25 Best Team Building Activities To Do in Palo Alto for 2024
Get ready to discover Palo Alto on your next team outing with TeamOut’s expert planning!
Located in the heart of technological hubs, Palo Alto is known as “the Birthplace of Silicon Valley”, featuring a combination of innovative centers but keeping its historical essence.
Did you know Palo Alto is home to the headquarters or founding locations of tech giants like Apple, Google, and Tesla? It is also home to iconic spots like Stanford University and Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, two of the city’s main landmarks.
Explore the exhibits at The Foster Museum or immerse your team in nature at Baylands Preserve - There’s something for everyone!
Beyond its tech fame, Palo Alto has plenty to offer! Cultural experiences and outdoor adventures abound, and TeamOut has the mission to show you the best activities for your team’s style, interests, and budget!
Ready to experience the fusion of tradition and technology that makes Palo Alto extraordinary?
Head to Garrod Farms and embark on a horseback riding adventure with your team! Take in Saratoga’s stunning views, learn a new skill - if you’re a beginner - and bond while having fun in the great outdoors and discovering the Cooper-Garrod Vineyards at Garrod Farms! These trail rides take place 7 days a week with the presence of a guide/instructor, so it’ll easily fit into your busy schedule! Ready to join the adventure?
Location: 22645 Garrod Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070
Schedule: Everyday from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Prices: $95/pp
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Contact the company
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.7⭐
Group size: Up to 8 participants
Recommended for: Teams interested in thrilling outdoor activities and that enjoy horseback riding.
During your trail ride, take in the views of Cooper-Garrod vineyards and the wineries of Santa Clara Valley!
Experience an exciting team-building day at Shoreline Lake in Mountain View! Rent kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, or sailboats and set out on this freshwater lake. Surrounded by nature and the Santa Cruz Mountains, you’ll be able to embark on adventures but also unwind. Paddle or sail while enjoying scenicviews and spotting local wildlife. With nearby walking and biking trails, it’s a standout spot for a nature-filled outing with your team!
Location: 3160 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043
Schedule: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: $35/per canoe/per hour
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: No
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.7⭐
Group size: Each group has up to 4 participants
Recommended for: Teams looking for thrilling water activities or just a change to unwind at Shoreline Lake.
The best time to visit Shoreline Lake is around sunset. Gather your team and enjoy the different colors and reflections. The water looks especially gorgeous!
Discover the top walking and hiking trails around Palo Alto with your team! With different trails for all-skill levels, your squad is sure to find the best one. Hike the 5-mile Long Ridge Trail loop or explore Boronda Lake at Foothills Nature Preserve. For a more intense adventure, tackle the Ridge Trail, Peters Creek & Canyon Trail loop at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve - a full 7 hour hike. Prefer a shorter, easier hike? Check out the Franciscan Loop Trail at Los Trancos Open Space Preserve.
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Schedule: Sunrise - sunset
Duration: 1-7 hours (depending on the trail)
Prices: Free
Food on-site: You’re welcome to pack your own food and drinks
Accessibility: No
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Group size: Groups of any size
Recommended for: Teams of outdoor lovers looking for thrilling activities.
Enjoy Palo Alto’s Foothills Park and Boronda Lake on your hiking adventure!
Head to Shoreline Lake Boathouse, a recreational center where your team is encouraged to participate in bird-watching, biking, running and other activities. Rent a kayak and explore the open ocean - If you already have the technique and experience! Book a private group class and learn the following skills: Enclosed Kayak Fundamentals, Basic Knowledge of Tides & Currents, Boat Edging, Bracing, Paddle Float Re-Entry, T-Rescue, and safety rules! Once you’re confident, you’re ready to hit the ocean!
Location: 3160 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043
Schedule: Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm | Weekends: 10:00 am - 7:30 pm
Duration: 3 hours
Prices: $155/pp
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: No
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.7⭐
Group size: Contact the company
Recommended for: Teams of thrill-seekers looking for exciting outdoor activities.
