Updated: December 20, 2023

18 Unique Company Retreat Ideas in Kansas City, KS & MO

Here is our list of the best company retreat ideas in Kansas City.

Company retreat ideas in Kansas City are entertaining events you can use to help your workforce take a break from work and have fun in the Kansas City region. Examples include visiting the Kansas City Zoo and Kansas City Speedway. The purpose of these activities is to strengthen workers’ relationships and boost employee belonging. Company retreat ideas in Kansas City will also build productivity and help to break barriers among employees.

These ideas cover group retreat activities, company retreat locations, and executive retreat ideas. The activities are similar to group outings in Kansas City and Kansas City team building activities.

This list includes:

  • corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Kansas City
  • corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Kansas City
  • company retreat entertainment ideas in Kansas City
  • company retreat locations in Kansas City
  • team retreat ideas in Kansas City

Let’s get started!

List of company retreat ideas in Kansas City

Kansas City offers a wide variety of retreat ideas that will interest every team player in your workforce. From a team visit to Breakout KC to Worlds of Fun, here is a list of the best company retreat ideas that you can engage your team in Kansas City.

1. Field Day (Popular)

Field Day is a thrilling adventure that will challenge participants to a series of exciting outdoor activities.

Participants can expect:

  • 90 minutes with a talented host
  • photo ops for the entire team
  • engaging outdoor activities and games that showcase colleagues’ talents
  • fun games from childhood

Also, we will meet you at your chosen venue with all the necessary game equipment. Field Day is the perfect opportunity to enhance teamwork and create an unforgettable experience.

Learn more about Field Day.

2. Superhero Academy (Top Choice)

superhero academy

Superhero Academy will put your skills and collaboration to the ultimate test in a real-life comic book adventure. In this immersive team building experience, you and your team can unleash your inner heroes!

  • 90 minutes of excitement guided by an experienced host
  • engaging games and activities designed to test and challenge your abilities
  • a captivating storytelling experience that will transform you into superheroes
  • tasks that highlight your team members’ unique strengths

With every obstacle you conquer, you will witness the immense power of teamwork and create unforgettable memories.

Learn more about Superhero Academy.

Want some free team building tools?

$49 value (100% free)

  • 100+ fully tested icebreaker questions
  • 24+ themed Bingo generators
  • 5+ PDFs (including the 8% Rule)
  • 2024 team building calendar
  • and more...
Tool Box

Enter your email for instant access

3. The Art of Storytelling (Highly Rated)

The Art of Storytelling empowers teams to forge meaningful connections with both customers and colleagues through the medium of storytelling. This experience is dedicated to enhancing your team’s ability to share impactful stories and build lasting relationships.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • A 120-minute session facilitated by an expert guide
  • Strategies to assist participants in effectively engaging their audiences
  • Exploration of the five essential elements that make a story captivating
  • Dedicated practice time for participants to apply their new storytelling techniques
  • Constructive feedback from the host to help attendees refine their storytelling skills

If you’re seeking a program that guides your staff in sharing meaningful stories, consider delving into The Art of Storytelling.

Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.

4. Tom’s Town Distilling Co.

Tom’s Town Distilling Co. has a long history tied to the city’s Prohibition era. The distillery is named after Tom Pendergast, a saloonkeeper turned political boss. Tom explained his decision to ignore Prohibition laws by saying, “The people are thirsty.”

Today, Tom’s Town quenches that thirst by making high-quality craft spirits. Offerings include botanical gin, bourbon, whiskey, and vodka. The firm also sells a line of Thirsty’s canned cocktails.

Visitors can explore the restaurant and tasting room to get the full experience. Additionally, the distillery offers event spaces like the Pendergast Lounge and Rickenbacker Room. Tom’s is a standout firm in Kansas City’s distilling scene.

Learn more about Tom’s Town Distilling Co.

5. Green Dirt Farm

At Green Dirt Farm, the love for artisanal sheep milk cheese meets a farm lifestyle. The farm is committed to sustainable farming practices, such as grass-based grazing. This process creates flavorful milk and cheese while fostering soil health and fighting against climate change. Green Dirt Farm’s cheeses have won awards in various competitions, including the American Cheese Society annual competition.

Green Dirt Farm offers a variety of ways for folks to enjoy their delicious cheeses. The farm has a cafe and cheese shop in Weston, where you can try their cheeses and menu items made with them. You can even book tours to explore the farm, cheese kitchen, and tasting room. So, whether you are a cheese enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a taste of farm life, Green Dirt Farm invites you to join them.

Learn more about Green Dirt Farm.

