From adrenaline-pumping activities like axe throwing and go-kart racing to laid-back outings like painting sessions and ghost tours, Columbus offers something for everyone.
If you’re looking for the perfect team-building activity for your team, you can browse through a large selection of options, suitable for both small and large groups. Here are ideas for team-building activities in Columbus:
20 Ideas for Team Building Activities in Columbus
1. Go on a cityHUNT Scavenger Hunt
For a memorable team-building activity, arrange a scavenger hunt for your team. cityHUNT offers customized scavenger hunts at any city you want, Columbus included, and you can arrange for everything through a phone call.
You can get a discovery call with a consultant from cityHUNT’s staff to get a general idea of the service provided. Then, you can customize it to fit your team and get ready to have the time of your life. They’ll handle all the details for you.
Contact: 1-855-624-4362
Rating: 4.8
Client Testimonial: “If I could add 1 million stars to this review, I would. From the moment I spoke to Brandon, to the event with Justin – everything was perfect. It was so much fun! We will definitely be hiring cityHUNT again!”
2. Hit Some Targets at Dueling Axes
If your team has had a stressful month, the best way to let off some steam is to throw some axes. At Dueling Axes, you can compete in groups of up to 120 members. There’s an option to book the entire venue if you want, and you can book a private lane that accommodates up to six people.
You have to pre-plan, though, because Dueling Axes is off on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the working hours vary on weekdays.
Rating: 5.0
Client Testimonial: “First time going axe throwing and it was amazing! Kiiya and Julie were our trainers for the day, who were great. They made it welcoming and full of laughs, we’ll definitely be back to visit!”
Address: 309 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
3. Gain Some Knowledge at the Center of Science and Industry
The Center of Science and Industry is one of the most famous attractions in Ohio. If you want a team-building activity that’ll expand your team’s knowledge, you can sign up for a workshop at the center.
There are many workshops offered, including Mindset workshops and Power of Communication workshops. You can also visit the Atomic Cafe and Museum Store while you’re there.
Rating: 4.4
Client Testimonial: “The staff is friendly and very helpful. It’s easy to lose track of time and well worth the price of admission.”
Address: 333 West Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215
4. Tour the Town on a Pedal Wagon
You probably didn’t know that you can tour Columbus while riding a pedal-powered wagon. A single wagon can seat up to 15 people, so you can rent as many wagons as your team needs. There are also six-seater bikes for smaller groups.
It’s a nice way for your team to catch up and have a nice chat while touring the town in the wagon—you can also bring drinks on board.
Rating: 5.0
Client Testimonial: “Will definitely do this again, the group had so much fun! 10/10 would recommend.”
Address: 848 North Pearl Street, Columbus, OH 43215
5. Play Some Golf at TopGolf
If you want to have a nice meal and a friendly golf competition with your food, TopGolf is your go-to destination for team building. The climate-controlled venue is great for some friendly golfing, and even those who never golfed before can enjoy their time with the drinks and food available.
For large groups, TopGolf offers event catering packages that you can benefit from.
Rating: 4.4
Client Testimonial: “This is a great place for something different to do. Even those in our group that have never golfed before had fun. “
Address: 2000 Ikea Wy, Columbus, OH 43240
6. Work Your Brains at Lockology Escape Rooms
If you’re afraid your team has been resetting for quite some time now, you can have them investigating a crime scene or exploring a Mayan temple.
At Lockology, you can choose any of the escape rooms available and have your team collaborate to solve the puzzles.
Rating: 4.6
Client Testimonial: “One of the best escape rooms I’ve ever been in. The Mayan room was extremely difficult but we somehow won. “
Address: 86 Village Pointe Dr, Powell, OH 43065
7. Do Some Painting at Studio 614
For a relaxing team-building activity, you can host an event at Studio 614. Your team will be provided with tarps and tablecloths, and they’ll get to paint pre-sketched canvas and take their artwork home.
The studio also offers snacks and drinks during the sessions, and they offer private venue rentals for large groups.
Rating: 4.7
Client Testimonial: “10/10 experience. Would definitely recommend! The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. They give ideas on how to make things look better without making you feel bad.”
Address: 2487 Summit St, Columbus, OH 43202
8. Experience the Outdoor Thrill with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Your team will absolutely love the outdoor adventures that Hocking Hills Canopy Tours provides.
You can either sign up for a Segway adventure, a guided zipline tour, or a trip to Rockbridge, which is a 100-foot bridge.
Only an hour’s drive from Columbus, the Hocking Hills State Park is a refreshing change from city life.
Rating: 4.9
Client Testimonial: “What a great time! First timer and definitely worth the cost! Carl and Aimee were amazing guides!”
Address: 10714 Jackson St, Rockbridge, OH 43149
9. Play Some Arcade Games at 16-Bit Bar+Arcade
If you don’t want to get that far from Columbus, the 16-Bit Bar and Arcade is in downtown Columbus, and it offers a bunch of retro arcade games for your team to enjoy.
People born in the ‘80s and ‘90s will particularly enjoy the games because they’re designed to imitate arcade games from that era.
