As fall arrives and the holiday season approaches, you'll find it's an ideal time to strengthen your team connections through thoughtfully planned activities.
The numbers make a compelling case. Gallup's 2024 Workplace Report shows that 20% of your workforce likely feels disconnected, while 75% of your staff considers teamwork essential. When you regularly implement team building initiatives, you'll typically see a 20% improvement in engagement and retention—a significant return on a relatively small investment.
Team-building activities profoundly impact organizational performance, and it’s never too late to start implementing them. Make the best of the fall and start investing in what’s essential for a high-performing team.
Best Fall Team Building Activities for Small Groups
Best Fall Team Building Activities for Large Groups
From pumpkin carving contests and haunted house tours to collaborative mural painting and harvest Olympics, we've curated a range of activities to help you create outstanding experiences for your team this fall.
You'll find these top choices work for various team styles and sizes, whether you're looking for indoor experiences or outdoor adventures. Each has been field-tested with real teams with impressive results.
Connection, creativity, communication in cozy setting
Gratitude Journaling Session
Up to 30 participants
1 hour
Journals, pens, prompts, comfortable space
Positivity, self-reflection, team appreciation
1. Pumpkin Carving Contest
Transform ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary team bonding opportunities. When you gather your team for this classic fall activity, you'll see creativity and collaboration flourish in unexpected ways.
Divide your group into smaller teams, provide quality carving tools and decorative materials, and watch as natural leaders emerge and quiet team members reveal hidden artistic talents. Consider adding themed categories like "Most Creative," "Best Company Spirit," or "Most Likely to Scare the CEO" to spark friendly competition.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: Up to 30 participants (4-6 per team)
Why it works for teams: This activity encourages creativity, collaboration, and friendly competition while embracing the fall spirit.
2. Fall-Themed Escape Rooms
Discover your team's problem-solving dynamics in an immersive, seasonal setting. When you book a fall-themed escape room experience, you'll immediately see how your team handles pressure and communicates under constraints.
Look for seasonal narratives like "Haunted Halloween," "Zombie Apocalypse," or "Thanksgiving Mystery Rescue" that add thematic relevance to the challenge. The shared adrenaline creates bonds that transfer back to workplace collaboration.
Duration: 1 hour Group size: Up to 20 participants (4-8 participants per room) Why it works for teams: You'll witness improved communication under pressure and discover problem-solving strengths you didn't know existed in your team
3. Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are standout crowd pleasers that can be adapted to every context. Create a list of fall-themed items (colorful leaves, mini pumpkins, apple cider) for teams to find in local parks or around your office.
Teams compete to find all items on their list first. Mix easy and challenging items, and consider adding photo challenges or riddles to increase engagement.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: Up to 50 participants Why it works for teams: The activity naturally encourages communication across departmental lines and creates shared experiences your team will reference long afterward.
4. Volunteer at Food Banks
Combine team building with social impact during the season of giving. When you organize Thanksgiving food drives or meal-packing events for local charities, you'll create meaningful connections while contributing to your community.
Contact local food banks in advance to understand their specific needs and scheduling requirements. Consider creating friendly competition between departments to increase participation while maintaining the focus on giving back.
Duration: 3-4 hours Group size: 10-20 participants Why it works for teams: This volunteering project fosters a sense of community, social responsibility, and shared purpose.
5. Apple Picking & Cider Tasting
Visit local orchards for team bonding and seasonal treats. Taste apple cider or warm cider and have a good laugh, embracing the Fall weather. Groups compete to pick the most apples or create the best cider blend. This is a light-hearted activity that promises a great time, ideal for Halloween fun.
Research orchards that can accommodate your group size and offer additional activities like cider tasting or hayrides. Consider organizing friendly competitions like "most apples picked" or "best cider blend" to add structure to the experience.
Duration: Half-day Group size: 10-25 participants Why it works for teams: You'll find team members who rarely interact at work falling into easy conversation while sharing this seasonal tradition
6. Harvest Festival Games
Host sack races, corn hole, and mini pumpkin tosses at a local farm. Team members compete in various themed games and fall activities for points and prizes. The whole team gets involved in organizing and managing this Harvest Festival.
Set up stations with different activities and rotate teams through each one, keeping score for an overall champion. Consider awarding seasonal prizes like gourmet caramel apples or fall-scented candles.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 15-30 participants Why it works for teams: You'll see barriers between departments or hierarchical levels dissolve as everyone participates
7. Fall Trivia Night
Test knowledge, spark conversation, and create friendly competition with a seasonally-themed trivia event. When you organize a Fall Trivia Night, you'll engage both competitive and collaborative aspects of your team dynamics.
