12 Best Team Building Activities in Chicago
By: Joshua Hirsch
From deep-dish pizza to gorgeous lakes, Chicago is ripe with opportunities to build some memories. If you need team-building activity ideas in Chicago, we’ve got 12 ready to go!
Team-building activities are essential for boosting morale and improving productivity. These events give team members the opportunity to bond outside of the workplace and develop deeper connections. They also help everyone unwind and destress after all their hard work.
From cooking to ziplining, there’s a fun and enriching idea for every team.
Chicago-style deep dish is on the menu!
#1: Sidewalk Food Tours Of Chicago
Sizzling deep-dish pizza, fresh doughnuts, and delicious cake shakes. No matter what kind of classic Chicago cuisine you’re hungry for, our sidewalk food tours are ready to deliver.
We’re proud to offer experienced tour guides passionate about food and eager to share the city with you. Whether you want to stroll through Wicker Park or check out River North, you’ll walk away with first-hand knowledge about Chicago’s food scene. We also offer vegetarian-friendly food options!
Chef it up!
There’s nothing quite like cooking a delicious meal with good company. This environment is exactly what we aim for with our fun and involving cooking classes in Chicago.
Want your team to sharpen up their cooperative and communication skills? Our cooking competition provides an organic environment to refresh the fundamentals. If you’re more interested in beverages, we also provide fun mixology classes!
Swing from tree to tree!
#3: Experience Chicago’s Thrills With Go Ape
What better way to start off a list about team-building than with thrilling zipline adventures? Go Ape’s Treetop Adventure package provides a thrilling mixture of ziplines, tree crossings, and Tarzan swings.
This is the kind of team-building event you need when everyone’s tense and needs to loosen up. With plenty of physical activity and a fun atmosphere, your team will have a blast!
ADler Planetarium
#4: Enrich Your Team At The Adler Planetarium
With regular discounts and a plethora of fascinating exhibits, the Adler Planetarium is a one-stop shop for team-building events. This incredible museum focuses on studying space, offering interesting galleries and design labs.
One of the highlights is ‘The Universe: A Walk Through Space And Time’. Your team will learn about the development of the universe here and come out with a new appreciation for the world around them.
See the newest exhibit!
#5: Stimulate Creativity At The Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
Art is vital for broadening one’s horizons and stimulating creativity. If your team could use a little inspiration, The Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago is ready to help.
This incredible downtown museum is home to various sculptures, paintings, and performances. It’s a (literally) beautiful way to inspire deep conversations and open up. Your team will not only learn more about the fascinating city of Chicago, but about each other.
Warning: Get’s extremely heated with competitive member 😉
#6: Have A Blast With Big Mini Putt Club
There’s nothing quite like mini golf to get everyone on the same page. Big Mini Putt Club creates a beginner-friendly atmosphere for team members of all experience levels.
Mini golf offers a low-key environment to enjoy good conversations and having fun. Your team will also have plenty of local beer and cider to sip on, too.
Try a sampling!
#7: Unwind With A Beer Tour At Hopewell Brewing
Sometimes the best team-building activities are the most low-key. Hopewell Brewing offers a down-to-earth interactive tour of their brewing facility your team is sure to love.
The tour will teach your team the origin of the business, then let them sample malt and even win prizes. It’s an enriching experience that will get team members chatting, bonding, and unwinding.
Easiest potluck style!
#8: Have A Peaceful Picnic At Maggie Daley Park
With a breathtaking view of Chicago’s skyscrapers and rolling green hills, Maggie Daley Park is a must-visit location. This public park comes with beautiful picnic groves you can book for a relaxing team-building event.
If you want to wrap up the day with some exercise, there are nearby mini golf centers and skating rinks.
Olympics ready?
#9: Chill Out With Some Ping Pong At Spin
Looking for some healthy competition to inspire your team members? Consider swinging by Spin for some ping-pong, good drinks, and fun times.
This bar is fantastic when you want to have your team bond in a low-stakes environment. There’s also plenty of tasty cocktails and classic Chicago pizza to enjoy afterward.
Rock climbing and team building go hand and hand
#10: Invigorate Your Team With First Ascent
Rock climbing is how you combine determination with creativity. These traits are some of the most valuable qualities you can instill in your team members – all while having a good time!
At First Ascent, your team will have access to unique rock climbing activities to test their mettle. There are several locations throughout Chicago, including Avondale and Humboldt Park. Some locations also have yoga and fitness classes.
Giving back brings a team together!
#11: Give Back To The Community With Greater Chicago Food Depository
It’s important for your team to feel like they’re making a difference in the world. Greater Chicago Food Depository offers corporate team-building events where everyone can help eliminate food insecurity.
Your team will repackage fruits and vegetables, label boxes, and sort food for delivery. Not only will Chicago residents appreciate your efforts, but your team will feel renewed passion for their work.
A unique view of the Windy City!
#12: Broaden Your Horizons With 360 Chicago
Sometimes your team just needs a little perspective. 360 Chicago is an observation tower that offers a spectacular view of the city – over 1,000 feet high!
Your team can snap photos, enjoy the sights, and get a little fresh air after being stuck in the office. Once you’re done, you can swing by the CloudBar for some cocktails and enjoy some one-on-one bonding.