12 Actually Cool Team Building Activities in Washington, DC
written by: Emily Walton
Washington DC is a bustling hub for corporate headquarters and government agency offices. Employees who are new to the city or just coming back to the office are looking for connections with their peers. So, companies are finding exciting, fun, and unique places to host team-building events. With a city as vibrant as Washington DC, you don’t have to look far.
Known for its monuments, history, and foodie culture, there are many fun things to do in Washington DC!
The U.S. Capitol!
Why Team Building Should Be Part of Your Plan
There are many benefits to employees getting together outside of the office. It helps them understand each other’s communication styles and builds community. Even better, fun group activities help workers feel connected and improve morale. Offsite team building means happy, healthy, and productive workers!
Finding fun activities for the hard-working employees on your team will help build community in your office. Still, with all your other responsibilities it might feel like one more thing added to your workload. So we’ve simplified it for you with a list of offsite ideas for your next corporate outing.
Wind down from a busy year with your team!
Need inspiration for fun things to do in Washington DC with your team? Keep reading for the best corporate team-building activities in the DMV.
1.Dine Around Town With a Walking Food Tour
What better way to bond than over a delicious meal? DC Food Tours takes you off the beaten path for a unique food tour experience. Devour delicious multicultural dishes paired with your choice of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverage.
Samosas are a fav!
2. Learn to Cook and International Dish
Want to get hands-on with your food? Cocusocial offers a wide range of crowd-pleasing cooking classes. From hand-rolling gnocchi to stuffing samosas, your team will feel connected to the culture and history of the food. You’ll even get to taste test your yummy creations at the end!
INQUIRE ABOUT A TEAM BUILDING COOKING CLASS
3. Have Your Team Try their Hands at Axe Throwing
Axe throwing has become an overnight sensation, and with good reason. Not only does it help relieve shoulder stress that comes from working at a computer, but it is also a great way to blow off steam! Your team will get a good laugh trying to hit a bullseye at Washington D.C.’s Kraken Axe Throwing & Rage Room. After a few rounds, cool down with something from their extensive list of drafts, cans, wines & ciders.
So tropical!
4. Take a Tropical Getaway in the Heart of the City!
Get out of the heat and enjoy refreshing drinks at THRöW Social. Book one of their cabanas for your team where they can hang out and listen to live music Thursday through Sunday. THRöW also offers a bunch of games to choose from. Play giant Jenga, throw a few darts, or try your hand at light-up ping pong. Their venue certainly has something for everyone.
A night at the museum?
5. Host an Event Among History
One of the best parts of being in Washington DC is going to the museums. Free for regular admission, you can walk through the local museums during the day. Your team will enjoy learning about history, space, the ocean – you name it! Want a more private venue? The Smithsonian has over 15 special event venues to choose from!
Immerse yourself!
6. Get Immersed in an Art Installation
Bring dimension to your team by taking them to an immersive art experience. Step into the paintings and experience art in a whole new way. Some notable exhibits are Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience and Mexican Geniuses: A Frida & Diego Immersive Experience
Covid numbers decline and rise, but taking your group outdoors is always a great way to safely enjoy corporate team-building events.
Keep reading for our best outdoor team-building activities in Washington DC.
Get outdoors and do something active together!
7. Paddle on the Potomac
Once an important transportation route in American history, the Potomac River is now a perfect place to play. At Potomac Paddle Sports, you can pick from kayaking, paddle boarding, or even white water rafting down the river! This is a great way to get outside and let your team enjoy the simple things in life.
Just monkeying around!
8. Have a Wild Time at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Walk around the zoo in groups and marvel at animals from around the world. You can even book the zoo’s corporate event space to dine among the monkeys. Their venues boast plenty of green space for team-building games and activities as well!
What’s better to relieve the stress of your work day than Yoga?
9. Stay Mindful with Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation are great ways to stay present in the moment. Brining them outdoors just makes it that much more relaxing. District Flow Yoga offers a variety of corporate classes and programs that you can tailor to your team’s needs. So breathe in and relax. Your office will thank you.
Have everyone bring something!
10. Host a Picnic at the National Mall
Picnics are a great way to gather the group for a day of fun in the sun. They are cost-efficient and low pressure so your team can focus on sharing stories and good food. Areas around the National Mall are great for small teams and are on a first-come, first serve basis. For larger groups, grab a permit for Haines Park Picnic Area. There you’ll have a waterfront view and plenty of space for all your activities!
Let loose with the music!
11. Enjoy a Carefree Outdoor Concert
There is something relaxing about sitting outside on a warm day to listen to live music. The Wharf’s free summer concert series, Rock the Dock, lets you do just that. Don’t forget to grab some fresh seafood and snacks from one of the many great restaurants on the Wharf. Then, sit back and enjoy the sounds of summer!
Do good together!
12. Get Involved With a Community Clean Up
Commit to a cleaner, safer city by participating in a neighborhood cleanup. Fill out an application with The DC Department of Public Works to get everything you need. Their Helping Hands program provides rakes, brooms, shovels, and trash bags. Nothing is more rewarding than bonding with your team while doing good in your community.
Mixology is fun for everyone – even mocktail lovers!
Bonus Activity:
Have remote or hybrid employees you want to keep connected? Check out Sidewalk Food Tours’ virtual corporate team building cooking and mixology classes.
Final Thoughts
Washington DC is a city that knows how to balance history and innovation. This makes it the perfect backdrop for your next corporate team-building event.
Send out this post with a survey on what your team wants to check out first. That way, you know it will be the best team-building activity for your group.
Whatever you decide, your office will get the chance to collaborate, learn from each other, and grow as a team. We call that a major win for everyone.
It’s beneficial for your team to do team-building at least once a year!