Updated: February 13, 2024

21 Company Outing Ideas in Austin, TX, in 2024

Here is our list of the best company outing ideas in Austin, Texas.

Company outing ideas in Austin are locations, games, and activities great for work events and bringing employees together. Examples include having ice cream at D’Lites, hiking the Bull Creek District Park, and attending Storytelling Workshops. The purpose of these activities is to keep a company event lively for employees and foster group camaraderie.

These outings make great corporate offsites, group hangouts, and company retreat activities. These activities are similar to corporate event ideas in Austin and Austin team building events.

This list includes:

  • group outing ideas for adults in Austin
  • team building outings in Austin
  • work team outings in Austin
  • corporate outings in Austin

Let’s get started!

List of company outing ideas in Austin

Having a company outing is an effective way to bring a team together, unwind from work stress, and boost attendees’ morale. From Highland Lanes to The Great Guac Off, here are some fun ideas teams can use for company outings in Austin, Texas.

1. Downtown Austin Photo Scavenger Hunt (Popular)

A photo of the Texas capitol building with some text on top

With teambuilding.com’s photo scavenger hunt, you can embark on a thrilling team activity in downtown Austin.

On this engaging adventure, your team will:

  • Enjoy 90 minutes of exploration led by our skilled hosts
  • Discover hidden trivia and uncover photo-worthy locations
  • Hear fascinating tales and facts about the city
  • Capture a group photo as a lasting memento of your adventure

For an in-depth look at this incredible part of Austin, be sure to check out this interactive experience.

Learn more about the Downtown Austin Photo Scavenger Hunt.

2. Field Day (Team Favorite)

Consider joining us for Field Day, an interactive 90-minute outdoor experience that brings colleagues together. This thrilling event fosters collaboration, healthy competition, and a strong sense of camaraderie.

Here is what you can expect from your Field Day adventure:

  • we will bring all the necessary equipment to the location of your choice
  • teambuilding.com hosts and cohosts will keep your team’s energy and engagement high
  • our staff will lead your group in a series of high-energy field day activities and games
  • during the event, we will take team photos

Each game promotes teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. From timeless classics to innovative challenges, Field Day’s activities are sure to be a hit.

Learn more about Field Day.

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3. Mix n’ Mingle (Top Choice)

Mix n’ Mingle thoughtfully encourages authentic conversations, collaboration, and connections. Rather than traditional conversation cards, this function features interactive activities that connect your team.

Mix n’ Mingle includes the following:

  • 90 minutes with an engaging host from teambuilding.com
  • collaborative problem-solving, team building games, and group discussions
  • unique networking techniques tailored to your team’s dynamics
  • thought-provoking activities that promote creativity
  • all the needed supplies and on-site photographs
  • meeting at your selected location

Whether you are interested in getting to know peers in a new city or deepening relationships within your team, Mix n’ Mingle is the right choice.

Learn more about Mix n’ Mingle.

4. Big Top Candy Shop

If you are looking for a sweet treat during work team outings in Austin, then consider stopping by the Big Top Candy Shop! Featuring antique circus memorabilia, Big Top offers a wide range of delightful snacks. Inside, you will find a fully operational old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream case. Additionally, the shop has specialty chocolates, fudge, and over 400 bulk candies. Best of all, shoppers can enjoy an astounding selection of over 3,000 wrapped candies, ranging from cherished classics to unique global creations.

The menu features a range of soda creations, ice cream scoops, sundaes, banana splits, shakes, and malts, all made with real Blue Bell ice cream. Plus, the store even offers an alcoholic drink menu featuring handcrafted hard seltzers and boozy milkshakes for those seeking an extra twist of flavor.

Learn more about Big Top Candy Shop.

5. Franklin Barbecue

A trip to Austin will never be complete without stopping for some delicious barbecue! Franklin Barbecue, an Austin institution on the East Side, is well-known for its exceptional barbecue. The menu includes favorites like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage, alongside sandwiches, sides, and pies. You can also find beverages like bottled water, sparkling water, and a selection of beers and wines. The restaurant even offers nationwide shipping for their meats, and they sell smokers, seasoning mixes, and sauces for barbecue enthusiasts. With its outstanding food and quality offerings, Franklin Barbecue is a top spot for barbecue lovers.

Learn more about Franklin Barbecue.