Develop questions across categories like fall traditions, harvest history, Halloween lore, and Thanksgiving trivia. Mix easy crowd-pleasers with challenging deep cuts to keep everyone engaged, and consider including company-specific questions to reinforce organizational knowledge.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: Up to 50 participants (4-6 per team)
Why it works for teams: Promotes learning, collaboration, and healthy competition.
8. DIY Leaf Art Workshop
Treat your team with a DIY Leaf Art Workshop and create collages or pressed-leaf art using autumn foliage. This is one of the most season-related team building activities where participants collect leaves and create individual or team artworks.
Provide various art supplies and techniques—from simple leaf pressing to more elaborate collages or resin projects. Consider bringing in a local artist to guide the session and teach specific techniques that ensure everyone creates something they're proud to display.
Duration: 2 hours Group size: 8-15 participants Why it works for teams: You'll find this workshop particularly effective for teams that need to enhance their creative problem-solving or innovation capabilities.
9. Bonfire Storytelling
Share spooky or gratitude-focused stories around a fire on a Bonfire Storytelling night. Each team member contributes a story or participates with the entire group in a storytelling exercise.
Provide storytelling prompts related to professional growth, personal achievements, or gratitude to guide the sharing. Consider starting with lighter topics before moving to more reflective themes as the session progresses.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 10-20 participants Why it works for teams: This activity creates space for authentic sharing in a relaxed environment, helping team members see each other as complete individuals rather than just colleagues
10. Gratitude Journaling Session
Implementing a Gratitude Journaling Session is an outstanding gratitude activity for a healthier workplace. This helps teams reflect on achievements and personal growth. Participants write about what they're thankful for and share with the group if comfortable.
Provide quality journals and guide participants through specific prompts focused on workplace appreciation, personal growth, and team achievements. Create a comfortable environment where sharing is encouraged but not required.
Duration: 1 hour Group size: Up to 30 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes positivity, self-reflection, and team appreciation.
Best Virtual Fall Team Building Activities
Your remote team deserves thoughtful connection opportunities too. These activities leverage technology to bring your crew brand new experiences and games that will keep groups engaged and motivated.
Activity
Group Size
Duration
Materials Needed
Key Benefits
Virtual Escape Rooms
Up to 20 participants
1-2 hours
Video conferencing, virtual escape room platform (Brightful)
Problem-solving, communication, remote teamwork
Remote Pumpkin Decorating
5-10 per team
1 hour
Digital whiteboard, design tools, video conferencing
Creativity, digital collaboration, seasonal competition
Online Cooking Classes
10-20 participants
1-2 hours
Ingredient lists, cooking equipment, video conferencing
Culinary skills, teamwork, shared experiences
Fall Bingo
10-100+ participants
30 min - 1 hour
Digital bingo cards, video conferencing, fall-themed prompts
Low-pressure engagement, celebration of fall traditions
Digital Scavenger Hunts
5-20 participants
30 min - 1 hour
Scavenger hunt list, video conferencing, smartphones
Creativity, competition, personalized fall experience
Virtual Harvest Trivia
10-50 participants
30 min - 1 hour
Trivia platform (Kahoot), fall-themed questions
Learning, healthy competition, knowledge sharing
Remote Gratitude Circles
Up to 20 participants
30 min - 1 hour
Video conferencing with breakout rooms, prompts
Positivity, empathy, deeper connections
Halloween Costume Contest
10-50 participants
1 hour
Video conferencing, voting system, costume categories
Creativity, self-expression, lighthearted fun
Collaborative Fall Playlist
Any size
1 week
Music streaming platform, shared playlist access
Collaboration, team bonding through music
Online Craft Workshops
10-20 participants
1-2 hours
Mailed craft kits, video conferencing, instructor
Creativity, relaxation, sense of accomplishment
11. Virtual Escape Rooms
Team members collaborate to solve puzzles in online scenarios like “Escape the Haunted Mansion”. Using platforms like Brightful, participants work together to decipher clues and escape virtual rooms with autumn or Halloween themes. This is an effective fall team building idea to bring virtual teams together.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: Up to 20 participants Why it works for teams: Helps remote teams enhance problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork in a fun, engaging virtual environment.
12. Remote Pumpkin Decorating
During a remote pumpkin decorating session, virtual team members use digital tools to collaboratively design and decorate virtual pumpkins. Teams can use online whiteboard platforms to create spooky or festive pumpkin designs together.
