With summer just around the corner, now more than ever is time to leverage the warm weather and ignite team spirit, promoting a sense of unity within your organization.
The data makes a compelling case for summer team building. According to Gallup's State of the Global Workplace 2023 report, only 23% of employees worldwide are fully engaged at work—a concerning statistic with direct implications for productivity and retention. Meanwhile, Harvard Business Review research reveals that 65% of workers feel more connected to their colleagues when participating in team-building activities. The connection is clear: meaningful team experiences translate directly to workplace engagement.
Summer provides the ideal backdrop for these transformative activities. Whether you're managing an in-office team eager to get outdoors, a remote workforce seeking virtual connection, or a hybrid model requiring flexible options, you'll find solutions that deliver measurable results while embracing the season's natural energy.
In this article, you'll find:
TeamOut's Top Summer Team Building Activities
Best Virtual Summer Team Building Activities
Best Outdoor Summer Team Building Activities
Best Summer Team Building Activities for Small Groups
Best Summer Team Building Activities for Large Groups
From adrenaline-pumping adventures to creative workshops, we've curated 40 summer-specific activities designed to strengthen connections and boost engagement during the season of sunshine. Let's dive in!
These signature activities have consistently delivered exceptional results across organizations of all sizes and industries. You'll find options that leverage summer's unique advantages while addressing core team development needs—from communication and problem-solving to creativity and trust-building.
Activity
Group Size
Duration
Materials Needed
Key Benefits
Escape Rooms
Up to 20 participants (4-10 per room)
1-2 hours
Escape room booking, transportation
Critical thinking, collaboration, communication under pressure
Team spirit, friendly competition, adrenaline rush
Charity Clean-Ups
Up to 50 participants
Half-day to full-day
Cleaning supplies, gloves, trash bags, coordination with charity
Sense of purpose, teamwork, corporate social responsibility
Outdoor Yoga Sessions
Up to 50 participants
1 hour
Yoga mats, instructor, outdoor space
Mindfulness, group relaxation, wellness promotion
Pottery/Pot Painting Workshops
8-20 participants
2 hours
Pottery supplies, instructor, workspace
Creativity, collaboration, hands-on experience
Laser Tag
Up to 30 participants
1-2 hours
Laser tag venue booking, team identifiers
Strategic thinking, teamwork, competitive fun
Corporate Olympics
Up to 50 participants
Half-day
Sports equipment, scoring system, prizes
Team bonding, lighthearted competition, physical activity
1. Escape Rooms
Escape Room challenges are immersive problem-solving activities where team members work as one to solve puzzles and escape within a set time. In an escape room, participants are "trapped" in a themed room and must use clues, riddles, and teamwork to unlock doors and escape. It’s the perfect indoor team building activity for grey summer days!
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: Up to 20 participants (4-10 per room) Why it works for teams: Escape rooms encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and communication under pressure.
2. Outdoor Scavenger Hunts
There are many types of Scavenger Hunts to choose from, but they all usually involve exploring areas like cities or local parks to find specific items or complete challenges. They can be customized for seasonal themes, like Summer Solstice, making them adaptable to any environment. Challenges often include taking photos at specific landmarks, collecting items from nature, or solving riddles related to the area.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: Up to 50 participants Why it works for teams: Scavenger hunts promote teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in a fun, interactive way.
3. Go-Karting
Go-Karting is a thrilling activity where team members race against each other on go-kart tracks. It fosters friendly competition and camaraderie. The event typically starts with a briefing on safety and track rules, followed by practice laps to get comfortable with the karts. Then, participants compete in timed races or team relay events, which can be organized to suit each team's preferences.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 8-30 participants Why it works for teams: Builds team spirit through friendly competition while providing an adrenaline rush.
4. Charity Clean-Ups
Teams volunteer with a local charity to clean parks, beaches, or other community spaces, combining outdoor team building with a positive environmental impact. These events involve collecting trash, planting trees, or participating in other conservation activities. Charity clean-ups also contribute to corporate social responsibility (CSR), which is one of the main team building trends for 2025, enhancing the company's reputation and employee morale.
Duration: Half-day to full-day Group size: Up to 50 participants Why it works for teams: Fosters a sense of purpose and teamwork while contributing to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
5. Outdoor Yoga Sessions
Relaxing yoga sessions held in outdoor locations help teams bond while promoting wellness. These sessions begin with a gentle warm-up, followed by a series of poses tailored to the group's skill level. This outdoor activity helps team members unwind and connect on a deeper level. Outdoor yoga sessions can be paired with nature walks or meditation to enhance the experience.