6. J. Lorraine Ghost Town

J. Lorraine Ghost Town is a unique 1800s Western-themed outdoor venue open year-round, offering entertainment for all ages. Visitors can relax with a cold drink on five acres of open space. The town features various unusual buildings and a two-story outdoor movie screen. Guests can enjoy a menu that includes the famous $1.00 hot dog and the renowned “Ghost Burger,” along with other offerings. The ghost town also serves as an event and rental venue, with public access on non-event weekends. This spot makes for a great outing location for your team!

Learn more about the J. Lorraine Ghost Town.

7. Fareground

Fareground is Austin’s first food hall where local restaurateurs grow their businesses, creating a hub of food and culture. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of cuisine from award-winning chefs, with over 120 freshly made items from four eateries. Whether you are looking for brunch, happy hour, or a unique dining experience, Fareground has it all. Additionally, the hall offers specialty retail from local artisans, live music events, and fitness and wellness classes in the plaza outside. Overall, Fareground is the perfect place to gather, dine, and explore.

Learn more about Fareground.

8. Midnight Cowboy

Located on Austin’s famous 6th Street, Midnight Cowboy Bar embraces its history as a former brothel and massage parlor. The bar offers a Prohibition-style ambiance, a secret entrance, classic cocktails, and a touch of haunted history. The firm is an intimate, reservations-only lounge. The menu features a variety of crafted cocktails, including both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options.

If you are looking to enjoy a warm evening, then check out the patio, which welcomes guests without the need for reservations. When the vacancy light is on, feel free to come in and enjoy our unique speakeasy experience. Additionally, you can reserve the patio for a private event with a maximum of 18 people. Be sure to stop by for a delicious themed drink!

Learn more about Midnight Cowboy.

9. Austin Creative Art Center Class

Austin Creative Art Center offers classes for corporate outings in Austin. The course will help in promoting collaboration and will last for two hours. Your team will create beautiful pieces of artwork together. The course presents an opportunity for team members to work on art projects and develop ideas that can help the company grow.

You can bring some food and snacks, including art-friendly clothes that you do not mind getting messy with paint.

Learn more about Austin Creative Art Center Class.

10. Pinballz

For a fun group outing idea, your team can go karting at Pinballz. The company provides European-styled go-karts to hone your racing skills.

Although cumbersome helmets are not necessary, you must wear closed-toe shoes to participate. You will pay less per race if you book more rounds. Pinballz also provides attractions like escape rooms, mini-bowling, laser tag, and bumper cars.

Learn more about Go karts at Pinballz.

11. Still Austin Whiskey Distillery

A tour of Still Austin Whiskey distillery is one of the entertaining group outing ideas for adults in Austin. The tour will last for one hour, and you can have one to ten guests in your group for one booking.

During the tour, your group will learn about craft whisky. Team members will also view the distillery where the entire production takes place, from milling and mashing to bottling. After booking, you can get a refund if you make a cancellation two days before your reserved date.

Furthermore, you will taste a variety of whiskeys towards the tour’s end.

Learn more about Still Austin Whiskey Distillery Tour.

12. Museum of Ice Cream

Touring the Museum of Ice Cream is one of the most fun company outing ideas in Austin. The Museum of Ice Cream has several locations in several cities, including Austin.

The experiment is a self-guided tour of photographable displays based around the frozen dessert. In addition, there are five dessert stations from which you will get ice cream treats. The Museum of Ice Cream also offers the treat in a vegan alternative.

You can book the experience as a night and daytime adventure. The nighttime experience is ideal for adults and includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Learn more about Museum of Ice Cream Tour.

13. Austin’s Park

Your team can visit Austin’s Park for a laser tag contest. The arena is great for expert or beginner players. The game’s goal is to gain points by hitting your target and emerge the winner.

You can also book the experience as a package that includes other experiences like mini-golf, rock wall, and bowling. There are three packages you can choose from, varying in price.

Learn more about Laser Tag at Austin’s Park.

14. Bull Creek District Park

The Bull Creek District Park is an excellent location for your team building outings in Austin. The park is a 48-acre location where you can enjoy beautiful natural sceneries. You can hike the easy trails of the park. Water shoes are helpful because of the rocky and slippery surfaces you may encounter. You can also go mountain biking or even play volleyball.