Duration: 1 hour Group size: 5-10 participants per team Why it works for teams: Encourages remote teams’ creativity, digital collaboration, and healthy competition in a seasonal context.
13. Online Cooking Classes
Remote teams join virtual cooking sessions to create seasonal dishes like butternut squash soup or apple pie. Instructors guide participants through recipes step-by-step, allowing for real-time questions and interaction. For example, This great fall event precedes a Halloween party.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 10-20 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes culinary skills, teamwork, and shared experiences between virtual teams.
14. Fall Bingo
Players compete using digital bingo cards with autumn-themed prompts like “pumpkin spice latte”, “pumpkin patch”, “haunted house” or “pumpkin pie”. This activity is easily scalable for large groups and can be customized to fit company culture.
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour Group size: 10-100+ participants Why it works for teams: Offers a fun, low-pressure way to engage team members and celebrate fall traditions.
15. Digital Scavenger Hunts
During a Digital Scavenger Hunt, participants search their homes for autumn-themed items like cinnamon sticks, Halloween candy, or orange decor, sharing their finds via video call. Teams can compete to find items the fastest or create the most creative displays.
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour Group size: 5-20 participants Why it works for teams: This fall activity perfectly blends creativity and competition while personalizing the fall experience.
16. Virtual Harvest Trivia
Virtual Harvest Trivia is an effective activity for teams that work remotely. Teams compete in online quizzes about fall traditions and trivia using platforms like Kahoot. Questions can cover topics from harvest history to popular autumn activities like Thanksgiving.
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour Group size: 10-50 participants Why it works for teams: Combines learning with healthy competition, allowing team members to share knowledge of fall customs.
17. Remote Gratitude Circles
Remote Gratitude Circles are intimate experiences known for bringing virtual teams together. Participants share thankful messages in virtual breakout rooms that can be about other team members. You don’t need to feel brave enough to share. This activity allows for deeper conversations and reflection.
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour Group size: Up to 20 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes positivity, empathy, and deeper connections among team members.
18. Halloween Costume Contest
Celebrate the Halloween season in the best way with a costume contest! This is one of the favorite virtual fall activities for corporate groups. Team members showcase their costumes via video call or Slack channel, competing in themed categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Group Costume”. This activity is a favorite among Reddit users for virtual Halloween celebrations.
Duration: 1 hour Group size: 10-50 participants Why it works for teams: This activity fosters creativity, self-expression, and lighthearted fun in a virtual setting.
19. Collaborative Fall Playlist
Teams work together to curate a playlist of autumn-themed songs, which can be used for virtual dance-offs, or as background music for other fall activities. Use platforms like Spotify's collaborative playlist feature to allow all team members to contribute fall-themed songs. Consider categories like "autumn classics," "Halloween hits," or "thanksgiving tunes" to guide selections while allowing for personal interpretation.
Duration: 1 week Group size: Any size Why it works for teams: Fosters collaboration and team bonding through music.
20. Online Craft Workshops
During a guided virtual workshop, participants receive mailed kits containing materials like dried leaves and pinecones to create fall wreaths or centerpieces. When you arrange a virtual craft workshop, you'll create a multisensory team experience that transcends typical online interactions.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 10-20 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes creativity, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment while creating seasonal decor.
Best Outdoor Fall Team Building Activities
Fall's crisp air and colorful landscapes create the perfect backdrop for outdoor team experiences. These activities take full advantage of Autumn while encouraging physical activity and face-to-face interaction.
Team building, healthy competition, nature appreciation
Apple Bobbing Challenge
10-20 participants
1-2 hours
Tubs, apples, towels, timer
Teamwork, lighthearted fun, Halloween spirit
21. Corn Maze Adventures
Corn maze adventures offer a thrilling outdoor experience where teams navigate through intricate mazes and compete. Teams can race to find the exit or complete challenges within the maze, promoting problem-solving and teamwork in a fun, immersive environment. It’s ideal to celebrate the holiday season.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 10-20 participants Why it works for teams: This team building activity enhances problem-solving skills, teamwork, and physical activity in a unique outdoor setting.
22. Leaf Raking Competition
Leaf raking competitions involve teams cleaning community spaces or donating their efforts to seniors, combining community service with healthy competition. Participants often compete to complete their tasks the fastest while providing a valuable service.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 10-20 participants Why it works for teams: This team building activity encourages community service, teamwork, and competition while giving back to the community.