There’s also a selection of beverages available that your team can have while catching up mid-games.
Rating: 4.5
Client Testimonial: “Very low key atmosphere. Easy to have drinks and just hang out with friends while playing games. Had a great time here!”
Address: 254 S. 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43215
10. Spook Your Team at Columbus Ghost Tours
A mystery tour at Columbus Ghost Tours is enough to have your team loving work again!
When you book a tour, you receive instructions for the starting location, but the rest of the tour is mysterious to complete the vibe.
There are walking and riding tours—walking ones are often shorter, ending within a mile or less.
Rating: 4.9
Client Testimonial: “Excellent value for the money spent and you won’t be bored.”
Contact: (888) 876-5155
11. Enjoy a Go-Kart Race at Buckeye Raceway
For a thrilling ride and a friendly race, plan a visit to Buckeye Raceway with your team. The indoor racetrack is the perfect chance for your team to compete and have some fun outside of work.
Aside from the racetrack, the place offers a variety of entertainment options, including axe throwing, foosball, and foot bowling. You can also host an event for your team if you want.
Rating: 4.5
Client Testimonial: “This place is great! Those go carts move and the racing experience I enjoyed!”
Address: 4050 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
12. Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Though there aren’t a lot of activities to do at the zoo, your team can enjoy a relaxing day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell. It’s a nice idea for a laid-back day if you aren’t a fan of thrilling activities.
You’ll get to see animals you probably won’t see anywhere else, including arctic foxes, bald eagles, cougars, and Mexican wolves.
Aside from the animals, there are some rides and attractions for adults and kids alike.
Rating: 4.7
Client Testimonial: “By FAR the Columbus Zoo was the best. From the facility and grounds to the health and up-keep of the animals and their enclosures.”
Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
13. Test Your Taste Buds at Cozymeal Columbus
Team-building activities have never been tastier! You can sign your team up for a cooking class at Cozymeal, or join a team-building activity.
If you’re choosing a cooking class, you can browse through the meals you want your team to learn, and there are many chefs featured on the website so that you can choose your favorite according to reviews.
Rating: 4.8
Client Testimonial: “Chef Bruce Naftaly from Le Gourmand provided an excellent experience for us and we really loved both the food and the experience.”
Address: 100 E Campus View Blvd, Columbus, OH 43235
14. Compete in Bowling at Ten Pin Alley
Bowling makes for a great team-building activity, and it’s one of those things you can try even if you’ve never done it before. At Ten Pin Alley, you can enjoy friendly matches of bowling with the whole team.
And if you’re not a fan of bowling, you can always enjoy the other games available there, including bocce and laser tag. There’s also a restaurant so that you can have a nice meal after playing.
The place offers private bowling lanes that you can rent out if your team is large.
Rating: 4.4
Client Testimonial: “Great service, clean environment, lots of fun!”
Address: 5499 Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard, OH 43026
15. Make Some Candles at Penn & Beech Candle Co.
Here’s a relaxing, laid-back idea for your team-building activity: craft some candles. Penn & Beech Candle Co. offers the chance for guests to make their own candles and take them home.
For groups of nine members or more, you have to make reservations beforehand, and you can host private parties and events if you want.
At Penn & Beech, you get to make hand-poured, soy-wax candles, choosing from an assortment of natural oils and scents. After pouring, you can get the candle after a couple of hours so that it has enough time to set. Or, you can pick it up at the store later on.
Rating: 4.7
Client Testimonial: “Loved this place! Bradford was an amazing host!”
Address: 737 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
16. Plan an Event at The Leaders Institute
To deal with experienced team-building experts, schedule a visit to the Leaders Institute. You’ll have plenty of team-building activity ideas to choose from.
The most famous activity is team bike building, but you can also opt for camaraderie quests, escape room puzzles, or ace races. For large groups, you can customize your own program, and the institute offers some stand-alone activities for teams.
It’s the ultimate place to go if you want your team to have a blast without doing any planning.
Rating: 4.9
Client Testimonial: “Great event! Learned how to network better and a fun way to work with a team and support a local organization! 10/10 would recommend!”
Address: 4449 Easton Way #200, Columbus, OH 43219
17. Do a Walking Tour in the German Village
The German Village in Columbus is a refreshing change from other activities. It has that name because it used to house a lot of German immigrants back in the 19th century, and it still features some old houses from that era.
You can do a laid-back walking tour with your team, where they can visit bookstores and buy handmade jewelry.
The village also has some galleries with traditional art pieces and artisan coffee shops that you can enjoy. It’s a nice gathering idea if you don’t have plenty of time for the team building activity.
Final Thoughts
Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and the 14th largest city in the US in terms of population. So, it’s no wonder it has so many activities and attractions you can enjoy with your team.
If you’re up for a thrill, book a go-kart race, a ride on the mystery bus, or explore the outdoors in a daring adventure.
If you want a laid-back activity, you can visit the zoo or enjoy a pedal wagon ride around the city. If you’re looking for an activity that provides both the laid-back vibes and the thrill, give a call to cityHUNT and arrange a customized scavenger hunt around Columbus!
