21 Best Team Building Activities in NYC, NY

You found our list of top team building activities in NYC, New York.

Team building activities in NYC are events that help employees to improve their communication and problem-solving abilities while fostering a spirit of collaboration. There are many team building activities in New York City, including bowling, escape rooms, painting lessons, and pizza-making workshops. These activities are excellent for large and small groups looking to have memorable experiences while bonding in The Big Apple. These activities are also known as “team bonding in NYC.”

These activities are examples of team building exercises and are similar to NYC company outing ideas and NYC corporate events. These ideas are ways to improve cooperation in the workplace.

This article contains:

• team building activities for small groups in NYC, NY
• team building activities for large groups in NYC, New York
• team building activities for adults in NYC
• corporate team building ideas in NYC
• team bonding ideas in NYC

Let’s get started!

List of team building activities in New York City

If you are looking for ways to encourage teamwork and help your employees bond, consider the following company team building ideas in NYC.

1. The Great Guac Off™️ (Staff Favorite)

The Great Guac Off is one of the most popular team building activities in NYC, and is loved by teams at Amazon, HelloFresh, YouTube and more. The event is 90 minutes of fun icebreakers and mini-games, together with a wildly fun and competitive guacamole making competition.

The Great Guac Off includes everything you need for a successful team building event:

• 90 minutes with a wildly entertaining teambuilding.com host
• co-host(s) to help with clean-up and make sure it all runs smoothly
• a set of mini-games and competitions proven to maximize team engagement
• all the guacamole ingredients and chips for dipping
• fun and memorable group photos
• an entire team to help with planning your perfect event
• 100% happiness guarantee

In short, your team will RAVE about The Great Guac Off.

Learn more about The Great Guac Off.

2. Museum Hack (Popular)

Museum Hack runs wildly fun and engaging tours of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. An expert guide will lead your team through this incredible institution, sharing the hidden secrets, juicy gossipy and often untold stories of the art and artists. It’s a whole new way to visit the museum, and is already loved by teams at Google, Johnson & Johnson, Chipotle and hundreds of others.

Your Museum Hack experience includes:

• a 90 minute renegade tour led by an extra guide
• stories about the objects and artists
• mini-games and icebreakers to help your team connect
• museum admission ($30/pp value)
• fun group photos
• full support team to plan your experience
• 100% happiness guarantee

Here is what the dragon lady from Game of Thrones had to say about her Museum Hack experience:

Learn more about Museum Hack.

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3. High Line Scavenger Hunt (Outdoors)

The High Line is an incredibly unique attraction in NYC, and holds some of the cities best kept secrets. Your team will race against the clock to find clues and solve puzzles in an unconventional and highly engaging scavenger hunt.

Your hunt includes:

• 90 minutes with a professional teambuilding.com host
• all game materials and instructions
• fun group photos
• and more!

Learn more about the High Line Scavenger Hunt.

4. The Miniature Art Museum

Mini art became a viral trend online, and The Miniature Art Museum brings these pieces to visitors in real life. The museum showcases tiny artworks from 32 artists around the world. Exhibits feature tiny figurines, little houses, and even mini art pieces! Some pieces are so small that the museum even offers magnifying glasses for guests to look closer.

Despite the adorable stature of the art, it can still represent more serious topics, like politics. For instance, one piece showcases tiny people ripping money in half. However, many displays are cute, like a team of tiny painters decorating a mushroom forest.

After exploring, folks can shop to snag one-of-a-kind mini artworks and DIY kits. When planning your next team bonding ideas in NYC, add this 90-minute adventure to your list!

Learn more about The Miniature Art Museum.

5. Great Jones Distilling Company

Great Jones’ is the first whiskey distillery in New York City since Prohibition! The distillery proudly uses NYC-sourced ingredients. Great Jones produces four whiskeys, which are Empire Rye, Four Grain, Straight Bourbon, and Peated Scotch Cask Bourbon. If folks are interested in a tasting, then they can choose between the three- and four-spirit tasting options.