23. Outdoor Movie Night
Outdoor movie nights are a magical way to screen classics like Hocus Pocus under the stars, a fantastic activity that serves as a Halloween party. Teams set up a movie area with blankets, cider, and snacks like Halloween candy, creating a relaxed atmosphere for bonding.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 10-50 participants Why it works for teams: Offers a relaxing and memorable way to bond over shared experiences and enjoy the fall atmosphere.
24. Hiking with Foliage Bingo
Prepare for fun fall team building with a combination of hiking and foliage bingo, where physical activity and nature meet. It’s a perfect team activity to celebrate fall and Halloween. Teams hike through scenic trails while completing bingo cards featuring autumn wildlife and plants. Bonus points for physical challenges!
Duration: 2 hours Group size: 8-20 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes physical activity, teamwork, and environmental awareness in a fall setting.
25. Farmers’ Market Tours
Farmers’ market tours involve exploring seasonal produce and hosting a team cook-off. Teams visit local markets to learn about and taste various fall ingredients, then compete to create the best dishes using these ingredients. This activity encourages culinary creativity, teamwork, and appreciation for local agriculture.
Duration: Half-day Group size: 10-15 participants Why it works for teams: This lighthearted team building activity combines culinary exploration, teamwork, and creativity.
26. Pumpkin Patch Relay Races
Who’s the first to reach the finish line? Pumpkin patch relay races are a fun and active team-building activity inspired by Field Day. Teams carry pumpkins through obstacle courses, often incorporating challenges like rolling, tossing, or balancing pumpkins. This activity promotes physical activity, teamwork, and friendly competition in a festive fall setting.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 10-20 participants Why it works for teams: Encourages physical activity, teamwork, and lighthearted fun while embracing the spirit of fall.
27. Bonfire S’mores Social
Thinking of creative ways to engage with your team through fall team building ideas? Bonfire s’mores socials combine team storytelling or gratitude exercises with the comfort of a bonfire. Team members gather around the fire to share stories, make s’mores, and enjoy each other’s company.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 10-15 participants Why it works for teams: Encourages connection, creativity, and team bonding in a relaxed, natural setting.
28. Touch Football Tournament
Enjoy the fall season with touch football tournaments, a classic team-building activity promoting physical activity and competition. Teams organize matches in parks, often with post-game festivities.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 10-20 participants Why it works for teams: It’s a fun way to celebrate the season while promoting physical activity, teamwork, and competition.
29. Fall Photography Contest
Out of team building ideas? Fall photography contests challenge teams to capture the beauty of autumn through photography. Participants compete to take the best shots of autumn landscapes or themed portraits. This activity encourages creativity and appreciation for nature.
Duration: Half-day Group size: Up to 20 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes team building and healthy competition while capturing the best of fall.
30. Apple Bobbing Challenge
Apple bobbing challenges are among the best team building activities with a classic Halloween twist. Teams compete to see who can retrieve the most apples from a tub of water using only their mouths, often incorporating team challenges or relay elements.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 10-20 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes team building through teamwork and lighthearted fun while embracing the spirit of Halloween.
Best Fall Team Building Activities for Small Groups
Trying to cater to small groups for more intimate experiences? Then these suggestions are for you, as they all promote private events, deeper conversations, and unique challenges.
Enjoy an intimate team-building experience by pairing seasonal wines with apple-based snacks. Teams can sample a curated selection of wines, such as spiced reds or crisp whites, alongside cheeses and accompaniments like apple chutney or caramelized nuts.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Group size: 6-15 participants
Why it works for teams: Fosters social interaction and relaxation in a fall setting.
32. Haunted House Tours
Take your team on a thrilling adventure by visiting local haunted attractions. Participants explore spooky locations, hear ghost stories, and enjoy a shared dinner afterward to unwind. The combination of adrenaline and camaraderie creates an unforgettable bonding experience that teams will talk about for years.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Group size: 10-20 participants
Why it works for teams: Builds trust and camaraderie through shared excitement and storytelling in a unique setting.
33. Backyard BBQ Cook-Off
Teams compete to grill seasonal veggies and other fall ingredients in a relaxed backyard setting. Participants can take on roles such as grill master or sous chef to create their best dishes, which are then judged on flavor and presentation.
Duration: 3 hours
Group size: 10-20 participants
Why it works for teams: Encourages collaboration, creativity, and competition while enjoying delicious food.
