish you would like to make, Abigail’s Kitchen is a delicious choice!
Learn more about Abigail’s Kitchen.
33. Raaka
Raaka is an artisanal chocolate factory that offers incredible weekend chocolate courses.
Available classes include the following:
- Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making: A dark-chocolate course that leads participants from choosing beans to grinding them to pouring chocolate
- Hand-Rolled Chocolate Truffle Making: Lessons on creating French-style dark chocolate truffles
- Coffee & Chocolate Tasting: A tasting of three single-origin Stumptown coffees alongside Raaka’s dark chocolates
These courses are a fun and hands-on way to enjoy treats with your team!
Learn more about Raaka.
34. Japan Fes
Japan Fes is an annual celebration of Japanese cuisine. Over 50 Japanese vendors head to this incredible event. Food stalls feature iconic foods like takoyaki, ramen, and okonomiyaki. In addition, guests can enjoy drinks like Mio Sparkling Sake and Orion Draft Beer. The festival also features non-food vendors, such as notebooks for practicing Japanese. Visiting Japan Fes is a great way to explore global cuisine!
Learn more about Japan Fes.
35. Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm
The Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm brings the beauty of farm life to the big city. This space offers tours of the space as well as yoga programs. Tours last 45 minutes and showcase the farm as well as its goals. Yoga classes happen at sunset, adding a beautiful landscape to the peaceful activity. You can also book private events at this venue, including dinners, cocktail parties, and team retreats. This rooftop farm is an incredible way to connect green spaces with city life!
Learn more about Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm.
Conclusion
With so much to see and do in New York City, arranging a corporate team building trip may be daunting. This list of team building activities in New York City will help make the process easier. Choosing the right team building activities captures the group’s attention, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Employees are happier and more productive when participating in activities encouraging trust and collaboration.
Next, check out these lists of relationship-building ideas and community-building activities.
We also have a list of the best holiday party venues in New York City.
Grace He