Duration: 1 hour Group size: Up to 50 participants Why it works for teams: Outdoor yoga sessions encourage mindfulness and group relaxation in a serene environment.
6. Pottery/Pot Painting Workshops
Creative workshops allow participants to craft or paint pottery items together. In these hands-on sessions, teams learn basic pottery techniques or decorate ceramics with paints and glazes. The creative process sparks imagination and collaboration as participants share their techniques. At the end, each participant takes home their masterpiece, reminding them of the team-building experience.
Duration: 2 hours Group size: 8-20 participants Why it works for teams: Hands-on workshops of this kind spark creativity and collaboration between team members.
7. Laser Tag
Laser Tag is a high-energy team game where players strategize to outscore the opposing team using laser guns. The game takes place in a designated arena with obstacles and hiding spots. Teams work together to capture flags, defend bases, or complete other objectives, requiring strategic planning and communication.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: Up to 30 participants (depending on venue) Why it works for teams: Enhances strategic thinking and teamwork in a fun, competitive setting.
8. Corporate Olympics
Corporate Olympics includes a mix of classic games like sack races, tug-of-war, and egg-and-spoon relays, creating a fun-filled sports day. The event is inspired by the Olympics, with teams competing in various events to earn points. The best part? Activities can be tailored to fit the group's size and preferences.
Duration: Half-day Group size: Up to 50 participants Why it works for teams: Corporate Olympics promotes team bonding through lighthearted competition and physical activity.
Best Virtual Summer Team Building Activities
Your remote team deserves thoughtful connection opportunities that capture summer's energy despite physical distance. These virtual activities create meaningful engagement through seasonal themes and interactive experiences that transcend typical video meetings.
Activity
Group Size
Duration
Materials Needed
Key Benefits
Remote Mixology Classes
10-50 participants
1-2 hours
Mailed ingredient kits, video conferencing, mixologist
Employee engagement, creativity, social interaction
Video conferencing with breakout rooms, digital drawing tools
Creativity, collaboration, healthy competition
Virtual Cooking Classes
10-30 participants
1-2 hours
Ingredient lists, cooking equipment, video conferencing, chef
Skill-building, social interaction, shared experience
Remote Murder Mysteries
8-20 participants
2-3 hours
Character information, clues, video conferencing, host
Creative thinking, communication, problem-solving
Collaborative Playlists
Any size
1 week
Music streaming platform (Spotify/Apple Music)
Employee engagement, sharing, minimal time investment
Online Bingo
Flexible, large groups
30 min - 1 hour
Digital bingo cards, summer-themed prompts, host
Competitive spirit, team connection, easy implementation
9. Remote Mixology Classes
Remote Mixology Classes bring the art of cocktail crafting to your team's home offices. Team members receive mailed kits containing ingredients and tools needed to create summer-inspired cocktails. A professional mixologist guides the group through the process via video call, teaching techniques. In this team building exercise, groups can compete in challenges like crafting the most visually appealing cocktail or inventing a signature company drink.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 10-50 participants Why it works for teams: This activity contributes to employee engagement while promoting creativity and social interaction.
10. Virtual Escape Rooms
Virtual Escape Rooms transport groups into immersive digital environments where the entire team must work together to solve puzzles and escape within a time limit. Host platforms like Brightful offer themed escape room challenges with live facilitators who guide the experience. Rooms can be customized with summer themes like “Tropical Island Getaway” or “Beach House Mystery”.
Duration: 60 minutes Group size: Up to 20 participants (4-10 per room) Why it works for teams: Enhances problem-solving skills and teamwork in an engaging, high-pressure environment.
11. Online Trivia Nights
Online Trivia Nights bring the excitement of pub quizzes to the virtual world. Using platforms like Kahoot or Azigy, teams compete in summer-themed rounds covering topics such as vacation spots or seasonal sports like beach volleyball. Questions can be customized to include company-specific information or industry-related facts. A host manages the game, keeping energy high and encouraging friendly competition.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: Any size Why it works for teams: Fosters knowledge sharing and friendly competition while being easily scalable for different team sizes.
12. Digital Art Challenges
Digital Art Challenges transform team members into artists using digital tools. Participants are divided into small groups in Zoom breakout rooms and given a summer-themed prompt, such as “Design the ultimate summer festival”. Using online drawing tools or shared canvases, teams work together to create their masterpieces. At the end, all groups reconvene to present their artwork and vote on favorites.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 10-50 participants Why it works for teams: Stimulates creativity and collaboration, while also promoting healthy competition.
