Why Team Building Games Outdoor Matter More Than Ever
Let’s be honest: we’ve all had enough of awkward Zoom quizzes and uninspiring meeting rooms. Enter: team building games outdoor – a glorious excuse to escape the office, boost morale, and get everyone actually enjoying themselves.
Fresh air, high fives, and a sprinkle of friendly competition? Yes please. And it’s not just about fun. Companies that invest in team culture see up to a 33% increase in revenue, while highly engaged teams deliver 23% more profitability.
So, yes – it pays to play. At Zing Events, we’ve helped everyone from Amazon to HSBC trade spreadsheets for sack races. With over a decade of experience, 600+ five-star reviews, and events delivered across the UK, we know what makes outdoor team building a win.
15 Team Building Games Outdoor Teams Swear By
Below are our most popular (and PA-approved) outdoor team building games — split into categories to help you choose the right fit.
Active & Competitive Team Building Games Outdoor
- Office Olympics
Think beanbag sprints, egg-and-spoon races, and tug-of-war — all with a corporate twist. - The Sphere
Inspired by Crystal Maze, teams race through themed challenges before a high-energy ticket grab finale. - Target 10
10 rapid-fire games including LEGO bridges and NASA survival. It’s competitive, chaotic, and perfect for strategy buffs. - Team Survival
Combines bushcraft with team challenges in a Bear Grylls-style experience that tests grit and collaboration. - Corporate Sports Day (Back to School)
Classic school races meet hilarious grown-up rivalries — egg-and-spoon, sack races, and more. - It’s A Knockout
Inflatable mayhem, foam-filled madness, and team head-to-heads in a high-energy outdoor game show.
Creative & Collaborative Team Building Games Outdoor
- Putt a Hole in Hunger
Build a crazy golf course from food items — all donated to food banks after. Great for CSR and creative thinking. - Escape the Box Outdoor
A physical escape-style experience played in the open air. Solve puzzles and unlock padlocks under pressure. - Movie Scene Re-enactment
Teams recreate a film scene outdoors, complete with props and questionable accents. - Challenge Master Outdoor
Inspired by Taskmaster — bonkers tasks, limited time, and big laughs. Perfect for mixed teams.
Low-Impact & Inclusive Team Building Games Outdoor
- Scavenger Hunts
From countryside escapes to urban challenges, perfect for mixed-ability teams. - GPS Treasure Hunts
Use tablets or mobiles to follow clues, complete tasks, and compete in real-time with other teams.
Charity-Themed Team Building Games Outdoor
- Charity Sports Day
Compete for points that convert into real donations. Everyone wins. - The Deceivers
Inspired by The Traitors, uncover the saboteurs within your group. Suspicion guaranteed. - Build-a-Bike Challenge
Assemble bikes as a team, then gift them to children in need.
How to Plan Team Building Games Outdoor Without the Stress
Planning your first outdoor team building day? Here’s what you’ll need to think about:
- Budget – Know your limit and let your team building company handle the rest.
- Location – Parks, green spaces, or venue rooftops (we’ll help you find them).
- Accessibility – Consider mobility needs, toilets, and shade.
- Weather Plan B – We’re in Britain after all.
- Team Buy-In – Survey your colleagues on what they’d actually enjoy. Zing offers free venue finding, so you can sit back while we scout the perfect spot (city or countryside).
Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Team Building Games Outdoor
Even the best intentions can go sideways. Avoid these classic pitfalls:
- No Plan B – Rain happens. So do double bookings. Always have a backup.
- One-Size-Fits-All Games – Mix physical, creative, and calm options.
- Neglecting Inclusivity – Not everyone wants to climb a wall. Choose games for all abilities.
- Last-Minute Planning – Good venues go fast. So do facilitators. Working with a corporate team building company means none of this falls on your desk. Handy, right?
What Makes a Great Team Building Company for Outdoor Games?
There are hundreds of providers out there — but here’s what sets the good apart:
- Experience – Zing’s been doing this over 10 years.
- Reputation – Over 600 five-star reviews (and counting).
- Creativity – Say goodbye to cringe icebreakers.
- Flexibility – Want it in London? The Lakes? Your car park? We’ve done it. Ask for case studies, look for professional facilitators, and make sure they can flex around your group size.
Time-Saving Tips for PAs Planning Team Building Games Outdoor
You’re juggling diaries, dealing with Karen from Finance, and now you’re meant to plan a flawless away day? Here’s how to make it easier:
- Use a team building company (Hi, we’re Zing) – We do all the legwork
- Pick 3 activities and run a team poll to vote
- Choose games with meaning – e.g. charity links or skills development
- Pre-book transport – because 9 people missing the train is not the vibe
Final Thoughts on Team Building Games Outdoor
Done right, outdoor team building games build more than just laughs — they build trust, resilience, and a genuine team bond. Whether it’s giant inflatables or solving a murder in the woods, the best experiences leave teams talking about it for weeks. So, ready to be the office hero?
📣 Explore More Corporate Team Building Games Outdoor
Zing Events is a team building company trusted by FTSE 500 brands and 600+ five-star reviewers. Explore our full range of corporate team building activities to create an outdoor event they’ll never forget. Check out more inspiration:
- Summer Team Building Activities
- Is Team Building Tax-Deductible
- The Best Outdoor Team Building Games
❓FAQs: Team Building Games Outdoor
What are the best outdoor team building games?
The best games combine fun with purpose. Try scavenger hunts, sports day challenges, or creative builds like Target 10. A mix of physical and inclusive games works best.
What if it rains during our outdoor team building day?
Always have a Plan B. A great team building company will help you book covered spaces or create an indoor version of your activity.
How much do outdoor team building games cost?
Prices vary depending on group size and location, but most Zing Events activities start around £50–£95pp. We’ll tailor it to your budget.
Can outdoor games be adapted for all team members?
Yes! Zing’s events are designed to be inclusive for all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. We build in variety so everyone’s involved.
Do we need a permit to run games in a public park?
Sometimes, yes. But don’t worry — we’ll handle that for you with our free venue finding service.
Can you recommend outdoor venues near London or in the countryside?
Absolutely. From Regents Park to Berkshire estates, we know spaces that suit every team. Check our team building London guide.
Why use a corporate team building company for outdoor games?
Because PAs don’t need more on their plate. We bring the kit, the crew, and the fun — all you do is show up and soak up the glory.