Book an Advanced Kayak lesson and learn new techniques that will allow you to explore the open ocean.
Experience the best of Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, a hidden gem in Old Palo Alto. Open daily and free to the public, this historic 2.5-acre location features a rose garden, herb garden, and much more! It’s the ideal spot for team building, where you can explore seasonal blooms, enjoy nature walks, or simply unplug for a while. Don’t miss the monthly tours - September showcases the edible garden! Operated by staff and volunteers, Gamble Garden is a must-visit!
Location: 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Schedule: Everyday from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: Free admission; Tour price: $17/pp
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Contact the company
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.7⭐
Group size: Up to 10 participants (tour only)
Recommended for: Teams of outdoor lovers looking for relaxing experiences in a tranquil setting.
Take a break from your corporate meetings and soak in the tranquility of Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden! It’s the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon with your squad!
Explore the 1,940-acre Baylands Preserve, a top team-building destination near Mountain View and East Palo Alto. With 15 miles of multi-use trails, this expansive marshland offers diverse tidal and freshwater habitats perfect for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Discover the duck pond, Lucy Evans Interpretive Center, and multiple trails. Once thing is certain: The Baylands Preserve provides a unique and refreshing experience for your team.
Location: 2775 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Just 2 miles from downtown Palo Alto, the Arizona Cactus Garden at Stanford University offers a standout team-building escape. This botanical garden features over 500 cacti and succulents in 58 beds. Explore its historic layout and plant collection, including columnar cacti and rosette-forming agaves. Free and open daily, it's a perfect spot for your team to relax, discover unusual flora, and enjoy a tranquil retreat in Stanford’s campus.
Location: Stanford, CA 94305
Schedule: 24/7
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: Free
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Contact the garden
Transport from the City Center: Yes
Rating: 4.8⭐
Group size: Contact the garden
Recommended for: Teams passionate about nature and botanics.
Looking for an outdoor setting where your team can learn about unusual plants and unwind after a day of meetings? Head to the Arizona Garden, at Samford University!
Learn about the tech revolution at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View! Ideal for team-building, this museum showcases the stories and artifacts that shaped Silicon Valley and the digital age. Enjoy docent-led tours with your crew or explore at your own pace with a self-guided option. Book for groups of 10 to 60 and snag a 10% discount at the store and café. Secure your spot with a reservation!
Location: 1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043
Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: $17.50-$46/pp
Food on-site: Yes, there’s a café on-site
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.7⭐
Group size: Up to 60 participants
Recommended for: Teams interested in technology and the digital age.
Explore the computing revolution and its impact on society with your team on a guided tour at the Computer History Museum!
Immerse your team in a unique scavenger hunt adventure in Palo Alto! Alley Kat Adventures’ app-based scavenger hunt combines a city tour with detective-style challenges, guided by a live remote host. Score points, climb the international leaderboard, and explore hidden gems around town. Enjoy indoor and outdoor tasks, challenges, and local interactions. Perfect for teams and special events. Experience Palo Alto like never before and prepare for a handful of surprises!
Location: Meeting point at Verve Coffee Roasters, 162 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
Schedule: Everyday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Duration: 2 hours
Prices: From $200/per group
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: Yes
Rating: 4.7⭐
Group size: Groups of any size
Recommended for: Teams that enjoy creative challenges and working together towards a goal.
Discover local landmarks and hidden gems in an exciting way with a scavenger hunt your crew will love!
Explore creativity at the Palo Alto Art Center, a cultural hub offering art activities for all ages. Managed by the City of Palo Alto and supported by the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, the center welcomes around 150,000 visitors annually with diverse programs. Open since 1971, it’s the perfect place for team-building through art and community engagement. Come create, connect, and be inspired!
Location: 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Schedule: Monday: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm | Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm | Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Sunday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: Contact the center
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.7⭐
Group size: Contact the center
Recommended for: Teams interested in art and community projects.
