20 Top Rated Team Building Activities in Chicago

Whether your team is headquartered in the Loop, visiting Fulton Market, or just wants to explore Lincoln Park, Chicago offers a blend of modern flair and cultural diversity, creating an ideal backdrop for meaningful team interactions. Whether you’re seeking playful fun or long-term impact, Chicago has plenty of ways to support your team.

1. Make Believe Works

Creative Fun Helps Teams Bond Better

Make Believe Works is unique in the team building landscape. They sit in a niche between lighthearted activities that are fun but fleeting, and competitive activities that stifle social interaction as opposed to encourage it. Through a unique blend of psychological safety, imagination, and empathy their playfully art-based activities are fun and exciting in the moment but make a lasting impact on team culture.

Happy clients like Google, Salesforce, and Pixar say Make Believe Works are experts in using low-pressure creativity and joy to help people get vulnerable without feeling threatened, feel seen without feeling judged, and appreciate the richness of the people around them. If you’re looking to bridge divides, build trust, or just celebrate each other, you can’t do better than Make Believe Works.

“The most inspiring team building ever.” - Spotify Design Director

Engage with Rage

The Rage Room at Kanya Lounge in Chicago offers a unique and exhilarating approach to corporate team building. Breaking away from traditional activities, this experience allows team members to release stress, channel violent energy, and bond over a shared adrenaline-filled activity. Equipped with safety gear, participants can smash objects in a controlled environment, fostering a sense of camaraderie as they cheer each other on or tackle challenges together. It’s an unexpected balance of fun and stress management for your team.

Cooking Classes

People from all cultures, ages, interests and cooking abilities gather at the Chopping Block to share the universal experience of cooking, learning and of course, eating! The Chopping Block’s culinary team building program offers highly skilled and experienced chefs, trained to be engaging and inspiring teachers and leaders in the kitchen. The results could be the recipe for your business’ success.

Escape the Expected

The Great Escape Room is one of the go-to destinations for an immersive and captivating adventure in the Chicago area. Perfect for enthusiasts and first-timers alike, their top-rated, award-winning escape room games offer a timed escape that's more than just a game—it's an interactive experience. Whether you're planning birthday parties, team-building events, or casual group hangouts, they've got you covered!

Obstacle Course

With approximately 12,500 square feet of obstacle and agility courses, dodge ball, climbing & Curved walls, Ultimate Ninjas Chicaco offers a variety of activities for all teams. Customizable features and special team activities such as obstacle course races and themed dodgeball are sure to get everyone involved! Receive professional sport instruction from their talented staff or just enjoy our facility at your leisure. Staff members will help you plan and activate your next team building outing, family night for employees, or private party.

On a Roll

Discover Chicago’s renowned landmarks while connecting with your colleagues on an unforgettable Segway adventure. Engage in fun-filled challenges and collaborative activities that encourage teamwork, enhance communication, and build stronger bonds. As you effortlessly cruise through the city’s bustling streets and scenic paths, uncover hidden treasures and enjoy an exciting blend of exploration and camaraderie. Strengthen relationships and create lasting memories in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant urban landscape.

Sharpen up

Build camaraderie and sharpen your skills with axe throwing in Chicago. Challenge your team to some friendly competition as you perfect your aim and celebrate each bullseye together. This thrilling activity is a unique opportunity for colleagues to connect in a high-energy setting. With expert coaching and a fun, competitive spirit, this experience fosters unity and leaves your team with lasting memories of triumph and collaboration. Step up, channel your inner lumberjack, and throw your way to team success in the Windy City!

Tasty Team Building

Build your team with a Chicago food tour that takes you to all the legendary “must-eat” favorites for full-sized tastings of the best deep dish pizza, Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dogs, and more. Skip the lines at Lou Malnati’s, Al’s Beef, Portillo’s, and other historic eateries, and dig into Chicago’s unique history, culture, and cuisine led by a fun local expert guide. A perfect introduction to the soul of Chicago, this walking tour of the historic Streeterville and River North neighborhoods is a must for anyone looking for a complete Chi-Town initiation!

Tree Top Team Building

Ignite team spirit with a thrilling zipline adventure in Chicago. Glide through the air as colleagues tackle challenges and build bonds in an electrifying environment. Each exhilarating zip strengthens trust and communication, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. From the rush of adrenaline to stunning cityscapes, this high-flying experience creates unforgettable moments and energizes team connections. Gear up to soar together and take teamwork to new heights in the Windy City!

Sweet Treats

What better way to bring your team together than with cake? Give Me Some Sugar offers a variety of delicious team building options, from cupcake decorating and cake pops to more advanced fondant classes. Guests will learn new techniques and take their creations home. They make it easy: they handle the prep and the cleaning and are happy to create a buffet-style setup of any additional food or beverages that you choose to bring in. All you and your group have to do is enjoy your class and your delicious creations!

