12 Indoor Team Building Activities & Corporate Experiences
Grey skies and gloomy weather can strike at any time of year, but that doesn’t mean you’ve got to deny your team an amazing day out. Whether you’re craving an adrenaline kick or some soothing self-care, there are endless indoor team building activities that will turn any dreary day into one your company won’t forget.
From corporate indoor activities to intimate experiences for smaller groups, we’ve got top tips for spicing up your work routine with a jam-packed day of memory making. So, whether you want to get hearts racing or help your team unwind – check out these 12 indoor activities to keep team spirits high through any rainy day.
Want to know more? Get in touch to learn how you can incorporate experience days into your wellness strategy to boost your team’s engagement and loyalty.
Why are team building activities important at work?
Once you realise the benefits, it’s easy to understand why corporate away days have become a core part of the modern workplace. Aside from providing plenty of fun and a nice break from the office, team building activities offer a ton of tangible benefits.
They build trust among employees, promote wellbeing, and forge meaningful team relationships that lead to positive effects in the workplace. Increased morale, heightened productivity and improved employee retention can all result from regular team building days.
The best indoor team building activities
When it comes to team building activities for work, you’d be surprised just how many great indoor options there are. We all know that the British weather can be unpredictable, but you shouldn’t let it stop you from giving your team a fun-filled day they won’t forget.
From corporate classics like team lunches and dinners to challenging trials and cutting-edge technological adventures – we’ve compiled a stellar list of 12 activities that are sure to leave your team feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and filled with enthusiasm for their next day at work.
1. Climbing and bouldering
Rock climbing, bouldering – whatever you want to call it, one thing’s for sure: it’s an exhilarating indoor activity that will get heart rates up and confidence levels sky-high among your team.
Climbing experiences include a comprehensive introduction to climbing, where your team will learn everything they need to know before braving the wall for the first time. They’ll also receive an extensive safety induction, a 60-minute training session with a rock-climbing expert and free reign of the facility to hone their new skills.
Once they’re hooked, your team can return for a free follow-up lesson to spur on their bouldering passion even further.
2. Escape rooms
When it comes to indoor team building activities, nothing will get your team thinking and cooperating like an escape room experience. More suited to smaller groups, your team will be placed in a locked room with one objective – escape. They’ll find a series of clever clues and riddles hidden throughout the room, with victory hinging on their ability to think quickly and cooperate at speed.
The clock is ticking, so everyone will have to work together to unravel the mystery. From delegating and prioritising to leadership and compromise, it’s a fun way to tap into workplace skills in a setting that couldn’t be further from corporate.
3. Go-karting
Encourage your team to let off some steam with a go-karting experience, which includes a full safety briefing, racing equipment, and as many adrenaline-pumping laps around the track that you can fit into your allotted time!
Go-karting is a great way to detach from the workplace and place your team in an environment that’s fully focussed on fun. They can cheer each other on, enjoy a bit of friendly competition, and get to know each other in a space that’s far removed from their typical routines – all while making memories and setting records they’ll boast about for weeks to come!
4. VR experiences
Looking for a different kind of day out that’s sure to leave an impression on your team? Forget outside-the-box – start thinking out-of-this-world with a groundbreaking VR experience. Your team members will don a VR headset, planting them in an entirely new reality where they’ll enjoy fun games and activities in a futuristic virtual world.
From communication and cooperation to a healthy dose of competitive fun, they’ll have a chance to develop their work-related skills in an entirely new setting. A unique activity they might not typically go out and book for themselves, it’s a great opportunity to gather everyone together for a truly dynamic day out.
5. Team bake-off or cook-off
Got some master bakers on your team, or a few employees who fancy themselves as potential head chefs? Put your company’s kitchen skills to the test and encourage some healthy competition with a team cook-off or bake-off session. Split into two teams and try your hand at whipping up the same recipe, or give some eager volunteers the chance to impress by competing with a dish of their choice.
Like any challenging task, cooking and baking are extremely effective at building interpersonal bonds. If you’ve got a team that’s short on chefs, why not build up their kitchen skills first with an expert-led cookery course?
