Coming up with innovative team-building activities involves thinking about the nature of your team and the goals and objectives you want to achieve. Do you want to introduce new members to the team? Do you feel that your team needs to improve communication?
You’ll find a suitable event and activity on this list.
Choosing the proper team-building activities in Chicago can help achieve these goals. This guide will highlight 15 activities that your team will absolutely love!
Ideas for Team Building in Chicago:
1. Chicago Scavenger Hunt with cityHUNT
Take your team on an energizing journey to discover the vibrance of the city of Chicago while looking for hidden trophies with cityHUNT. Scavenger hunt activities promote collaboration, and the setting at the Mart allows your team members to explore a massive 4,000,000-square-foot building full of exhibits and showrooms.
You can fill out the booking form or call 1-877-486-8386 to receive a quote based on your team size and needs. The cost can be between $25 and $200 per person, and it’s customized to fit your budget.
Google Reviews: 4.8/5
Testimonials: “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 City Hunt again! Thank you both for an amazing team-building evening!!”
2. Climb & Zipline Adventure at the Forge
Inject some enthusiasm into your team by booking Climb & Zipline Adventure at the Forge. With a zipline that extends more than 1200 feet, this venue offers three corporate activities to suit all levels.
For this particular activity, the participants can climb a climbing wall or go on a 200 ropes course obstacles. The venue sets some weight and height requirements but provides all the necessary gear.
This team-building activity can help improve your team’s problem-solving and collaboration skills. Moreover, it will be a day that your teammates will never forget!
Google Reviews: 4.5/5
Testimonials: “Safety First! Safety was at the top of their list. All employees paid close attention to detail to ensure our gear was on and adjusted properly.”
3. Chicago Dine-Around
Offer your team members the Progressive Dining Tour, taking them to the finest restaurants in Chicago with Chicago Dine-Around. They’ll enjoy the hors d’oeuvres at the first restaurant, the main course at the second, and finally eat the dessert at the third one.
It’s an excellent activity to escape from the formal and stressful work environment, as you can tailor your choices based on your team’s preferences. The venue also offers other cool activities like the Escape Room Dining Experience.
The Progressive Dining Tour can accommodate up to 560 people and transportation is available. While moving from one spot to another, a tour will accompany your team, streamlining the process and helping them enjoy their feast.
Google Reviews: 4.9/5
Testimonials: “Had a great experience with Chicago Dine-Around. Recently did a company Architectural Dinner Cruise and had a great time. Tour guide Bree was fantastic and really knew her stuff about the city and its history. Food was great, drinks were cold and the sites were amazing. Thank you, Bree and team!”
4. The Lincoln Park Farmers Market
Take your team on a fun team-bonding Chicago trip, as they explore the Farmers Market. Your team members will learn about the veggies, fruits, and flowers, and can taste the best that the local cuisine can offer.
Moreover, your team can volunteer to facilitate market operations in an activity that promotes cooperation and communication. It can also be an excellent corporate team-building Chicago activity if you work with hybrid teams.
Google Reviews: 4.6/5
Testimonials:” Lovely produce market, great to talk to the growers, beautiful food.”
5. Bad Axe Throwing at Chicago West Loop
Bad Axe Throwing at Chicago West Loop is a budget-friendly yet fun activity for smaller groups. If you feel that your team lacks motivation and spends much time in the office, this could be an excellent opportunity to try something new.
The staff are dedicated to providing top-level customer service. Don’t worry if you’ve never held an ax before. The skill coaches will guide you throughout the whole experience, while your team members release stress. It’s one of the top team-building ideas Chicago for smaller groups.
Google Reviews: 4.9/5
Testimonials: “Super fun experience; perfect stress relief! Bit of a learning curve but ace coaches like Fred will have you throwing bullseyes in no time.”
6. Play Gingerbread Games
Employees who work on remote teams are more likely to feel disconnected and unmotivated.
Play Gingerbread Games is a holiday-spirited activity that will keep everyone happy and ready for the next season. The venue will either ship gingerbread kits to your office or team members at their homes.
Participants will quickly decorate their gingerbread cookies and share their creative side. It’s a fast-paced activity and can be customized for any other occasion.
Google Reviews: 4.96/5
Testimonials: “It was AMAZING. Everyone had a great time. Bryce and the team were wonderful. It was more engaging than I thought it was going to be and everyone LOVED it. Lots of other teams asked what we were doing and who we used for this so hopefully, we stirred up some business for you. Thanks for everything and for being super flexible this whole time!”
7. Chicago Museum Hack
The Chicago Museum Hack takes your team to The Field, one of Chicago’s best museums. The trained staff will explain the sassy story behind the artwork and will customize the experience based on your industry.
Your team members can relate to the level of collaboration that resulted in these amazing pieces. The event includes fun activities, icebreaker questions, and group photos to appeal to all teammates.
Google Reviews: 5/5
Testimonials: “Such a fun way to see a lot of things in a short amount of time with far more detail and entertainment factor.”