Another fun idea is to have the team pack lunch and set up a picnic under a shady tree. Your team can also volunteer for the park if the opportunity comes around your outing time. Volunteering is an excellent idea if you need a group outing idea that involves giving back to the community.

Get directions to Bull Creek District Park.

15. D’Lites

D’Lites is one of the best ice cream spots in Austin that you can use for your group outing. The ice cream company offers a range of flavors like chocolate-covered banana, strawberry, blueberry lemon mousse, Mexican vanilla, and extreme chocolate.

Also, D’Lites makes ice creams to fit different dietary requirements, from weight loss and vegetarian, to gluten-free and sugar-free. During your group visit to D’Lites, you can also get other snacks that match each member’s diet. The company updates the weekly flavor every Sunday. So you may want to keep up with the update to find which day has the flavors your team prefers the most.

Learn more about Ice Cream at D’Lites.

16. Cordovan Art School Pottery Painting

Cordovan Art School hosts pottery painting sessions great for team-building and corporate outings in Austin. The painting session is available in two categories that differ in price and the pottery piece to paint.

Your group will select the desired pottery piece depending on the booked category. During the 90 minutes session, the staff members will guide you and your team members. After the event, you will leave the painting in the studio to dry adequately. Then after a week, you can pick up your artwork.

Cordovan also offers other events like pottery wheel and canvas painting, each lasting for two hours.

Learn more about Cordovan Art School Pottery Painting.

17. Austin Karaoke

Austin Karaoke offers several rooms for groups. The rooms will last for at least two hours, with varying numbers of participants allowed. The price per hour depends on the room size. You will pay an added fee for each additional player.

Each room has two microphones, a great sound system, and video screens to give your team the best experience.

Learn more about Austin Karaoke.

18. Highland Lanes

Highland Lanes provides a bowling facility where teams can gather. For a corporate event, you can reserve up to 40 bowling lanes. The facility also includes an ‘electric bowl,’ which creates a nightclub atmosphere with special lighting effects.

The two-hour experience comes in different packages for 10 to 240 attendees and includes bowling balls and rental shoe usage. At least five attendees can have one bowling lane to themselves.

Highland Lanes also features an automatic scoring system, an arcade room, and a lodge lounge.

Learn more about Bowling at Highland Lanes.

19. Slaughter Creek Trail Hiking

The Slaughter Creek Trail in southwest Austin makes for a great group hike. The trail is five miles long and may take up to two hours to complete.

Aside from the feel of nature you get while walking this trail, the path is ideal for mountain biking. Also, this area is pretty rocky and may not be ideal for running. Right after the trail, you will find the route for bikers to be clockwise while pedestrians will go counterclockwise.

The trail usually closes based on the weather condition. Therefore, you should closely follow the trail’s opening time update.

Get directions and update on Slaughter Creek Trail Hiking.

20. McKinney Fall State Park

Camping in any of the McKinney Fall State Park campsites is one of the most relaxing company outing ideas in Austin. The park offers two categories of campsites, and you also have to pay the daily entrance fee.

There are 81 campgrounds with similar facilities, except for the difference in the electrical current running through both sites. Your team will also have access to facilities like fire rings with grill, picnic table, restrooms with showers, and lantern posts.

Learn more about McKinney Fall State Park Campsites.

21. Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo is also a great place to visit for your team building outings in Austin. The animals include several bird species and the native Texas wildlife.

Visiting the zoo in the morning is a better idea since the animals are more active during that time. You can only purchase your ticket online rather than in person and can present the emailed receipt for admission.

Learn more about Austin Zoo.

Conclusion

This list of company outing ideas includes some of the best activities to engage in, games to play, and places to go in Austin with your group. When planning for the outing, you can make out the event’s objective like team-building, entertainment, or even marking a special celebration. This objective will guide you in picking the best activity or location for your outing.

Next, check out these lists of company culture committee ideas and company picnic ideas.

FAQ: Company outing ideas in Austin

Here are answers to questions about company outing ideas in Austin.

What are the best group outing ideas in Austin?

The best group outing ideas in Austin include touring the Museum of Ice Cream, painting pottery at Cordovan Art School, and walking the Slaughter Creek Trail.

What are some good places for groups to go in Austin?

Some good places for groups to go to in Austin are The Selfie Gallery, Austin’s Park, Austin’s Zoo, and Still Austin Winery Distillery.

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Author:

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

LinkedIn Grace He

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