6 Best Team Building Events & Activities in Chicago
More than ever before, connection is key in today’s world of hybrid workplaces and remote work. Team building has become one of the major factors contributing to increased productivity and efficiency in workers. However, how can you exercise team building and bonding? Are there any exercises you can do? Well, there are many ways that you can build bonding between your team. Chicago is a dynamic and exciting place where every team can discover something enjoyable and beneficial to do together!
Chicago offers numerous team-building events for teams to reawaken, revitalize, and reacquaint themselves with their collaborative nature. From a casual game of painting at the Spin Art Nation, Irving Park, to trying bowling, we’ve compiled a list of the best Chicago corporate team-building events to ensure that your teams will have a great time while also developing stronger connections with one another and the company.
Whether you call them team building events, enjoyable team activities, or bonding exercises, every single one on our list fits the bill. The fact that you and your teammates will be having fun together is the glue that will hold your group together. This list of recommended team-building exercises includes both indoor and outdoor options. Spending time together is the most important thing, so keep that in mind as you plan your team outings.Â
1. Skateboard Charity Event
As a team-building activity, your organization can make skateboards and fight the stereotype that skateboards are only a harmless diversion. Actually, skateboarding can be a great tool for people. It gives them a chance to meet new people, practice self-expression, and even increase their confidence and sense of self.Â
Skateboarding encourages perseverance and creative problem-solving in a one-of-a-kind and incredible setting. Teams spend hours honing their skills until they become experts. This kind of commitment and determination is a priceless quality to have.
Fit City Adventures offers one such team building events opportunity in Chicago if you’re thinking of trying it. Out of all the give-back corporate team building events, this one is the best. Their charitable partners use skateboarding to empower girls and build safe communities for low-income children. By assembling and decorating a skateboard, you will be giving local kids an enjoyable opportunity to learn resilience, leadership, and determination.Â
All the team members will also be provided with the skateboards that they will design themselves for the event. No matter if your team is of 25, 50, or 100 people, they can be easily accommodated.
2. Team Challenges at Spin Art Nation
Anyone can come to Spin Art Nation, a painting workshop, and make their original masterpiece. And if you’ve never painted before, you can take a class at Spin Art Nation Studio and learn the fundamentals from a resident artist while making a one-of-a-kind art piece to take home with you. Spin Art Nation attracts a large number of artists through the variety of activities it offers. While some donate their works to charity, others sell them for hundreds of dollars.Â
At Spin Art Nation, you can choose from a variety of bundles. Each package includes unique, inclusive art activities and creative pursuits. Among the many team-building events that your team can be a part of, some are:
Pour-A-Bear!
The Pour-A-Bear painting experience is the perfect way to let your team express their creativity. In this interactive activity, they can create their very own one-of-a-kind work of art by pouring glossy paints over a moldable bear. What makes the personalized bear even more special is that you get to keep it as a souvenir or give it as a gift.Â
Spin Art
This is one of the most fun activities for team building or just plain old fun in Chicago. When you can do something fun, relaxing, and creative instead of the same old “paint and sip” or “family night game,” why not shake things up? Your teams can make art pieces by using special spinning tables.Â
Splatter StudioÂ
Office can be frustrating, so how should you let your team let it out in a healthy way? Easy, with a splatter studio at Spin Art Nation. Get everything you and your team need, including coveralls, rain boots, hair coverings, glow paint, and more, and just come prepared to have fun. Splash paint, make art pieces, or simply laugh; you’re free to do anything painting in there.Â
3. Try Eventing at Pinstripes Chicago
Pinstripes Chicago offers a wide range of corporate team building events and activities that groups of all ages can enjoy monthly. You can join your local Chicago community for delicious cuisine, exciting activities, and unforgettable experiences for your team. The calendar is updated weekly, so be sure to check and plan a fun team building event that resonates with your ethos.Â
There are many team building events coming up in September and October that you can look into for your teams. For instance, the Paint & Sip and Pumpkin Paint & Decorate are ideal team building events near me to take your teams for some fun and light exercises.Â
Moreover, you can book their bowling alleys and bocce courts, which are open all day, every day. Enjoy a change of pace with our contemporary take on classic gaming with your team. While you take in the thrill of bowling and bocce in Chicago, indulge in their full-service Italian-American restaurant and drinks!
4. Royal Palm Chicago
You and your team can play shuffleboard at The Royal Palms, among other things. Simply bring your team to the Royal Palms, hire a court, and get ready to have a blast.
This is not your average shuffleboard club—Royal Palms is a hub of fun team building events for enjoyment that can be used for team building. You can even sign up for a league and play as a team-building exercise on a regular basis if your group is competitive enough. Whether your team is an indoor freak or outdoorsy, you can find a court that fits your needs here!
5. Fun and Competitive Axe Throwing
Keeping up the competitive spirit, you can arrange a team building event near me for axe throwing with your team. Like Splatter Studio, your team can let out frustration in a healthy way here and also bond together. You can learn the fundamentals of axe throwing from experienced instructors at BATL, and you can do it all in a safe atmosphere. If your squad is large enough, you can also reserve a VIP experience to host a tournament where everyone can show their competitive side.
One idea is to form two teams and hold a competition. This way, you can keep the event fun and competitive at the same time. This will not only increase team bonding but also make the employees enjoy their time with your association.Â
6. Wine Tasting Event
In the waterfront Gold Coast district, you’ll find Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk, a haven for wine enthusiasts. Expect to be amazed by the magnificent 50-foot glass wine tower with more than 1,600 bottles as you do the three-story dining experience.
Various themed and seasonally updated guided wine tastings are available at the tasting room. With the help of a tasting room attendant, you and your team can sample four or eight different wines. You can also discover many old favorites in the Variety Tasting and some really rare and exotic types in the Tower Reserve. To round off your wine experience, you have the option to book an exclusive cellar tour with sommeliers from Coopers Hawk.
This can be an extensive and enjoyable experience for your team, as it is a different kind of adventure than office parties and outdoor picnics. It is better suited if you want to instill a sense of sophistication into your team and create a work culture that reeks of luxury.Â
FAQs
Are team building events only for large corporations?
No, team building events are beneficial for organizations of all sizes, including small businesses and startups. Tailoring activities to fit your team’s size and budget can still yield significant benefits in terms of collaboration and morale.
Why are corporate team building events important?
Corporate team building events are crucial for boosting morale, increasing productivity, and improving workplace culture. They help break down barriers, enhance trust, and create a more cohesive team environment, which can lead to better performance and job satisfaction.
What budget considerations should we keep in mind for team building events?
Consider costs related to venue rental, activity fees, transportation, and food. It’s important to find a balance between meaningful activities and budget constraints. Many fun team building events can be low-cost or even free.
Make Your Plans Today!Â
Amazing adventures, a fun bowling scene, and irresistible wine tasting are just a few of Chicago’s many attractions. If you’re looking for amazing, productive, and fun team building events, Chicago is filled with them for you to explore. It should come as no surprise that Chicago is a top spot for team-building exercises.
As we mentioned in our list, there are several opportunities for team building in Chicago, from indoor activities to outdoor experiences. To help you kick things off with the best, try Spin Art Nation.
Not only is this place filled with colors and activities, but you can also accommodate as many of your team members as you want without going over the budget. Colors are said to be amazing therapy, and what better way to get your team to know each other and work on their strengths and weaknesses than by splashing colors?Â
Book your team building event with the Spin Art Nation, Irving Park management, and let your team relax while doing some bonding. Working on team building can help employees work better, increase productivity, and keep the work environment satisfied and happier overall.Â
So, without any further ado, book your fun team building events today!