8. Garfield Park Conservatory
Take your employees to one of the best team-bonding Chicago spots, Garfield Park Conservatory. It’s a mesmerizing venue that stretches over 12 acres with thousands of plants your team can marvel at and examine. You can also request accessibility access to accommodate all your teammates.
It’s an excellent opportunity for a hard-working team to get out of the office and communicate. At the end of the day, your team members can leave with some cool gifts!
Google Reviews: 4.8/5
Testimonials: “An absolute must for anyone who loves plants. This is a beautifully curated and stunning collection of plants and flowers from around the globe. Chicago is lucky to have such a vast garden at their disposal. A definitely recommended stop for those visiting or who live here alike.”
9. Punch Bowl Social Chicago
Struggling to find the perfect team-building ideas in Chicago? Head to Punch Bowl Social Chicago for multiple games and activities that work for small and big teams. You can rent a bowling lane or the karaoke room to introduce a new team member or celebrate an achievement.
This is one of the fun spots you can book for a small team. There’s also an extensive menu of delicious food and drink options.
Google Reviews: 4.2/5
Testimonials: “Marissa, our server, was excellent! She attended to us with easy and professional service. She also recommended some delicious drinks for us to try. Darts and karaoke experience was super fun. Ambiance is cozy and beautiful. Food was delicious, such as burgers and quesadillas. Highly recommend this place for date nights, friend outings, birthday celebrations, or any fun occasion.”
10. Royal Palms Shuffleboard Chicago
Select one of the eight group booths available at Royal Palms Shuffleboard Chicago and throw your coworkers a fun and unforgettable party. No reservation is required unless there are more than 10 guests.
Your team will engage in a two to three-hour shuffleboard experience with a free lesson provided by a crew member. Your team will also have unlimited access to drinks while they’re playing and celebrating.
Google Reviews: 4.7/5
Testimonials: “This is the ideal happy hour spot for coworkers, friends, or family! I planned a work happy hour at RP, and all my teammates were raving about how fun the event was. It is such a fun environment, and the service is there to support you having a great time. I had a last-minute scheduling issue, and the team was very understanding and willing to work with me to get things fixed. Thank you for a wonderful time!”
11. Pinstripes Chicago
Book an event with Pinstripes Chicago to accommodate up to 1000 team members. You have different options to choose from, like the bowling lane for eight people, the bocce court, or the outdoor patio with a cozy fireplace for a casual setting for a bigger team.
You can book one of the group events that accommodates up to 220 members. These packages include food and games for everyone.
Google Reviews: 4.4/5
Testimonials: “We went there for an office get-together and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was not over the top but it was delicious. The bowling alleys were good too. Great place to hang out with your buddies or plan an office event. The icing on the cake was hangers right by the couches for our jackets which I loved.”
12. TILT at 360 CHICAGO
With TILT at 360 Chicago, you can choose from a number of package options.. It’s one of the best team-building Chicago activities if you have an out-of-town team, where your employees can witness the fascinating views of the city.
After their experience is over, your teammates get to enjoy their favorite drinks and leave with a glass as a souvenir.
Google Reviews: 4/5/5
Testimonials: “What a great view. You have an amazing view of the lake and the city. With the morning sun shining it’s just beautiful. The Tilt experience was very brief. Neat, but brief. We got the whole package that included a drink for the Cloud bar, a tilt experience, and admission at an early time so it was a little cheaper. Definitely worth spending some time in.”
13. WhirlyBall Chicago
WhirlyBall Chicago offers several activities like bumper cars, lacrosse, basketball, and hockey. The WhirlyBugs activity accommodates up to 10 people in a bumper car adventure while other activities can accommodate up to 500 people in one of the most energetic corporate team-building Chicago experiences.
Engaging in these sports events promotes team bonding. After the games, you can offer delicious finger foods and drinks to celebrate your corporate success.
Google Reviews: 4.3/5
Testimonials: “Great place for bowling and whirly ball as a group. The food that was catered for our group could have been much better. The pizza crust was very hard to chew which made it difficult to eat. Tacos were nice though. The service was great.”
14. Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours
Explore the rich gang-related history with Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours. This venue organizes two-hour walking tours to explore the Chicago Loop Vice District with guides who will teach your team about the town’s gangsters’ past.
Teach your teammates about the art of storytelling as they learn about a 100-year-old history. You can also offer a gangster food tour with Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza and renowned hotdog. It’s an excellent activity if you have a visiting out-of-town team.
Google Reviews: 4.9/5
Testimonials: “This is a GREAT tour!! I own a walking tour company in San Francisco and I can 100% see why Gangsters and Ghosts have cornered the market. I was thoroughly impressed with Avery’s delivery and presentation – for only being in the game one month, he has the potential to be one of the best of all time. Such fascinating history and storytelling! Amazing experience in an incredible city.’
15. Margarita Fiesta at Art Room
Celebrate your corporate success with a customized Margarita Fiesta at Art Room. The venue will serve a refreshing menu of artisanal cocktails with interactive margarita stations where guests can create their own drinks in one of the most entertaining team events in Chicago.
This is a flexible event that can be booked for an end-of-year or Christmas party, accommodating up to 200 guests. You can also add a service of live music or DJ to make your event more fun.
