Summer is knocking, and so is the perfect excuse to swap stuffy boardrooms for sunshine, laughter, and a bit of healthy competition. If you’ve been tasked with finding summer team building activities (no pressure, right?), you’re in the right place.

Choosing the right activity isn’t just about having a laugh (although there will be plenty of that!). It’s about building collaboration, trust, creativity – and let’s be honest, saving your bacon in front of your boss.

Did you know that companies with highly engaged teams see 23% higher profitability? Yep, team building isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a smart investment. (And it makes you look like an organisational rockstar.)

At Zing Events, we’ve put together a list of the Top 5 Summer Team Building Activities you’ll want to book before the diary fills faster than you can say “out of office.”

Let’s dive in.

Our Top 5 Summer Team Building Activities for 2025

1. Soap Box Derby: The Ultimate DIY Racing Challenge

Ready. Set. Build.

Our Soap Box Derby is like Formula 1 meets Blue Peter. Teams are given the challenge to design, build, and race their own soapbox vehicles – from scratch. Expect dodgy steering, wild designs, and some highly questionable racing tactics.

Why it’s a winner:

• Encourages teamwork under pressure

• Fosters creativity and practical problem-solving

• Laugh-out-loud fun watching your colleagues hurtle down the track

Perfect for: Teams that love a bit of friendly rivalry (and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty).

Pro Tip: Bonus points for themed costumes. Trust us, a Viking longboat soapbox is a real crowd-pleaser.

2. Putt A Hole In Hunger: Mini Golf With Maximum Impact

If Tiger Woods and a charity fundraiser had a baby, it would be Putt A Hole In Hunger. Teams are challenged to create their own crazy golf holes using recyclable materials, then battle it out on the course they’ve built themselves.

Why it’s a winner:

• Brilliant for creativity and lateral thinking

• Raises awareness and donations for charity

• Eco-friendly and planet-positive vibes

Perfect for: Teams that want to combine CSR with a cracking day out.

Pro Tip: Bring your A-game – mini golf is surprisingly competitive when the boss is watching.

3. Squid Play: Childhood Games with an Adult Twist

Inspired by the massive Netflix hit (minus the life-or-death stakes, obviously), Squid Play throws teams into a series of deceptively simple games. Red Light, Green Light. Tug of War. Giant marbles. It’s fun, frantic, and totally unforgettable.

Why it’s a winner:

• Great for energising larger teams

• Perfect mix of strategy, strength, and speed

• Seriously addictive – people will be talking about it for months

Perfect for: Competitive teams who fancy something bold and unique.

Pro Tip: Form alliances wisely. There can only be one winner!

4. The Sphere: The Ultimate Adventure Arena

Think Crystal Maze, but for corporate gladiators.

In The Sphere, your team will tackle a series of fiendishly fun mental and physical challenges across different zones. Speed, teamwork, agility, brainpower – it’s all tested here. Score points, beat the clock, and face the grand finale inside the giant Sphere itself.

Why it’s a winner:

• Fast-paced, high-energy fun

• Covers a wide range of skills (so everyone can shine)

• Fantastic for mixing departments and breaking down silos

Perfect for: Dynamic teams who love a proper challenge.

Pro Tip: It’s all about communication. Shouting random answers rarely works (but is hilarious to watch).

5. Back To School: Nostalgia With a Competitive Twist

Remember sports day? It’s back – and it’s ruthless.

In Back To School, you’ll be egg-and-spoon racing, three-legged hopping, and sack racing your way to glory. Team tactics are vital, and the pure nostalgia factor makes it impossible not to grin from ear to ear.

Why it’s a winner:

• Seriously fun and silly

• Levels the playing field (no professional skills needed)

• Promotes camaraderie through shared childhood memories

Perfect for: Teams that need a pure morale boost.

Pro Tip: Save some energy for the final relay. Glory awaits!

Looking for inspiration? Check out our full list of summer team building activities

Why Summer Team Building Activities Matter

Sure, it’s fun to watch your CEO wobble through an egg-and-spoon race, but there’s method behind the madness.

Engaged teams are 18% more productive than their disengaged peers. In today’s world, where hybrid work and burnout are very real, getting your team outside, laughing, and collaborating face-to-face can seriously strengthen your company culture.

When employees feel connected, trusted, and valued, they’re far more likely to stick around. (And much less likely to be secretly scrolling LinkedIn for a new job.)

A well-chosen summer team building event can be the difference between a team that drifts apart – and a team that thrives.

FAQs About Organising Summer Team Building Activities

When is the best time to organise summer team building activities?
Most companies aim for May to September when the weather is (mostly) on our side. Get in early to secure your preferred date and avoid the summer holiday clash.

What size groups are these activities suitable for?
Most activities are super flexible. Whether you’ve got a cosy team of 10 or a corporate army of 200+, Zing Events can scale the fun accordingly.

How long do summer team building activities usually last?
Most activities run for 2–4 hours. Perfect for a morning, afternoon, or tagging onto an all-day conference.

What happens if it rains?
Welcome to the UK! We always have a wet weather plan. Some activities can move indoors, or we can adapt them slightly to keep everyone dry and happy.

Can we personalise the activities?
Absolutely. Whether it’s branding the soapboxes or creating custom mini-golf holes with your company logo, we can tailor events to your vibe.

Are there activities suitable for mixed fitness levels?
Yes. We design activities to be inclusive and fun, not a Tough Mudder audition. Plenty of non-physical tasks mean everyone can take part comfortably.

How much notice do you need to book?
Ideally 6–8 weeks – but don’t panic if you’re last-minute. We’re masters at pulling rabbits out of hats.

What should participants wear?
Comfy clothes they don’t mind getting a bit mucky in (especially for Soap Box Derby and Back to School). Trainers are a safe bet.

Can we combine more than one activity?
Yes! A mash-up day (like Sphere followed by Putt for Purpose) is an amazing way to cater for different tastes and maximise team engagement.

Ready to Plan Your Best Summer Team Build Yet?

There’s no better way to shake off the spreadsheets and refresh your team’s mojo than with an epic summer team building day. Whether you’re racing soapboxes, putting for a cause, or surviving Squid Play challenges, your team will return to work energised, bonded, and full of inside jokes.

Ready to create some unforgettable memories?
Contact Zing Events today and let’s make it happen.