34. Fall Board Game Night
Gather your team indoors for an evening of fall-themed board games like Betrayal at House on the Hill or Harvest Dice. Players work together (or compete) to solve mysteries, strategize, or build autumn-inspired worlds. Add snacks like caramel popcorn or hot cider to enhance the experience.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Group size: 4-10 participants
Why it works for teams: A board game promotes strategic thinking, collaboration, and lighthearted fun in a relaxed atmosphere.
35. Private Cooking Class
Learn to prepare seasonal dishes like roasted squash risotto or apple crumble under the guidance of a professional chef. Teams work together to follow recipes, hone their cooking skills, and enjoy the fruits of their labor in a shared meal afterward. Classes can be tailored to dietary preferences or skill levels for inclusivity.
Duration: 3 hours
Group size: 6-12 participants
Why it works for teams: A private cooking class fosters creativity and skill-building while sharing a delicious meal.
Best Fall Team Building Activities for Large Groups
Who said large groups can’t benefit from team-building activities? These options work well for company-wide events, multi-department gatherings, or large office celebrations.
Activity
Group Size
Duration
Materials Needed
Key Benefits
Office Decorating Contest
10-100 participants
1-2 days + 1 hour judging
Fall decorations, judging criteria, prizes
Competition, improved work environment, creativity
Pumpkin Chucking Competition
Any size
2-3 hours
Pumpkins, building materials for catapults, outdoor space
Creativity, problem-solving, competition
Collaborative Mural Painting
10-15 participants
Full day
Canvas/wall space, paints, brushes, artist guidance
Creativity, teamwork, meaningful artwork creation
Apple Pressing Day
10-15 participants
Half-day
Orchard access, apple press, containers, transportation
Physical activity, team bonding, festive atmosphere
36. Office Decorating Contest
Teams compete to create the best fall-themed workspace, showcasing creativity and collaboration. Participants decorate their offices with fall themes like pumpkins, leaves, and autumn colors, often incorporating company themes or values.
Duration: 1-2 days for decorating, 1 hour for judging Group size: 10-100 participants Why it works for teams: Decorating the office encourages competition while improving the work environment.
37. Pumpkin Chucking Competition
In this game, teams build catapults to launch pumpkins in a fun and competitive event. Participants use engineering skills and creativity to design and build their catapults, competing for distance and accuracy.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: Any size Why it works for teams: Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and competition while embracing the fall spirit.
38. Collaborative Mural Painting
Teams create autumn landscapes or gratitude-themed art through collaborative mural painting. Led by professional artists, team members work together to design and paint a large-scale mural, fostering creativity, teamwork, and shared expression. The final artwork can be displayed in the office as a reminder of team collaboration.
Duration: Full day Group size: 10-15 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes creativity, teamwork, and shared expression while creating a meaningful work of art.
39. Apple Pressing Day
Visit local orchards for a fun and interactive team-building experience where teams make cider. Participants learn about the apple pressing process, work together to press apples, and enjoy the fruits of their labor in a shared tasting session.
Duration: Half-day Group size: 10-15 participants Why it works for teams: Combines teamwork with sensory experiences and appreciation for nature.
40. Harvest Olympics
Host a series of fall-themed athletic events like pie-eating contests, hay bale tosses, and pumpkin relays. Teams compete in these fun and active challenges, promoting physical activity and team spirit. This activity adapts traditional Field Day events with a seasonal twist.
Duration: Half-day Group size: Up to 100 participants Why it works for teams: Encourages physical activity and team bonding in a festive setting.
Want to organize your next team building retreat ? Ask our experts!
As the seasons change, so do the opportunities for team building. Fall offers a perfect window to boost morale and foster unity within your organization before the holiday rush begins. Whether you're planning for in-person teams or remote employees, the activities in this guide provide options for every team configuration and budget.
The investment you make in fall team building pays dividends throughout the year. Teams that connect during these seasonal activities demonstrate improved communication, enhanced problem-solving, and stronger interpersonal bonds that directly impact workplace performance.
TeamOut can help streamline your planning process with access to 4,000+ venues worldwide and expertise from managing 600+ successful events. Our industry knowledge typically saves clients up to 30% on venue costs, maximizing your team building investment.
Ready to create a memorable fall experience for your team? Book a free consultation with TeamOut today, and we'll help you design the perfect seasonal event tailored to your specific objectives.
Thomas Mazimann, a French entrepreneur and former international kayaking athlete, transitioned from sports to tech after moving to the U.S. He co-founded TeamOut, revolutionizing team gatherings.
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