Teams can stop by for a delicious cocktail and then order a meal from the restaurant. Dishes are high quality and local, featuring plates like local burrata and Faroe Island salmon. Colleagues looking for a distillery experience can check out one of the many events from Great Jones. For instance, folks can tour the distillery, learn to make cocktails, or do a tasting and snacking experience.

Learn more about the Great Jones Distilling Company.

6. Drunk Shakespeare

The Drunk Shakespeare Company turns classic theater performances into modern hilarity! Before the performance, one of the actors takes five shots of whiskey. Then, the drunk actor performs a lead role in a Shakespearean play while four sober performers attempt to keep the script on track. The show lasts for 90 minutes. Audience members can drink along with the actors by ordering craft cocktails. Groups may qualify for a discount, and large teams can buy out the show for a private performance. For a fun twist on well-loved plays, check out Drunk Shakespeare!

Learn more about Drunk Shakespeare.

7. Meow Parlour

Meow Parlour is NYC’s first cat café, and it is a great spot for a team building outing. Folks can stop by to spend time with the cats, and they can adopt as well! Since 2014, Meow Parlor has helped over 2,000 cats find homes. Donations all go toward helping care for the animals.

Teams that want to stop by should head to the website to make a reservation. At Meow Parlour, colleagues can get a sweet treat and drink before spending time with the cats. Reservations are for 50-minute time slots. Larger teams with more that five members should ask about private bookings.

Learn more about Meow Parlour.

8. The BEAST Speedboat

The BEAST Speedboat Ride is a great way to get your teams’ hearts racing. Circle Line Sightseeing offers a customized 70-foot speedboat that travels the Hudson River at 45mph. The journey promises plenty of twists, turns, and splashes as you travel close to the Statue of Liberty. You will also get memorable bird’s-eye views of midtown and lower Manhattan. With fun music and an engaging captain and crew, this activity will be a memorable outing for the team.

Learn more about Circle Line.

9. Paint Nite

You can have a good time at a Paint Nite even if you are not a professional artist. Every employee who attends this event will go home with a gorgeously painted canvas. Also, you may sip on a beverage of your choice while an expert shows you how to paint with acrylics. The cost of the event includes the use of canvases, brushes, and paints.

Find out about Paint Nite.

10. StageCoach Improv

Improv is one of the top team building activities for adults in NYC to get your team members reeling in laughter. Improv abilities are invaluable when it comes to the dynamics of teamwork in the workplace. This event from StageCoach Improv may help your group achieve new levels of attention, proactive listening, and trust. A good dose of laughter and a unique activity can help lift the spirits of employees who are feeling down. Improv team building, storytelling, applied improv, and sketch comedy are all hallmarks of StageCoach Improv’s corporate improv training.

Learn more about StageCoach Improv.

11. Kick Axe Throwing

If you are planning a company retreat, a great way to foster camaraderie is an exciting axe throwing activity at Kick Axe Throwing. When you arrive at the facility, trained specialists will take you and your team through all of the safety procedures in place and show different throwing tactics that will help you maximize your experience. Then, you can compete individually or organize an internal tournament across departments to determine who has the finest throwing talents.

You will find a bar area next to your axe-throwing station, where team members may relax while others compete. When you finish, do not forget to take a group shot.

Learn more about Kick Axe Throwing.

12. Walking Tour of Manhattan

This remarkable tour is one of the team building activities for small groups in NYC, NY. You will indulge in the city’s best historical and culinary highlights. NYC is a haven for foodies and history buffs alike, with a rich and varied past. To offer the best possible experience, group sizes are limited to eight people. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers approximately one or two miles. You can also get a private tour for a group of about 40 participants. The tour guides have extensive experience and are well-versed in this historic neighborhood.

Learn more about Manhattan Walking Tour.

13. Hudson River Recreation

This picturesque kayak trip on the Hudson River suits first-time boaters and seasoned paddlers. Kayaking allows you to take in the stunning views of the New York City cityscape. Coaching is available for participants. The whole journey of the Hudson River takes around an hour and a half. The tour includes single or double kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and guides. The facility also offers outdoor showers, changing rooms, lockers, and restrooms.

Learn more about Hudson River Recreation.