6. Indoor skydiving
If you’re looking for something to delight those team members who get a kick out of challenging themselves, indoor skydiving will turn a typical rainy day into the highlight of their year.
Complete with full equipment hire and a safety induction, participants will be paired with a certified flight instructor who will guide them through thrilling indoor ‘flights’ and free-falls.
Designed for people who love to get their adrenaline pumping, indoor skydiving activities are a great option for the thrill-seekers and extreme sport enthusiasts among your team. Whether you're seeking new ways to connect your team or you want to show appreciation for loyalty and performance, indoor skydiving experiences allow you to go above and beyond.
7. Afternoon tea
Relaxation, indulgence and great conversation – just some of the reasons why afternoon tea is a consistent favourite among indoor team building activities.
With flexible options in a huge variety of locations, it couldn’t be easier to organise small gatherings and larger events for team members both near and far. You’ll receive plenty of accommodations for all types of dietary restrictions, so everyone is sure to find something delicious on the menu.
The warm and welcoming atmosphere encourages people to chat, connect, and build relationships in a setting that’s both comfortable and casual – all while munching on bite-sized delights.
8. Comedy nights
Have a laugh with your team at a comedy night experience and bring everyone together for some lively fun. A great option for evening entertainment during a training retreat or off-site conference, comedy nights are also a perfect way to gather and celebrate the completion of a successful project or quarter.
With nationwide booking options at leading comedy clubs, you’ll be sure to get a quality performance that will have everyone laughing out loud – and quipping to each other long after the stage lights have gone down.
9. Team lunches & dinners
Nothing brings people together like food, so why not treat your team to one of the nation’s finest dining experiences? Whether you’re craving a familiar feast of high street eats or looking to expand your palette with some Michelin-Star fine dining, meals out are a great way to bring a team together outside of the hustle and bustle of work.
Make off-site days all the more desirable with a scrumptious spot of lunch, or reward your team for a quarter-well-worked with a designated dinner night. From sushi to steak, tapas to sweet treats and plenty of affordable group rates –there are mouth-watering options for every taste and budget.10. Brewery and distillery tours
Support a local business while bringing your employees together at a brewery or distillery tour experience. Whether your team is full of beer enthusiasts or cocktail connoisseurs, you’re sure to find cool local spots where they can gather and swap opinions on flavours and pairings.
By spending time together in a casual and creative environment, a beer or distillery tour allows everyone to share their opinions, discuss their tastes, and connect over delicious drinks and food in a relaxed environment. It offers the comfort and closeness of a typical pub evening out, with the unique opportunity to experience something new together.
11. Spa days
And… relax - treat your team to the pampering they deserve with a soothing spa experience. They can forget the poor weather and immerse themselves in self-care, thanks to a variety of treatments and facilities that will have them feeling their very best – including access to a fitness centre, pool, sauna, and steam room.
Whether you’re looking to send your team on a collective day of rest and relaxation, or you’re encouraging them to take individual time out for mental rejuvenation, a spa day provides space to unwind and restore one’s energy like few other corporate activities can.
12. Art experiences
Unlock your team’s imagination with an art experience that will have everyone exploring their inner free-spirit. Designed for beginner brush-strokers and experienced artists alike, everyone will be set up with a canvas, materials, and the instructions they need to craft their very own masterpiece.
Your team will have fun encouraging each other, sharing tips on technique and showcasing what ‘art’ means to them. With a variety of styles and themes to choose from, they’ll get the chance to try their hand at different artistic styles that have graced gallery walls, and transform them into their very own mantlepiece-worthy creations – while making great memories along the way.
Team building activities & corporate gift experiences for any weather
Don’t let the forecast hold you back – there are plenty of fun indoor team building activities that will bring your team together while ensuring everyone feels appreciated. Whether you’re gathering a group under a shared roof or simply looking to brighten up an individual employee’s day, choose from endless activities that will take anyone from their usual routine and into a new-and-improved state of mind.
Our corporate event experts are here to help you find new ways to show employee recognition, elevate your wellness package and boost business morale. Get in touch today to get started on your bespoke employee experience package.