13. Virtual Cooking Classes
Virtual Cooking Classes are right at the top of summer team building activities for remote teams! A professional chef leads the class via video call, guiding participants through the creation of seasonal recipes like BBQ dishes or summer salads. Ingredients lists are provided in advance, allowing team members to prepare. The class can be structured as a cook-along session or a competitive cook-off where teams present their dishes for judging. This activity combines learning new skills with the joy of sharing a meal, even from a distance.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 10-30 participants Why it works for teams: Cook-offs are team building exercises that combine skill-building with social interaction, fostering a sense of shared experience.
14. Remote Murder Mysteries
Remote Murder Mysteries immerse team members in intriguing whodunit scenarios. Participants are assigned character roles and given background information before the event. During the game, they interact in character via video call, uncovering clues, interrogating suspects, and working together to solve the mystery. The host guides the story, revealing new information and managing the flow of the game.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 8-20 participants Why it works for teams: Encourages creative thinking, communication, and problem-solving in an entertaining setting.
15. Collaborative Playlists
Collaborative Playlists turn music selection into a team-building exercise. Using platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, team members contribute to a shared summer-themed playlist. Each person adds a set number of songs that remind them of summer, explaining their choices to the group. The final playlist can be used for virtual dance-offs. It’s a fun way to spark conversations about personal tastes and memories.
Duration: 1 week Group size: Any size Why it works for teams: Facilitates employee engagement through sharing and creates a team resource with minimal time investment.
16. Online Bingo
Online Bingo adds a summer twist to the game everyone knows and loves. Custom digital bingo cards feature summer-themed prompts like “beach day” or “fireworks”. A host calls out the prompts, and participants mark their cards accordingly. Multiple rounds can be played with different themes or card layouts. This easily scalable activity works well for large groups and can be a quick, fun addition to virtual meetings or a standalone event.
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour Group size: Flexible, can accommodate large groups Why it works for teams: This activity encourages your remote team’s competitive spirit, and it’s a great way to keep your team connected. It’s also easy to implement and adaptable.
Best Outdoor Summer Team Building Activities
Summer's perfect weather creates ideal conditions for outdoor experiences that energize your team while strengthening connections. These activities leverage natural settings to create memorable shared experiences that build relationships while taking advantage of the season's unique opportunities.
Activity
Group Size
Duration
Materials Needed
Key Benefits
Kayaking/Canoeing
8-20 participants
2-4 hours
Kayaks/canoes, paddles, life vests, instructor
Communication, cooperation, problem-solving in nature
Farmers' Market Tours
10-30 participants
3-5 hours
Market access, cooking facilities, budget for ingredients
Team bonding, collaboration, shared culinary experience
Beach Volleyball
8-24 participants
2-3 hours
Volleyball, net, beach/sand court
Teamwork, competitive spirit, communication in relaxed setting
Rafting Adventures
Up to 30 participants
Half-day
Rafts, paddles, life vests, guides, safety equipment
Trust building, communication, problem-solving under pressure
Outdoor Movie Nights
Any size
3-4 hours
Projector, screen, sound system, seating, snacks
Relaxed environment, team cohesion, social bonding
Confidence building, collaborative efforts, peer support
Camping Trips
10-30 participants
Overnight to multiple days
Tents, sleeping bags, camping supplies, food
Deep connections, company culture enhancement, self-reliance
17. Kayaking/Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing adventures are among the most popular outdoor team building activities for the summer. Take teams through waterways, offering a perfect blend of physical activity and natural beauty. Team members paddle in single or tandem boats, navigating rivers, lakes, or coastal areas. Instructors provide safety briefings and basic paddling techniques before teams set out.
Duration: 2-4 hours Group size: 8-20 participants Why it works for teams: Enhances communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills in a natural setting.
18. Farmers' Market Tours
Farmers' Market Tours consist of group visits to local markets to source fresh, seasonal ingredients for a team-cooked meal. Team members are then divided into smaller groups, each responsible for purchasing specific ingredients within a budget. After the market visit, teams work together to prepare a meal, guided by a professional chef.
Duration: 3-5 hours Group size: 10-30 participants Why it works for teams: Fosters team bonding, collaboration, and creativity through a shared culinary experience.
19. Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is a top beach game and is a casual and fun way for teams to engage in physical activity and friendly competition. Teams are divided into small groups to play matches on sandy courts or open spaces. Games can be organized as round-robin tournaments or casual play, depending on the group's preference. Between matches, teams can enjoy beach activities or simply relax in the sun.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 8-24 participants Why it works for teams: Encourages teamwork, competitive spirit, and communication in a laidback setting.
20. Rafting Adventures
Rafting adventures are at the top of summer team building ideas, challenging teams to navigate whitewater rapids. Teams of 6-8 people per raft work together to go through various levels of rapids, following the guide's instructions. During calmer stretches, teams may engage in team-building exercises or enjoy the surroundings. This adrenaline-pumping activity requires mutual support.