Check out the exhibitions and community projects at Palo Alto Art Center! It’s a great team-building activity for groups interested in art and culture.
Immerse your team in art at the Stanford Art Gallery, a 1,900-square-foot space integral to Stanford University's art programs. Open since 1917, the gallery hosts high-quality exhibitions which are important to spark dialogue about historical and contemporary art. Designed by Thomas W. Stanford and built with his $80,000 donation, it stands as a cultural landmark near the university's main building. Explore this venue and engage with the world of visual art in a historically rich setting.
Location: 419 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
Schedule: Monday - Friday (hours vary by exhibition)
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: Free
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: Yes
Rating: 4.6⭐
Group size: Groups of any size
Recommended for: Teams passionate about art and culture.
Don’t miss out on the rich cultural and artistic experiences that Stanford University offers!
Unleash your team’s creativity with pottery painting at Create It Ceramics! Start with a wide selection of over 150 bisque pieces, from dinnerware to figurines. Whether you're painting mugs, vases, or chip trays, a guide will provide you with everything you need for your artistic vision. All ages and skill levels are welcome—no art experience needed! Use patterns, stencils, and stamps to ensure you leave with a masterpiece. Ready for an artistic adventure?
Location: 1745 Adrian Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010
Schedule: Contact the company
Duration: 1-3 hours
Prices: $20-$75 (prices vary depending on your ornament)
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.3⭐
Group size: Contact the company
Recommended for: Teams that enjoy hands-on activities and creative challenges.
There are no limits to your imagination at Create It Ceramics!
Learn a new skill at this Rope Art Workshop at Jiaren Cafe! Discover the art of weaving threads around wooden frames to craft unique pieces. Decorate your walls or create personalized photo frames - this workshop is a blast for team-building. Enjoy a guided hands-on session where you'll experiment with colors and patterns, showcase your creations, and take photos of your work! Join your team for a fun and interactive experience!
Location: 1171 Homestead Road 140b Santa Clara, CA 95050 United States
Schedule: Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 10:00 pm | Saturday: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm | Sunday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Prices: $55/pp
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.5⭐
Group size: Contact the company
Recommended for: Teams interested in hands-on activities and learning new skills.
Gather your team and spend some quality time together while learning a new skill! This is a fantastic way to regain focus and unwind.
Stop by Jiaren Cafe for a Hand-Building Clay Workshop every Tuesday at 7:30 pm provided by Chubby Hands Ceramics! Shape raw clay into functional art while enjoying a hands-on experience as a group. Perfect for team-building and private events, with options for virtual classes too. Spots are limited—book now and learn a new skill on your next team outing!
Location: 1171 Homestead Road 140b Santa Clara, CA 95050 United States
Schedule: Every Tuesday at 7:30 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Prices: $76/pp
Food on-site: Yes
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.5⭐
Group size: Contact the company
Recommended for: Teams looking for creative indoor activities.
This is your chance to learn a new skill while bonding with your crew! The best part? You get to keep your creations!
Discover new favorites with a wine tasting at Vin Vino Wine! This tasting bar and wine store offers artisanal French, Italian, and local wines. The VVW team is ready to guide you and your crew through a curated selection that suits all tastes and budgets. Enjoy daily samplings or themed flights to explore different regions and varieties. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a novice, Vin Vino Wine offers a personalized wine journey for teams of every kind.
Location: 437 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Schedule: Tuesday & Wednesday: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm | Thursday & Friday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm | Saturday: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm | Sunday: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: Short Flight: $50/pp | Full Flight: $92
Food on-site: Snacks only
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Group size: Contact the company
Recommended for: Wine lovers and teams looking for unique tasting experiences.
Bring your team together and taste a variety of international and local wines at Vin Vine Wine!
Welcome to Freewheel Brewing Company, where you and your team can taste a diverse range of beers, from classic English-style Ales to popular American IPAs, Lagers, and Pilsners. Savor new flavors, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Freewheel Brewing isn’t just about great brews; this location also offers delicious food, engaging entertainment, and a community spirit you won’t want to miss. Ready for a toast?
