The Best Team Building Activities Indoor Teams Actually Love
If you’re on the hunt for team building activities indoor teams will actually enjoy (without the awkward silences or corporate cringe), you’re in the right place.
Whether it’s pouring rain, the venue’s a boardroom, or you just don’t want to risk your team’s mood with muddy trainers and missing tents — indoor team building is a safe, smart and surprisingly energising choice.
And let’s be honest: we’ve all endured the kind of team building that makes people consider a LinkedIn update instead of actually bonding. Not this time.
This blog will help you pick team building activities indoor professionals rave about — even if this is your first time organising one and you’re already feeling the pressure to “get it right.”
Why Team Building Indoors is a Win (Even If You Love the Outdoors)
When you choose indoor team building, you remove weather worries, accessibility issues, and space constraints. But you don’t lose any of the impact.
In fact, indoor activities are:
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Easier to deliver across multi-site companies
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Better suited for inclusive participation
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Often more controlled (hello, air con and working WiFi)
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Ideal for communication, trust-building and creative problem solving
In short: team building activities indoor professionals appreciate are often the most efficient — and the most memorable.
And don’t just take our word for it. According to the SHRM Global Culture Report, 72% of employees rated their workplace culture as good or very good — a trend linked to consistent efforts like high-quality team engagement.
9 Indoor Team Building Activities That Genuinely Work
Here’s Zing Events’ list of indoor team building activities that get rave reviews — from PAs under pressure to HR leaders looking for ROI.
1. Escape the Box
This fast-paced game challenges teams to crack codes, solve puzzles, and unlock the box before time runs out. It’s adrenaline with purpose — and it works wonders for critical thinking and collaboration.
Why it works: Great for building trust under pressure and identifying natural leaders.
2. Animate
It’s like Wallace & Gromit, but corporate. Teams design and create short stop-motion animations, using plasticine and props. Ideal for bringing out hidden creativity and uniting people with laughs and light-hearted fun.
Why it works: Perfect for creative teams or departments that rarely interact.
3. The Apprentice
Straight from the boardroom to your breakout room. Teams develop, brand and pitch a product. It’s competitive, slick, and comes with big Alan Sugar vibes (minus the firing).
Why it works: Encourages leadership, innovation and public speaking confidence.
4. Trading Floor
Simulated chaos — in the best way. Teams buy and sell in a fast-paced trading game, learning to think on their feet and trust their instincts.
Why it works: Reinforces decision-making under pressure, agility and healthy risk-taking.
5. Rollercoaster
Give people cardboard, tape, marbles and a dream… and watch their inner engineers emerge. Teams must design a working rollercoaster track — with prizes for creativity, speed and design.
Why it works: Encourages problem-solving, delegation and a touch of healthy competition.
6. Putt a Hole in Hunger (Indoors)
Build a golf hole from food items, then donate it to local food banks. It’s fun, purposeful and CSR-friendly — a rare triple win.
Why it works: Ideal for culture-conscious teams and companies that want to give back.
7. Squid Play Game Show
Yes, it’s inspired by that series. No, nobody gets eliminated. Expect reflex-based challenges, logic puzzles and team trials.
Why it works: Perfect for modern, younger teams that thrive on competitive play.
8. Deceivers Game Show
Inspired by The Traitors, this game is all about bluffing, strategy and intuition. Can your team spot the deceivers?
Why it works: Builds team trust, highlights observation skills, and keeps everyone on edge — in a good way.
9. Urban Art
An unexpected creative twist. Teams work together to design a graffiti-style mural using professional spray paint techniques (indoors, with protective gear and canvases). It’s collaborative, expressive, and visually impressive.
Why it works: Great for visual learners, creative minds, and bringing different departments together.
Table: Quick Comparison of Team Building Activities Indoor
| Activity | Time Needed | Ideal Team Size | Skill Focus | CSR Element | Zing Exclusive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape the Box | 60–90 mins | 8–200+ | Communication, Logic | No | Yes |
| Animate | 2–3 hours | 10–100 | Creativity, Storytelling | No | Yes |
| The Apprentice | 2 hours | 8–150 | Innovation, Leadership | No | Yes |
| Trading Floor | 1.5 hours | 10–80 | Decision-Making, Risk | No | Yes |
| Rollercoaster | 90 mins | 8–120 | Planning, Teamwork | No | Yes |
| Putt a Hole in Hunger | 2 hours | 10–300 | Creativity, CSR, Collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| Squid Play Game Show | 1.5 hours | 8–120 | Competition, Focus | No | Yes |
| Deceivers Game Show | 1–1.5 hours | 8–150 | Trust, Observation, Strategy | No | Yes |
| Urban Art | 1.5–2 hours | 8–100 | Creativity, Collaboration | Optional | Yes |
Where Can You Run Team Building Activities Indoor?
The beauty of indoor team building activities is how flexible they are. You can host them in:
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Office breakout rooms or open-plan areas
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Rented conference centres or hotel spaces
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Iconic London venues (we’ve worked everywhere from Hyde Park to Hanbury Manor)
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Even hybrid/virtual environments for dispersed teams
Need help picking a venue? Check out our blog on team building venues for tried-and-tested favourites.
What Indoor Team Building Can Do for Your Culture
Still wondering if team building activities indoor are worth it?
The answer lies in your people.
According to the PwC Global Culture Survey, nearly 70% of companies that adapted successfully during the pandemic credited their culture as a competitive edge. That’s not an accident.
Great teams aren’t born. They’re built — one puzzle, pitch, or ping pong challenge at a time.
Planning Tips for Indoor Team Building
Before you lock it in, here’s a checklist:
✅ Book early — especially between September and December
✅ Choose an activity that aligns with your objective (e.g. trust, creativity)
✅ Don’t forget the budget for venue, food and travel if needed
✅ Ask Zing’s team for bespoke advice — we’ll tell you what works for your group size and goals
And remember, it’s not about being the loudest team in the room — it’s about being the one that works together best.
Looking for More Ideas?
Here are a few popular reads to help you plan your next team moment:
5-Star Reviews You Can Trust
Don’t just take our word for it — Zing Events is trusted by FTSE 500 companies and loved by thousands of teams across the UK. Check out our latest 5-star feedback on Reviews.io and Google Reviews.
FAQ: Team Building Activities Indoor
What are some fun team building activities indoor teams can do?
Escape the Box, Animate, and Trading Floor are exciting options for indoor settings. Each activity helps boost team spirit without needing outdoor space. View our indoor team building page for ideas.
Are team building activities indoor suitable for all team sizes?
Yes! Whether it’s a team of 10 or a company-wide day for 300+, indoor activities scale well. We tailor events to suit your numbers.
How long do indoor team building events last?
Most activities run for 60 to 150 minutes. Some like Animate or The Apprentice may need 2–3 hours depending on your schedule.
Can indoor events be customised for our company goals?
Absolutely. Many indoor team building activities can be tailored to include brand themes, values or learning outcomes.
Do indoor team building activities work for hybrid teams?
Yes. Some experiences, like Escape the Box, are perfect for remote and hybrid setups. Explore our virtual activities for options.
What’s the most cost-effective indoor activity?
Office Olympics or a shortened game show format offer high energy on a budget. Reach out for pricing tailored to your team.
Where should we host an indoor team building event?
Try meeting rooms, hotel spaces, or one of our favourite London venues. We can help source the perfect spot.
How far in advance should we book?
Ideally, book 4–6 weeks ahead — earlier for peak season. But don’t panic; last-minute bookings are often doable.