Duration: Half-day Group size: Up to 30 participants Why it works for teams: Builds trust, improves communication, and enhances problem-solving skills under pressure.
21. Outdoor Movie Nights
Outdoor Movie Nights are ideal for the summer season and transform team gatherings into a cinematic experience. A large screen is set up in an outdoor space, such as a park or beach, where teams can relax on blankets or lawn chairs. The event can be paired with a team picnic with delicious food, where groups bring or prepare themed snacks.
Duration: 3-4 hours Group size: Any size Why it works for teams: Provides a relaxed environment for employee engagement, team cohesion, and social bonding.
22. Team Fitness Challenge
Team Fitness Challenges provide a refreshing break from the office and combine physical activity with friendly competition. It’s a top summer team building activity that promotes health and teamwork. The challenge can be structured as a series of fitness stations, each focusing on a different exercise. Teams rotate through stations, completing tasks like obstacle courses, group yoga, relay races, or team-based workouts. The event can be customized to accommodate various fitness levels, so that everyone can participate.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 10-50 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes physical well-being, encourages mutual support, and boosts morale.
23. Axe Throwing
Axe throwing engages employees in an exciting team-building experience inspired by Viking traditions. After a safety briefing and demonstration, team members practice their throws before engaging in friendly competitions. Organize tournaments to make it extra thrilling!
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 8-20 participants Why it works for teams: Builds confidence as teams engage in collaborative efforts, and it’s a fantastic way to encourage peer support.
24. Camping Trips
Camping trips offer an immersive summer team-building experience in nature, especially on hot summer days. Groups set up camp together, learning essential outdoor skills like pitching tents, building fires, and preparing meals outdoors. Activities can include hiking, nature walks, stargazing, and storytelling around the campfire. Team challenges like orienteering or wilderness survival exercises can be incorporated to enhance problem-solving skills, encouraging collaboration.
Duration: Overnight to multiple days Group size: 10-30 participants Why it works for teams: Encourages employees to deep connections, enhances company culture, and builds self-reliance in a natural setting.
Best Summer Team Building Activities for Small Groups
Smaller teams benefit from more intimate experiences that create deeper connections and meaningful interactions. These activities are specifically designed for groups where everyone can actively participate and contribute, creating stronger bonds through shared experiences.
Wine & Cheese Tastings offer a sophisticated team-building experience, perfect for small groups. Held at local vineyards, these events combine wine education with indulgence. A sommelier guides the group through wine and cheese pairings, encouraging everyone to taste and combine flavors. This activity promotes communication and knowledge sharing, which helps promote a positive work environment in the long run.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: Ideal for 8-15 participants Why it works for teams: Engages employees in a tasting experience and promotes socializing and knowledge sharing.
26. Mini-Golf
Summer weather is perfect for Mini-golf, which provides a fun, low-pressure team-building activity suitable for small groups. Quirky courses like Hole in Wand feature creative obstacles, encouraging problem-solving and friendly competition.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 4-12 participants Why it works for teams: Encourages light-hearted competition, boosts employee morale, and fosters casual interaction.
27. Sunset Cruises
Warm weather is ideal for Sunset Cruises, which offer a serene team-building experience, ideal for small groups. Send teams off to enjoy the sunset on a boat, engaging in casual conversation or participating in activities like wildlife spotting and cultural appreciation. Take in the fresh air of the season and, if you’re lucky, you might see a concert from local bands aboard the cruise.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 6-20 participants Why it works for teams: Creates a tranquil atmosphere for employee well-being, reflection, and deeper conversations.
28. Guided Nature Walks
Guided Nature Walks in botanical gardens offer a refreshing team-building experience, perfect for small groups. Teams explore local flora and fauna while learning about ecosystems. Activities can include plant identification challenges or nature photography contests. It’s the next level of team bonding outdoors!
Duration: 1-3 hours Group size: 5-15 participants Why it works for teams: Fosters team spirit and employee engagement by combining education with gentle exercise.
29. Ninja Obstacle Courses
Ninja Obstacle Courses is among our favorite summer team building activities and outdoor games, providing an exhilarating experience suited for small groups, usually in a nearby park. Team members tackle agility challenges like rope swings and climbing walls. Groups can compete in relay races or work together to complete the course, building team spirit and mutual support, away from the usual office environment.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: 6-12 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes physical teamwork and mutual encouragement.
30. Surfing
You can’t think of summer team building ideas and not think of Surfing lessons. They offer a standout team-building experience, especially for small groups, helping strengthen team bonds. Groups learn ocean safety and surfing techniques from professional coaches. The challenge of mastering a new skill together creates a strong bond among participants.
