25 Best Team Building Activities in Austin, TX for 2024
As one of Texas’ cultural capitals (and also its literal capital), it’s not surprising that there are many excellent team building activities in Austin, from taking art classes to exploring museums and going on hikes. Whether you're looking to boost creativity or simply have a good time, Austin has something for every team.
No matter what activity you choose to bond over, the potential benefits your business can reap from team building activities in Austin are immense. To help you plan the perfect event, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to team building activities in Austin, including 25 exciting ideas for things to do with your group.
Jump to Section
- Fun Team Building Ideas in Austin, Texas
- Why Should My Business Consider Team Building?
- Does Team Building Improve Business?
- What Makes for an Effective Team Building Exercise?
- Benefits of Team Building Activities
- Team Building in More Cities Near You
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Fun Team Building Ideas in Austin, Texas
1. Try Culinary Team Building Activities in Austin
From taking hands-on culinary classes to embarking on food tours in Austin or hiring private chefs in Austin for a team meal culinary team bonding events are perfect for groups who love good food. These unique team building activities in Austin focus on exploring, enjoying or making gourmet cuisine, each led by the best chefs and hosts in Austin.
And if you'd rather have the fun come to you, there's even a chef-led, in-office guacamole-making competition complete with a DIY taco station lunch, trivia and virgin sangria for a cool team building activity on Austin everyone will enjoy.
Whether you're learning to make gourmet pasta or sushi or checking out the best local restaurants with a knowledgeable guide, culinary team building activities in Austin offer a unique way to bond over food. Best of all, these classes allow teams to communicate, collaborate and build stronger bonds in a relaxed setting
2. Take Hands-On Cooking Classes
A team that eats together, stays together. Engage in team building activities in Austin by getting the group working in the kitchen with hands-on cooking classes in Austin. Taught by top-rated local chefs, your team will don their aprons, roll up their sleeves and learn how to do everything from rolling stunning sushi to perfecting their homemade pasta.
They might even engage in a little friendly cooking competition! After they're done cooking, the team gets to sit down and enjoy the gourmet meal they made together. Team building activities in Austin can be as delicious as they are fun!
3. Organize Online Culinary Team Building Activities
Have some remote staff in the bunch? Go the virtual route with fully interactive online team building activities. These live, 100% virtual team building activities in Austin can be done from anywhere; all you need is a computer or smart device.
Your team can learn new recipes from world-class chefs in a wide variety of online cooking classes or shake and stir up crafts cocktails in online mixology classes. These experiences can serve as excellent team building activities in Austin for remote teams looking to bond. Tastings are another great way for remote teams to bond; virtual wine tastings are a fun virtual option for the classic office happy hour.
4. Get Creative at an Art Class
Promote a fun team building activity in Austin that encourages innovation! Even if your team isn’t the most artistically inclined, you can still enjoy a day together learning painting or drawing (and maybe enjoying a glass of wine or two). This city is home to numerous art studios that offer corporate team building activities in Austin.
Your team will enjoy a hands-on learning session that emphasizes creativity and problem-solving. And who knows? With this team building activity in Austin, you might end up with a new piece for the office.
5. Visit Lady Bird Lake
Enjoy nature while participating in outdoor team building activities in Austin at one of the city’s most popular destinations: Lady Bird Lake. You might go paddle boating or SUPing, where you'll enhance communication and collaboration skills as you work together to navigate the water. These fun activities not only promote teamwork but also provide a relaxing way to unwind and connect after a busy period.
If you plan this fun team building activity in Austin, note that accessing the lake is free, with the optional cost of equipment rental at several local lakeside businesses. No matter how you choose to spend your day on the lake, you’re sure to enjoy stunning views of the Austin skyline.
6. Tour the Capitol Building
As the capital city of Texas, Austin plays host to numerous government buildings and offices. One of the most interesting government sites is the State Capitol Building, which features a stately dome and Renaissance-inspired design. Exploring the area can serve as a unique team building activity in Austin, allowing teams to appreciate the city's history.