6. Kansas City Zoo

Home to over 1,300 animals, Kansas City Zoo is one of the best zoos in the U.S. Your team will enjoy world-class exhibits and programs that attract tourists from all over the globe. Habitats include the Polar Bear Passage, the Tiger Trail, and the Africa sections, which feature wild animals in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Your team can experience unique animal encounters such as the Keeper Chats, Sea Lion Show, and elephant painting demonstrations. You can also let participants take a safari boat ride across the African Plains Lake. The Kansas Zoo tour will connect attendees to wildlife and foster appreciation and conservation of animals.

Learn more about Kansas City Zoo.

7. Union Station

Union Station is one of the best team retreat ideas in Kansas City for a diverse team. The venue features a wide collection of rotating history exhibits and art. In addition, your group can tour The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, where attendees will learn about astronomy. For a unique concert experience, visit the planetarium in the evening and let your workforce enjoy musical events.

Participants will see and interact with the model trains in the 8,000-square feet Model Train Gallery. The venue features tiny and big-scale model trains that offer a fun model railroading experience. You can also browse the list of events at the in-house City Theatre and enjoy comedies, dramas, and musicals with your team. If you are looking for a venue to host your corporate retreats, then you can check out the event space rentals at Union Station. Be sure to get meals for your team at the in-house eateries.

Learn more about Union Station.

8. Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens is a 970-acre botanical garden home to over 6,000 plant varieties and 225,000 seasonal plant displays. Depending on the time you visit the garden, your team will enjoy eight-themed display gardens, seasonal festivals, a nature trail, and rotating exhibitions. You can also let participants stroll the grounds and marvel at the fantastic architecture. Some of the gardens include the Fountain Garden, the Perennial Garden, Memorial Garden, and Heartland Harvest Garden. Powell Gardens is the best retreat venue to rejuvenate your workforce and reinforce their appreciation for nature.

Learn more about Powell Gardens.

9. Worlds of Fun

Worlds of Fun is a 235-acre entertainment complex that features the Midwest’s largest water park and amusement park. From towering rides to refreshing pools and thrilling roller coasters, attendees can choose their ideal activities. The park has five major sections your team can explore, including Europa, Africa, Americana, the Orient, and Scandinavia. Thrill lovers among your team can try the Constrictor, Cyclone Sams, the Detonator, Mamba, or the Predators’ Plunge. Participants who fear height or speed can explore the Aruba Tuna, Bamboozler, or the Camp Bus. Willing attendees can also cool off at the Surf City Wave Pool, Sharks’ Revenge, or the Typhoon. In addition, the venue features eateries and great spots where attendees can grab refreshing drinks.

Learn more about Worlds of Fun.

10. Kansas City Speedway

Kansas City Speedway tops the list of company retreat entertainment ideas in Kansas City. You can purchase single-race tickets for team players and watch as participants have an adrenaline-filled retreat as they take laps on a real NASCAR track. For safety, attendees can stay in the passenger seat or ride with an experienced instructor. If you want to go to Kansas City Speedway on a race day, then you can opt for the Ignition Garage package, where attendees will get a VIP motorsports experience. You can also add a pre-race pass where your team will have exclusive infield access, which includes up-close access to NASCAR Cup Series driver introductions.

Learn more about Kansas City Speedway.

11. Breakout KC

Escape Rooms are immersive company retreat ideas in Kansas City that you can use to foster team bonding and create memories for your workforce. Breakout KC offers teams a friendly environment and escape rooms with varying challenges.

Examples:

  • Patient 57: You are among subjects to illegal tests that will perfect mind control. There is an opportunity for you to escape. However, time is not on your side, and you only have 60 minutes to break free. With a difficulty level of eight out of ten, Patient 57 is ideal for team players looking for a challenge.
  • The Hero: A delusional doctor believes he can cure all illnesses in the world. While he has pure intentions, his treatment methods may be fatal. You have 60 minutes to bring the risky operation to an end.

The private experiences will facilitate team bonding as your workforce race against time to escape the selected rooms within 60 minutes.

Learn more about Breakout KC.

12. Bury the Hatchet

If you are looking for corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Kansas City, then you must try axe throwing at Bury the Hatchet. You can engage your team in a tournament at the 7,200-square-foot venue. For every two-hour session, participants can play multiple games and get support from a team of axe masters. Whether you have axe-throwing pros or beginners on your team, let your workforce experience the thrill of this ancient tradition. Axe throwing is an activity that will relieve participants’ stress and give attendees an adrenaline rush. You can BYOB and food and let participants bite and sip drinks during the axe throwing competitions.

Learn more about Bury the Hatchet.

13. American Jazz Museum

If you have a team of jazz lovers in your team, then a tour of the American Jazz Museum is a must-try. The American Jazz Museum is the only museum focusing on global preservation, advancement, and exhibition of jazz music. Your team will explore a collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of the impact of Jazz on the world. Some of the highlights in the Permanent Exhibit include the Ida McBeth Changing Gallery, Charlie Parker’s Grafton saxophone, and the Ron Chaney Gallery. The Changing Gallery, which features Jazz, Vine District, and baseball displays, will also interest your team. You can check out the list of live music or interesting community events at The Gem Theatre. You can also browse the list of events at The Blue Room that honors and showcases past and present names in Jazz.

Learn more about American Jazz Museum.

14. Kauffman Stadium

A team sport-watching day at Kauffman Stadium tops the list of corporate retreat ideas for big groups in Kansas City. Home to Major League Baseball and the Kansas City Royals, the stadium has a seating of over 37,000. Attendees can explore the Walk of Fame that features the Blue Moon Taproom, where participants can get specialty beers. If you want a unique view of the game, then you can book your team the Price Chopper Patio. The Craft Cocktail Bar and the Konica Minolta Diamond Club are other features your team can enjoy as they watch a match. You can also book your group a stadium tour where attendees will explore areas that are not open to the public.

Learn more about Kauffman Stadium.

15. Sea Life Kansas City

A team retreat to Sea Life Kansas City is an activity that will educate your workforce on the conservation of marine life. The aquarium is home to various aquatic creatures, including sharks, seahorses, stingrays, jellies, turtles, and fish. Your team can explore the 11 interactive zones, including the touch pool, tropical ocean exhibit, and stingray bay exhibit. Sea Life Kansas City plays a huge part in conserving marine life by rescuing seals, re-homing aquatic creatures, breeding seahorses, and protecting turtles.

Learn more about Sea Life Kansas City.

16. City Market

If you are looking for corporate retreat ideas for small groups in Kansas City, then a team tour to City Market is a good bet. The market has a rich history dating back to 1857 as a site for revivals, commerce, political rallies, and horse trading. You can start with a tour of the Arabia Steamboat Museum, which preserves artifacts such as clothing, carpentry tools, guns, and clothing. Then, you can let attendees stroll City Market and shop for unique treasures, including jewelry, apparel, home décor items, and fresh flowers. Participants can also pass by the farmers’ market that opens on select days during the weekend and purchase fresh produce.

Learn more about City Market.

17. Museum of Illusions

Situated inside Union Station, the Museum of Illusions offers unique experiences that will interest your workforce. The museum tour will immerse attendees into a world of illusions that will trick your team’s senses and confidence. Participants will explore intriguing sensory, visual, and educational illustrations that will entertain the mind while deceiving the eyes. Illusions include the head on the Platter, Turntables, Kaleidoscope, Rubin’s Vase, and the Infinity Room. Be sure to take team pictures for memories’ sake.

Learn more about the Museum of Illusions.

18. Loose Park

As the third largest park in Kansas City, Loose Park is one of the most preferred company retreat locations in Kansas City. The park has many amenities that you can use to entertain your team. You can start with a stroll along the park, where attendees will marvel at the collection of rose flowers at the Rose Garden. Then, you can hold a picnic at the venue and let attendees bond as they take in the beautiful lake views. You can also engage your team in a friendly tennis competition at the tennis courts. Your team will also enjoy some Civil War markers and learn more about the history of Kansas.

Learn more about Loose Park.

Conclusion

If you expect a handful of outing ideas in Kansas City, then you will be in for a surprise. Boasting jazz music and barbeques, the variety of exciting retreat ideas in Kansas City will keep your team hooked. From major museums to historical monuments and exciting shopping avenues, set enough time to explore the city. Do not forget to try eateries with your team and learn why the city is renowned as the “Barbecue Capital.”

Next, check out corporate event ideas in Kansas City and virtual retreat ideas.

FAQ: Company retreat ideas in Kansas City

Here are answers to questions about company retreat ideas in Kansas City.

What are some good corporate retreat ideas in Kansas City?

With the variety of places to explore in Kansas City, choosing a venue that will interest all participants is not an easy task. You can start by taking in recommendations from your workforce. If you have a large team with varying interests, then you can choose different activities that your workforce will enjoy. Some good corporate retreat ideas in Kansas City include Loose Park, American Jazz Museum, and Bury the Hatchet.

How do you plan a fun team retreat in Kansas City?

While often overlooked, planning a successful team retreat takes a lot of work. From the events’ agenda to choosing a location and ensuring that all participants have fun, the challenges can be overwhelming. Some of the critical areas that you need to get right when planning a fun team event in Kansas City include picking an ideal location and having a fun host. Then, have a clear structure of the activities that you will engage attendees in and how the retreat will run.

Share:
  • Twit
  • Linked
  • Email Share
Author avatar

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

Get our free team building tool box

$49 value at no cost.
May as well check it out?

Tool Box

Enter your email for instant access