14. Gotham Archery

When it comes to team building activities, archery is a fun and challenging way to get your teammates working together. The facility offers individual lanes, allowing teams to work together without having to take turns at the activity. If you have never tried archery, then you will likely begin by taking a safety course and learning some fundamental techniques.

For added fun, you can set targets and keep track of how many points each member of your team or department earns. Archery is a terrific choice for groups on a limited budget since the fees are usually pretty inexpensive, and you can generally hire lanes by the hour.

Learn more about Gotham Archery.

15. My Cooking Party

A group cooking class is a terrific way to socialize, gain new skills, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner with a small or large group. Making a meal with My Cooking Party is a ton of fun, even if you are a total newbie. The cooking class will allow you to enjoy a drink during sessions, which enhances the social aspect of the experience.

Classes typically last three hours and include time for the chefs to demonstrate their skills and for you to eat your excellent meal. Each group member can cook a dish independently or have everyone pitch in and help prepare the dinner as a group.

Learn more about My Cooking Party.

16. Bubble Soccer

You can play a rousing game of bubble soccer to let off some steam and indulge in some friendly competition. While traditional soccer matches are the most prevalent, the bubble equipment may also work for various other team building activities.

Bubble soccer is an excellent choice if you want an activity that can accept last-minute modifications, like the number of participants. You should consider booking this activity after a long work day so the team can wind down and get some exercise.

Learn more about Bubble Soccer Challenge.

17. Unarthodox

At Unarthodox, participants will receive an introduction to fundamental clay handling techniques before trying to sculpt blindfolded. The instructors will guide you and your team through an immersive sculpting experience using only your sense of touch and memory. The use of music and aromatherapy further enhances the sense of total immersion.

Even if your team has no previous experience with sculpting, the desire to express will is enough. The hosts will also tailor the experience to fit your team’s needs.

Learn more about Unarthodox.

18. Indoor Paintball Tournament

The paintball activity is an exciting way to take on your coworkers in various high-intensity gaming modes. Each team member will get masks, markers, and paintballs. You can also rent additional equipment, such as safety vests, extra paint, and coveralls, pending their availability. Each group may have up to a maximum of 30 participants.

A team of knowledgeable and experienced instructors will explain the rules and enforce safety standards during the activity. Sessions are normally three hours long. With several structures and a well-designed layout, the arena lends itself nicely to competitive play.

Learn more about Indoor Extreme Sports.

19. The Rage Cage NYC

The Rage Cage offers your team a chance to release tension by destroying everyday items. The rage cage is a great way to enjoy a pleasant evening of supervised destruction. Participants may keep their stuff in lockers after signing the waiver. Before unleashing mayhem, put on the offered protective gear and make your selection of weapons. You can also jam to your favorite songs on the provided speakers and phone mounts.

Learn more about The Rage Cage NYC.

20. Bowlmor Lanes

The 48 black-light lanes bowling at Bowlmor make it one of the best places for team building activities for large groups in NYC, New York. You can rent the private bowling alleys, but the vintage leather couches and large video walls that line the lanes make the Bowlmor a hippy hotspot. Bowlmore’s Laneside menu also offers specialty cocktails and mouth-watering appetizers like crab and artichoke dip and avocado hummus.

Check out Bowlmor Lanes.

21. Gagopa

Singing your heart out in a karaoke room with your teammates is a great way to create lasting memories and bonds. Whether you are searching for a low-key team building activity or an opportunity to uncover hidden talents, a private karaoke room is a great option.

Gagopa Karaoke offers a capacity for up to 30 individuals in the meeting room. Gagopa Karaoke has a long list of songs available, with a collection of over 20,000 English songs and 10,000 Spanish songs and melodies in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.

Learn more about Gagopa Karaoke.

Conclusion

With so much to see and do in New York City, arranging a corporate team building trip may be daunting. This list of team building activities in New York City will help make the process easier. Choosing the right team building activities captures the group’s attention, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Employees are happier and more productive when participating in activities encouraging trust and collaboration.

Next, check out these lists of relationship-building ideas and community-building activities.

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