Team Building

27 Best Team Building Activities in Chicago, IL for 2025

Last Updated on May 27, 2025 | 0 Comments
Treat your team with this guide to team building activities in chicago

If you're a business owner in the Windy City, you will have considered the importance of team building activities in Chicago. It’s no secret that team building activities are crucial to a happy and productive workforce. And, nowadays, it’s easier than ever to organize a team building event, as there are endless choices for finding fun group activities in Chicago, IL.

In an era where the average person only stays with an employer for 3.9 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, team building activities are more important than ever. When choosing any sort of team building activity in Chicago, we’ve found that it’s crucial to consider what your employees will enjoy most. After all, it’s just as much for them as it is for you.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a collaborative activity for your staff, keep reading! Our guide to team building activities in Chicago should spark your interest and help you discover the ideal event for your crew.

 

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How We Choose Team Building Activities in Chicago

At Cozymeal, one of our main goals is to understand business needs and cultures, so that the requirements that groups have in mind when searching for team building activities are met. Having served dozens of local Chicago companies and global brands, from the likes of Nike and Instagram to Apple, since 2013, we’ve ensured that every food-filled team building experience has been one to savor.

Our extensive expertise and valuable experience have led us here, where we’re excited to share some of our go-to ideas from over the years. This doesn’t only include culinary team building activities in Chicago, but also showcases events hosted by other businesses in the area that will ensure lasting memories and stronger team unity. 

To make sure our list of team building activities in Chicago is extensive, detailed and of the highest quality, our editorial team undertakes in-depth research, which includes ideas from team members who live in the city. We also value and consider Yelp and Google My Business reviews left by consumers, as these are crucial in finalizing our suggestions, ensuring the ideas we recommend have excellent customer feedback.

Finally, our list of team building activities in Chicago meets the following criteria to make for a diverse and inclusive range of options.

Our list of the best team building activities in Chicago:

  • Includes activities with various price points to suit different budgets.
  • Has options for  groups of all sizes, from two to over 200 participants.
  • Ensures inclusion for all physical activity levels.
  • Appeals to a wide range of interests and personalities, from artistic to adventurous groups.
  • Addresses key team-building goals, including collaboration, communication and creativity, as well as critical thinking and problem solving, while also being highly enjoyable and engaging to encourage bonding.
  • Highlights businesses with excellent Yelp and Google My Business ratings.
  • Features activities that are central or easily accessible from Downtown Chicago. 
  • Includes providers of tailored packages for corporate team building events.

HR Consultant Review

Additionally, as part of the process for recommending only the best team activities, a review is done by HR consultant Candace Beaty. 

Thanks to more than 18 years of experience in the field across private, public and nonprofit sectors, she has an endless knowledge base to determine which team building activities in Chicago are conducive to successful team bonding, and personal growth and satisfaction.

Why Choose Culinary Team Building Activities?

We love team building activities in Chicago centered around food because they provide the opportunity for groups to grasp crucial lessons while enjoying endless entertainment. Besides a memorable culinary experience, with tips and tricks garnered from world-class chefs, everyone will end the day having learned priceless lessons that can be applied in the work environment. 

Such lessons include confidence in the kitchen, which results in people cooking homemade meals more often, and that, according to Michigan State University, encourages people to eat healthier foods. Not only can that confidence be taken into the office, but a healthier diet means more-focused, hardworking and flourishing employees.

Fun Group Activities & Corporate Outings in Chicago

1. Experience Culinary Team Building Activities in Chicago

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be glad to hear that team building activities in Chicago range from chef-led cooking classes to food tours and more, providing unique ways to bond with your team. These fun group activities in Chicago, IL, center around a universally loved topic — fantastic food. 

Colleagues will get the chance to strengthen their relationships, improve communication skills and brush up on creative thinking while working together in the kitchen or enjoying a shared meal. Those looking for team building activities in Chicago that revolve around food are spoiled for choice — plus, it's a terrific chance to get out of the office and learn a new skill or more about the city while enjoying yourself!

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $59 per person
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Teams with culinary interests who want to improve their teamwork and learn something new while bonding.
  • Location: Throughout the Chicago area
  • Website Link: Culinary Team Building Activities in Chicago
Two ladies taking a pasta making cooking class with a chef
via Cozymeal

2. Take a Hands-On Cooking Class

Chicago is a bustling city with a robust food scene, which means there's excellent, authentic cuisine from all over the world just waiting to be enjoyed. If you want to experience the very best Windy City food, why not make it yourselves by participating in a food-related team building activity in Chicago? 