Tours are available with the Texas State Preservation Board — a perfect choice for a team that likes history or architecture. This is an especially great thing to do in Austin if any members of your team have never toured the Capitol before. Being so centrally located, you can also pair this team building activity in Austin with other events, such as a food tour or a team meal at one of the city’s fantastic restaurants.
7. Check Out the Bat Bridge
Perhaps Austin’s most iconic attraction, the Congress Avenue Bridge is known for its massive colony of bats. At 1.5 million, this bridge is home to the largest urban bat population in the world. Every night, the bats take off buzzing through the skies in spectacular fashion.
Seeing the bats would not only be a wonderful way to cap off a day of team building activities in Austin, but also gives your team a chance to witness one of the most striking natural attractions in the world.
8. Take a Haunted Hearse Tour
Looking for something different? Then opt for a haunted hearse tour — one of the most unique team building activities in Austin that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your group. Considering its long and storied history, it’s hardly surprising that Austin has its fair share of haunted locations.
By booking a group experience with a company like Haunted ATX, you and your team can enjoy a private tour of some of the capital’s spookiest locations. This fright-filled event can be just as educational as it is spooky, making it the perfect team building activity in Austin for groups looking for something unique.
Private tours are available nightly (except Mondays) and prices start at $125 for the first two tickets, with additional passengers at $79 each. Tours include custom pickup and drop-off within a few miles of Downtown, last about three hours and can accommodate up to six people comfortably. This team building activity in Austin is a perfect blend of fun, fear and team bonding!
9. Join a Tour With Your Biker Gang
Explore the city in a new way with a guided electric bike tour at Your Biker Gang. It’s one of the most exciting outdoor team building activities in Austin, giving your group a chance to discover the city’s hidden gems together.
Each tour includes two enthusiastic and well-informed guides, along with plenty of opportunities for fun and camaraderie. The experience can easily accommodate large groups and they can even prepare something tailored specifically for your team, just contact them for information and they’ll give you a quote for your team building activity in Austin!
10. Visit the Inner Space Cavern
Exploring the depths of Inner Space Cavern with your team is another of the more unique group activities in Austin to try. This underground adventure is one of the more physically demanding team building activities in Austin, offering an exciting way to bond.
Located just north of Austin, this is one of the most striking underground formations in Texas. With several tours and dozens of stunning rock formations, the Inner Space Cavern offers plenty of opportunities for your team to explore together in an otherworldly setting. For a truly memorable team building activity in Austin, consider an off-trail tour into the undeveloped parts of the cave if your team is feeling particularly adventurous.
Special Group Pricing is available for the Adventure Tour for groups with 20 or more participants. If not going for group prices, a ticket costs $15.70 per adult. If this sounds like the team building activity in Austin for you, do note that reservations are required for the group rate and payment must be made in a single transaction. Even if buying standard tickets, making a reservation at least 24 hours in advance is recommended. If your group is sales tax exempt, be sure to bring your exemption certificate.
11. Challenge the Team in an Escape Room
The escape room might be one of the most popular team building games of the modern age. Austin has numerous escape rooms, with themes ranging from prison breaks to sinking ships. One of the most popular escape rooms is The Escape Game Austin, located at 405 Red River Street, within walking distance of hotels, restaurants and the Austin Convention Center. This exciting experience makes for a perfect team building activity in Austin, fostering teamwork and collaboration while having fun.
With a capacity of 43 players per hour and pricing starting at $38.99 per player, this venue’s large capacity makes it ideal for groups of all sizes looking for fun team building activities in Austin. They also offer the Playground escape room, accommodating up to 12 players per game, perfect for larger teams.
12. Go on a Food Truck Tour
Food trucks offer something for everyone, so checking out a few of the best Food trucks in Austin is a perfect option for your team building event. Few cities boast a food truck scene as varied and colorful as Austin.
For your next team building activity in Austin, consider a visit to a food truck pod (a collection of food trucks) to treat your team to some of the best BBQ in Austin, authentic Mexican cuisine or sweet, sugary churros. Nothing brings teams together quite like a meal, especially when the Austin food scene presents ample choices for every diet prepared by some of the best chefs in the city.
13. Take a Glassblowing Class at Ghost Pepper Glass
Have you ever admired a glass sculpture and wondered how it was made? With this unique experience, you can find out exactly how and even try it for yourself. With a team building activity in Austin like a class at Ghost Pepper Glass, you and your group will learn all about the art of glassblowing and have a chance to create a few souvenirs for yourself.
Pricing is $85 per person for groups of 6 to 24 adult participants. This very hands-on team building activity in Austin allows each person to make a small item with the help of a skilled instructor, ensuring everyone stays involved while prioritizing safety. Each item takes about 15 to 20 minutes to make and the total workshop lasts two to two-and-a-half hours.
14. Embark on an Outdoor Adventure at The Expedition School
If you're looking to take your team's bonding to the next level, check out The Expedition School in Austin! Since 2006, they’ve been all about creating fun and meaningful outdoor experiences that bring people together, making it a fantastic option for a team building activity in Austin.
You can mix and match activities like hiking, ropes courses, kayaking and paddleboarding to craft a day that fits your team's vibe and goals. This flexibility makes it an ideal team building activity in Austin. And here’s a great bonus: as a non-profit, every dollar spent goes toward providing free outdoor education for others, so you can feel good knowing your adventure is making a difference!
15. Join a Group Dance Lesson
One important aspect of team building activities in Austin (or anywhere) is offering opportunities for team members to come out of their shells. With a group dance lesson with Dance With Me, even your most reserved team members will find themselves breaking a smile and busting a few funky moves.
Dance With Me provides a variety of employee wellness, team building and entertainment services for corporations. In addition to hosting events at the dance studios, the company can bring its services to a location of your choice. Each event is fully customizable based on your specific needs, allowing for a memorable and unique corporate team building activity in Austin, with all amenities included.
16. Go on a River Float Adventure
A peaceful float down one of Austin’s rivers can bring any team together, offering a chance to unplug and unwind. With options like the Austin Tour Company’s River Floats, this team building activity in Austin encourages teamwork and personal connection.
For around $79.00 per person, you can enjoy a six-hour adventure that includes tube rental, coolers, ice and the option of pick-up and drop-off within a 45-minute drive from San Marcos. The float lasts about three to four hours, making it a perfect team building activity in Austin where your team can connect and unwind in a beautiful natural setting
17. Catch a Concert
Billed as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” it’s no surprise that attending a concert is one of the most popular team building activities in Austin. Since it can be difficult to speak during a show, consider planning to attend a performance as a fun way to cap off a day of team building.
Great venues to check out include The Moody Theater and Antone's Nightclub, where tickets usually cost between $20 and $80 depending on the performer. Many live performances are also hosted in spots like The Continental Club or Saxon Pub, so you can take in the local music culture while grabbing a bite to eat or sipping on a craft beer for your next team building activity in Austin.
18. Compete in a Game of Paintball
Texas Paintball is a popular destination for high-energy team building activities near Austin. The experienced staff can design a customized event that strengthens your team’s strategic thinking, decision-making and leadership skills.
Engaging in a paintball match not only provides an adrenaline rush but also serves as an exciting team building activity in Austin, fostering collaboration and strategy as your team works together to achieve victory. For a public party, rates are $49 per player for groups with fewer than 10 players and $43 per player for groups of 10 or more. This includes a rental package and 500 paintballs, with all-day public play included.
The price per player for a private event is the same, however, there is an extra flat fee of $100. With four hours of private play included in this option, your party will have an exclusive team building activity close to Austin.
19. Volunteer at the Central Texas Food Bank
Volunteering is easily one of the best team building activities in Austin. Besides challenging your team to solve real-world problems and work together in new ways, volunteering also makes life a bit brighter for some of society’s most vulnerable citizens.
