10 Brilliant Suggestions for Team Building Activities That Actually Work

If you’re looking for suggestions for team building activities, you’ve probably realised there’s no single “right” answer. Your team might need a creativity boost, a collaboration overhaul, or maybe just a healthy dose of friendly competition. And let’s be honest — sometimes you just want everyone to have a laugh together without talking about KPIs.

Here’s the thing: no matter why you’re doing it, the ultimate aim is always the same — to improve your team and strengthen cohesion. And if you’re a PA, HR director, or manager under pressure to deliver, you want ideas that are easy to organise, get results, and won’t make people roll their eyes.

Below are 10 suggestions for team building activities that actually work — with enough variety to suit your team’s personality, objectives, and budget.

Why Team Building Works (When Done Properly)

Team building has a bad rep in some circles, thanks to awkward trust falls and those cringey “tell us a fun fact” icebreakers. But done right, it can:

• Create psychological safety so people feel comfortable sharing ideas.

• Build trust across departments and hierarchies.

• Spark fresh problem-solving approaches.

• Boost morale, which has a direct impact on productivity.

And here’s a stat worth remembering: according to Gallup, highly engaged teams show 21% greater profitability and 41% lower absenteeism. That’s not just good for culture — it’s good for the bottom line.

Suggestions for Team Building Activities That Boost Creativity

If your workplace is stuck in a “we’ve always done it this way” rut, creative activities can inject fresh energy and help people think outside the box.

1. Urban Art Challenge
Split your team into groups and give each one a giant canvas, brushes, paint, and a theme. Whether it’s abstract expressionism or a mural that represents company values, this activity encourages freedom of expression while fostering group collaboration. At the end, you can display the artwork in the office as a reminder of the day.

2. Bake That
This isn’t your average bake-off. Teams tackle three baking challenges — presentation, taste, and creativity — with a ticking clock and surprise ingredients. It’s a brilliant way to bring out leadership skills, encourage collaboration under pressure, and give everyone a chance to show off (or hilariously fail) in the kitchen.

3. LEGO Bridge Build
Armed with LEGO bricks, teams must construct a bridge that can hold a set weight. It’s part creativity, part engineering, and 100% engaging. It also teaches resource management and the importance of testing ideas before fully committing to a plan.

Suggestions for Team Building Activities That Encourage Collaboration

When silos are slowing progress, these activities make teamwork non-negotiable.

4. Escape the Box
Think of it as a mobile escape room — teams must solve puzzles, crack codes, and complete challenges to progress. The kicker? Success depends on everyone contributing their strengths. This is ideal for sharpening communication and problem-solving skills under time pressure.

5. Putt a Hole in Hunger
In this charity team building activity, groups create a playable mini-golf course entirely out of food items, which are then donated to local food banks. It’s collaboration with a purpose — boosting teamwork while making a tangible social impact.

6. GPS Treasure Hunt
Using an app and GPS technology, teams navigate a city or large venue, completing location-based challenges to score points. This format naturally encourages collaboration, as different team members take on roles like navigator, clue solver, or photographer.

Suggestions for Team Building Activities That Add Healthy Competition

A little rivalry can work wonders — it sharpens focus, motivates teams, and often leads to those big high-five moments.

7. The Zing Show
A fast-paced, interactive game show with rounds that test trivia, quick thinking, and teamwork. The competitive energy keeps everyone on their toes, and the lighthearted format makes it impossible not to get involved.

8. Soap Box Derby
Teams design, build, and race their own soap box carts. It’s hands-on, creative, and incredibly satisfying when you see your creation cross the finish line. The mix of planning, building, and racing is a great metaphor for project management.

9. Squid Play Game Show
Inspired by the hit TV series (without the life-or-death stakes), this activity involves a series of quick challenges that test agility, memory, and wit. It’s competitive, unpredictable, and guaranteed to get people talking for weeks.

Suggestions for Team Building Activities That Are Just for Fun

Sometimes, you just want to give the team a morale boost without overthinking outcomes.

10. Office Games
A nostalgia-filled sports day where teams compete in egg-and-spoon races, beanbag tosses, and other lighthearted challenges. It’s perfect for lifting spirits, getting people moving, and creating shared memories.

How to Choose the Right Team Building Activity

Before booking anything, ask yourself:

• What’s the goal? Creativity, collaboration, competition, or connection?

• How big is the group? Smaller activities may work better for intimate teams, while others thrive with big numbers.

• What’s the budget? From low-cost GPS treasure hunts to bespoke corporate events, you can get great results without overspending.

• Where will it take place? Consider whether an indoor, outdoor, or hybrid activity suits the season and your team’s preferences.

FAQs – Suggestions for Team Building Activities

1. What are the best low-cost suggestions for team building activities?
GPS Treasure Hunts, office quizzes, and creative workshops like LEGO builds are all budget-friendly but still deliver strong engagement.

2. How do I pick the right team building activity for my team?
Start with your objectives — do you need to boost creativity, strengthen collaboration, or just have fun? Then match the activity to the goal.

3. Are competitive activities good for team building?
Yes — healthy competition can drive performance and energy, provided it’s kept lighthearted and inclusive.

4. How long should a team building activity last?
Anywhere from 90 minutes to a full day works, depending on the depth of the activity and the time you have available.

5. Can team building activities work for remote or hybrid teams?
Absolutely — virtual activities like Around the World, online quiz shows, and creative challenges can engage remote staff just as effectively.

6. How often should we run team building activities?
Quarterly is ideal to maintain momentum, but even one well-planned activity a year can have a lasting impact.

Final Thought

Whether you choose an activity for creativity, collaboration, competition, or simply connection, the best suggestions for team building activities are those that leave your team energised, closer-knit, and ready to take on challenges together. The day after the event should feel different — better conversations, more smiles, and stronger working relationships.

Because at the end of the day, great teams don’t just happen — they’re built, one brilliant activity at a time.