Enroll the group in one of many hands-on cooking classes in Chicago, which cover a wide range of cuisines. A fun treat for staff, we guarantee there's something for every appetite and ability, whether the group wants to learn how to roll stunning sushi or perfect their homemade pasta. Whatever your group makes, a foodie team building activity in Chicago never disappoints, thanks to the rich and diverse culinary culture of this city.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $59 per person
  • Activity Duration: 2+ hours
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Foodie groups who would like to learn something new while improving their teamwork skills.
  • Location: Throughout the Chicago area
  • Website Link: Cooking Classes in Chicago

3. Embark on a Guided Food Tour

Trying out some of the city's many incredible eateries is one of the top things to do in Chicago. Treat the foodies on the team to an expert-led exploration of the city's best eats for an unforgettable Chicago team building idea. 

During food tours in Chicago, a guide will take your group on a walking excursion to sample bites and beverages from some of the most beloved eateries in town. Offering multiple benefits, we’ve found that this team building activity in Chicago not only teaches you about local culinary culture but also allows you to appreciate the city’s architecture and history as you stroll through neighborhoods, both new and familiar.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $59 per person
  • Activity Duration: 2+ hours
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Active groups who want to bond while learning more about the city and its recommended eateries.
  • Location: Throughout the Chicago area
  • Website Link: Food Tours in Chicago
Two people eating pizza on a food tour, which is a great team building activity in Chicago
via Cozymeal

4. Choose From Online Culinary Team Building Activities

If hosting in-person team building activities in Chicago isn't ideal for remote staff, we’ve got the perfect alternative for you: Use interactive online team building activities to include your telecommuters in the fun! These live, entirely virtual Chicago team building events can be attended from any computer or smart device, making them perfect for remote employees or those who are unable to meet in person. 

Led by world-renowned chefs, online cooking classes will teach you new culinary skills, while online mixology classes will help you create picture-perfect craft cocktails like a master bartender. Alternatively, virtual wine tastings are another great option for those who can’t attend a team building activity in Chicago. 

We’re certain that remote or hybrid teams will enjoy a fun twist to the usual office setting, turning it into a virtual happy hour. Whatever you decide on, don’t forget to make the experience as immersive and inclusive as possible by kicking it off with virtual ice breakers, allowing team members who have never met to become acquainted with one another.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $29 per person
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Remote teams who want to bond and get to know each other better while learning something new.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: Online Team Building Activities

5. Tackle the Courses at Go Ape!

Getting out of the office is always a great gift for employees, but this takes that idea to new heights — literally. When planning Chicago team building activities, choose something that teaches employees the value of risk-taking, trust, courage and collaboration by taking them to a high ropes course. 

If you’re interested in trying this out-of-the-box team building activity in Chicago, there are many venues around the city, such as Go Ape!, that offer trust-building and group tasks. With customizable packages for every group that include several courses, various catering options and even a reserved outdoor space for meetings or a company picnic, this reputable company has certainly gotten the hang of hosting unforgettable group activities in Chicago.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $19.95 per person for the most inexpensive activity. Group packages are available upon enquiry.
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Adventure-loving teams who will enjoy unwinding in nature while strengthening communication and teamwork skills.
  • Location: 1100 Ogden Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558
  • Website Link: Go Ape!
A man on a high ropes course, which is a fun team building activity in Chicago
via Go Ape!

6. Play Hidden Secret Hot Potato

If you have a few new employees on the team, hot potato makes a great team building activity in Chicago that works well as an icebreaker. To play, everyone sits in a circle and passes a potato (or another object) around the circle while music plays in the background. 

If you’re shy, you better be quick with your hands, as when the music stops, the person holding the potato must reveal an interesting fact (aka a hidden secret) about themselves that their co-workers would not know. If you’re looking for a simple but effective Chicago team building idea, hidden secret hot potato ticks the box, bringing everyone together and out of their shells, even those trying to dodge questions.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Newer teams who want to unwind and get to know each other in a casual environment.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: n/a

7. Record Your Own Music Video 

If your alter ego is an ingenious director or musician, team building activities in Chicago don’t get more creative than this! Get your team to channel their inner pop star by splitting everyone into groups and having them film their own music videos. This is a great activity for any sort of company, but especially appropriate for creative fields. 