Location: 3736 Florence St, Redwood City, CA 94063
Schedule: Everyday from 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Duration: It’s up to you!
Prices: $5-$20 (depending on your order)
Food on-site: Yes
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center:
Rating: 4.5⭐
Group size: Groups of any size
Recommended for: Beer lovers and teams eager to spend time together and catch-up in a tranquil setting.
Looking for a great spot in Redwood City where you can gather your team for drinks? Look no further than Freewheel Brewing Company!
Located in Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is so much more than the tech industry—it's a hotspot for team-building food adventures! From cafés to upscale restaurants, the city offers a variety of flavors, focusing on farm-to-table produce and sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. Join this Palo Alto Food Tour to explore culinary hotspots and bond over delicious bites and dishes. Explore the diverse food scene in a tasty way!
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Schedule: Contact the company
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Prices: $95/pp
Food on-site: Yes
Accessibility: Contact the company
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.9⭐
Group size: Up to 15 participants
Recommended for: Foodies and teams eager to taste Palo Alto’s delicacies and specialities.
Taste the best meals, desserts, and snacks in town on this delicious food tour! Nothing better to bring a team together than food, right?
Get ready to “Play with Your Food” in this unique Silicon Valley team-building adventure by Avital! Savor a 4-course meal with perfect beverage pairings, hands-on cocktail-making, and interactive foodie challenges—all guided by an Expert Avital Emcee Host. More than just dining, it's a lively experience where your team will connect, compete, and collaborate. From food trivia to crafting your own drinks, this is a delicious way to break the ice and build stronger bonds with colleagues!
Location: Partner venues throughout Silicon Valley from San Jose through Palo Alto
Schedule: Contact the company
Duration: 2 hours
Prices: From $190/pp
Food on-site: Yes
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Group size: Ideal for 30-60 guests | Up to 100 guests
Recommended for: Teams looking for unique tasting activities and private events.
Play with your food in this interactive experience in Silicon Valley, featuring a 4-course meal with beverage pairings, cocktails, and interactive team challenges!
Spice up your next team-building event at Taste Buds Kitchen in Palo Alto! Book a hands-on cooking class led by expert chefs, where you and your team will whip up delicious menus like Tasty Thai, Taste of India, or Tour of Tuscany. These private 2-hour sessions are perfect for boosting creativity and teamwork. With your own kitchen studio, a talented culinary team, and tasty meals, it’s the ultimate recipe for a memorable corporate event!
Location: 2775 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Schedule: Sunday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Saturday: 9:00 am - 9:30 pm
Duration: 2 hours
Prices: From $1,188/class for up to 10 guests - $3,564/class for up to 36 guests
Food on-site: Yes, lunch is included and this is a BYOB event
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 5⭐
Group size: Up to 36 participants
Recommended for: Teams that enjoy hands-on experience and learning new skills.
Gather your crew of up to 36 guests and enjoy an evening of cooking - and tasting! - delicious food!
Stay focused and test your aim at Palomo Archery, a fully-equipped indoor archery range near Palo Alto, CA. Offering lane rentals, group lessons, and corporate events for all skill levels, your team will never be short for adventure! From equipment to expert instruction, Palomo Archery is a fantastic place for your next team-building event, with sessions designed to build confidence and improve skills. Book your lesson today and see who has the best aim!
Location: 4022 Transport St, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Schedule: Monday - Saturday: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Prices:
Food on-site: Yes
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.6⭐
Group size: Up to 20 participants
Recommended for: Teams that enjoy friendly competition and thrilling indoor activities.
Gather your crew for the Palo Alto Robot Rally Challenge! Participate in this thrilling program where you will be provided with robots, expert facilitators, and all the guidance you need. Form teams, build your robot, and compete in exciting TBROI games like Cyborg Soccer, Mine Sweep, and Future Joust. It's all about teamwork, strategy, and fun! Ready to join in?