Team Harmony

Bring your team together with a lively karaoke experience in Chicago. Step into the spotlight as colleagues showcase their vocal talents and cheer each other on, creating a fun and supportive atmosphere. From timeless classics to today’s hits, this musical activity sparks laughter, builds camaraderie, and encourages teamwork. Shared performances and unforgettable moments strengthen connections while celebrating creativity and collaboration. Get ready to take the mic, sing your heart out, and hit all the right notes for team success.

Par for the course

The Puttery in Chicago provides a dynamic and entertaining setting for team building through an innovative twist on mini-golf. Teams compete across nine uniquely themed putting courses, aiming for precision and a dash of competitive spirit to claim victory. Perfect for corporate events like meetings, client outings, fundraisers, or celebrations, the Puttery blends the excitement of a lively game with the sophistication of a modern lounge, offering craft cocktails and gourmet bites. Enhance the experience with customizable packages, including awards, special treats, and curated entertainment, making your event as memorable as it is engaging.

Paint the Town

Paintball Explosion in Chicago offers an action-packed experience perfect for corporate team building. Colleagues collaborate, communicate, and strategize as they tackle dynamic courses and engage in friendly competition. From devising tactical plans to forming strategic alliances, participants enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills in a high-energy setting. Each thrilling match builds trust and camaraderie, creating lasting memories of unity and shared victory. Gear up, take aim, and let the colorful chaos of paintball bring your team closer together in this unforgettable adventure.

Yes and…

The renowned Second City Training Center in Chicago offers business professionals a unique opportunity to sharpen their communication skills while building stronger connections and camaraderie. Through interactive workshops focused on storytelling and public speaking, participants enhance their presentation abilities while bonding through shared experiences and humor. Designed to align with your corporate culture and goals, these sessions foster adaptability, engagement, and improved sales techniques. Empower your team to communicate with clarity and confidence, all while tapping into the transformative power of collaboration and comedy at the world’s premier improv and sketch-comedy institution.

Archery Class

North Side Archery in Chicago provides a unique and engaging setting for corporate team building. Colleagues enhance focus, communication, and collaboration as they take aim and work together to hit the target. Friendly competition and mutual encouragement create an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared achievement. Whether nailing the bullseye or learning from near misses, each shot strengthens teamwork and builds morale. Experience the thrill of archery and forge stronger connections in a setting that truly hits the mark for team building and unity.

Pedal Pub

Cruise through the streets of Chicago on a lively pedal bar, blending fun, teamwork, and the city’s vibrant energy. With music playing, games to enjoy, and Chicago's iconic sights all around, this unique experience keeps the whole team engaged and entertained. Along the way, stop at some of the city’s top bars to savor delicious food and drinks while bonding over shared laughs and pedal power. Explore downtown Chicago in a one-of-a-kind team-building adventure that combines camaraderie, celebration, and the thrill of discovery.

Keep your team afloat

Set sail on a memorable team-building experience with Wendella Boats in Chicago. Cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, enjoying stunning skyline views and shared moments that strengthen connections. Whether hosting strategic discussions or casual networking, this picturesque setting creates the perfect backdrop for fostering collaboration and camaraderie. With customizable amenities and activities, this scenic journey promotes teamwork, boosts morale, and leaves your team with lasting memories of unity and success in the heart of the Windy City.

18. Ping Pong

Spin Chicago

Elevate your next corporate team-building event at SPIN in Chicago with an exciting game of ping pong. Team members can tap into their competitive side, share laughs during friendly matches, and celebrate victories together. Each rally and serve strengthens communication and collaboration, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection. With tables for all skill levels, everyone can join in the fun and contribute to the lively atmosphere. Experience an engaging ping pong event that delivers teamwork, energy, and plenty of memorable moments in the heart of Chicago.

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

Brooklyn Boulders in Chicago offers an exhilarating setting for corporate team building that takes collaboration to the next level—literally! Colleagues climb together, tackling challenges and cheering each other on as they navigate bouldering walls and rope courses. Each ascent fosters communication, trust, and teamwork, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment. Whether scaling new heights or strategizing on the ground, participants strengthen connections while experiencing the thrill of climbing.

20. Bowling

Bowling Bonding at Lucky Strike

Lucky Strike in Chicago offers the ultimate team-building experience with a lively game of bowling. Colleagues come together to roll strikes and spares, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and connection. Whether celebrating a perfect shot or enjoying lighthearted banter between frames, the lanes provide a fun and relaxed environment for fostering teamwork. Each roll hones communication and collaboration, strengthening bonds and boosting morale. Join us for an unforgettable evening of strikes, laughs, and team bonding that will leave your group energized and united.

These activities provide a range of experiences, from problem-solving challenges to creative expression, to suit different team dynamics and goals.

Before selecting an activity, consider your team's preferences, the desired outcomes, and any specific goals you have for the team-building experience.