Ready for the best part? At the end of the day, get everyone to screen their videos and vote for their favorite. If you’re open to throwing some money at this Chicago team building idea, we have no doubt that you and your crew will have a ball with Kidbilly Music. 

As much as it’s an opportunity for people to step out of their comfort zones and shake off any nerves, it also brings everyone together in a way that inspires teamwork, an identity and a mission. Whether filmed in-office or at a venue of your choosing, this Chicago team building experience promises to be a hit!

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Price available upon request
  • Activity Duration: 2+ hours
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Groups who want to test their creative skills while working together and embracing something new.
  • Location: 1333 W. Devon Ave., Ste. 243, Chicago, IL 60660
  • Website Link: Kidbilly Music
A man holding an inflatable guitar while pretending he's playing it
via Kidbilly Music

8. Play the What’s My Name Game

This game is not just useful for socializing, but also for brain testing. There are no limits on the number of players, so it’s one of the team building activities in Chicago that’s suitable for groups of all sizes. 

Ready to play? Everyone is assigned a nametag with the name of a celebrity, which they will stick on their forehead (make sure no one looks at their tag before putting it on!) 

Now comes the fun part — people will then walk around the room asking each other "yes" or "no" questions about their persona, with the goal of being the first to guess their identity correctly. No matter who wins, this amusing game proves that Chicago team building ideas don’t have to be costly or complex to have the desired effect of breaking the ice with colleagues!

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Teams who could do with a binding exercise in a feel-good environment that elicits many laughs.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: n/a

9. Attend a Paint and Sip Class

You don’t need to be a professional artist to enjoy a creative activity at a paint and sip studio. Gathering your employees to sip wine as they’re led in a guided painting class is a fun team building activity in Chicago that they’re sure to love, while also developing their creative problem-solving and listening skills.

If this sounds like the kind of experience your crew will enjoy, head to Chicago Sip & Paint. Better yet, if you feel like hosting a Chicago team building event at a venue of your choosing, where multiple activities can be enjoyed, an instructor is happy to head out your way, bringing with them just as much fun and creativity as you would experience in their studio.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $39 per person for public classes. Price available on request for a private event.
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Groups who feel like unwinding and exploring their creative sides in a relaxed environment.
  • Location: 4412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 or a location of your choice.
  • Website Link: Chicago Sip & Paint
Dozens of people at a paint and sip class, which is a fun team building activity in Chicago
via Chicago Sip & Paint

10. Bond Over Two Truths and a Lie

This is a fun and interesting game that doesn’t take much time, perfect for when you only have a few hours to devote to your team building activity in Chicago. If you’re not familiar, the premise is pretty simple. 

Everyone comes up with three statements about themselves: two true and one faux. Then, employees get to see how well they know each other by guessing which is false — something we’ve found can foster nervous laughter and cement in-office small talk topics for weeks to come.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Teams who feel like bonding and get to know each other in a relaxed environment.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: Two Truths and a Lie Instructions

11. Test Out Your Aim During Laser Tag 

Laser tag isn’t just for kids; it’s a super fun means of employee bonding and collaboration for people of all ages, and there are several laser tag venues in the city to choose from. Opting for this team building activity in Chicago is also a subtle but effective way to keep your team physically active, which is beneficial for workplace wellness and attentiveness. 

Plan a group outing at a spot like Lazer X of Addison and let the fun begin! This popular spot also has an arcade and a VR eSport arena to check out as part of your workplace team building in Chicago experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone to try.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $10 per person for a 20-minute session. Group packages are available upon enquiry.
  • Activity Duration: 30+ minutes
  • Group Size: Up to 100 people
  • Ideal For: Active groups who want to feel an adrenaline rush while working on their teamwork and communication skills.
  • Location: 1455 W. Lake St., Addison, IL 60101
  • Website Link: Lazer X of Addison
Three people geared up for laser tag, which is a fun team building activity in Chicago
via Laser X of Addison

12. Create Vision Boards

There’s something to be said for manifestation; sometimes, laying all your goals and dreams out in front of you is the best way to visualize how to turn them into a reality. Create vision boards with your team that blend personal and professional goals to both understand your peers better and help them reveal their own desires. 