Location: Mountain View, Silicon Valley, and Palo Alto
Schedule: 24/7
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Prices: Contact the company
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.9⭐
Group size: 8 – 600 participants
Recommended for: Teams interested in learning new skills and working together towards a common goal.
With the challenges complete and robots built, it’s time for a friendly competition!
Take part in the TBROI Global Games Challenge for an action-packed team-building adventure! Enjoy an Opening Ceremony, Olympic-style competitions, and a Medal Ceremony. Start with team flags and a Parade of Nations. Take on a mix of physical and mental challenges designed for fun and teamwork. The grand finale features a hilarious closing event with medals for the top three teams. It’s a blend of competition and excitement!
Location: Serving the entire San Jose Bay Area
Schedule: 24/7
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Prices: Contact the company
Food on-site: No
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Group size: 6 – 2000 participants
Recommended for: Teams interested in developing their teamwork and cooperation skills while having a good time together.
Do you have what it takes to complete the challenge and walk out victorious with your team?
Break free from OMESCAPE Sunnyvale—an immersive escape room experience like no other! With 16,000 square feet, choose from thrilling games like Undercooked,Midnight in Hong Kong (team vs. team), Chaos in the Galleria, The Apartment Nextdoor (pitch black), Kingdom of Cat-tastrophe, Forsaken Temple, or the 2-hour epic adventure, Robotopia. Perfect for team-building—are you and your team up for the challenge?
Experience the thrill of a Stanford football game and take your team-building to the next level! At Stanford Stadium, home to the Stanford Cardinal, enjoy an exciting game day atmosphere and use the venue for small group activities. Start with cornhole tournaments, team trivia, and creative setups. Boost team spirit while enjoying the game and cheer for your favorite team. Organize a mini football tournament at a nearby park prior to the event to get inspired!
Location: 625 Nelson Rd, Stanford, CA 94305
Schedule: It depends on the game
Duration: 3 hours
Prices: Up to $50/pp
Food on-site: Yes
Accessibility: Wheelchair seats are available
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.6⭐
Group size: Groups of any size
Recommended for: Teams passionate about sports and live events.
The Stanford Cardinal football program represents Stanford University in college football at the NCAA Division I FBS level. The team is known as the Cardinal.
Time for a music-filled adventure at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View! This venue has rocked Silicon Valley since 1986, offering a fantastic outdoor setting for concerts under the California sky. With a lawn and different lineup possibilities, from rock to hip-hop, it’s ideal for team-building fun or just enjoying live music. In 2024, expect top artists. Enjoy the electric atmosphere and top-notch sound for a memorable team outing!
Location: One Amphitheater Pkwy, Mt. View, CA 94043
Schedule: Starting time at 7:00 pm
Duration: It depends on the show
Prices: $99/pp (average price)
Food on-site: Yes
Accessibility: Wheelchair seats available
Transport from the City Center: No
Rating: 4.8⭐
Group size: Groups of any size
Recommended for: Teams that enjoy live performances and music events.
Join your crew and book tickets for a concert at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View for an evening of music and live performances!
Want to Plan Your Next Team-Building Retreat? Ask our Experts
Now that you’ve learned about every activity you can’t miss in Palo Alto, gear up for a team adventure in the birthplace of Silicon Valley!
Our TeamOut experts are ready to craft a customized experience that’s anything but ordinary and you’re about to be in awe with what we have in store!
Sip and savor at Vin Vino Wine, or taste new brews at Freewheel Brewing Company in Redwood City. Visit the Thomas Welton Stanford Art Gallery or challenge your team with a Palo Alto Prowl Scavenger Hunt.
Reconnect with nature at the Baylands Nature Interpretive Center or the Arizona Cactus Garden. For extra thrills, book an advanced kayaking lesson at Shoreline Lake or enjoy horseback riding at Garrod Farms.
Let us tailor an outstanding adventure that matches your team's interests and energy. Schedule a free call today to start planning your Palo Alto escapade!
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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