Duration: 2-3 hours Group size: Perfect for 4-10 participants Why it works for teams: Builds confidence and trust while providing a fun, challenging shared experience.
31. Ghost Walks
Ghost Walks combine storytelling with a touch of spookiness, making for an engaging team-building activity. Teams explore city streets, sharing tales of local legends, and often conclude with a group dinner to discuss their experiences.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 6-15 participants Why it works for teams: Combines entertainment with communication skills, fostering shared experiences.
32. Backyard BBQs
Backyard BBQs provide a casual team-building experience, perfect for small groups. Teams grill seasonal foods and engage in cook-offs, encouraging collaboration and socializing. This relaxed setting promotes natural bonding.
Duration: 3-4 hours Group size: Ideal for 8-20 participants Why it works for teams: Provides a relaxed setting for shared experiences and casual interactions.
Best Summer Team Building Activities for Large Groups
Managing team building for larger groups requires activities that scale effectively while still creating meaningful engagement. These options work well for company-wide events, multi-department gatherings, or large office celebrations, creating shared experiences that accommodate diverse preferences.
Activity
Group Size
Duration
Materials Needed
Key Benefits
Tree Planting Drives
Up to 100 participants
2-4 hours
Saplings, gardening tools, gloves, coordination with local authorities
Teamwork, environmental impact, sense of purpose
Amusement Park Outings
20-100+ participants
Full day
Park tickets, transportation, meal arrangements
Excitement and relaxation mix, connection in playful environment
Corporate Picnics
30-100+ participants
3-5 hours
Park reservation, food, lawn games, seating
Laid-back atmosphere, socialization, team connection
Lego Building Challenges
10-100 participants
1-2 hours
Lego sets, workspace, challenge instructions
Collaboration, communication skills, creative thinking
Variety of experiences, diverse preferences accommodation
33. Tree Planting Drives
Tree Planting Drives are part of eco-friendly CSR projects that involve teams in environmental conservation. Team members work with other teams to plant trees in local areas, contributing to community green spaces and team bonding.
Duration: 2-4 hours Group size: Up to 100 participants Why it works for teams: Combines teamwork with a sense of purpose and environmental impact.
34. Amusement Park Outings
Team visits to local amusement parks for a day of thrill rides and fun. This experience can be paired with catered lunches and team photo opportunities, configuring a standout summer team building activity.
Duration: Full day Group size: 20-100+ participants Why it works for teams: Offers a mix of excitement and relaxation and fosters connection in a playful environment.
35. Corporate Picnics
Relaxed gatherings in parks and meetings outdoors are fantastic summer team building activities. However, add lawn games, food trucks, and potluck-style meals to the combo: Corporate Picnic can be anything your team wants. This large-group idea encourages casual interaction and team bonding.
Duration: 3-5 hours Group size: 30-100+ participants Why it works for teams: Provides a laid-back atmosphere for team members to socialize and connect.
36. Lego Building Challenges
Lego Building Challenges are team-based construction races using Lego bricks. This scalable, cost-effective team building activity encourages creativity, communication, and creative problem-solving.
Duration: 1-2 hours Group size: 10-100 participants Why it works for teams: Promotes collaboration, communication skills, and creative thinking in a fun, hands-on format.
37. Festival-Style Events
Festival-Style Events include large-scale gatherings featuring food trucks, cook-offs, live music, and craft stalls. This garden party concept is a great summer team building activity and creates a vibrant atmosphere for team interaction and celebration.
Duration: Half-day to full-day Group size: 50-200+ participants Why it works for teams: Offers a variety of activities and experiences to suit diverse preferences.
Organise your next summer team building event with TeamOut
As temperatures rise and days lengthen, summer offers the perfect opportunity to revitalize your team's connections and energy. The activities in this guide provide proven approaches to strengthening relationships, enhancing communication, and boosting morale during this vibrant season.
Whether your team thrives on adrenaline-pumping adventures or prefers creative workshops, you'll find options that deliver meaningful results while creating memorable shared experiences. From virtual cooking classes that connect remote teams to outdoor adventures that leverage summer's perfect weather, these activities help every team member feel valued and engaged.
TeamOut simplifies your summer event planning with comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs. With access to 4,000+ venues worldwide and expertise from managing 600+ successful events, our team can craft the perfect summer experience while potentially reducing venue costs by up to 30%.
Ready to energize your team this summer? Contact TeamOut today for a complimentary consultation and start planning an unforgettable experience that will strengthen your team for seasons to come.
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.
.jpeg)
.png)