Best of all, this is one of the team building activities in Chicago that can be done pretty much anywhere and really brings your group together when they share the meanings behind their boards. Quick tip: Encourage freedom of expression and openness of minds for the best results!

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Inspired groups who want to work together to accurately envision and bring to life their goals.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: How To Make a Vision Board

13. Try an Improv Workshop

It takes guts and quick-thinking skills to practice improv, but it’s also one of the most daring and rewarding team building activities in Chicago. Additionally, it requires those improvising together to have a good group dynamic in order to anticipate what their peers are going to do or say before they do it. 

To boost these characteristics in your team, book them into a guided Improve It! improv workshop and reap the benefits of one of the most unique Chicago team building activities. We love this company for events that prioritize team bonding in Chicago because the experience isn’t over when the day ends. No, they also share post-event feedback, photos and even an eLearning course.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Price available on request
  • Activity Duration: 2+ hours
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Teams who would like to break routine by working on their communication skills in unorthodox ways.
  • Location: Throughout the Chicago area
  • Website Link: Improve It!
Three people holding hands and raising their arms in the air during an improv workshop
via Improve It!

14. Run Three-Legged Races

Teach your employees how to navigate a project without overlooking the needs of others involved by getting them to participate in three-legged races. After the race, get teammates to give each other notes about how they could have been a better partner (listening more, slowing down, etc.) and what they did well. There’s no simpler team building activity in Chicago for promoting excellent communication and bonding.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Fun-loving teams who want to work on teamwork and communication skills during an entertaining bonding activity.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: n/a

15. Race to a Podium Spot in Go-Karts

If you lead a team that loves an adrenaline rush, satisfy that desire by taking them to one of many nearby go-kart courses like K1 Speed, where they can race alone or as part of a team. This is one of the team building activities in Chicago that’s both tons of fun and encourages a little friendly competition, especially when racing is not the only name of the game.

What do we mean? Well, K1 also offers a Ball Challenge relay, which involves carrying a loosely attached ball during a relay race, as well as a Pit Crew Challenge, which gives participants a taste of harnessing speed on the outside of the kart instead of in it.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $28.95 per person for walk-ins. Group packages are available upon enquiry.
  • Activity Duration: 2 hours
  • Group Size: Up to 30 people
  • Ideal For: Thrill-seeking teams who feel like bonding over an activity with a competitive edge.
  • Location: 301 Hastings Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
  • Website Link: K1 Speed

Go-kart racing is a team building activity in Chicago your group will love
via K1 Speed

16. Test Your General Knowledge During Company "Jeopardy"

Put your employees to the test by hosting your very own game of workplace “Jeopardy.” This game also shows that team building activities in Chicago don’t have to cost a lot — just be well-organized and do a bit of planning first to get the most out of them. 

A fun game to play for a work anniversary, you'll keep people on their toes by asking them a combination of classic trivia questions and questions specific to your company or industry. It’s fun, it’s educational and it’s the perfect Chicago team building idea if you’re on a tight budget.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Groups who feel like expanding on their knowledge base while bonding.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: Jeopardy Instructions

17. Head to a Sporting Event

From baseball and basketball to football, hockey and even soccer, we can all agree that Chicago is a great city for sports. Take your employees to one of the city’s many major or minor league sporting events, such as an MLB or MLS game, to encourage social interaction amongst your team as they watch the way the teams on the field or the rink interact. There’s no better team building activity in Chicago than watching the pros do it in real time!

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Dependent on the event
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Sports fanatics who enjoy bonding and unwinding in an upbeat environment.
  • Location: Throughout the Chicago area
  • Website Link: Sporting Events Chicago

An MLB player looking across during a game
via MLB

18. Try Back-to-Back Drawing

For this artistic activity, teams are split into pairs. They will sit back-to-back, and each will be given an image that they will need to instruct the other person how to draw. 

But here’s the catch: neither person can explicitly say what the objects in the image are. As you can imagine, this team building activity in Chicago promotes clear communication, empathy and problem-solving skills. At the end, they will compare drawings to see which is closer to the original. As with any Chicago team building idea that involves some competition, put a prize on the line with this one to really get everyone laser-focused.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Teams who want to work on their communication skills while testing their creativity.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: Back-to-Back Drawing Instructions

19. Embark on a Trip to the Museum

Some of the best team building activities in Chicago are those that encourage your group to learn new things together. By planning an outing to one of the city’s many world-renowned museums or galleries, you can encourage the team to use their little gray cells in a beautiful setting, like The Art Institute of Chicago. 