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities in Austin. For instance, you can spend a day at the Central Texas Food Bank, helping to sort and distribute food to families in need or participate in initiatives like Bike Austin, where teams can work together to build bikes for underprivileged children. This is one team building activity in Austin that helps everyone involved.
20. Zilker Botanical Garden
For a more calm team building activity in Austin, head to Zilker Botanical Garden which offers a perfect environment for gatherings that value contemplation and the natural world. During this activity, your group can stroll through various themed gardens, such as the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden, where they can admire the beauty of both native and exotic flora.
This is an affordable and instructive team building activity in Austin, ideal for groups looking to decompress in a scenic setting. Groups of all sizes can attend and admission is only $8 per person.
21. Brewery Tour
Mixing alcohol with team building in Austin might not be right for every group, but if you think your team might like to indulge in an adult beverage, you’ll be pleased to know numerous breweries call Austin home.
By embarking on a City Brew Tour, you and your team can sample some of Austin’s finest beers at breweries across the city, all while learning about the history and techniques of brewing. Sounds like a fun team building activity in Austin, TX, right?
With options for groups ranging from five to 500 guests, City Brew Tours provides a one-stop shop for your corporate event needs, including meal planning and local hotel recommendations. Discover the best of the city, one tap handle at a time, while fostering camaraderie in a relaxed and enjoyable team building activity in Austin.
22. Austin Zoo
Head to Austin Zoo for a team building activity in Austin, TX that combines fun and philanthropy. This rescue zoo offers the chance to explore the habitats, attend zookeeper chats and even feed some animals from around the world.
This corporate event in Austin, Texas also gives your group the chance to enjoy an experience filled with joy, learning and meaningful connections with the wildlife. The zoo offers an affordable admission pricing of $20 per person and a non-profit or civic group rate for groups of 15 or more. This makes it an excellent team building activity in Austin, allowing teams to bond while exploring and appreciating nature together.
23. Go-Karting
Driving a go-kart can be a lot of fun no matter the circumstance, but Austin’s COTA Karting takes group activities in Austin, TX to a whole new level. During this high-speed team building activity in Austin, you and your team can race against each other on a professional track in karts that go up to 55 miles per hour. If your team thrives on a little competition, go-karting can be a thrilling way to let off some steam.
In addition to go-karting, COTA provides a variety of indoor and outdoor event facilities that are great for creating the ideal atmosphere for your team building activity in Austin. From the 17,000 square-foot Event Center — perfect for big groups — to the Main Grandstand Suites and Velocity Lounge, which offer breathtaking views of the racetrack, you’re sure to find the perfect option for your needs. You can elevate your event with a delicious menu of food and drink and other group activities can be booked along with go-karting like tackling zipline courses or driving in sports cars.
24. Axe Escape Austin
This team building activity in Austin is the ideal approach to release steam and foster camaraderie if your group is under some stress. In addition to standard axe throwing, Axe Escape Austin allows participants to try entertaining games like Duck Hunter, Tic Tac Toe and Line Up Four.
Planning an event here offers a fun and unique team building activity in Austin, providing your company with an excellent opportunity to engage in friendly competition. As your team participates in various challenges and activities, they'll not only bond over shared experiences but also have the chance to release some tension.
25. Scavenger Hunt
Organizing a scavenger hunt is one of the best Austin team building ideas if you’re looking for events that reward creativity and encourage problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking. What’s more, this team building activity in Austin provides a great way to explore the historic and cultural sites of the city.
Come up with your own scavenger hunt around the city or opt for professional services like Watson Adventures, which offer customized experiences. Popular hunt locations include Downtown Austin, Zilker Park and South Congress. Even if your group is remote, you can plan a fun virtual scavenger hunt for folks to do from home and engage in activities that makes for a fantastic team building activity in Austin.
Why Should My Business Consider Team Building?
To put it simply, team building is the act of bringing your team closer together, usually by participating in an activity that’s considerably different than your average workday. During a team building exercise, you and your colleagues put your heads together to solve puzzles, marvel over cultural experiences or simply have a bit of fun together. Team building activities tend to reward trust and create an opportunity for your group to deepen their relationships with each other.
Team building can also increase camaraderie between managers and employees. In many companies, the employees might know each other pretty well, but they’ll have much shallower relationships with their managers and executives. Team building exercises, and even virtual team building activities, put everyone on the same level, facilitating communication and teamwork regardless of one’s position within a company.
Does Team Building Improve Business?
Even if all team building activities did was create stronger relationships and allow your team to share a fun experience, it’d still be a worthwhile use of time. However, team building activities have also been shown to benefit your business.
Teams with stronger relationships tend to be more creative, flexible and reliable than groups who don’t know each other as well. They also report higher levels of employee happiness. And when teams are happier, they put more heart into their work: The University of Oxford found that happier employees are 13% more productive overall.
Team building activities also encourage staff members to think positively about their jobs and their companies, which can increase employee retention and employee engagement. According to a 2016 report in SHRM, as much as 20% of employee turnover occurs in their first 45 days on the job. It's crucial to establish a positive company culture from the get-go so people feel positive about staying employed there long-term. That's where team building can help.
What Makes for an Effective Team Building Exercise?
Not all team building exercises are created equally, but fortunately, it’s pretty easy to find an activity that works for your group.
One of the biggest factors to keep in mind when selecting a team building activity is inclusivity. Try to pick an outing that everyone on the team will enjoy. This can be difficult with larger groups, but not impossible. If you lead a creatively-minded team, a museum trip might make sense. A team of sports fans might consider a ropes course or catching a game together. If you’re totally stumped on team building games or activities that everyone will enjoy, you can always resort to food tours or volunteering with a local charity. And don't forget about online games for remote teams if you have telecommuting staff.
Finally, when choosing an activity, be sure to keep people’s physical limitations in mind, especially if you lead a team with people with disabilities.
Another factor to remember is interactivity. Some team building activities ask for lots of participation, while others are more passive. As a general rule of thumb, the more interactive an activity is, the more likely it is for your team to strengthen its bond. That’s not to say that your team won’t appreciate a more passive activity, such as sharing a meal together, but they may not get as much out of the experience as they would for something that challenges them to work together toward a common goal.
Benefits of Team Building Activities
If you’re still not convinced that team building is right for you, you might be inspired by the proven benefits that team building activities can bring:
- Increase confidence. Team building activities often demand equal participation from the entire team, no matter their positions within the company. This can empower junior employees to feel more comfortable raising ideas and questions back at the office.
- Practice time management. Making effective use of time is one of the most important tasks facing every business. Team building activities with a time component, such as escape rooms or scavenger hunts, teach employees valuable lessons about prioritization and time management.
- Boost morale. Up to 30% of employees do their job "just to get by," according to Pew Research Center. Team building activities raise everyone's spirits and impart an overall positive impression on the group, which can go a long toward helping job satisfaction.
- Strengthen relationships. The more positive relationships you can foster on a team, the better. Having close workplace friendships and mentorships drastically improves an employee’s satisfaction with the job, which results in huge performance boosts.
- Have fun. Work plays a huge role in many people’s lives, but at the end of the day, it’s not everything. Deeping your relationships with colleagues is not just beneficial for workplace efficiency, but also because developing strong relationships plays a key role in living a happy, healthy life.
Considering the numerous team building activities in Austin available, it’s obvious why this city is one of the top destinations for groups in Texas. Which activities are you most excited to try with your group?
For even more great team building inspiration, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
Team Building in More Cities Near You
For even more great team building inspiration in cities near you and around the U.S., check out our comprehensive guides:
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Dallas
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Houston
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Atlanta
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Nashville
- A Guide to Team Building Activities in Miami
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.