With thousands of artworks to explore, you never know what inspiring work-related ideas the incredible pieces could help people conjure up. From impressionism to fashion to pop art, it’s an ocean of creativity worth swimming in. Don’t forget to pencil in a trip to the gift shop at the end!

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $32 per person. Admission for members is free.
  • Activity Duration: 1 to 4 hours
  • Group Size: All group sizes. Guided tours are available for groups of up to 12.
  • Ideal For: Artistic groups who feel like getting to know each other in an environment that inspires creativity.
  • Location: 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603
  • Website Link: The Art Institute of Chicago

Taking a trip to the museum is a great team building activity in Chicago
via The Art Institute of Chicago

20. Organize a Lego Building Competition

Get your employees to tap into their inner child by grouping them into teams and constructing Lego statues, buildings or other structures. Once everyone’s done, they can present them to the group. 

With just a few simple tools in hand, we highly recommend this team building activity in Chicago because it encourages communication and promotes other skills beneficial to the workplace, such as creativity and collaboration. Finish by giving out prizes in categories like the tallest, most ornate or most realistic structure. 

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Teams who want to try something new together while working with a common goal in mind.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: n/a

21. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen

Give back to your community by volunteering with your team at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. In fact, we highly recommend that companies do this regularly, as this type of team building activity in Chicago has been proven to boost confidence, self-esteem and feelings of well-being.

Not to mention, you’re also helping those who need it most. Whether repacking, delivering or helping out at events, every bit counts and is greatly appreciated.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Groups who feel like working together to give back to the community.
  • Location: 4100 W. Ann Lurie Pl., Chicago, IL 60632
  • Website Link: Greater Chicago Food Depository
People volunteering at a soup kitchen
via Greater Chicago Food Depository

22. Host a Water Balloon Toss Competition

See how well your employees can focus and follow directions by pairing them up for a water balloon toss. It may have been a while since everyone’s tried this, so here are some instructions: This team building activity in Chicago sees two people take turns passing a filled balloon back and forth as they move further and further apart. 

How does it all end? With a splash, of course! The last team to get wet is the winner. Organized silliness is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to lifting spirits and reigniting your childish side!

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Free
  • Activity Duration: 1+ hour
  • Group Size: All group sizes
  • Ideal For: Teams who could do with an entertaining activity that requires teamwork, but also promises loads of fun.
  • Location: From any location of your choice
  • Website Link: n/a

23. Plan a Murder Mystery Dinner

Reenact the game of Clue in real life by attending The Dinner Detective’s murder mystery with your team, or book a private one just for your group. Not only a thrilling night out where new friends can be made, but this team building activity in Chicago also promotes teamwork, problem-solving and reasoning while also sparking a whole lot of joy. 

If you don’t have the budget to hire a professional to set up the event for you at a pre-arranged location, you could do it yourself by finding (or creating) a storyline, assigning each guest a character and setting up clues that will guide them through the night. We’ve found plenty of in-depth murder mystery party guides available online to help you go it alone — whether or not you’re willing to take bribes for clues from colleagues, that’s on you.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Price available upon request
  • Activity Duration: 2+ hours
  • Group Size: Up to 400 people 
  • Ideal For: Groups who feel like trying something new that tests their investigative, problem-solving and communication skills.
  • Location: 165 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611
  • Website Link: The Dinner Detective
People acting and watching during a murder mystery dinner
via The Dinner Detective

24. Go On a Scavenger Hunt 

Enjoy an exciting and competitive scavenger hunt for your next team building activity in Chicago, thanks to Watson Adventures. Whether you plan for your scavenger hunt to take place at the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago History Museum or citywide, everyone will be split into teams and need to put on their thinking caps to piece together the clues within the time frame.

If you only have a short time to dedicate to your team building activity in Chicago, keep things close to the office with easy-to-find items around the building. You could also set obscure items on your hunt list for a more challenging version of the game. This is even an activity that can be turned into a virtual scavenger hunt with your remote team, choosing items they can find in their home!

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Price available upon request
  • Activity Duration: 2 hours
  • Group Size: 4 to 500 people
  • Ideal For: Teams who want to explore the city while improving teamwork and strengthening their trust in each other.
  • Location: Throughout the Chicago area
  • Website Link: Watson Adventures

25. Get Out of an Escape Room

Tackling an escape room game is one of the most popular team building activities in Chicago for anyone really wanting to test their teamwork skills. As far as Chicago team building ideas go, this one is sure to bring joy to the whole team — and perhaps even give them an experience they’ve never had before.

Find yourselves locked in a themed room with the timer running and work together to follow clues to help you escape in time. The Escape Game Chicago hosts some of the most fantastic rooms, from a Gold Rush theme to a Mission: Mars sci-fi theme set in space, beginning with a broken-down rocket ship…

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $42.99 per person
  • Activity Duration: 1 hour
  • Group Size: Up to 40 people per hour
  • Ideal For: Groups looking to test their problem-solving skills and critical thinking while bonding in a unique environment.
  • Location: 42 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611
  • Website Link: The Escape Game Chicago
Four people working together in an escape room
via The Escape Game Chicago

26. Go Bowling

Known as “An adult playground,” do we need to say any more about a bowling experience at Punch Bowl Social? Don’t let the word “Bowl” in the name fool you, as this highly popular spot also has arcade games, shuffleboard and private karaoke rooms. All of these addictive activities mean one thing: a whole lot of fun wrapped up in some friendly competition.

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Surely it can’t get any better,” right? Well, as with all great team building activities in Chicago, the food also needs to bowl you over. With a menu featuring shareable comfort food, local craft beer, craft cocktails and an impressive wine selection, your hunger won’t be spared in between the strikes you’ll be bowling.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $20 per person 
  • Activity Duration: 1 to 5 hours
  • Group Size: All group sizes. A minimum of 9 guests is required for a planned event.
  • Ideal For: Teams looking to unwind and bond in a feel-good environment with some competitive elements.
  • Location: 310 N. Green St., Chicago, IL 60607
  • Website Link: Punch Bow Social

27. Try Axe Throwing

Simply put, we think there are few (if any) spots to learn how to become a great axe thrower than at Bad Axe Throwing, no matter how strange that may sound. With world-class axe-throwing instructors to show you how it’s done, this team building activity in Chicago is ideal for anyone wanting to test their aim while having a ball. 

Besides axes, you can also try your hand at knife throwing. Speaking of knives, what makes a visit to the bustling Bad Axe Throwing even more enticing is the fact that you can bring your own food to the venue. All in all, camaraderie will be off the charts at the end of a day engaging in this Chicago group activity, as will communication and teamwork.

Activity Overview

  • Price Range: Starting at $21.99 per person per hour for general admission. Group rates start at $450 per group.
  • Activity Duration: 30+ minutes
  • Group Size: All group sizes 
  • Ideal For: Groups who feel like learning a new skill while bonding and sharing a few laughs.
  • Location: 165 N. Loomis St., Chicago, IL 60607
  • Website Link: Bad Axe Throwing
Two people looking at each other while at Bad Axe Throwing
via Bad Axe Throwing

Does Your Team Really Need Team Building?

The answer to this question is a resounding "Yes!". Whether you are a small start-up, a longstanding corporation or something in between, you should not overlook the importance of hosting team building games, workshops or other activities for your staff, as the benefits of teamwork far outweigh any cost that’s required to make the event happen. 

Team building activities in Chicago offer a number of valuable workplace benefits, including:

Notably, investing in team building activities in Chicago is a highly effective way to boost employee engagement and connection within your company in the Windy City. Hosting Chicago team building events is also a great way to get to know your employees outside of the office. Even remote teams benefit from virtual team building activities that the whole group can do together.

Every office — whether virtual or on-site — needs team building. When colleagues get together for a team building activity in Chicago, they get to partake in an activity that encourages creative thinking, boosts morale and improves problem-solving skills, while also fostering collaboration and improving communication. These are qualities that all companies can benefit from, for teams of any size.

If there's any doubt left as to how crucial team building is for workplace success, just remember: Forbes calls team building "the most important investment you'll ever make." In fact, it’s so crucial that, according to Justin Wright, 3x founder and CEO, companies that have high-performing teams are 40% more likely to fund team building activities. 

For even more 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: